Activities For Dogs In Virginia On Nice Days

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Introduction

Virginia is a lovely state and is home to some of the nicest and most diverse cities in the entire country. Another distinction that Virginia has is being named one of the dog-friendliest states in the USA. In fact, it is a common sight to see pet owners engaging in various activities with their pet dogs. Also, dog lovers from other states go on trips to Virginia to experience some of the best dog-friendly tours and attractions in the state. Whichever part you are in (be it in Richmond, Virginia Beach, or Chesapeake, to name a few), there is surely an activity suitable for you and your pooch. 

Dog-friendly Historical Tours

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Leash
Activity description

Virginians love dogs and they are not shy about it. In fact, there are tons of dog-friendly tours that are being held across the state. With its rich and diverse history, historical tours are some of the most popular tours that you will find in Virginia. Your choice will ultimately depend on where you live or which city you are visiting (if you are not from Virginia). Alexandria is known for its “Footsteps of the Past” tour, which features a walking tour while learning about the town’s history and the numerous historical figures coming from it. There’s also the Petersburg National Battlefield, where the Civil War Siege took place. These tours are fairly cheap and can fit just about any dog owner’s budget.

Step
1
Book a tour
The first thing you would have to do is find a tour that you are interested in doing. The abovementioned tours are some of the most popular in the state and are also known to allow owners to bring their dogs, which is the most important factor to consider. However, the majority of these tours require dogs to be on a leash, so don’t forget to bring one. Also, find out all about their rules and the dos and don’ts for each tour.
Step
2
Enjoy your tour
On the day of your tour, make sure to bring some food and water for your pet. Enjoy the tour with your pooch but do not forget to abide by the rules. After all the walking, go and grab a bite in a pet-friendly restaurant. Good examples of such restaurants are Chadwicks in Alexandria and Acacia in Richmond.

Front Royal Canoe Company

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Flotation vest
Activity description

Canoeing is a fun experience not only for you but also for your furry friend. Dogs typically like the water, since water can give off a soothing effect. One of the best spots in Virginia to go canoeing in is in the town of Front Royal. The Front Royal Canoe Company is one of the most reputable canoeing operators that offer activities for dog owners and their pets. The canoeing trips organized by the company start at the South Fork of the famous Shenandoah River and go from the Shenandoah National Park all the way to the George Washington National Forest, allowing you and your dog to enjoy the scenic views while spending some quality time together.

Step
1
Book a canoeing tour
If you want to join one of Front Royal Canoe Company’s tours, get in touch with them to book a tour. The company operates from Mondays to Sundays and offers tours done in both novice and intermediate waters. Choose the tour that you and your dog will be comfortable in. Also, do not forget to ask about the rules and things that you should and shouldn’t do during the tour.
Step
2
Go paddling with your dog
Once everything is booked, find out the details on where to go, what to bring and other essential things that you need to take note of. For safety purposes, it is best to outfit your dog with a flotation device just in case your canoe capsizes. Also, follow the rules set by the company and avoid going down tubes or rafts.
Step
3
Fuel up!
After a very active canoeing session with your buddy, make sure to stay hydrated. If you are feeling some hunger after the tour, Front Royal boasts a number of pet-friendly restaurants that you may visit. One of the most renowned is Spelunker’s, where you can enjoy some burgers with fries and their famous frozen custard.

Park Visit

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Food
Water
Activity description

Take advantage of a nice, sunny day in Virginia by going to a dog-friendly park. The state has no shortage of national parks that allow patrons to bring their dogs. National parks are the perfect setting for some fun with your dog, whether it be for playing, walking or hiking, among other activities. Some parks even allow you to set up a picnic date with your pooch. Ultimately, your choice of a national park may depend on various factors, including the type of activity you are looking to do, location, and budget. Most national parks are free although some may charge a minimal entrance fee. 

Step
1
Find a park
With all the parks in Virginia to choose from, you might get a little bit overwhelmed. Take into account the proximity of the park and the activities available to you and your dog. Some parks have trails where you and your dog can hike, such as the Shenandoah National Park. For water-related activities, the Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton offers a range of activities such as boating and fishing.
Step
2
Go explore!
When you find the ideal park that suits your needs and allows for the activities that you want to do, call ahead of time and find out about their rules regarding bringing of dogs. Pack the essentials (food, water, collapsible bowl) and make your way to the park. Don’t forget to bring some bags and clean up after your dog.

More Fun Ideas...

Dog-friendly Winery

Wineries are abundant in Virginia and you can easily find one that is welcoming of your furry friend. One of the best wineries that you can go to in the state is the Barrel Oak Winery. This winery has some lovely country views that you can enjoy with your dog while sipping some wine. The owners of Barrel Oak are known to be dog lovers as well, so much so that most of their wines are named after their own dogs. Get in contact with them to book a private tour around the winery with your dog. 

Dine Out

Pet-friendly restaurants are a dime a dozen in Virginia. Additionally, most of these restaurants are located in other dog-friendly sites, which makes them easy to locate. Some examples include the famous Art and Soul restaurant in the DC area, which features a doggy menu specifically for your pooch. 

Conclusion

If you are a dog owner who enjoys nice days in the great outdoors, then Virginia is a perfect destination for you. With its status as being an extremely dog-friendly state, you can surely find a good place to visit or an activity to do with your dog in Virginia.Â