What’s better than a trip to the coast? How about a trip to the coast with your best furry friend. You know the one, the pup who wakes you up with licks on the cheek. The buddy that waits beside the door until you get home from work. Yeah, that guy.
In the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of us traveling with our dogs. Some experts track this trend back to COVID-19 when a lot of us were working from home. Our pets got used to having us around. We got used to belly scratches during lunch. Now, it just seems natural to pop Fido into the back of the car, roll the window down, and charge into the wind seeking out new adventures together.
This trend should not be surprising. Many of us see our dogs as family, even substitute children -minus the need to save for college tuition. So, taking our pups on a weekend trip or vacation just seems natural. Because Fido is with you, you can avoid all those pet-sitting fees and not have to worry about what may happen while you’re gone.
A lot of destinations have picked up on this travel trend and used it to pull in new visitors. Washington, NC is just one of those places that has started to cater to pet lovers. Washington is the perfect weekend getaway spot. It is located on the banks of the Pamlico River. It’s not the typical, over-crowded, waterfront town. Parking is plentiful. Sidewalks are wide and walkable. Parks abound. All of which makes Washington a perfect location for pet lovers on the move.
"Having a Border Collie means I have to stay active," says Lacey, a recent traveler to Washington, North Carolina. "I’m in my mid-20s and single. Ziggy, my Collie, is a huge part of my life. So many places don’t accommodate pets or have pet-friendly attractions, but Washington felt like it was a place made for someone like me. Ziggy got to experience everything with me."
It’s almost like this city was built for dogs and the people they put up with.
Goose Creek State Park is nearby. It offers 8 miles of hiking trails for Fido to release his energy and mark every tree and branch in the site. Not in the mood for a hike? The park also offers dog-friendly beaches for warmer days and camping options that will let you spend some real quality outdoor time with your pup.
If you’re looking to get out on the water in a less wet fashion, head over to Inner Banks Outfitters. They offer kayaks with enough room for a curious, four-legged, non-paddler and his owner. (Dog life vests included). You’ll get in your arm workout. And, like the pirates that sailed these very waters centuries ago, you’ll get to explore some of the most beautiful coastlines the Inner Banks has to offer.
After a busy day hiking or kayaking, drive into downtown. Festival Park offers an open, grassy area right by the water to play fetch or toss a frisbee. Around the corner, you’ll find shops and galleries filled with local art to inspire and antiques for browsing. Shops like the Wander Company provide dog bowls with fresh water and treats to keep your four-legged friend busy while you shop around. River Vibes has smoothies for humans and pup cups for your companion. If you’re hungry, local restaurants and bars have plenty of outdoor seating to accommodate you and the furry monster that will be begging you for each bite.
When you’re ready to call it a night, check into the Ell Hotel. Located only a half mile from the waterfront, this gorgeous historic home with a wrap porch is a stylish bed and breakfast -that also caters to pet owners. You’ll find special bins for pet waste. Leash connections are anchored along the front porch. Walking services can be provided if you have plans that Fido can’t join. Accommodations here recognize what it means to travel with a pet and accentuate the things that make you feel taken care of and special.
With more than 65 million dog owners in the US, pet travel is not going away any time soon. Locations like Washington, NC recognize this and look to build a solid reputation with these travelers as one of the top places to visit with pets. The town is easy to get to, has beautiful waterfront views, and, on top of it all, understands what it needs to do to make its visitors feel wanted and understood. That’s how you separate yourself from other coastal towns. That’s how you get visitors to come and come back.
It’s almost like they are training us to be that way. Now, who’s the good boy?