Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Your Guide to Picking Up Your Prancing Pony Maremma Puppy
Where to stay, where to eat, and how far everything is from the farm.
Many of my Maremma puppy families travel a long way to bring their Maremma puppies home. Some drive many hours round trip. Some fly in and rent a car for the trip home. This page shares what I know about the area so your trip goes smoothly.
Know the Area Before You Arrive
The farm is out in the country just outside Lemoore, right off Highway 41. People often mix up the nearby towns, so here is how they compare.
Lemoore · about 10 minutes
A small town with fast food, a few restaurants, a couple of hotels, and a Tractor Supply. There is no Walmart or Target here.
Tachi Palace · about 10 minutes
A big resort on the edge of Lemoore with a hotel, casino, restaurants, a movie theater, and a bowling alley all in one place.
Hanford · about 20 minutes
The bigger town. You'll find Walmart, Target, Tractor Supply, Starbucks, lots of restaurants, and a few hotels.
Fresno · about 1 hour
The nearest big city and home to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, where our puppies fly out if they're being shipped.
The drive to the farm takes 40 to 60 minutes and is a pretty straight shot. Clovis, right next to Fresno, is a little quieter. Fresno is a bigger city, and I don't have hotel recommendations since I'm not as familiar with the area.
Flying In?
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest big airport, about an hour from the farm. Many families fly in, rent a car, and drive home with their puppy. That keeps your puppy out of cargo and gives you time to bond on the drive.
Some families time their flight to land in the morning and come straight to the farm. Others arrive the night before and stay near the airport or near the farm. Fresno has every major hotel chain, lots of restaurants and stores. Clovis is a little quieter. I don't have favorites there, so use recent reviews. Some areas are nice, and some are not, so be careful if you choose to stay there. I suggest you stay in Lemoore or Hanford, if possible.
Prefer to fly home together?
Puppies are too big for the cabin, so they travel in cargo. My Shipping Your Puppy page explains how that works.
Where to Stay Near the Farm
I live on a farm and haven't stayed in the local hotels myself, and I won't pretend I have. I read through guest reviews and picked the ones that look best. Please check recent reviews and rates before you book.
One request: wait to book travel until I've confirmed your Go-Home Window dates. Pickups are weekday appointments, and if you're coming a long way you may want to arrive the evening before.
Home 2 Suites by Hilton Hanford
Hanford · about 20 minutes from the farm
An all-suite hotel with a kitchen in every room, free breakfast, a pool, and a gym. Guests rate it above 9 out of 10 on Booking.com and Expedia, and many mention clean rooms and comfortable beds. It sits in Hanford's shopping and restaurant area, so dinner is close by.
Hilton lists pets as welcome. Ask about pet fees if your puppy will stay with you.
1589 Glendale Ave, Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 587-9957
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Hanford
Hanford · about 20 minutes from the farm
Opened in 2024, so it's the newest hotel on my list. It has free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a gym. There are fewer reviews because it's new, but guests rate it between 8.8 and 9.6 out of 10.
Call about their pet policy before you book.
2040 Glendale Ave, Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 607-1070
Best Western Inn & Suites Lemoore
Lemoore · about 10 minutes from the farm
The closest regular hotel to me. It has a free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a gym. Guests rate it between 8.2 and 8.8 out of 10 and often mention friendly staff and clean rooms.
The Vineyard Restaurant is right across the street.
Best Western's website says no pets are allowed, so this one works best if you're staying the night before pickup.
820 E Bush St, Lemoore, CA 93245
Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino
Lemoore · about 10 minutes from the farm
A large resort owned and operated by the Tachi Yokut Tribe. The hotel, restaurants, a really nice movie theater, and bowling alley are all in one place, so you can stay, eat, and relax without driving anywhere. I often take my kids and grandkids to the movies there. The grounds are very clean, and the service is outstanding.
I haven't stayed in the hotel, so I can't speak to the rooms, and I don't have current rates. Call for pricing.
It is also a casino, so you'll see the gaming floor on the property.
17225 Jersey Ave, Lemoore, CA 93245
(559) 924-7751
Hanford and Lemoore have other hotels too, including a Best Western in Hanford and several budget motels. The four above are the ones I'd look at first.
Most Families Stay the Night Before
Pickups are usually weekday appointments, so most families arrive the day before, get a good night's sleep, and come to the farm rested. After pickup, you head home with your puppy straight from here.
You're welcome to pick up your puppy in the afternoon and stay with them overnight at your hotel, but most people prefer to start fresh by leaving directly from the farm in the morning. Let me know your preference when you book your pick-up appointment.
Breaking Up a Long Drive Home
If your drive home is long, you may need to stop overnight somewhere along the way with your puppy. A few things will help make the trip go more smoothly:
- Ask the hotel about its pet policy and fees before you book. Not every hotel takes dogs.
- Keep your puppy in a crate in your room at night.
- Use a quiet spot away from other dogs for potty breaks. Not all dogs at hotels and rest stops are healthy or vaccinated.
- Keep your puppy in a harness and on a leash whenever you're outside.
For more on what to bring for your trip, see my Picking Up Your Maremma page.
Where to Eat & Shop In the Area
Breakfast before pickup: The Vineyard
This Lemoore restaurant is right across from the Best Western, and it's my pick for breakfast the morning you come to meet your puppy. I've eaten here many times. They also serve lunch and dinner.
819 E Bush St, Lemoore, CA 93245
(559) 924-1988
Call for current hours.
Dinner in Hanford: Toshiko Japanese Cuisine
This is the restaurant I send my puppy families to for lunch or dinner. My son-in-law, David, is the executive chef and manager, and my daughter Jessica works there part-time as a server, so I'm biased, and I'm happy to tell you that. They make sushi to order and also serve ramen, a full menu, and yakiniku barbecue. It's casual and family-friendly. The dining room is small, so go early if you have a big group.
Ask for David or Jessica when you stop in.
258 N 12th Ave, Suite 105, Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 584-3434
Open 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday.
More places to eat in Hanford
Zaytoona for Mediterranean food
Fugazzis, a local favorite
Green Valley Cafe
Mountain Mike's Pizza
You'll also find Starbucks, Panera, In-N-Out Burger, Sonic, Farmer Boys, and all the common fast-food chains.
If you stay at Tachi Palace, there are restaurants on the property.
Supplies and Errands
- Evangelho's Feed Store: about 5 minutes from the farm on Highway 41. Dog and farm supplies
- Tractor Supply in Lemoore: about 10 minutes
- Tractor Supply in Hanford: about 20 minutes
- Walmart, Target, and all the standard stores in Hanford
You'll need a harness and leash for your puppy. You can buy these on my website and pick them up when you pick up your puppy. For the ride home, bring a crate and some towels. My Puppy Essentials Guide has the full list of supplies you need.
Veterinarian: I work with Valley Veterinary Services in Lemoore. They are 2 minutes from my farm. Their number is (559) 942-1101.
Questions About Your Trip?
I've helped families plan all kinds of pickups, and I'm happy to help with yours. Text or email me anytime.
Ready to Find Out if a Prancing Pony Maremma is Right for You?
Give me your first name and email, and I’ll send my puppy application straight to your inbox. You'll also receive info on the breed and available Maremmas.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
