We are always searching for dog friendly vacation spots like Traverse City, Michigan. Traverse City is surprisingly dog friendly and there are a lot of fun things you and your dog can do together in the Cherry Capital of the World!
DOG FRIENDLY VACATION IN TRAVERSE CITY
Dog friendly activities in Traverse City include hiking, beaches, wineries, breweries, and restaurants with outdoor patios that allow dogs. There are even camping grounds and lavender fields that welcome dogs!
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| Jessie resting on a rock along a Traverse City hiking trail |
I would say Spring through Fall are the optimal times to travel to Traverse City with dogs. A Winter vacation might be fine for Huskies, German Shepherds, and other double coated fur breeds, but it may be too cold for some breeds like Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Yorkies, and Pugs. These dogs may not be comfortable spending long periods of time outdoors in the cold Michigan Winter. But consult your Veterinarian to be sure.
DOG FRIENDLY HIKING IN TRAVERSE CITY
Most of the hiking trails in and around TC allow dogs. We had a great time hiking the trails with our Silky Terrier, Jessie. Here's a short video of one of our hikes in Traverse City;
The trails aren't too difficult. They don't require you or your dog to have expert hiking skills, they're fairly easy hikes.
Please ensure you have plenty of water for your dog, and be mindful of the sun if the weather is hot. We hiked on a couple of hot Summer days when we were in Traverse City, but we had lots of water and took breaks in the shade.
You see Jessie off leash in the video, which I usually never do, but there was no one in the parking lot or on the trail that morning so I let her off leash for a short while.
RESTAURANTS, WINERIES, BREWERIES, AND SHOPS THAT ALLOW DOGS IN TRAVERSE CITY
Most of the restaurants in Traverse City allow dogs on their outdoor patios. One of the things we loved is that there are several beautiful wineries and breweries in Traverse City, and most allow dogs.
We loved The Little Fleet, which is a really unique area in the town of Traverse City with bars and wonderful food trucks. It may sound a little strange, but these are higher end food trucks and believe me the food is delicious! It's mostly open air with picnic tables set up in the middle of all the food trucks.
I didn't think we'd appreciate it much, but we loved it. What a fun experience! There were kids, dogs, everyone out there having fun and enjoying wonderful food truck cuisine. They also have live music and DJs at certain times throughout the Summer. It's pretty cool!
There are so many terrific restaurants and breweries in Traverse City, and for the most part if they have an outdoor dining area, dogs are welcome! There are lots of great eateries to choose from.
Traverse City has a number of beautiful wineries in the area as well. Most of them allow dogs outside. Mari Vineyards and Chateau Chantal Winery are just two of the dog friendly wineries in Traverse City. If you enjoy sampling local wines and taking in the beauty of a vineyard, grab your dog and visit one ... or several of them.
Many shops will allow your dog to accompany you inside. I suggest you verify that dogs are welcome before bringing your dog inside a shop though.
Another really interesting place we took our dog to in Traverse City was the Secret Garden at Brys Estate, a gorgeous Lavender field! Jessie had so much fun trotting through the rows and rows of Lavender plants in full bloom. We took lots of photos and some video with her in the Lavender fields.
At this particular Lavender grower, customers were able to pick out and cut their own bunches of Lavender! I would have loved to do that, but we had a long road trip ahead of us and I wouldn't be able to keep them in good shape while traveling.
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| Me and Jessie, dog friendly Lavendar field, Traverse City |
There was also a fabulous gift shop on the property where you could get Lavender flavored ice cream they make themselves. They also sell beautiful Lavender sachets they make themselves, most in charming antique handkerchiefs. They had Lavender soaps and other beautiful products as well. I didn't think we would love visiting the Lavender field as much as we did!
DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES IN TRAVERSE CITY
There are a couple of beaches along Lake Michigan in Traverse City that allow dogs. We took Jessie and her adorable friend Pepper to one of the beaches. They loved it! I was surprised at how this giant lake looks more like an ocean than a lake. There are even good sized waves!
It's a bit rocky along the shoreline, and some rocks can be slippery. I suggest wearing water shoes if you go in the water, and be mindful of your dog's paws in and around the rocks. Here are a couple of pictures of Jessie and Pepper up on a large boulder along the shoreline.
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| Jessie and her friend Pepper on large rocks at a Traverse City beach |
If you're looking for pet friendly vacation spots that will be fun for the entire family including your dog, check out Traverse City, Michigan!
Does Traverse City sound like a dog friendly 🐾vacation destination you'd like to visit? Let us know in the comments, we'd love to hear your opinion!
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The ultimate small Bag for Pet Moms is perfect for a day trip with your dog. This stylish bag holds a lot!
The bags will fit a 16 ounce water bottle, small water bowl, treats, wipes, poop bags, a small toy, cell phone, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Toss it in your backpack or tote bag. It's a great cosmetics or toiletries bag for everyday or travel as well.
Check out the video on my Etsy listing, to see how much these Pet Mom Bags can hold!
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7 comments:
Lavendar fields looks amazing and a place i would love to check out. I dont travel much with my dogs (the big guy doesnt like it much) but hopefully one day he will change his mind! I cant wait to checkcout your etsy shop and share it with other pet parents.
Jessie looks like she's enjoying her dog friendly vacation, such a cutie! I'm always encouraged to read how many places you visit that accept dogs. I tried to go into a clothing store here once with Jack in a stroller and they wouldn't allow it...I mean honestly!
What a fabulous guide to Traverse City! It certainly looks like Jessie, you, and Pepper had a pawsome time. I love the lavender field trip. Did you try the lavender ice cream? Did it take like soap? Kind of curious on that one. Super article and guide for anyone visiting Traverse City. I think Henry would love it as much as Jessie and Pepper.
WOW this place sounds amazing and the lavender fields must have been beautiful, I am sure Jessie had the time of her life visiting it all. I would love to go there
Oh, Cathy...what a wonderful place to visit! I'm in love with the lavender fields! Such a gorgeous pic! The video was sweet seeing Jessie come back for her momma! Great post!
This looks a fabulous place and perfect for people and dogs. I take your note about the winter months (I don't like the cold either).
The Little Fleet sounds amazing and I would so love to visit it. Good quality food from a food truck sounds like heaven.
Marjorie and Toulouse
DashKitten.com
I am so in love with the lavander fields. Its definately something i didnt know i wanted on my bucket list.
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