New Year, More Woofs!
By Karen Johnson, PawsGo
Dogs keep us happy and healthy, so why not make a 2019 resolution that’s good for you and your dog? Spend more quality time together!
It’s so easy to do that in this area, with our numerous dog-friendly shops and restaurants, wineries and breweries, and historic areas made for exploring! And Alexandria is home to some leading dog training facilities and rescue organizations.
For many people, a top New Year’s Resolution is to get more exercise, and what better way than with your dog? A goal of 10,000 steps a day is easy to achieve in historic Old Town by starting near the King Street Metro station and working your way to the Potomac River and back. That’s an interesting and historic 10,000 steps.
If nature is more your thing, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in Great Falls is just a 30-minute drive from Alexandria, but you’ll feel as though you are hours away from home and your dog will love romping through the forest! (Note: Dogs must be leashed.)
Trying new things tops many lists. If it’s on yours, consider Virginia’s many dog- friendly wineries and breweries. They’re great fun, even in cold weather. In 2018, the Virginia Legislature passed a bill allowing wineries and breweries the option of allow dogs in their tasting rooms. Some of our favorites are 8 Chains North, Maggie Malick Wine Caves, Barrel Oak, Cobbler Mountain and Aspen Dale. But keep in mind that being dog friendly doesn’t always mean dogs can come into the tasting room, so email or call ahead. www.virginiawine.org is a good place to start.
Mustang Sally Brewery in Chantilly and Black Walnut Brewery in Leesburg both let dogs in their tasting rooms. Closer to home is New District Brewing, adjacent to the Shirlington Dog Park. New District has a dog club, and for a $15 membership fee you can join your dog in their tasting room on Wednesdays and Sundays. And $5 of the membership fee goes to toward the Shirlington Dog Park! Paws UP for that!
