Pet-Friendly Staunton: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play!

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Are you a “pawrent” planning a getaway with your furry best friend? Take that good boy or girl to Staunton, a city that loves dogs. From tail-wagging hikes to fur-friendly shopping, Staunton offers a doggone great experience for both you and your pup. Here’s our guide to dog-friendly restaurants, lodgings, parks, and activities. 

Who Let the Dogs Out?

You probably picked Staunton for its wealth of outdoor activities. Here’s how your furry friend can join the adventure. 

Staunton’s park system is good for dogs. Gypsy Hill Park has a walking loop, doggy bag stations, a wadeable creek, and the Gypsy Hill Bark Park. The Bark Park has enclosures for small and large dogs and includes open spaces for fetch and tag, tunnels, training ladders, “fire hydrants,” and benches for humans to sit and make friends. If you’re looking for solitude, hike the miles of trails in Montgomery Hall Park or Betsy Bell Wilderness Area. 

Just a short drive away, Shenandoah National Park allows leashed dogs on most hiking trails. It’s actually one of just a few national parks with this perk, and there are trails suitable for both seasoned trekkers and tenderpaws. George Washington and Jefferson National Forest lets dogs run off-leash in undeveloped areas, but they should wear leashes on trails. Leashed dogs are welcome at the popular Crozet Tunnel Trail, the Humpback Rocks Trail, and Augusta Springs Wetlands. Coyner Springs Dog Park boasts trails as well as a large, open off-leash area where your dog can socialize to his heart’s content.

Who’s a Pretty Dog?

Are those summer adventures rough on your dog’s coat? Are you afraid to clip their nails? Take your fur baby to one of Staunton’s dependable dog groomers and get your pet looking amazing! Pet Parlor, Staunton Dog Wash LLC, Fluff and Fetch Dog Grooming, The Dapper Dog, Puppy Spa, and K9 Heaven will get your dog show-worthy in no time!

Escape the Crate

While you’re away, your dog can play at Staunton’s new Blue Barn Daycare & Boarding. You won’t worry about leaving your pup at home in his crate because he’ll have the run of both indoor and outdoor free-range play areas. Your pup can join a supervised pack for socialization.

Staunton has lots of options for people traveling with pets. Hotel 24 South and The Blackburn Inn offer historic, luxury lodgings with select canine-friendly rooms. Howard Johnson by Wyndham is steps from downtown shopping. Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center, Comfort Inn Staunton, Motel 6 Staunton, and Econo Lodge also accommodate pets. For a more budget-friendly option, Best Western Staunton Inn, Sleep Inn Staunton, and Red Roof Inn Staunton let you bring your pet for no additional fee.

For a rustic experience, bring your dog camping at Walnut Hills KOA or Sherando Lake Campground!

Grab a Drink

There’s nothing better than bonding with your best buddy over bones and brews. Queen City Brewing and Seven Arrows Brewing welcome mellow dogs on the patios and inside the taprooms, and Redbeard Brewing allows well-behaved dogs in the beer garden. Stable Craft Brewing allows dogs in its outside spaces. 

Wine lovers can get a taste of Ramalous Ridge’s offerings when you sample a flight in the newly-opened Staunton tasting room. Leashed and well-behaved dogs can join you in the outdoor spaces. Barren Ridge Vineyards welcomes leashed dogs both inside the tasting room and in outside spaces. Raise a glass to your best buddy.

Sniff out some award-winning cider at Ciders from Mars, where dogs can join their families at the shaded tables on the deck. 

Dinner Time

Staunton’s culinary scene has something for everyone, including diners with dogs. Here’s the scoop on restaurants that love pooches. They might even bring him water and a doggy menu!

Stop by the beer garden at The By & By for coffee drinks, beer and wine, and sandwiches. Gloria’s Pupusaria, Seed to Tail, Marino’s Lunch, Thai Staunton Restaurant, and Maria’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant all serve amazing food and welcome dogs to their patios. Byers Street Bistro’s dog diners even receive water and treats.

The Pampered Palate, Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery, and The Split Banana all serve delicious food and allow dogs at their sidewalk seating. Reunion Bakery’s doggy doorbell summons someone to love on your dog while you shop. And restaurants like BLU Point Seafood, The Green Room, and Baja Bean Co. welcome dogs to their outdoor spaces during Shop & Dine Out in Downtown and Beyond. 

If you want to welcome summer with Mexican and margaritas, take your dog to the outdoor seating area at Mi Rancho’s. And you’ll find dog-friendly picnic tables at Sam’s Hot Dog Stand,Kline’s Dairy Bar, and Edelweiss Restaurant.

Go Shopping

Staunton’s downtown area is a haven for dog-friendly shopping, and it’s not surprising to come across a dish of cool water waiting on the sidewalk. The Well Balanced Paw Pet Wellness Shoppe and Barkery offers nutrient-rich pet nutrition and relaxing small-animal massage. It’s located in the Wharf historic district, which is a great place to stroll and sight-see.

Go on a Saturday morning for the bustling Staunton Farmers’ Market. You’ll find the freshest local produce, other home-grown products, lively community spirit, and parades of leashed, well-behaved dogs.

Locally-owned Pets N Pals sells healthy pets of all sorts. They also carry supplies like habitats, food, and toys, and they can give you the best advice for how to take care of your new fur (or feather or scale) baby. 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.

So many dog-friendly businesses, restaurants, parks, and activities make Staunton pawsome getaway for humans and their best friends. Pack your bags, grab the leash (and the treats), and head to Staunton for a vacation that will leave you both begging for more.