Huntsville is a great place for the whole family to get out and explore, and that includes the four-legged family members!
Read on for places and spaces where Fido is welcome to join you, as well as some tips for making it fun for everyone.
The Rocket City Dog Bar always tops our list. Tucked away down the street from Campus 805, it’s got it all: dogs, beer, fun people, and events-it’s THE place for dog lovers. Even if you don’t have a dog, you can enjoy their taproom or the spacious outdoor area. They’ve recently opened their temperature-controlled indoor play area, meaning people and pups can get out regardless of the weather. Proof of vaccinations is required, and trained Bark Rangers ensure play is fun and safe. Check out their website for admission info!
Speaking of Campus 805, another two of our regular haunts are there. We love taking the boys to enjoy the patios of Yellowhammer and Straight to Ale. Good beer, good food, and space to spread out and relax. Back Forty is another great brewery with lots of room to spread out. We also love to visit The Camp, and there’s a ton of space to relax with a beverage and a bite to eat. Some of these places have special events, so be mindful of that if your pup isn’t wild about crowds or loud music.
Taco Mama, Sam and Gregg’s, Bandito Burrito, and the Taziki’s on Whitesburg are also places we like to grab a quick bite.
Does your pup love to shop? Pet stores are a go-to. Of course, we love to visit Hollywood Feed, but Bridge Street is a great place to stroll and shop as well. Many of the stores are dog friendly, you can easily tell by looking for a paw print decal by their door. You can also enjoy a meal while you’re there. PF Chang’s, Urban Cookhouse, and BJ’s all have pup-friendly patios. Other shopping options include Home Goods, Rural King, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.
If you want to enjoy local art, Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment has three floors to explore, and Fido is welcome to come along. This is a great option if the weather isn’t great. Do note that pups aren’t able to go in any of the dining establishments, and be careful if you venture into studio spaces-you don’t want drool or a tail to impact any of the art.
Does your pup want to make a splash? Something we have that is unusual, and a great option for exercise is Dog Splash. It’s open year-round for indoor swimming for pups, and you can easily reserve a time online. They also offer group swims and parties.
We love to walk and camp with our dogs, and Huntsville has so many great options for getting out in nature. The Green Mountain Nature Trail has some easy walks around the lake, and the Land Trust offers a wealth of options all around our community. Make sure you have water for you and your pups. Monte Sano State Park is a great local destination for both camping and hiking, and we love that it’s a close destination that still lets you feel away from it all.
The Huntsville Botanical Garden welcomes pups daily in January and February; March through December, they can visit on Thursdays.
Other seasonal dog-friendly fun includes the Monte Sano Art Festival, Concerts on the Dock, and Concerts in the Park.
This is just a small sampling, as there are tons of places around Huntsville where pups are welcome, but if you are ever in doubt, call before you go, and never leave your pups in the car. A place isn’t dog-friendly simply because they have a patio-it’s up to each establishment.
Some tips for a successful outing? Make sure your dog is an appropriate age and has all the needed vaccines. Always keep them on a leash and have plenty of water as well as bags to clean up any messes. We have a tote where we keep poop bags, collapsible water bowls, treats, and a towel. It’s also a great idea to know what your pup enjoys-some may not care for a crowded brewery and might prefer a picnic in the park. They may also have a limit for how long they enjoy being out. If your pup doesn’t like pets from strangers, that’s okay, but make sure to keep an eye out and don’t be afraid to say no. You are your pup’s best advocate.
***Most restaurants with patios in the Huntsville/Madison County area allow dogs, but call ahead just in case!
