Make this weekend about your four legged friend. If you don't have a dog in your family maybe this is the weekend to go out and adopt. In the Fall, your pup will love to come pick apples with you at our family farm. This summer treat your best friend or baby dog to a day out on the town. Use our doggy map to help you plan your trip.
Before you head out on an adventure pack a small bag so you guys are ready for anything. What you should include:
Bowl for Water
Water
Treats
A few Balls or Other Fetch Toys (Preferably a Chuck It)
Towel
Natural Tick Spray or Wipes
Long Leash
Short Leash
If you do not have everything on the list you may want to make your first stop The Natural Pet Center in Gardiner, NY. They have a large selection of dog toys and dog food. They also have plenty of cat, bird and other pet supplies. Gardiner is actually a dog friendly town! See our Visit Gardiner blog for more info.
Depending on what time you are heading out you may want to get a bite to eat first. For breakfast or lunch there are 2 places in New Paltz with outdoor dog friendly seating. The Cake Artist Cafe has unique menu items most of which are served on the delicious house made Ciabatta bread. The owner, Gina, makes beautiful and yummy cakes. They just moved here from Highland, so they are still completing a few renovations. Sit outside with your four legged friend and people watch on main street.
Just a bit up town on Main Street is Russo's Deli. Very close to SUNY New Paltz. If you go for breakfast definitely consider getting a breakfast grilled cheese on house made foccacia, YUMMO. There signature sandwiches with fresh sliced Italian meats, cheeses, and homemade chicken cutlets are real good too.
If you would like to grab a bite to eat a bit more off the beaten path swing by the Gunk Haus in Clintondale, NY for lunch or dinner. It is located right near our home apple farm and apple packing facility. They bake their pretzel buns daily and are known for their burgers, cheesy spaetzle, and schnitzel. If you can't make it there until Monday you can help kick the kegs with discounted craft beers on tap. They are open for lunch and dinner with doggies welcome in their side yard beer garden. Make sure to check out their bakery for unique pastries, cookies, and other goodies.
There are 2 friendly dog parks right near our farm. Both are closed in and have a small and large dog side, shady trees and plenty of space to run. See our Visit Gardiner Blog for the exact location for one. The other, For Paws of Ulster, is located on Libertyville Road in New Paltz, NY just across from the Ulster County Fair grounds. They are looking for donations and volunteers to help out. Follow them on facebook or twitter for more info.
There are not many activities inside this park, so make sure to BYO toys. You will find benches to sit on, doggy clean up stations and possibly a bowl or ball someone left behind. Dogs always play better when focused on something besides each other and running like a pack. You never know who you will meet at the dog park....Possibly local dog sitter Jessica Earl and one of her clients A.J. Bark Place of Ulster is a local family run doggy boarding venue that also offers grooming.
After the dog park you may want to treat your pal to a good scrubbing. Have you every tried the doggy wash at your local car wash? They seem to be popping up in every car wash. There are 2 right near by. Diamond Car Wash is on 299 pretty close to the Thruway. The other is down town on Route 32 North near My Market, which is a great place to pick up a few grocery items on your way home.
Not all dogs like baths. A lot of times there will be apprehension at first until they realize they are going to get some good scratches from their favorite human out of this. Be prepared to get a little wet and have your towel ready. This is a great activity for a hot day! The Scrub a Dub doggy wash in New Paltz, NY offers these signs of advice.
Was he a good boy or girl dog and deserving of a treat? You can swing by your favorite soft serve ice cream place for a baby vanilla. This time of year there are so many to choose from, but the Frozen Caboose in Highland, NY has special doggy cups complete with milk bone. We also know they are dog lovers because they have a doggy water bowl outside for the pooches. If you are looking for a healthier treat consider a N.T.A.T (Night Time Apple Treat)
All of the above locations are on our Doggy Google Map to help you plan your outing with your favorite family member (the dog).
There are plenty of dog friendly hikes at the Mohonk Preserve. See our Duck Pond and Undercliff/Overcliff blog entries for ideas. We would love to know what your pup thought of his or her's day on the town. Share your adventures with us on your favorite social media platform or right here in our blog. Did we miss a great place to bring your dog near Hurds Family Farm? Please let us know so we can add it to our list.