by: Sydney Kate Watson, DHI Communications Intern
Spending an entire year in lockdown with your favorite furry friend was amazing, right? Well, now, if you’re like us, your dog misses you like crazy when you’re at work all day. You can find plenty of lists online about how to ease your pet’s anxieties while you’re away from home, but we all know the best, and the most fun solution is to bring your pet along with you! Downtown holds a variety of places that welcome your four-legged friends, such as outdoor activities, indoor activities, and patio dining. Tag along with us, and Mahsoo, as we stop by some of the pet-friendly places Downtown!
Before you head out on the town, make sure you have the essentials! Some of the pet-friendly places Downtown have water for your pets, but make sure to bring some of your own just in case; if you’re hot and thirsty, so is your pet! If your pet behaves better when they have treat incentives, make sure to bring those along as well. Have your friend on a leash the entire time, and bring poop bags in case they have the urge to go. Also, consider your pet’s needs while Downtown. If they don’t like loud noises, don’t bring them to a part of Downtown that is under construction. Your dog might be shy of new people, so if that’s the case, don’t let strangers try to pet your pup. You want your animal to feel comfortable, not afraid. Finally, be respectful of the people around you. If they seem frightened of your pet or your pet is scaring their children, be aware and distance yourself.
Outdoor Activities
Big Spring Park is a Downtown favorite and offers a wide-open landscape for you and your furever friend to have fun! Besides the park’s natural beauty, Big Spring Park is home to our Food Truck and Trailer Rallies, presented by Amanda Howard Sotheby’s International Realty, and Food Trucks will be in the park this Friday, July 16 and every 3rd Friday of the month until October! Plus, Food Trailers will be in the park every 1st Friday of the month until October! The Downtown tradition of Concerts in the Park is also located in Big Spring Park every Monday night all summer long. Take note that Big Spring Park has ducks that may seem like a chew toy to some pets! Mahsoo wasn’t entirely sure what to think of these large birds. Although, she’s not a big fan of water, so we knew she wouldn’t try to go after them. Visit our Explorer Vlog to get a peek at some other Downtown Parks!
Maybe you and your pet are looking for more of an in-depth nature experience. Luckily, Downtown has that! Monte Sano State Park is welcoming to all dogs, and you know hikes are always better with a friend. They only ask that you pick up after your dog, and not to let them disturb the natural wildlife.
Your furry friend is welcome in more urban places than just the parks! Green Street Market, which happens every Thursday during the summer months, is a great place to shop for locally grown produce, all while having your pet by your side! For a fun Friday night activity, we have our Friday Night Art Walks, presented by Progress Bank, on the square the 2nd Friday of every month until October. Pets are welcome to stroll along with you while you shop one-of-a-kind local art! Our Friday Night Art Walk charity partner, for another year, is the Greater Huntsville Humane Society. So if your pet is anxious at home without you, you could look into adopting a brother or sister to become part of your family and give your current pet a distraction from your absence.
One final outdoor activity, perfect for a Sunday stroll, is the Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail, presented by Polaris! All the art on this trail is in public spaces, and all within walkable distance, making it a great time to introduce your dog to the city. Mahsoo was probably more interested in the trail aspect than the art pieces!
Patio Dining
After all those outdoor activities, there is nothing more satisfying than a bite to eat! There are patio dining options throughout Downtown that offer space for you and your furry friend! For your morning coffee, each stop on our Craft Coffee Trail offers pet-friendly patio spaces. Honest Coffee Roasters has a covered patio so your pet can tag along even on rainy days, Piper and Leaf in Constitution Hall Park keeps a bowl of water out for your pets, and Canadian Bakin even has dog treats!
If you are looking for lunch or dinner patio options, Downtown is full of them! These establishments range in price, food type, and Downtown District, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy! Check out Beezr, Below the Radar, Big Oh’s, Cajun Steamers, Commerce Kitchen, Cozy Cow, Domaine South, Farm Burger, Humphrey’s Bar and Grill, Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, Jimmy Johns, La Esquina Cocina, Local Taco, Martin’s Bar and Bistro, MELT, Moes BBQ, Taco Mama, The Nook, and The Poppy and Parliament! Also, two of the pet-friendly dinner or lunch options are on our Craft Cocktail Trail: La Esquina Cocina and Beezr! On the way to Beezr, Mahsoo was in awe of all the food smells in a row on the Northside Square!
Of course, after-dinner drinks are a must! The majority of our Craft Beer Trail Breweries offer pet-friendly patios: Mad Malts Brewing, Below the Radar Brewhouse, Chandler’s Ford Brewing, Green Bus Brewing , Salty Nut Brewery, InnerSpace Brewing, Yellowhammer Brewing, and Straight to Ale Brewing. So, when you stop for a Craft Beverage with your furry friend, remember to get your trail card stamped!
Indoor Activities
Patios and outdoor activities are not as much fun in the rain or the sweltering heat of summer. Just because you and your pet don’t want to be outside doesn’t mean you can’t still explore Downtown; there are a few cool indoor places to check out! Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment allows dogs to enter their buildings but asks that you leave some distance between your furry friend and their dining options. At Lowe Mill, you and your pet could find some awesome must-haves while shopping locally!
Are you and your pet in need of a quick trip out of the house for a canned Craft Beer, or do you want to sip a Craft Beer on-tap before you decide on a can? Liquor Express is the perfect place to do both! This establishment is on both our Craft Beer and Craft Cocktail Trail, has a bar, and an extensive selection of take-home products, and even art classes! The best part is that your furry friend can experience all of this with you! This was Mahsoo’s last stop of the day, and she was so comfortable in the store that she decided it was time for a snack break!
If you’re looking for a place with games, on-tap Craft Beer, and a pet-friendly indoors, Salty Nut Brewery is the place for you! This brewery has pinball, pool, board games, and even a weekly Scrabble Night on Thursdays! Even though this indoor pet location offers a lot of excitement, the brewery has a relaxed atmosphere that will keep your pet calm as you have fun and enjoy Craft Brews.
Mahsoo had a great time traveling around Downtown, and she plans on going back soon! We hope you and your pet have a fantastic time exploring all the activities and places you can experience together in the Rocket City Center!