Now more than ever, the internet knows what we want: funny, adorable animal photos and videos. Scrolling through your favorite social platform can offer a serotonin boost to get you through your day, and a huge part of that boost comes from watching clips of our favorite furry friends.
During the past couple of years, many of us have enjoyed spending more time at home or exploring the great outdoors with our pets — a welcome change for our lovable, loyal companions. According to an October 2020 survey conducted by the Insurance Research Council, nearly one-third of Americans adopted a pet during the first part of the pandemic.
If you’re like me, a short walk along Main Street, or even five minutes under the shady elm at Reformation Brewery, most likely has you thinking, ‘Oh, I want to pet that sweet dog!’ Woodstock has become so known for its dog-friendly atmosphere that local Woodstock-based video-streaming service Stream MOKO recently chose Reformation’s backyard to film for an upcoming series with Stephen Baldwin, “Why This is My Dog.” And lest we forget our favorite hometown hero, Teddy the Spaz Man, and his fur siblings Yogi and Violet, who give us great joy with their photos, cheeky captions and articles.
The explosive growth of Woodstock has encouraged many of the local shops and restaurants to welcome our pets with outstretched arms. In fact, many businesses go the extra mile to make your best friends feel extra welcome. Some restaurants and shops easily can be identified with a bone-shaped “Dog-Friendly Woodstock” logo in the window.
What’s a better way to celebrate National Pet Month than getting out and exploring your community with your favorite four-legged friends? Here are some of Woodstock’s most dog-friendly patios, restaurants and pet-friendly shops:
Towne Lake
On the Towne Lake side of town? There’s a patio with your pup’s name on it. Try one of these next time you’re out and about:
- Donovan’s Irish Cobbler has a large, covered patio perfect for a leisurely, weekend brunch with your favorite furry friend. Did someone say biscuits and sausage gravy?
- Gameday Fresh Grill. Another covered porch touchdown? Gameday is the perfect place to show off your matching team colors with your dog’s game day gear.
- Shop With Your Pup: Sassy Paws Pet Boutique and Hollywood Feed. If your dog has a picky palate, food allergies or other dietary concerns, stop by these shops to find food and products for your pets.
Downtown Woodstock
Downtown Woodstock has plenty of sidewalks, crosswalks and other pedestrian-friendly areas where you can go with your pup. Here are some can’t-miss places perfect for people-watching, dog-watching, drinks and tasty treats:
- Reformation Brewery has a large outdoor area with plenty of shady spots. Well-behaved, leashed dogs also are allowed indoors in the event of rain.
- The Daily Draft. The covered back patio is perfect for grabbing your favorite local pint with your pup.
- Salt has a covered front patio where you can catch up with friends, family and your favorite dogs.
- Canyons Fresh Grill. If you’re in the mood for delicious burgers and dogs (hot dogs, that is), Canyons has an outdoor seating area perfect for your pup to rest and wait for a french fry or two.
- Pure Taqueria. On a sunny afternoon, the courtyard between Canyons Fresh Grill and Pure Taqueria can be a shady retreat for your pets.
- Copper Coin. The outdoor table row often has a well-behaved dog or two snoozing next to their owners. Plus, when you order your coffee, you can get a pup cup.
- Truck & Tap. The modern take on the neighborhood bar has dog-friendly tables out front and umbrella tables in the back.
- MadLife Stage & Studios. Does your pup like live music? Grab a drink and take in the sights and sounds of downtown Woodstock. Madlife’s outdoor patio and stage offer shady spaces and some of the best local talents in Cherokee County.
- Century House Tavern. The inviting wraparound porch and outdoor tables at Century House offer diners and their dogs multiple outdoor atmospheres to enjoy a quick drink and bite or a full meal.
- Woodstock Farm Fresh Market. Residents and visitors can shop for local produce, baked goods, soaps and candles, fresh flowers and, best of all, locally made dog treats from Wonder Dog Bakery. (My pups are particularly fond of the Cheddar Cheesy Pretty Pleasy heart-shaped biscuits full of – yep – cheese.)
- Wags and Wiggles offers food, accessories, grooming services and everything you need to pamper your pet.
- Woodstock Visitor’s Center. Dean’s Store is arguably the heart of downtown Woodstock, with a museum, library, art gallery and more, all available for guests and their pups.
Please note: This article was originally featured in the May 2022 issues of Around Woodstock and Townelaker Magazines.
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