By Stacey Wittig
Why leave home during the Dog Days of Summer, when Flagstaff has some of the coolest temperatures in the country?
With oodles of pet-friendly restaurants, brewpubs, and outdoor attractions, you and your four-legged traveling companion can enjoy Flagstaff—a world-famous vacation destination—without traveling afar.
Dubbed a “staycation,” this type of vacation has families or individuals staying home and enjoying local attractions and venues. The money you save on gas and pet sitting can be put towards restaurants, hotel rooms, or outings that you typically set aside for special occasions. And a Flagstaff staycation is certainly a dog-gone special occasion!
‘Bone’ Appetite on the Patio
Summertime is the perfect time for enjoying Flagstaff’s outdoor decks and patios. Leashed pups are welcome on most Flagstaff patios but call ahead to be sure.
Start the day with a cup o’joe and pastry at Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery, Arizona’s first European coffee shop. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.
For one of the best burgers in town, take your lunch break on the pet-friendly patio at Tourist Home All Day Cafe.
We love the multi-level outdoor seating at Altitudes Bar and Grill, where trainiacs can watch the passing trains while listening to live music in the evenings.
Don’t forget, the terraces at Josephine’s Modern American Bistro make for romantic nights out.
Visit tinyurl.com/25t9j6r3 for a list of pet-friendly Flagstaff restaurants.
Brew Pups
In Flagstaff, dogs are an integral part of the craft brewery scene. So wet your whistle at these brewpubs where patios make great gathering spots for locals and their furry companions.
Breweries include: Flagstaff Brewing Company, Dark Sky Brewing Company, Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery, Historic Brewing Barrel + Bottle House, Motherroad Brewing Company, Wanderlust Brewing Company.
In fact, almost every brew haus on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail welcomes canine companions. Print your free Flagstaff Brewery Trail Passport at craftbeerflg.com to help you get around.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Bright Side Bookshop welcomes you and your four-legged pal with water bowls and doggie treats. The comfy independent bookstore is a community hub for residents and travelers alike.
You’ll love their selection of books on regional topics, and check out their local author section.
Other pet-friendly stores in the heart of downtown include Mountain Sports, Old Town Shops, and Peace Surplus.
Take it Outdoors
You know you’ve wanted to explore more of the 55 miles of FUTS trails that wrap around and through our lovely mountain town.
Have you and your pooch climbed Mars Hill to Lowell Observatory? Dogs are not allowed inside the observatory, but you can hike the adjacent trails. Or when was the last time you and your sweet pup admired views of the peaks from Buffalo Park?
Then again, you can walk Flagstaff Route 66 landmarks by way of the “Walk this Talk” audio tour with an introduction by Ted Danson, a former Flagstaff resident.
The free, self-guided tour starts at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, located in the historic train depot. Then, go off leash at Thorpe Park or Bushmaster Park off-leash areas.
Remember that in other places, including wilderness areas, you need to keep your furry friend on a leash.
Pet-Friendly Flagstaff Hotels
Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff is our favorite dog-friendly place to stay because of its convenient location, amenities and sustainability practices. In addition, it’s the first Arizona hotel to be LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.
There are plenty of other pet-friendly hotels in Flagstaff, including Basecamp at Snowbowl, Residence Inn by Marriot, and Bespoke Inn—opening soon.
For a complete list, see tinyurl.com/25t9j6r3
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer based near Flagstaff. Enjoy this article? Then read more travel tips at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.
