Known to locals as 'The Circle,' the neighborhood of University Circle is located on the east side of Cleveland. While not all brick and mortar places here are dog-friendly, think of it as window-shopping for culture and keep a look out for the natural landscape that will welcome your canine friend. Case Western University, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens are just a few of the cultural gems you will find here. Download the University's mobile app and then look for 'story poles' as you walk to learn more about this unique neighborhood. Tropical Café on Euclid and Mitchell’s Ice Cream on Uptown both have a dog-friendly table outside for you to enjoy! Cleveland’s mild summers make this an ideal walk for humans and pups alike, but you will want to bundle up in the winter as temperatures can drop and snowfall can be frequent.
Described by some as an urban planners dream, 'The Circle' is a combination of artificial paths, natural environments, and planned greenways. It is a planned neighborhood often ranked as one of the most beautiful walks in the Cleveland area. You will find concrete sidewalks that can be rough on tender paws, natural turf that will soften your dog's walk, and planned greenways that welcome your four-legged friend. It is neither completely flat nor extremely hilly, but a soft combination of both. Euclid Avenue and 322 are main roads through the area that you will want to use caution and keep your dog close by when crossing. Wear a pair of good walking shoes and be attentive to your dog as going from a park atmosphere to a business-lined street could stress some pups out. There is a lot for you to see and it would be easy to overwork an inexperienced dog!
'The Circle' offers many greenways, parks, and natural turf. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash and be prepared to clean up any messes, as these are mostly populated areas. Walking through the neighborhood, you will find a planned water feature, Wade Lagoon. This feature welcomes ducks and geese, so you might need to hold tight to some dog breeds! The Lagoon is also not meant to be a water experience for dogs, so no swimming here.
The Wade Park Oval is another planned green space that can break up the sidewalk-heavy urban experience for your canine friend. Walk through Cleveland Cultural Gardens, a developed area representing 26 nationality gardens, and get a more formal experience while keeping your pup close to your side as you explore. Throughout the neighborhood, you will find treescapes for shade and places to rest and grab a water break for both you and your furry friend!