Last week, the New York Post reported that dog owners miss their pets within an hour of leaving home to take a trip. Nearly half said that coming home to see their pups is the best part of their trips, and about 22% said they worry so much while they're gone that it can prevent them from having a good time.
Let me just say that I've been there many times. My family wasn't big on traveling with our pets, but when my dog, Gabby, got into an accident and required round-the-clock care, my grandfather asked me if I wanted to take her on a family trip to Florida many years ago. I did (that picture above is from that trip), and I never looked back. Of course, I don't take my dogs everywhere — or didn't when I had them (I'm temporarily dog-less) — but when it's possible, there is something satisfying about having your furry family members along for a trip.
I also know that many of you have reached out to me and told me you love to travel with your pups, so hopefully, you can find some inspiration here if you're one of those people who misses Fido the minute you hit the road, or if you're just someone who realizes that the best travel companion is often the one who doesn't talk.
Here are some dog-friendly places for your next road trip:
1. For Hiking and Nature: Almost any Georgia State Park
I typically hesitate to invite anyone to my neck of the woods, but as long as you're not liberals who come and decide to stay and drive up our taxes and vote in crooked Democrats, I'll make an exception. (And I'm guessing most of our audience does not fall into that category.) That said, Georgia State Parks are wonderfully dog-friendly, and I used to love to take my dogs hiking there. There's even a "Tails on Trails Club" you can join, and if you hike 12 of the 42 trails listed, you get a certificate and some bragging rights. You also get a t-shirt and bandana for your dog when you join. Some campsites and cottages also allow pets.
The list of parks included is incredibly diverse and expands across the state — north, south, east, west, rural, metro Atlanta, Savannah, mountains, coast, etc. Just make sure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them. Also, be sure you know where pets aren't allowed in certain parks (like historic areas).
It's hard to narrow down which ones you should visit — no matter which one you choose, you'll encounter gorgeous scenery — but here are a few I can recommend:
- Sweetwater Creek is just a few miles outside of Atlanta. It's where you may have found me walking my dogs every day for a while back when I had them.
- I haven't taken my dogs here or explored it to the fullest, but Magnolia Springs is absolutely gorgeous.
- Skidaway Island, near Savannah, is beautiful, too, if you enjoy marsh views and maritime forests.
- I can also recommend Red Top Mountain, which is home to the lovely Lake Allatoona.
2. For the Beach: St. Petersburg, Fla.
It's been a long time since I've been to St. Petersburg, but while researching for this article, I ran across countless "best of" dog-friendly lists, and nearly every one of them listed St. Petersburg as the best city in the country to visit with your pet. Here's what the website Sniffspot has to say about it, including a quote from a reader:
St. Petersburg, FL stands out as the epitome of a dog-friendly city, offering endless amenities for our four-legged friends.
From scenic waterfront parks to lush green spaces, the city's commitment to creating a pet-friendly community shines through at every turn. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll along the beach or visiting one of the city's many dog-friendly cafes, St. Petersburg takes first place on our list of the most dog-friendly cities in the USA!
'Many businesses including bars, restaurants, and offices allow dogs. Lots of dog parks and dedicated dog beaches. Almost all restaurants allow dogs outside and put water dishes outside!' - S. L.
Fort de Soto State Park has even been voted one of the dog-friendliest beaches in the United States. There's even an off-leash beach for swimming and playing, and a Paw Playground with sections for large and small dogs.
3. For a Long Road Trip: Route 66
For many, Route 66 may seem outdated or cliché, but many media outlets have voted it one of the most dog-friendly road trips you can take in this big, beautiful country of ours. It spans 2,400 miles through eight states, and according to the website Wild One, it's best to allow for three weeks of traveling if you want to bring your pup along and still see it all. It all suggests stopping in these cities that are filled with pet-friendly hotels and accommodations:
- Chicago, Ill.
- Albuquerque, N.M.
- Los Angeles, Calif.
- Amarillo, Texas
- Tulsa, Okla.
- St. Louis, Mo.
- Flagstaff, Ariz.
And if you're not a fan of big cities, it says that many of the smaller towns along the way are also welcoming of dogs and their people. Many of the restaurants along the way have outdoor seating and dog-friendly patios, and even some of the museums and attractions are okay with you bringing your pup along for some fun and education. And, of course, there are many places to stop for a walk or even a longer hike. Wild One says The Petrified Forest State Park in Arizona is a dog-friendly must-visit.
4. For a Pet-Friendly Trip with a Side of History: Boston, Mass.
It can be difficult to sightsee, especially in bigger cities, with your pet along for the ride, but Boston makes it so you don't have to rely on a kennel or leave your pup at home. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, for example, welcomes dogs on a leash, and you can even bring them along for guided tours. It'll take you to 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Other attractions that welcome dogs in the city include Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, the Charles River Esplanade, Castle Island, and the Emerald Necklace. Just make sure to do some research before you go, as there may be some restrictions.
The city is also home to several popular dog parks, including the popular South Boston Bark Park, which is said to be very well-managed by volunteers. And when it comes to dining, many of the city's most popular restaurants allow you to bring your pets to their patios. Some popular options include Coppa, Toro, The Barking Crab, Tatte Bakery & Cafe, and Parish Cafe & Bar.
5. For When You're Hungry: Missouri Barbecue Trail Loop
If I learned anything from doing these articles this summer, it's that our audience loves barbecue. We can debate which region has the best (North Carolina), but at the end of the day, meat is meat. It's all good. Chances are, your dog probably agrees. I'm not one of those people who don't think my dog shouldn't eat people food, so if you are, this one isn't for you, because if you brought your dog to any of these restaurants and didn't share, well, that would be just plain rude.
Admittedly, the website Bring Fido put this one together, and I'm just borrowing it, but it's a tour of the Missouri Barbecue Trail Loop that takes you to dog-friendly restaurants where you can dine on one of the country's favorite delicacies. The trip encompasses about 550 miles.
Start at Woodyard Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, which has been featured on numerous TV shows. Bring Fido says, "Order the award-winning half-slab of baby back ribs or the burnt end chili from a table on the large dog-friendly patio out front, or hang out in the fenced-in 'Woofyard' around back."
Next, you'll go to Como Smoke and Fire in Columbia, "a local favorite where you can sit at one of the outdoor covered patio tables with your pup and order fall-off-the-fork meats and classic sides. If you can’t make up your mind on what to get, try the sampler, which comes with brisket, pulled pork, turkey, two ribs, and a hot link." Followed by Bogart’s Smokehouse in St. Louis. Bring Fido says the ribs and deviled egg potato salad are must-tries, and you can enjoy them in the pet-friendly picnic area.
The fourth spot on the list is Fulton Wurst House in Fulton. Bring Fido says, "Be sure to arrive hungry to indulge in your choice of hickory-smoked bratwurst, pulled pork, brisket, pork burgers, deli meat sandwiches, German specials, daily specials from the smoker, and homemade side dishes. Sit outside the big red barn with your four-legged buddy, and maybe share a few morsels with him, as there will be plenty to go around."
The fifth stop is Alewel's Country Meats in Warrensburg, a cute little lunch spot located in an old-timey grocery store. "Alewel’s hot deli is open for weekday lunch, serving its award-winning BBQ. Chopped or sliced brisket, smoked chicken or turkey breast, pulled pork, baked ham, and sides like baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad keep people coming back for more! Dine with your dog at one of the picnic tables outside."
Finish the loop back in Kansas City at Jones BBQ. "Featured in many publications, owners and sisters Deborah 'Shorty' and Mary 'Little' Jones started making their family’s secret sauce from scratch during childhood. This popular spot frequently sells out for the day, so show up early! All tables are situated out front on the patio, and Fido is welcome to join you at any of them."
This is just scratching the surface. Our country is generally a dog-friendly place, so share some of your favorite places to take your pets in the comments.
