There’s no need to leave your pup at home while you go on vacation. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that you, your family and Fido can all enjoy, look no further than Phoenix, AZ. You’ve likely heard of Phoenix’s burgeoning beer scene, its sunny weather and its incredible hikes (maybe you’ve even heard of the Mystery Castle). But dog lovers will find just as much to explore, and plenty more to love. Phoenix allows dogs and owners alike a little time to run wild, whether you’re looking for fun family activities or to trailblaze. Pack your pooch and hit the road for the weekend—you might find yourself sticking around for the week.
O.H.S.O. NanoBrewery’s beers are oh-so tasty, and the brewery’s patio is luckily positive on the pooches (complete with free treats for your pup). Try the brewery’s signature O.H.S.O. Hoppy IPA, or the Handlebar Hefe, a wheaty summer classic, kick back—maybe order a few of O.H.S.O.’s top-notch beer-braised short ribs or their filling chicken and waffles (complete with maple syrup). Guaranteed, it’s one event that will keep your dogs from barking after a long day of exploring—and your pooch a happy camper.
For nature lovers, there’s no shortage of beautiful sights and sounds. Leash up and hit the trails on South Mountain Park and Preserve for some unforgettable views, and several trails at a variety of difficulty levels. If you’re looking for a more leisurely walk with Fido, try Tempe Beach Park. Close to Arizona State and other local attractions, you can take an evening stroll to cool off after a long day, or explore on your morning walk. For the real trail gurus, pup and owner might challenge themselves on White Tank Mountain’s Waterfall Canyon Trail. Energetic owners and dogs will test their determination, climbing to the trail’s big reward—a waterfall and swimming hole. Look hard during certain times of the year and you’ll see Native American rock carvings (petroglyphs).
Go back in time to the Wild, Wild West. You and your pooch can learn a little about local culture in this nineteenth-century town replica, complete with authentic pioneer structures and costumed reenactors. Visit the Sheriff’s Office, or the Opera House, an original structure from the period. The 90-acre town is car-free, meaning you and your dog can stroll and explore without worry. And if you’re planning a trip during the fall, make sure you stop in for the Harvest Festival, an annual event featuring family-friendly activities such as gold-panning, hay rides, and a pumpkin patch.
If you’re looking for a leisurely Sunday brunch after a day of exploring, the dog-friendly Windsor offers fresh eats and tasty treats. Tucked into the historic Windsor neighborhood, the restaurant has risen to the top for their upscale bar fare and casual (but delicious) brunch. In the AM, try their giant cinnamon roll, or the Zim Zam, a cornmeal waffle with a seasonal fruit topping. For afternoon and evening noshing, you can’t go wrong with their Backyard Burger or loaded chips. Bonus—the Windsor features an incredible happy hour, and it serves Prohibition-style cocktails at all times of the day.
Beer, Baseball and your pooch—what more could you ask for? Though it’s a bit outside Phoenix, it’s well with the trip to watch spring training for top teams such as the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. Tickets are $11-$16 for human baseball lovers, and $5 for dogs. If you’re lucky, however, you might just get to AZ in time for Chase Field’s annual Dog Days of Summer event (home, of course, of the Arizona Diamondbacks).
This outdoor mall and park features shops such as the Apple Store, Saks Fifth Avenue and Brooks Brothers. You and your pup can stroll and window shop—luckily, though, many of the Biltmore’s shops are dog friendly indoors as well as out, if you see something that catches your eye. Hang out with your pup at the Movies in the Park event to make a day of it. Your dog can get in on the shopping fun, too, if you’re looking to make an extra spot at the Scottsdale Oh My Dog Boutique, an upscale dog hotel and shop, full of treats for your top dog.
South Mountain has more than just trails. The Farm hosts weddings, classes, and events, and it has plenty of gorgeous views, not to mention three outstanding restaurants and organic gardens on premises. Exploring might be enough to fill a whole day, but you’ll find live music year round, and better yet, dog-friendly events nearly every week.
Author Bio:
Jeremy is a online journalist who focuses on travel, pet-care, and lifestyle related trends. He is passionate about everything sports, as well as board games, his family, and the great outdoors. He can often be found splurging in episodes of Game of Thrones with his new mini Aussie puppy, Cooper.
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