If you love shopping, eating, swimming, exploring, or just lounging with your pup, I’ve compiled my top 10 favorite places to go with my humans in Northern Michigan. Let us know if you’ve enjoyed these places or if there are other places you enjoy that are just outside of our top 10.
#10 – The Outfitter, Harbor Springs
The Outfitter is a shop downtown Harbor Springs that specializes in outdoor gear. They have what you need to explore during all four seasons and have a growing selection of dog gear too! Go check them out with your furry friend! https://www.
#9 – Bayfront Park, Petoskey
The Bayfront Park, known as “The Waterfront” to many locals is a fantastic place to enjoy with your favorite furry friend. You can walk the Little Traverse Wheelway, lounge in the greenspace or stop for a bite to eat at the café. In the evenings during the summer months, enjoy a softball game and a million dollar sunset cuddled up with your pup. https://www.petoskey.us/
#8 - Pierson’s, Harbor Springs
Pierson’s has a wonderful atmosphere with great food and a patio that is dog friendly. There are shaded seats available as well as full sun to enjoy during all the different temperatures we experience in Northern Michigan. https://www.piersonsgrille.
#7 – Watson Nature Preserve, Harbor Springs
Watson Nature Preserve is near and dear to my heart. It was a huge part of my recovery when I tore my doggy ACL’s. It is a beautiful, yet flat trail that injured and senior dogs can enjoy with their humans.
https://landtrust.org/
#6 – The Inn Between, Indian River
The Inn Between is a restaurant with outdoor seating on the Inland Waterway in Indian River. They have outdoor seating with picnic tables that any pup can scoot under for some shade while their humans enjoy a bite to eat. It’s accessible by land and sea so if you happen to be on the water with your dog you have options to dine with everyone!
https://www.facebook.com/
#5 – Petoskey Brewing Company
The Petoskey Brewing Company is right along the North Western State Trail/North Country Trail near Spring Lake Park. If you are hiking or biking with your best friend, you can easily stop for a brew and a bite on their back patio. They offer seating in the shade and in full sun for whatever you prefer. https://www.trailscouncil.org/
#4 – Ruff Life Pet Outfitters, Petoskey
Ruff Life Pet Outfitters is the go-to pet outfitter for all four seasons Northern Michigan experiences. They love it when humans bring their furry friends in the shop and may even take your picture to show everyone how cute your pup is! They are extremely knowledgeable on all things K9 and have plenty of dog bowls filled with water for your pup to hydrate while you are out shopping. http://www.rufflifepet.com/
#3 – Zoll Street Dog Beach, Harbor Springs
This tiny beach sandwiched between Wequetonsing and Walstrom's Marina is the area's best kept secret. This dog friendly beach is always filled with pups that fetch, swim, play, and dig in the sand. This is a great place to go for a refreshing swim with your best furry friend! https://
#2 – Ridge Run Dog Park, Boyne City
Ridge Run Dog Park has a large dog and small dog fenced in park both with water features. They recently have constructed an agility course too! They offer a shaded area during the hot summer months which is also great when the wind is blowing in the wintertime as well. Donations are greatly appreciated and go towards improvements for the park. https://www.facebook.com/
#1 – The Back Lot, Petoskey, and Charlevoix
The Back Lot is filled with many different food trucks and a beer garden. They have plenty of water bowls for your dogs to enjoy a refreshing drink too. In the winter months they also offer igloos to sit in which are also dog friendly! At any time, you can find tons of dogs and humans enjoying some quality time there with each other. Truly, it is a “must experience” with your furry friends. https://www.