Arrive mid-morning and check in to your dog-friendly accommodation — I recommend the Willow & Paws Inn (ground-floor rooms and a fenced yard) so your pup can stretch right away. Take a short exploratory walk to the nearby Riverfront Promenade, where there are wide paths, water views, and a dedicated off-leash hour signposted on the park board for safe socialization.
After unpacking, enjoy a leisurely lunch on the patio at Bark & Bean Café, which offers water bowls, shaded spots, and a pup-friendly biscuit on the menu while you try their signature avocado toast. Spend the afternoon discovering the town’s pet-friendly boutiques — pop into Paws & Provisions for locally made treats and pick up a new leash, then stroll to Maple Park’s dog exercise area for a romp and some photo ops by the historic gazebo.
Wind down with an early evening visit to Sunset Lookout Trail (an easy 20-30 minute loop) to catch golden-hour views with your dog on a secure leash, then head back to town for dinner at The Trough Gastropub, which welcomes dogs on the heated patio and serves bowls of chilled water and a small dog-friendly menu. Return to your accommodation for a cozy night in: settle your pup with a favorite toy and enjoy a relaxed board game or movie — a gentle end to your arrival day, setting up a calm start for tomorrow’s outdoor adventures.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Bark & Bean Café — grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich while your pup enjoys a house-made biscuit, then drive 15 minutes to Pine Ridge Trailhead for a brisk morning hike. The Pine Ridge loop is a moderate 3.5-mile trail with shaded firs, creek crossings, and plenty of scent-stimulating underbrush; let your dog lead at times but keep them leashed through the wildlife protection zone and pause at the scenic overlook for photos and a water break.
After the hike, head to Meadowbrook Off-Leash Park to let your dog run freely and socialize—there are separate areas for small and large dogs, agility features, and picnic tables where you can enjoy a packed lunch or snacks from Paws & Provisions. Mid-afternoon, stroll the adjacent Meadow Lane, popping into Tailwaggers Pet Supply for a replacement toy or natural treats, then cool off with a stop at Riverside Ice Cream (they offer dog-safe frozen yogurt cups) before returning to town.
For dinner, make reservations at The Trough Gastropub’s heated patio where you can savor seasonal fare while your pup lounges with a chilled water bowl and a menu item like the ‘puppy pot roast.’ Finish the evening with a slow, lantern-lit walk along Riverfront Promenade to watch the lights reflect on the water—a calm, scenic end that keeps the day gentle and unhurried before heading back to your lodging.
Sleep in a little and enjoy a slow breakfast on the Willow & Paws Inn patio — grab pastries from Bark & Bean Café next door and let your pup nap or play in the fenced yard while you pack. Mid-morning, head to Pampered Pooch Spa for a tidy wash-and-brush session (book the 10:30 slot) so your dog leaves smelling fresh and with a complimentary bandana for the trip home.
Before checkout, pop into Paws & Provisions to pick up any last-minute treats, a travel-sized shampoo, and a souvenir leash; the staff will happily suggest calming chews for the car ride. Take a final scenic detour to Sunset Lookout Trail or the Riverfront Promenade for a relaxed 20-minute stroll and photos with your pup — enjoy a farewell iced coffee from Riverside Ice Cream’s takeout window while your dog laps from a portable bowl.
Begin your drive home with a calm, well-timed departure after a comfort stop at Meadowbrook Off-Leash Park so your dog can stretch and socialize one last time. If you have time for a final bite, stop at The Trough Gastropub’s to-go window for a hearty sandwich and ask for a chilled water bowl and a small ‘puppy pot roast’ portion to keep your dog cozy during the trip back.