I Love My Dog So Much

Did you know that dogs can eat blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries (in moderation)? They contain antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals that aid canine digestion, immune health and more. And your pooch can join you to pick them, too. These pet-friendly farms welcome leashed dogs to embark on a “berry” special adventure this summer!

1. Blueberry Hills Farms

Manson, WA

“I pick … you guys!” – Photo by Facebook.com/BlueberryChelan

Awesome pickers who can’t cook will love a day trip to Blueberry Hills Farms. Forage in the fields for a few hours, then head to the restaurant’s outdoor deck for blueberry-inspired breakfast or lunch served all day. Fido may even be rewarded for sniffing out the best berries with a frozen marrow from the host and a refreshing bowl of water. Peak picking time at Blueberry Hills Farms is from June 23 onwards.

Located on Lake Chelan, this cozy home has a fenced yard for Fido to run free after a day of leashed fun at the farm.

2. Bowman Orchards

Rexford, NY

“These are the biggest strawberries we’ve ever seen!” – Photo by @dakotaandthereigninglorelai

Bowman Orchards describe themselves as super pet-friendly, and it’s not hard to see why. At this popular family farm in Upstate New York, canines are invited to pick apples in late summer and fall, pumpkins from the patch throughout October, strawberries in early summer, and blueberries, blackberries and raspberries from July through September. Before you head home with a bucket full of “paw-fect” berries, introduce Fido to the resident goats.

Continue the farm theme at this cozy Airbnb in nearby Ballston Spa. The extensive grounds are worth exploring on Fido’s evening walk.

3. Clearview Farm

Sterling, MA

“She’s going to drop one sooner or later!” – Photo by Facebook.com/ClearviewFarmMA

Clearview Farm has been in the same family for six generations, so they know a thing or two about producing the very best berries. Bring your pooch along to the 32-acre farm to walk between the different orchards and check out the farm in operation. Clearview offers pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries in June and July.

Bring back your stash of juicy fruit to this lakeside property in nearby Spencer. Fido can take a dive off the dock to cool off after a long day of picking.

4. Bleuetière Asselin

Lanoraie, QC

“It’s a farm dog life for me.” – Photo by Facebook.com/BleuetiereAsselin

Canada’s finest blueberries can be found at Bleuetière Asselin, which lies along the banks of St. Lawrence River. Their blueberry crop sprawls over 14 acres and features a whopping 12,500 plants and five different varieties, including giant ones! After Fido’s satisfied with your selection, pay a visit to the play area, where you’ll find inflatable games, swing sets and a petting farm. You can start picking in July.

It’s not just blueberries that make this part of Quebec fruitful. For the cherry on top, stay in this historic home in a beautiful little village.

5. Cider Hill

Kansas City, KS

“Raise a paw if you want to go picking!” – Photo by Facebook.com/ciderhillfamilyorchard

Apples aren’t the only thing on the U-Pick menu at Cider Hill Family Orchard. In the summertime, blackberries and raspberries provide a pop of color in the rows of crops. Canine guests can join in the fun and enjoy a nice walk through the bushes between July and August.

For  budget-friendly digs near the center of Kansas City, reserve some time at this little house.

6. Alstede Farms

Chester, NJ

“You picked the cutest berry of them all!” – Photo by Facebook.com/AlstedeFarms

Alstede Farms invites well-behaved pups who don’t bother the horses, goats, sheep, and donkeys to join their owners for an afternoon of picking. Their extensive U-pick selection runs year-round and includes a variety of berries during summer. You’ll end up leaving with a big smile on your face and enough fresh produce to feed the whole family.

If coziness and seclusion top your list for vacation rentals this summer, reserve a few nights at this little place in Chester.

7. Bolles Organic

Monroe, WA

“This is my private collection.” – Photo by Facebook.com/bollesorganic

Bolles Organic Berry Farm’s four-legged farmhands, Percy and Chloe, have enough strawberries and raspberries to share with your townie terrier. This pretty little farm invites well-behaved dogs to sniff out the best fruit to take home. Don’t forget to grab some raw, unfiltered honey sourced from their very own hives on the way out. Berry picking begins in early summer and runs until the bushes are bare.

Bring your Bigfoot to Little Foot Lookout for a taste of the Washington outback.

8. Harris Tree Farms

Pollock Pines, CA

“Today we’re picking … green berries?” – Photo by Facebook.com/harristreefarm

For seven generations, Harris Tree Farms has been growing fine produce. Their varied crops include Christmas trees, pumpkins, apples and, of course, berries. The farm pups will take Fido’s leash and give him a taste for farm dog life, while you get a taste for a bucket full of bright red strawberries. Before you make the trip, give them a call to make sure there are enough berries to be picked that day.

Relax and savor your sweet treats at Amber Cabin on the western slope of the Sierras.

This post from BringFido originally appeared as We Pick Fido! Berry Farms That Welcome Dogs.

Sunshine is the best medicine, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy it than the beach. Pups with itchy feet across the country are leaping at the chance to get away from it all, hit the reset button and let the ocean breeze blow the cobwebs away. Stuff Fido’s backpack full of essentials and head to the coast for a vacation at one of BringFido’s most “pup-ular” beachfront waterfront rentals this season.

1. Tipsy Turtle

Gulf Shores, AL

Beachside? Poolside? How about both? – Photo by Vrbo.com

The Gulf Coast is lined with exceptional stretches of sand, but there’s one destination that keeps sun worshippers flocking back for more. Grab your beach gear and set sail for Gulf Shores in Alabama. Tipsy Turtle, which sleeps 10 in comfort right on the beach, is just a short walk away from Gulf State Park. Explore over 25 miles of pet-friendly pathways through six different ecosystems at the park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, then come back home to relax by the pool or hang out on the balcony and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

2. FantaSea Beach House

Panama City Beach, FL

Fly the flag for beach vacations! – Photo by Vrbo.com

Sun, sand and sea make up your backyard at FantaSea Beach House in Panama City Beach. Relax and enjoy all three on the delightful gated deck, which allows Fido to sunbathe without his stifling leash. The adjacent white sands don’t allow four-legged beach bums, but you’ll find a place for your pooch to play at nearby Dog Beach at Pier Park. If looking at the ocean isn’t enough, pups are welcome to join a Dolphin and Snorkel Tour to get up close and personal with the local porpoise population.

3. Ocean Breeze Condo

Hilton Head Island, SC

If you cook, we’ll do the washing up! – Photo by Vrbo.com

Dogs are welcomed with open arms at Ocean Breeze Condo on Hilton Head Island. This comfortable home is within walking distance of 12 miles of pristine, pet-friendly beaches. Wander together on the sand year-round, but pay attention to restrictions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during summer months. Back at the condo, Fido can make use of the grassy area and help you plan your next day’s adventures around the island.

4. Coastal Cottage Condo

Miramar Beach, FL

“We promise we’re happier than we look.” – Photo by Vrbo.com

Bring Fido to Miramar Beach for a vacation to remember on Florida’s famed Emerald Coast. Reserve a stay at this sought-after Coastal Cottage Condo, where you can hang with your hound on the balcony overlooking the Gulf Coast. The classy interior design features recent upgrades, and the spacious accommodations can sleep up to six people.

5. Bayfront Dog-Friendly Home

Galveston, TX

Where does the sky start and the house end? – Photo by Vrbo.com

Fido will forget all about the dog park when he sees the beach and blue skies beyond the back door of this bright bayfront dog-friendly home in Galveston. Salty sea dogs can launch off the dock and paddleboard in peace far from the crowds, or play in the sand at dog-friendly Stewart Beach Park.

6. A-Frame on the Beach

New Smyrna Beach, FL

This house receives an A grade! – Photo by Vrbo.com

Make your next vacation A-mazing with a stay at the most popular beachfront rental in New Smyrna Beach. This beautiful A-frame on the beach has a sunken hot tub for humans to chill in and two separate decks, including one for napping in a hammock while being rocked by the ocean breeze. During the day, walk with your dog on the boardwalks and nature trails at Smyrna Dunes Park and stop for supplies at New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market at Norwood’s on the way home.

7. Front Row View of Lake Erie

Huron, OH

Dine out with your dog on the deck. – Photo by Vrbo.com

If Fido’s looking for a front row view of Lake Erie, this rental is for him. The owners don’t just allow dogs to stay, they love four-legged guests. The large two-tiered wrap-around deck is the ideal setting to enjoy breathtaking sunsets over Lake Erie. You and your pooch can get a taste for the lake at Nickel Plate Beach.

8. Beautiful Beach Home

Ocean City, MD

Take the plunge! – Photo by Vrbo.com

Located just minutes from Maryland’s coastline in Ocean City, this beautiful beach home has everything you need for a getaway with your pooch. The gated courtyard allows her to have a sniff around and a late-night pee break without you watching her every move from the other end of the leash. If she wants even more freedom, take her on a day trip to nearby Ocean City Dog Playground.

9. Skaneateles Lakefront Cottage

Moravia, NY

Everything a water dog needs. – Photo by Vrbo.com

Bring your presidential pup to Moravia, birthplace of Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States. Discover why anglers, hikers and water lovers come to the area with a stay at the most popular pet-friendly rental in town, Skaneateles Lakefront Cottage. Dogs are invited to strap into their life jackets and float on the raft or canoe that come with the property, or go hiking in the spectacular backcountry of Buttermilk Falls State Park in nearby Ithaca.

10. Lake Waterfront Peace and Tranquility

East Wakefield, NH

Fido, it’s just a dock dive away. – Photo by Vrbo.com

Four-legged holiday makers in search of a slice of solitude will find lake waterfront peace and tranquility at this East Wakefield property. Outbound hounds can dive from the dock, float away on a raft and get sandy paws on their own private beach in this New England gem. Keen canine hikers should also pay a visit to White Mountains National Forest while they’re in the area.

This post from BringFido originally appeared as The 10 Most Popular Pet-Friendly Beachfront Rentals This Summer.

When nature comes calling, there’s nowhere Fido can visit more epic than America’s vast and diverse national parks. The 419 national park sites across 50 states provide a unique adventure every time, but the list of must-visit destinations is very different if you’re planning on traveling with your pooch. From off-grid stargazing spots near the Grand Canyon to a riverfront cabin in Shenandoah, the following pet-friendly vacation rentals invite you to stay a while near some of our favorite national parks in the U.S.

1. Olympic National Park, WA

“If I lie here, we never have to go home!” – Photo by Airbnb

Hikers, climbers and backpackers alike flock to Olympic National Park to enjoy dramatic spectacles like Mt. Olympus and enchanting old-growth forests. Dogs are welcome on a number of trails throughout the park. If your pooch follows the rules and avoids disturbing plants and wildlife, he can even earn the prestigious title of Bark Ranger. Downsize with your Dalmation at this pretty private tiny house mountain getaway nestled among cedar woodland in nearby Sequim. This warm and cozy home is perfect for people who want to get a taste for living small with their best friend.

Nightly rates start at $125.

2. Acadia National Park, ME

This looks like “paw-radise.” – Photo by VRBO

Acadia National Park spans 65 square miles of quintessential Maine landscapes, including rocky beaches, piney woodland and towering mountains. This waterfront cottage is situated roughly 4 miles away from the park and Bar Harbor, the nearest town. The historic property was built in 1900 and provides a beautiful backdrop for a dip in the chilly water or an adventure across the luscious green fields. You can reach the trails of Acadia and pet-friendly amenities of the town on a short ferry ride from the cottage across the Mount Desert Narrows. When you’re visiting the park, don’t forget to try Sargent Mountain Loop, which runs alongside the water and is one of the best pet-friendly summer hikes in the country.

Nightly rates start at $266.35.

3. Yellowstone National Park, WY

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” – Photo by VRBO

It might not be the most pet-friendly National Park on our list, there’s no doubting the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park. Predominantly found in Wyoming, parts of the park are located in Montana and Idaho, too. Bring Fido to gaze from across the road at the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful, and walk around developed sections. Located 8 miles from the entrance, Elk Crossing provides a beautiful basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts. Share an evening with your best bud on the back deck and enjoy the sun gradually setting over the mountains beyond.

Nightly rates start at $200.

4. Congaree National Park, SC

Fenced-in yard? Check! – Photo by VRBO

Congaree National Park isn’t one of the most well known places on our list, but it’s definitely one of the most pet-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails and boardwalks, which vary from easy half-mile woodland wanders to more difficult trails up to 11 miles in length. After a day exploring the park’s varied trails, relax and recuperate at this pristine gem, which is also minutes from downtown Columbia. The fenced backyard, comfortable outdoor lounge area and firepit are an inviting place to spend a relaxing evening.

Nightly rates start at $400.

5. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

Smart home for your smart hound. – Photo by VRBO

Formerly classified as a national lakeshore, Indiana Dunes National Park provides a fantastic inland beach experience on the shores of one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan. Spending all day at the beach can be tiring, so you want to be able to let your fur down at your home away from home in the evening. Camp Baxter invites Fido to roam off-leash in the fabulously well-maintained backyard, while you soak in the high-class hot tub that overlooks the property. The surrounding woodland area contains winding pet-friendly trails you can explore together, too.

Nightly rates start at $167.

6. San Juan Island National Historic Park, WA

“I’m just telling the neighbors that we’re gonna stay!” – Photo by Airbnb

San Juan Island National Historic Park invites four-legged visitors to sniff along all of the winding pet-friendly trails and oceanfront beaches across San Juan Island in Washington. History buffs will enjoy learning about the colorful saga that led to the divide between American and English camps on the island. Located between the two camps on 15-acre Yankee Creek Farm near Friday Harbor, this peaceful cottage overlooks a wetland, ideal for ornithologists who came to observe the many migrating seabirds in the area. Guests can also use the attached kennel during their stay.

Nightly rates start at $99.

7. Shenandoah National Park

Last one in the water is making dinner, Fido! – Photo by Airbnb

Recognizable for its vast swathes of green forests, Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains for 311 square miles. Whether you roll into the park on Skyline Drive or stride in on the Appalachian Trail, the sights you’ll see when you arrive are worth the trip. Hiking all 480 miles of pet-friendly trails throughout the park will take some time. Fortunately, this Shenandoah riverfront cabin offers peace and tranquility just a short drive away in Luray. The unique A-frame is located on a quiet bend of the Shenandoah River that invites visitors to tube, paddle and kayak away from the crowds at Fido’s own pace.

Nightly rates start at $160.

8. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

What’s Fido’s star sign? – Photo by Airbnb

Grand Canyon National Park is the big one. In fact, it’s bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island, sprawling as far as the eye can see across 1,904 miles of red rock. Dogs are welcome to hang out on the trails above the rim, but aren’t permitted below it. If you want to venture below the rim, you can leave Fido in the capable hands of Grand Canyon Kennel South Rim. The vast park is visible from space, so you’ll definitely want to stick around for a while to experience as much of it as you can. Get a taste for the way Fido’s “fur-fathers” would have seen the area with a stay at a Nomad’s Pad. The Stargazer, The Dreamer, The Bohemian and The Grand Nomad all offer off-grid outdoor experiences with panoramic views and stunning star-scapes.

Nightly rates start at $149.

9. Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

“I prefer the term ‘greeter’ to ‘guard dog.’” – Photo by Airbnb

Digging dogs will love Great Sand Dunes National Park. The sandy park is home to a desertscape of impressive dunes, including the tallest in North America, Star Dune. Due to the intense heat under your pup’s paw, it’s recommended that you stride out early in the morning or in the evening to check out the towering mounds. When bedtime approaches, make your way back to a heart-filled home in Alamosa, a historic small town that was once a major hub for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. This comfy downtown property is near local amenities and just 40 minutes from the park.

Nightly rates start at $40.

10. Zion National Park, UT

Where does the house start and the rock end? – Photo by VRBO

Zion National Park is a popular haunt for those escaping the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. The astonishing red clay formations that form canyons around Virgin River are a feast for the eye. Dogs aren’t allowed in many areas of the park but can take a walk on Pa’rus Trail, which will give them a taste of the awesome canyon landscape. Zionvilla is located within the boundaries of the park, so even when you head home for the day there’s no need to leave behind the amazing rocky surroundings. The estate contains 10 acres to explore with your adventurous Alsatian.

Nightly rates start at $575.

This post from BringFido originally appeared as The “Grrreat Outdoors:” 10 Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals Near National Parks.

Dogs and (most) humans love meat. The smoky aromas wafting through the air around barbecue joints bring out the carnivore in all of us. The award-winning pitmasters at these 10 eateries are worthy of pilgrimages and long wait times for a taste of their smoked meats. From Texas-style brisket to St. Louis-style ribs and everything in between, these guys know their ‘cue. So, grab Fido’s leash and set out on a culinary journey to the best dog-friendly BBQ restaurants in the country.

Franklin Barbecue

Austin, TX

“Yo quiero brisket tacos!” – Photo by @cody.edgar

They say that the best things in life are worth the wait. Franklin Barbecue will put that theory to the test, with wait times of more than three hours for lunch. Arrive in the morning with water for your dog to drink while you queue up for James Beard award-winning pitmaster Aaron Frankin’s brisket, ribs and sandwiches. A cortado and breakfast taco from Franklin’s new Tacos & Coffee truck will help you pass the time.

Central BBQ

Memphis, TN

Hangry dogs leave happy at Central BBQ. – Photo by @wellerween

Everybody knows you can’t visit Memphis without eating some of what many consider to be the world’s best barbecue. The city is known for its ‘cue that’s slow-smoked in a pit and then either served with dry rub spices or wet with barbecue sauce. Grab a seat on the covered front deck at Central BBQ’s original location in Midtown. Fido will be in hog heaven with all of the delicious smells and the thought that he might snag a fallen meaty tidbit. Start off with a local specialty – a heaping pile of nachos topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, two types of cheese, jalapeños and a dusting of dry rub seasoning. Then, choose between slabs of BBQ ribs, smoked sausage, and pulled pork, chicken, beef or turkey for your main course. Try to save room for the banana pudding!

Jones Bar-B-Q

Kansas City, KS

“Will sit for sausages.” – Photo by @tilly_bo_millare

Since appearing on “Queer Eye”, sisters Deborah “Shorty” and Mary “Little” Jones stay busy smoking sausages, rib tips, burnt ends and beef on the pit at Jones Bar-B-Q. The Jones sisters learned to barbecue from their father and still use only wood smoke and their secret recipe for sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Bring your dog to sample Jones Bar-B-Q meats on the front patio and buy a bottle of sauce (if it’s not sold out due to popular demand) to enjoy at home.

Lewis Barbecue

Charleston, SC

“Meat” here for delicious ‘cue! – Photo by @am3r15h_p

In March 2015, pitmaster John Lewis packed up his smokers and left Austin — where he grew up and became a star with success of La Barbecue — to introduce the Holy City to the holy grail of Texas ‘cue. Since 2016, he has gained a cult-like following at Lewis Barbecue in Charleston. Diners and their dogs wait for hours to get a taste of expertly smoked pork spareribs, beef ribs, “Texas hot guts” sausage, oxtail and his legendary beef brisket. Bring Fido to sit on the covered patio while you experience what all the fuss is about.

Little Miss BBQ

Phoenix, AZ

Steer Fido in the right direction for great BBQ. – Photo by @remyrosetheratterrier

Expect to wait in a Texas-sized line in the Arizona heat if you want to try Little Miss BBQ’s smoked brisket. Smoky house-made sausages, pork spare ribs, beef short ribs, pulled pork and turkey breast round out the offerings. Pair your main course with sides of Ranch-style pinto beans and jalapeno-cheese grits and, for dessert, Bekke’s Smoked Pecan Pie. Dig in at a dog-friendly picnic table outside and enjoy.

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

Birmingham, AL

This is the pre-begging part of the program. – Photo by @teehighknow

Rodney Scott is considered the master pitmaster of whole-hog barbecue. You may have seen him on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown,” “Top Chef,” or “The Mind of a Chef” on TV. He won a coveted James Beard award in 2018 shortly after opening Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ in Charleston, after years of fine-tuning his skills at his family’s barbecue joint in nearby Hemingway. Carnivores on two legs and four can also flock to his second location in Birmingham. Sit at one of the outdoor tables with your pup and try to choose between traditional pulled pork doused with vinegar sauce, pork spareribs, fried catfish, and dry-rubbed chicken, turkey or steak smoked in the pit.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

Franklin, TN

“The water’s great, but where’s the beef?” – Photo by @allicohen

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant’s southern hospitality roots go all the way back to the 1950s, when it was a grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Six restaurants later, Puckett’s has built a strong reputation by hosting live country music acts and serving Southern staples like its famous slow-smoked barbecue and meat-and-three specials. Feast on smoked brisket hash for breakfast, BBQ taco salad for lunch, or cherry wood-smoked baby back ribs for dinner on the pup-friendly patio.

Bogart’s Smokehouse

St. Louis, MO

Life’s too short to eat bad BBQ. – Photo by @morganmastiff

A relative newcomer to the St. Louis barbecue scene, Bogart’s Smokehouse opened in 2011 in the historic Soulard neighborhood. Its mission is to create high-quality, delicious BBQ like its praised sister restaurants in the Pappy’s Smokehouse family. Sit at one of the dog-friendly sidewalk picnic tables while you sample smoked tri-tip sirloin, pastrami and apricot glazed ribs. Bogart’s chef uses a blowtorch to caramelize his signature ribs and a rotisserie-style Ole Hickory Pits smoker adds flavor to another popular menu item, Bogart’s Pit Beans. Be sure to let Fido snag a leftover morsel!

ZZQ

Richmond, VA

“Will be sweet for the meats.” – Photo by @mavis_sheets

Get a taste of the Lone Star State in Richmond, Virginia at ZZQ. The owner and self-taught pitmaster is a native Texan who smokes his meat in three white-oak burning, 1,000-gallon offset pits. ZZQ’s brisket rub deviates a bit from the standard pepper-and-salt seasoning with a few added herbs and spices, but it’s the real deal. In addition to brisket, you can sample pulled pork shoulder, prime rib or pork spare ribs paired with sides like tomato pie and jalapeno mac-n-cheese at one of the dog-friendly tables. They open every day from 11 in the morning until they sell out (or 6 p.m., whichever comes first), so you may want to get there early.

4 Rivers Smokehouse

Winter Park, FL

“I’ll have one of each, please. It’s for the human, of course.” – Photo by @daisy_and_thor

Bring Fido to the original 4 Rivers Smokehouse location in Winter Park, the first restaurant in this Florida chain, for award-winning barbecue. Owner John Rivers combines the best barbecue recipes and techniques from all over the U.S,. including California-style tri-tip, Memphis-style pulled pork, Kansas City burnt ends, St. Louis-style ribs, and the restaurant’s signature Texas Angus brisket. Order at the counter and enjoy your meal on the dog-friendly outdoor patio.

This post from BringFido originally appeared as The Best Dog-Friendly BBQ Restaurants.