Denise
Mom to Avery, the world's cutest standard poodle.
Reviews (29)
Spacious play space
K-9 Gunner Memorial Dog ParkI like that this park has 2 sides. One for smaller dogs, and one for larger dogs. It keeps the social problems to a minimum. After it rains it can get quite muddy. They do have an ingenious rain water collection system for supplying clean water for dog dishes.
Best in area
Happy Hounds Playground10 acres of fenced grassy area, with a pond and dock in the middle. Splash pads for non swimmers. Agility course playgrounds. Separate spaces for large and small dogs. Restrooms! Dog wash station on your way out. Nature trails around the perimeter. This is a great place to get exercise and socialize. For doggy and owner. If you live nearby, it is worth every penny. Dogs are vetted, and rules are strictly enforced. We love this park!
Do not stay here!
La Quinta by Wyndham Williamsburg Historic Area1st room reeked of dog pee. 2nd room had mold. Booked 4 nights, got no room cleaning at all, had to beg front desk for clean towels. Breakfast was gross. Beds uncomfortable. Climate control clogged with pet hair and didn't work well. Checked out a day early. We will never go back to this hotel.
Great service and food!
Pepperjacks SubsThis little sub shop is great. They let you bring your dog right inside to your table with you. They have a large grassy area out back for walking your dog. Great family owned business.
Laid back, great food
Chic & SympaPizza and sandwiches were great. The lemonade was different than what we're used to in America. It was (I think) fizzy bottled lemonade mixed with orange juice and grenadine, served with a maraschino cherry. It was very, very sweet. And so was their iced tea. They don't have fresh brewed unsweetened tea. But the waitress was extremely helpful in providing information about local places to hike and boat. Skip the desserts. They're nothing special.
Nice stay
Hotel & Suites Le Dauphin QuebecWe stayed for a week with our standard poodle and kids. There was a mat in the room to put our dog dishes on , which was nice. They made us sign a very strict no noise policy allowing them to kick us out with no notice if the dog barked. That made me really uncomfortable. But we'd come all the way from Virginia, so it's not like we had many options in the peak season. The night we checked in there was some sort of school trip booked in the hotel and they were very noisy. We were on the first floor, and there was no carpeting on the floor, which was different than I'm used to. There was a small computer provided, which was nice. It helped us for googling attractions and planning our days. But the keyboard was strange. The top row had 3 different functions instead of 2 and we couldn't figure out how to make the 3rd row of characters work. The beds were really firm. The maids were great and left fresh toiletries every morning, including cotton swabs! We didn't really spend that much time in the room, so it worked fine for us. Just beware if you've got a barker.
Very Nice!
La Quinta by Wyndham Niagara FallsRoom was large and clean. Price was very reasonable. Would definitely stay here again, with or without our dog.
This park is amazing!
Glencarlyn Park Off Leash AreaI was a bit worried about the off leash dog park here, because the boundary is marked by signs instead of fences. My dog can't read the signs. I was worried he would take off into the woods after a squirrel. But he did quite well and stayed with me the whole time. It was a very hot day, and the main bonus of this dog park is that it is in the woods, so nice and shady. And the water running through the park is shallow enough for my scaredy cat standard poodle who doesn't realize he is a water retriever. He enjoyed splashing around without having to worry about swimming. There's a lot to do in the park for the rest of the family, too, including a rail trail (which is NOT shaded, so maybe more fun in cooler weather), picnic tables, clean restrooms, a very nice playground, and nice trails. The parking areas weren't huge, so it might be a good idea to get there early on weekends. We went during the week and had no trouble finding parking. Take your camera. Great place for pictures. I imagine it will be gorgeous in the fall as well. It's a bit of a drive from our house, so this will have to be a special treat, but it is by far our favorite dog park so far.
Didn't see tables
Rita's Italian IceI must have missed the tables. There are 2 benches outside the front door, and they have plate glass windows. So you will be able to tie up your dog and see him while you run in to order. The Italian Ice is really good, particularly the banana flavor. Will have to go back again to see if I see these tables of which they speak.
Great Food!
Zoes KitchenOnly 2 of the 5 tables had umbrellas, but it was sufficiently shaded outside. Bring a water dish, as there was not one provided. I did go inside and ask for a cup for ice water (they sell bottled water) and they were happy enough to oblige. If you are dining alone, know that you will have to leave the dog tied outside momentarily while you go in to order. They do bring the food out to your table and clear for you, though, and service inside was fast and you can see the dog the whole time through the windows. They had menus for us to take outside and decide what we wanted, so when I went inside, I was able to quickly order and pay and get back out to my kids and dog. The food here is delicious!
Recently renovated and reopened!
Occoquan Regional ParkIt's been a long wait, but this amazing park is back open for business, including all trails. There is something here for everyone. LE Bean had one of their Outdoor Discovery Schools going today, there were canoe and kayak rentals for the river, great hiking paths with plenty of shade, playgrounds, batting cages. The Brickmakers Cafe is officially open for business, with plenty of dog friendly patio seating with umbrellas and water dish for pups. Burgers were good, prices were decent. Open 11 AM till 8 PM. Cafe overlooks the river. We had a great time at this park today until the summer storms moved in and rained on our parade. Check it out!
Great hiking
Prince William Forest National ParkIf your dog likes to hit the trails, this is the place for you! Plenty of shade.
Great Park
Burke Lake ParkPets have to be leashed, but there is a lot to do. It's a fairly large park. The waterfront is always a big hit.
Beautiful Park
Great Falls ParkNot a ton of shade, so if you are going in summer, bring plenty of water for yourself and your dog. And don't forget your camera. Great place to hang out.
Beautiful in winter!
Mason Neck State ParkThis is a great place to go in winter when everything is frozen over. Dogs have to be leashed, but they have so much fun on the trails and down by the water, that they don't even notice. Take your camera!
Very nice park
Grist Mill Dog ParkThis is a nice, level park with plenty of shade, and grass around the edges. It is covered in kitty litter size gravel, so when it rains, the water just soaks down into the ground, leaving the park useable and not muddy. My dog loves it here. There are some very nice regulars.
My Favorite Dog Park
Dog Park at Shirlington ParkVery nice trail with lots of grass, shade, and a walking path. Also has water access for dogs that like water. Very clean, and plenty of parking. Highly recommend.
Beautiful Park
Lake Accotink ParkWe love this park. Just use caution on the trails, as they are multi-use trails. My son was the victim of a hit and run by bicycle on one of the multi-use trails, and his head was sliced open to the skull, requiring 2 layers of stitches. Some of these bicycles are traveling VERY fast. After our scary experience, we will stick to the lawns and wooded areas with our pup. Other than rude and dangerous park patrons, the park is all positives.
Just okay
South Run Rec. Center Dog ParkI use this park frequently because it is minutes from home. But if I had literally any other close options, this one would be forgotten instantly. The park is large, which ordinarily would be a good thing. But because of the terrain it can be a bit of a nightmare when it is crowded. There is some shade, which is good. There is no running water, so bring in your own. They do provide water bowls and cheap plastic bags for cleanup, though many, many owners are not using them. What little grass there is has not been mowed, so when your pup does do his business, be fast because it can be hard to find in the tall grass. The park is located under high voltage power lines, which may be of concern to some. The ground is very rocky and eroded, and after rains just turns into a giant mud pit. It stinks from people not cleaning up after their dogs. We only go there on bath or grooming day because it can get so gross. Also, people will bring in clearly unsocialized dogs and then not watch them. I have seen quite a few families in there with infants and small children, despite clearly posted rules stating that no one under the age of 9 is permitted. This dog park is a liability lawsuit just waiting to happen, so if more than a few dogs show up or things start getting nasty, we leave immediately. Use at your own risk.
Great lunch!
It's About ThymeThe servers at Thyme Market were so sweet to our pup. The restaurant had to pay extra to be certified as animal friendly, so they like it when people come in and appreciate what they've done to be accommodating. The seating is technically outdoors, but not really. It is a large alley between two buildings that has been converted into a very usable space. Fans and misters to keep you cool while you dine in summer, and clear plastic curtain walls and 3 large space heaters to keep you warm in winter. The entire space is roofed, so even though you are walking into an alley, it feels like you're walking into a restaurant. There are 3 restaurants that use the space, and the servers bring food and bill you for all 3 spaces, so you can order any combination of foods from the seafood, pizza, or sandwich places. They frost the water glasses and dog bowls, so you get a nice cool drink as soon as you come in. Today's special was suckling pig. In addition to some unique and delicious dishes, they also had fantastic desserts. They brought our dog two homemade doggie biscuits as well. Highly recommend this quaint eatery in historic downtown Culpeper shopping district.
Very dog friendly
Mission BBQNo table service, but they did bring us a fresh bowl of water for the dog. The ribs were great, and they give a free dessert (banana pudding) to military. 8 picnic tables with umbrellas in an enclosed area.
Pleasantly surprised
Wasena City Tap Room & GrillThis restaurant is located in a weird part of town. Part industrial, part really old homes. And nestled right in the midst, this trendy restaurant and bar. They have plenty of parking, though, and were very dog friendly. Food was great and different. My husband had the ox tail tacos, and I had the Cobb salad. They have kids meals as well. They had a water bowl for the dog and the outdoor dining area had plenty of shade. Very nice.
Standard airport hotel
Comfort Inn Airport RoanokeCurrently undergoing renovations, so some things are closed. Breakfast is meh. But may be because the breakfast room is torn apart and they had to move things upstairs. The pool also required a work around, but we did still get to use it. They seemed to be happy to see us. They gave us extra towels when we asked. There is a large field across the way where you can run your dog, and a closer mowed lawn for quick potty trips. There is a trash can outside the entrance where you can dispose of dog waste. There are several dog friendly restaurants within a very short drive.
Great!
Tennessee Hills DistilleryThe owner does the tastings and the wife runs the register. They make and sell all their liquors on site while they wait for their bourbon to age. The Lemon Drop Vodka, Coconut Vodka, and Coffee Vodka are the best. Didn't care for the pineapple upside down cake flavor or cinnamon, and the raw rum was just too raw for me. The tasting was free, though, and the owner was hilarious. Very enjoyable way to get in out of a rain storm! They also give a military discount, if you're eligible as several tasters were. Highly recommend.
Yummy sandwiches
Mona Lisa's Gelato & CafeThe Ciabatta and foccacia breads were so good. That's what they use for sandwiches. They also had a great spicy Thai chicken soup. Didn't try the gelato, but it looked good. Outdoor dining was tables on a wood deck, with umbrellas over every table for shade. The store is located in the end unit of a strip mall, so the deck was next to the trash area, but it was separated by a high brick wall, so we could neither see nor smell the trash, which was nice. Also loved the homemade potato salad.
Beautiful trail!
Virginia Creeper National Recreation TrailWe biked the section from White Top trail head to Damascus. It was absolutely gorgeous! We rented a screened tag along trailer (typically used to transport toddlers) for our standard poodle. After a short bumpy start, he stopped trying to get out and enjoyed the ride without needing the screen enclosing him. We biked the full 17 mile stretch, so letting him run the whole thing wasn't an option. Also, there were a lot of other bikes on the path and I didn't want him to get hurt by other riders. Highly recommend the trail, but definitely have a plan for transporting your dog's if you're on bikes instead of on foot. The lower section of the trail is probably better for dogs, since most bikes finish at Damascus.
Nice historic site
Sycamore Shoals Historic AreaThis is not the actual site, but a historic reproduction with interpretive signs along a very nice trail along the river. Lots of other dogs out walking, too. Very nice.
Very nice park
Founders ParkWell manicured sculpture park in downtown Johnson City, near several dog friendly restaurants.
Super Smelly
Kilroy'sI really, really hate leaving negative reviews. Especially when a business is nice enough to allow dogs in their establishment. We fully intended to eat at Kilroy's and were walking to the back patio from the back parking lot when the stench from multiple dumpsters hit us in a wave of gag inducing nasty. We thought it would get better once we were in the patio, but upon arriving at the patio we were hit with overwhelming cigarette smoke on top of the dumpster smell. So we never made it inside the patio. We just could not eat in that smell or subject our kids and dog to that, either. I was so disappointed, because aside from the smell, it looks like a really awesome restaurant. But I created an account on this site just so that I could leave a review, because this is definitely something I wished I'd known about beforehand, and I wanted to pay it forward to other dog owners out there. I will be calling the restaurant, too, because hopefully there is something they can do about it, even if it's only installing some ceiling fans and moving the dumpsters farther out in the parking lot. I hate to see a restaurant just lose business like that when they've been so nice to include our furry friends.