Hillside - that might work - because I think Saturday night is all anyone will need for hotels. Unless people would rather drive in on Saturday night.
INPUT NEEDED:
Here's the plan - Saturday afternoon will mark the "start" of the midwest meetup. We'll go on a leashed hike at either Peterson Pits or McCarthy Park (very pretty scenery, hills and prairies, some water) to get all the dog acquainted. Then, drop dogs off at hotel/house/etc. and have late lunch/early dinner - all signs are pointing to Hickory Park. Then, take dogs to small offleash doggy park in Ames. Retire for the night.
Sunday - give everyone ample time to sleep in, get breakfast etc. since I know some people are driving quite a distance to get to this. Head down to Des Moines (Hillside's town, yea!) and go to the larger dog park. Then dog shopping - Aunt Mimi's, IA Pet, Bone Apatreat, etc. Have lunch somewhere - either back up in Ames, or in Des Moines.
HERE'S WHERE I NEED INPUT: Is there anythign you'd like to see added/deleted? Any concerns? Any suggestions on anything? I think Saturday night will be spontaneous, since I don't know what everyone will be up for. Shopping is better in Des Moines for non-dog stuff, but there are no guarantees it'll be cool enough to leave dogs in cars. SOOOO.... ANY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!
Oh and HILLSIDE - do you know of any places in Des Moines with patio dining areas, where we could eat lunch with the dogs?