BringFido's Ruff Guide to Connecticut

Posted by Jason Halliburton

Thinking of exploring with your English Setter on a trip to Connecticut? If so, he’s one lucky dog. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the dog-friendliest things to do in The Constitution State, as well as the rest of the country. And we've assembled it all in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code CONSTITUTION.

For a preview of the book, here are a few of our editors' top picks for dog-friendly things to do in Connecticut.

Hop Around Connecticut

Colchester, CT
"You're the only view I need!" Photo by @emcdonoughsouza

Beer enthusiasts and their brew dogs will enjoy a trio of stops on a day trip through Connecticut. Start your jaunt with a visit to Hop Culture Farms & Brewing Co. in Colchester to see the craft brewing process in action. If visiting in summer, sign up for a Hopyard Tour to learn how homegrown farm ingredients transform into uniquely flavored beers. At the end, grab some tasters of favorites like the American Hopic and Hop of Shame. Leashed dogs are always welcome. Continue your dog crawl to Yankee Cider Company in East Haddam. There, you can sample a New England Dry or Honeycrisp Blend in the cider barn alongside your pooch. Finally, head eight miles east to Devil’s Hopyard State Park to exercise your furry friend along the half-mile Chapman Falls Loop. Entrance is free, and leashed dogs are permitted on multiple hiking trails.

Once you and Fido are finished hoppin’ across the state, kick up your feet and paws at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. This waterfront haven combines small-town charm with big-city elegance, offering luxury rooms and suites tastefully decorated in warm tones that convey a cozy, at-home ambiance. Four-legged guests receive tasty treats and sporty bandanas upon arrival.

Explore American Maritime History

Mystic, CT
Ready for life at sea. Photo by Facebook.com/mysticseaport

Delve into American maritime history with a trip to Mystic Seaport. Fido is welcome to join in the fun as you explore the grounds of the nation’s leading maritime museum. Stroll through the shipyard before visiting the re-creation of a 19th-century seafaring village with more than 30 historic trade shops and businesses. Historians, storytellers, and musicians in period dress bring an air of authenticity to the experience. Walk with your pup through Mystic Seaport’s nine gardens to learn more about New England flora and fauna. If the setting inspires you to venture off shore, end a trip to the seaport aboard a rowboat with your pup. For a more luxurious experience, take in the historic sites on a private two-hour cruise with Mystic Yacht Charter.

At the end of your seafaring expedition, bring your salty dog to Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic for a good night’s rest. Before you leave town, be sure to stop by the Sea View Snack Bar to enjoy fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder at an outdoor picnic table overlooking Mystic Harbor.

Get Out and About in Fairfield

Fairfield, CT
"Beach days are the best days." Photo by @strega_stravagante

Located a short drive along the coast from Connecticut’s most populous city of Bridgeport, Fairfield is a rural playground for outbound hounds. Begin with an off-leash romp at The Cascades at Lake Mohegan. Let Fido loose on pet-friendly trails that wind around the lake, but be sure to steer him clear of the water. If he wants a dip, make a dash to nearby Jennings Dog Beach. From October 1 to March 31, dogs are welcome to play on the windswept beach leash-free. After a game of fetch on the sand, dogs and their owners can refuel at Fairfield’s Flipside Burgers and Bar. Their delicious dog menu includes chicken snacks, full meals like Chihuahua, Mastiff and Dachshund, and ice cream for dessert.

Keep the good vibrations going with a stay at this charming Fairfield cottage by the sea. Before the sun sets on your Fairfield adventure, share a stroll along your own private beach with your pooch.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


If this Ruff Guide to Connecticut preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code CONSTITUTION to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!

What are your favorite dog-friendly things to do in Connecticut? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by BringFido.