Drink and dine with your dog on the shaded deck at Vermont Pub and Brewery in Burlington. Opened in 1988 by one of the pioneers of microbrewing in America, Greg Noonan, this historic restaurant is the best dog-friendly brewery in The Green Mountain State. Taste a bit of history with a pint of Bombay Grab IPA, one of the original East Coast IPAs, or Chiwill XXX, a traditional Belgian-style tripel that has been aged for a whole year. Sit and stay for a VPB classic meal like Burly Mac and Cheese or fish and chips. Afterwards, experience Vermont’s natural beauty at East Woods Natural Area.

Do you prefer city or lake views? Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain offers both in their nearby pet-friendly rooms.

Located on the shore of Lake Champlain, Niquette Bay State Park, the most dog-friendly state park in Vermont, welcomes furry adventures throughout its 584 acres. Hike along one of the many trails with impressive vistas overlooking the Green Mountains, Malletts Bay, and the Lake Champlain Islands. The 3.2-mile Niquette Bay State Park Trail combines multiple trails to form one large loop through the park, taking you and your pup along the shores of Lake Champlain and through the lakeside forest. Stop for a break at Calm Cove, where your pooch is welcome to take a dip and cool off in the pet swim area.

Your lakeside getaway doesn’t have to end when you leave the park. Stay at this two-bedroom Harbor View Lake House with views of Malletts Bay and the Bay Harbor Marina. Canoes and kayaks are available if you want to take your furry friend out on the water.

During the off-season, dogs and their owners are welcome to climb aboard the Gondola SkyRide in Stowe to the top of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. While you float 4,500 feet to the top of the most dog-friendly attraction in Vermont with your best friend, take in 360-degree views of The Green Mountain State’s incredible landscape. When the journey is over, disembark the gondola and explore pet-friendly hiking trails at the top that weave through the evergreens and provide more angles to enjoy the stunning views with your pooch.

When Fido’s paws are firmly back on the ground, stroll back to his room at The Lodge at Spruce Peak. This accommodating hotel offers canine guests beds and bowls to use during their stay, and there’s a nice pet relief area on the premises.

Whether you and your pooch are “ruffing” it in a tent or relaxing in an RV, you can cuddle by a campfire on a cool summer night at the most dog-friendly campground in Vermont, Mill Pond Campground. During the day, Fido can join you while you fish at the four-acre Mill Pond, fed by Lake Carmi, or take one of the campground’s paddle boats, kayaks or canoes out on the water. If your pup prefers land over water, take him hiking in Lake Carmi State Park, or simply let him have fun running off-leash in the campground dog park. On Friday evenings, bring him to make new friends on two legs and four at the community campfire. Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee.

Crowned the best dog park in Vermont, Mills Riverside Park in Jericho invites dogs to play on- and off-leash across 216 acres of meadow and wooded hillside. Keep your pup leashed in the parking area and on trails until you reach the designated off-leash area, which encompasses grassy fields for fetch, woodland pathways, and access to Browns River. Let your pooch paddle in the shallow, refreshing water and meet other frollicking furballs. Elsewhere in the park, hunt down the historic covered bridge, stop for a picnic in a shelter, and enjoy stunning views of Mt. Mansfield.

Farmhounds will love a weekend away at this pet-friendly guesthouse on a farm. Visitors are greeted by spectacular views of open farmland and are free to explore the 200-acre property with their leashed pup in tow.

If you’re planning a visit to Stowe, one of the best small pet-friendly towns in the country, be sure to check out Stowe Pinnacle Trail for its incredible views from the top. At the summit, you and your dog can view the Green Mountains and find out why we’ve named this the top trail to hike with your dog in Vermont. The out-and-back hike is under three miles, but it’s steep enough to be rated difficult. For an easier stroll with Fido, The Stowe Recreation Path is a paved trail that crisscrosses the West Branch of the Little River.

Four-legged guests at nearby Commodores Inn receive a welcome bag of goodies at check-in. The property features a large area for walking dogs and a pond where your pooch can cool off in the summer.

There’s no denying The Paw House Inn and Dog Friendly Cottages in West Rutland is the best pet-friendly bed and breakfast in Vermont. Rooms range from simple suites to comfortable cottages, but they’re all canine-themed and feature a built-in dog bed. The inn also offers a wide variety of activities to keep you and your pup entertained. Go for a hike through wildflower fields, spend time together picking berries, or let Fido run off leash in the fully fenced dog park.

Guests who don’t bring a dog are charged $10, while Fido stays for free.

August is the month for the Dog Mountain Summer Dog Party, an annual canine-centric celebration and can’t miss dog event of the year, held at one of the most epic dog parks in the country. Bring Fido to the 150-acre off-leash farm to run, play, and swim with friends on two legs and four. There will be live music by The Barnyard Incident, delicious fare from local food trucks, and a bounce house, scavenger hunt and lawn games for families. Your pup can participate in the Doggie Walk of Fame with Pup-arazzi, and four-legged athletes can test their skills on the agility course, or enter contests. Of course, don’t leave without visiting the famous Dog Chapel.

Book a courtyard room at the nearby Fairbanks Inn and Fido will receive treats at check-in.

If our Best of Vermont preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!