SPECIAL EVENT: Holiday Celebration Weekend Retreat at the Inn on Golden Pond

This is a tough time of year, and the economy is creating challenges for people, so we were unable to fill our retreat for December. We have canceled for 2025 and will try again in 2026.

ABOUT THE EVENT:
Join us the first weekend in December for a holiday celebration and retreat for dogs and their humans at the historic Inn on Golden Pond in Holderness, NH. This special getaway focuses on providing a relaxing and memorable experience, with activities tailored to dogs and their people. Escape into nature, unwind, and bond with your beloved canine companion in this serene, dog-friendly environment.

We will celebrate the arrival of the holidays with a traditional Yankee Swap for dogs and people, a snow dog building contest, themed enrichment play, holiday-themed arts and crafts, a hike to see the area, and so much more!

This exclusive retreat is hosted by Golden Dog Adventure Co., and we have rented out the entire Inn just for our dog-loving community! This weekend promises relaxation, connection, and fun for everyone.

DATES:
Friday, December 5th @ 12:00pm – Sunday, December 7th @ 12:00pm

LOCATION:
Inn on Golden Pond, Holderness, NH

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 2-Night Stay at the Inn on Golden Pond – Your stay includes two nights of well-appointed accommodations featuring a full private bath, air conditioning, luxury linens, Wi-Fi, Smart TV, and a Keurig for your convenience. Rest and relax in style at this charming bed and breakfast near Squam Lake, where rustic chic decor meets modern comforts. Each room can accommodate 2 adults (additional charge for 2nd adult). If you would like to bring human children, please email woof@goldendognh.com so we can let you know what is available.
• Dog-Friendly Activities – Adventures include a walk to a secluded swimming beach and/or a scenic hike up West Rattlesnake Mountain (weather dependent). We will also offer a fun DIY arts & crafts activity you can do with your dog. Finally, we will enjoy a trip to pick apples (venue dependent).
• Private Beach Access: Enjoy a short walk or drive to the Inn’s private beach, where dogs can sniff the sand, paddle in the water, or swim if the weather is right. The beach offers a quiet, peaceful spot for your dog to enjoy.
• Backyard Hiking Trails & Pig Adventure: Explore the Inn’s own hiking trails right in the backyard, with paths leading to the resident pigs—offering a fun, smelly adventure sure to entertain your dog!

RELAXATION & BONDING:

• Friday Night Social Games: Kick off the weekend with get-to-know-you games for humans. It’s a relaxed evening of fun and meeting new friends.
• Saturday Evening Fire & S’mores: Unwind around the fire pit on Saturday night, roasting s’mores and enjoying freshly popped popcorn. A cozy evening to reflect on the day’s adventures with your dog by your side.

DOG & HUMAN DINING:

• Cooked-to-Order Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious breakfast made with farm-fresh eggs from the Inn’s own chickens and pork from their pigs, served Saturday and Sunday mornings.
• Special Doggie Breakfast Menu: Treat your canine companion to a carefully crafted doggie breakfast menu, ensuring they start their day with a nutritious meal.
• Dog-Friendly Dining Options: We are exploring additional dog-friendly dining options in the area for this time of year.
• Exclusive Amenities for You and Your Dog: 1/4 acre fully enclosed dog park for safe off-leash play, 7+ acres of expansive grounds with a patio, fire pits, and outdoor family-friendly activities, nearby and on-site hiking trails with stunning lake views, playground and sandbox for additional family fun

AGENDA: This is our agenda for the weekend. You are welcome to participate in as much or as little as you and your dog would like. There is lots to do around the property with plenty of free time built into the schedule. Activities subject to change.

Friday

• Check-in anytime after 12:00pm on Friday, December 5th
• Pizza Party (Optional)
• Get to know you games and campfire (weather dependent)

Saturday

• Breakfast in the dining room
• Themed enrichment adventure at Canine Connection with Paws With Me K9 Enrichment and a walk on the W.O.W. Trail (weather dependent)
• Lunch buffet – subs, salads, soups (Optional)
• Snow dog building contest with prizes
• Dinner at local brewery (venue dependent) or we will order in, additional cost
• Campfire, smore’s and snacks (weather dependent) and Yankee Swap Golden Dog style!

Sunday

• Breakfast in the dining room
• Holiday Arts & Crafts activities with the dogs
• Check out by 12:00pm

INN ACCESSIBILITY:
Please note that the Inn does not have an elevator and rooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floors. All stairs are carpeted to provide traction. You and your dog must be able to easily navigate climbing and descending of stairs to get around the Inn.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 2-3. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. Nine people/couples (and possibly children) will be sharing the Inn this weekend. Each room will accommodate up to 2 dogs each. Your dogs are welcome to stay in your room as needed when dining, at the campfire, or just anytime they need a break or may feel uncomfortable around other dogs and people. Dogs will need to move throughout the Inn to access the outside area. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for you and your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

COST: Please register for this event below. Limited to 8 people/couples and up to 2 dogs/room. Your investment includes a 2 night stay in a private room for 1 human and up to 2 dogs (we recommend only one dog/person for maximum happiness), access to the Inn and surrounding land, breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning, themed enrichment activity/walk, snow dog building contest, arts and craft activities, get to know you games, and campfires/snacks.

• Golden Dog Members – $697
• Not-Yet-Members – $747
• Additional Adult 18+ (2 nights) – $50/person (need to reserve for a child under 18, contact us for availability)
• ADD ON: Friday night pizza party & Saturday lunch buffet – additional info will be shared with registered guests
• Dinner Saturday night is an additional cost.

To reserve your space, a $150 refundable deposit is needed. A 2nd deposit of $350 will be due August 1st. Finalization of space/dinner choices, and final balance must be made by November 1st. Refund (less 3% credit card processing fee) issued if cancellation received by November 21st, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
All the details you need will be provided prior to the weekend retreat.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and registered participants will receive a email cancellation notice. It will also be announced in the Event section of the Facebook Community Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.