Dog walking in Barboursville

Winery Rd

Since Barboursville is right in the middle of Virginia’s Piedmont wine region, it’d be a huge faux paw not to go for a tasting! Luckily, Barboursville Vineyards welcomes wagging tails with open arms. Located on the aptly named Winery Road right on the edge of town, the dog-loving owners of this winery allow leashed doggos both on their outdoor patio and in their main tasting room (though the library tasting room remains off-limits). Be sure to try the Octagon Red! As an added bonus, the vineyard is actually located on the ruins of Barboursville Mansion, so you two can take a tour while you’re there!

Lake Acres

You’d need to be barking mad not to bring your buddy to the dog park at Chris Greene Lake Park in Charlottesville! Tucked away in the city’s quiet and residential Lake Shores neighborhood, just a twenty-minute drive from Barboursville, this park truly is a pup’s paradise. Not only is there plenty of room for your pup to run around and tire themselves out, but the dog run also has lake access, and water-loving pooches are sure to have a whale of a time swimming or just splashing about. There’s also a short, wooded trail leading up to the off-leash area, ideal for a warm-up or cool-down. Bags and water are provided, but keep in mind that there’s no separate small dog area, so be mindful of your fur-baby’s temperament.

Constitution Hwy

James Madison’s Montpelier is a real mutts-visit! The historic home of the former president and architect of the US constitution is situated in the unincorporated community of Montpelier Station, seven miles away from Barboursville. Your pooch won’t be able to enter the house or museum itself, of course, but don’t worry -- not only can you two appreciate the estate from outside, but the grounds also have plenty of trails for you and your four-legged pal to sniff and explore! There’s a whole eight miles of well-marked paths for you and your buddy to investigate, running through wooded wonderland, bucolic pastoral landscapes, and wildflower meadows. Don’t forget to bring waste bags and water!

Downtown Gordonsville

Looking for somewhere to chow down with your pup? Look no fur-ther than Downtown Gordonsville! If you fancy something you can really get your teeth into, consider stopping in at The Barbeque Exchange. This locally joint does a grrreat hickory smoked pork shoulder, and they cater to canines outside. Mexican more your bag? Check out Burrito Baby, a true Gordonsville gem that makes a mean, fresh pico de gallo and allows doggos and their well-behaved owners at their outdoor tables. Or for a sweet treat, head out to Tastee Freez for a creamy frozen custard. They have a drive-in window, so there’s no need to tie up your pooch while you order!

Woolen Mills

Make no bones about it, Riverview Park is certainly a pretty place for you and your pooch to stretch all six of your legs! The Rivanna Trail system in this pawesome park has designated off-leash days -- free roaming fur-balls are allowed on the route on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Not only that, but the two-mile path is both paved and flat, making this an accessible day out for pooches of all ages and abilities, from the most athletic animals to older furry friends that can’t quite move like they used to. The trail is tree-shaded and offers fantastic waterside views, and it’s a favorite of local doggos and their owners, so your pup might even make some new friends!