Hot dog doesn’t necessarily refer to food around these parts. With temperatures reaching the nineties is this warm southern city, it’s safe to say that summers around here simmer. Finding a way to be with your favorite four-legged pal while enjoying a little shade and refreshment can be hard in a lot of major cities, but not here! Dog-friendly and oh so pretty, here are a few of our tips for enjoying Charlotte with your canine pal.
GRAB A BITE
- When Southern BBQ just won’t cut it, it’s time to go to Seoul Food Meat Co. Enjoy Korean/Southern fusion and an outdoor bar while Fido enjoys the giant fenced-in dog park.
- Ribs, fresh-seafood and a view. Boardwalk Billy’s offers a fantastic atmosphere and outdoor-seating that’s dog-friendly with a side of great smokehouse and raw bar menu items.
- Can’t decide what to eat? Grab your pooch and head over to Birdsong Brewing Co. where patio seating, ample taps, games, and rotating daily food trucks provide the perfect place to unwind patio-side.
- Not your college ramen. Slurp up this classic Japanese comfort food at Futo Buta with your pup in tow. With thirteen pet-friendly tables, you can enjoy specialty ramen, noodle bowls, and seasonal features—all made fresh to order.
- Summer and burgers go together like you and your pup. And, at The Lodge you two can watch the game and grab a beer while mowing down on a selection of handmade burgers made with everything from Bison to veggie.
PLAY IN THE PARK
- Frazier Park is easy to get to from the highway and even easier to have fun at with trails, water stations, pools and lots of room to play.
- With five acres of fenced in fun, Davie Dog Park at William R. Davie District Park offers grass and shades in spades, plus a separate area for smaller dogs.
- Outgoing pups and people will enjoy the social atmosphere at the spacious Barkingham Park at Reedy Creek Park. Splash around in the pools, grab a drink from one of the many water stations, and play some fetch with the available toys.
- There are four acres of off-leash fun for everyone at Shuffletown Park. Small pups will love their own separate area to play while bigger, furrier types will enjoy all the cool shady spots to lay after a rousing afternoon of play in the hot summer sun.
- Mallard and Clark’s Creek Greenway is a great on leash spot for pups who do better with a bit of structure. Miles of manicured trails along the creek are perfect for running, while nearby recreational fields offer something for everyone in your family.
SHARE A BREW
- An indoor dog park with booze? Sign us up! The Dog Bar offers indoor and outdoor places for your furbabies, including AstroTurf play area, obstacle courses, dog beds, and even their own seat at the bar.
- A little taste of Europe, Hattie’s Tap & Tavern is dog-friendly pub serving up craft beer cocktails, and great atmosphere. Let your dog off-leash and enjoy a game of cornhole or come for a night of bingo or karaoke.
- If you’re looking for something a little bit more ruff-ined than beer, the Wine Vault is the perfect place to unwind. Just grab a glass (or bottle) and take a seat on the large pet-friendly patio for an evening of relaxing.
KEEP COOL
- You bring your water bottle everywhere, why not bring something for your pup? A collapsible water dish is a quick and easy way to keep them hydrated on walks.
- Asphalt pavement can get HOT in the sizzling Southern summer. Avoid the sidewalks and streets, instead, opt for grassy areas and trails, or consider buying some protective booties.
- Plan your walk around the day’s lowest temperatures, ideally early morning or late evening. Bonus if your pup is nervous, as there’ll be fewer people around.
- Ice packs, damp towels, cold water bottles, and even special cooling beds are all great options to help cool down your dog on sweltering days when the AC just isn’t cutting it.
- Stay indoors! Why not hit up an indoor dog park like Star Dog to play in cool, air-conditioned comfort.
GO TO A FESTIVAL
Bring your furry loved ones out for one of the biggest annual events in Charlotte, Woofstock! Held in benefit of the Great Danes Friends and Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue, proceeds go towards the medical treatment of the dogs in rescue. It’s a great event with raffles, food trucks, beer, and music—all for a good cause.
STAY TOGETHER
Add pet-friendly accommodations to your summer checklist. Our Uptown Suites extended stay in Charlotte/Concord lets you spend more time away with those you love—even the furry ones. Within walking distance to trails and more, enjoy the freedom and flexibility of staying in your own modern, apartment-style suite with your pooch.
