Wilmington has a reputation for so many wonderful things — our rich history, being a popular filming location, and fantastic weather almost year-round. But Wilmington has been recognized many times for being a dog-friendly city. There are miles of walking trails, breweries, dog-friendly coffee shops, and more. Here are some of the best places for Fido this weekend:
Doggie Cafe — Java Dog
No one wakes you up like your dog — that is the slogan for Wilmington’s dog-friendly coffee house Java Dog. Located at the Cotton Exchange, Java Dog has drip coffees, espresso drinks, bagels, muffins, and lots of cute furry customers. Bring your pup and buy them a treat while you enjoy some coffee.
Empie and Greenfield Dog-Friendly parks
There are a number of dog parks located around the area and beaches, and Empie and Greenfield are two of the most popular. Most of the dog parks in the area have separate enclosures for small and big dogs to run unleashed. Find other dog parks at Long Leaf Park, Ogden Park, and Carolina Beach Park.
Abbey Nature Preserve
This hidden gem of a trail is mostly in the shade and encircles a freshwater pond next door to Poplar Grove Plantation. Dogs love this quiet trail for sniffing in the shade and even jumping into the pond.
Topsail Beach and Surf City
While all the beaches in the area allow dogs, most have restrictions for when and where your dogs can be. Wrightsville and Carolina Beach limit dogs to mornings and evenings out on the sand during the peak summer months, while at Topsail Beach dogs are allowed all day, year-round. This is one of the most dog-friendly islands in the area and dogs love playing in the water.
Smith Creek Park
Pup wants to swim and you don’t want to go to the beach? No problem. At Smith Creek Park dogs are forever leaping into this freshwater creek (which looks more like a small lake) to cool off. Go on a paved walking trail through sun and shade along with bikers, walkers, and runners and picnic at the water’s edge.
Local Dog-Friendly Breweries
Many of the breweries around the area (we made a list of all breweries here) are dog-friendly. Wilmington Brewing Company in particular has a great reputation for being dog-lovers.
