Paws & Play During the Dog Days of Summer in Staunton

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Whether your dog is your necessary therapy animal, your best friend, or part of the family, you probably like being together as much as possible! If you hate to leave home without your fur baby by your side, you’ll be pleased to learn that Staunton loves dogs. Here’s our guide to dog-friendly restaurants, lodgings, parks, and activities. Enjoy the dog days of summer with your pet!

Grab a Drink

There’s nothing better than bonding with your best buddy over a brew.

• Redbeard Brewing allows well-behaved dogs in the beer garden, and Queen City Brewing welcomes dogs on the patio and inside the taproom. Stable Craft Brewing allows dogs in its outside spaces.
• Wine drinkers rejoice: Barren Ridge Vineyards welcomes leashed dogs both inside the tasting room and in outside spaces. 
• Ciders from Mars invites dogs to join their families at the shaded tables on the outdoor deck. 

Have an Adventure

Hit the park or the trails with your four-legged friend.

• Gypsy Hill Park has a walking loop, open spaces, and doggy bag stations. The dogs will love the Gypsy Hill Bark Park, which has enclosures for small and large dogs. The park includes tunnels, training ladders, “fire hydrants,” and benches for humans to sit. 

• Hike the miles of trails in Montgomery Hall Park or play catch in the open fields. Hiking teams will enjoy the secluded trails at Betsy Bell Wilderness Area. 
• Leashed dogs are welcome at both the Crozet Tunnel trail and Augusta Springs Wetlands. Coyner Springs Dog Park boasts trails as well as a large, open off-leash area.
• Shenandoah National Park allows leashed dogs on most of its hiking trails. It’s actually one of just a few national parks with this perk. George Washington and Jefferson National Forest lets dogs run off-leash in undeveloped areas, but they should wear leashes on trails. 

Get a Room

Some Staunton lodgings let you share your room with your pup.

• Both Hotel 24 South and The Blackburn Inn offer historic, luxury lodgings. Select rooms are canine-friendly. The Blackburn Inn wants you to experience a hassle-free stay at their inn with their Dog on the Go package.

• Howard Johnson by Wyndham is steps from downtown shopping, dining, and the farmers’ market. There’s also free parking, light breakfast, and wifi.
• Best Western Staunton Inn, Sleep Inn Staunton, and Red Roof Inn Staunton ensure you’ll sleep well in one of their comfortable room. Bring your pet: there’s no pet fee!
• Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center, Comfort Inn Staunton, Motel 6 Staunton, and Econo Lodge accommodate pets.
• Bring your dog camping at Walnut Hills KOA or Sherando Lake Campground!

Dine Together

Staunton has several dining spots where you can dine with your pup. They might even bring him water and a doggy menu!

• Every weekend you can have a meal with your pup at Blu Point Seafood. They now offer your pooch their own menu with some favorites like The Pup Patty, Paw Lickin’ Chicken, and a Sweet Pup Cup.

• If you’re feeling like eating Mexican or sipping margaritas, take your dog to the outdoor seating area at Mi Rancho’s or Baja Bean Co. (weekends, seasonal).
• Stop by the beer garden at The By & By for coffee drinks, beer and wine, and sandwiches.
• The patios at Thai Staunton Restaurant and Maria’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant are dog friendly. Byer’s Street Bistro’s dog diners receive water and treats.
• The Pampered Palate, Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery, The Split Banana, Nu-Beginning Farm, and the Clocktower Eats & Sweets all have delicious food and allow dogs at their sidewalk seating.
• Reunion Bakery’s doggy doorbell summons someone to love on your dog while you shop.

• Dog-friendly picnic tables await at Sam’s Hot Dog Stand, Peck’s Bar-B-Que, Klines Dairy Bar, and Edelweiss Restaurant.

Go Shopping

It’s not surprising to come across a dish of cool water waiting on the sidewalk on a hot day in downtown Staunton. 

• The Well Balanced Paw Pet Wellness Shoppe and Barkery specialized in nutrient-rich pet nutrition and relaxing small-animal massage.

• Locally-owned Pets N Pals sells healthy pets of all sorts. They also carry supplies like habitats, food, and toys. Petco has a big selection of supplies as well as fish, lizards, birds, spiders, and rodents. Augusta Dog Adoptions and the Augusta Regional SPCA are trying to connect pets with their furever homes.
• Walk your dog and shop for dinner at the same time at the Staunton Farmers’ Market. Leashed dogs can also browse the aisles at Tractor Supply Co.

Looking for a fun time with your pooch? Grab the leash and head to Staunton.