If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend out of town, wanting to explore some of Texas’ most popular destinations, or craving some outdoor adventure, don’t worry about finding a kennel or a pet sitter for your dog.
Now it’s even easier for furry family members to come along, thanks to a large offering of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, attractions, events and campgrounds across Texas, many of which are an easy drive from Abilene.
Many pet owners enjoy traveling with their pets because it is less expensive and there is no concern over leaving them at a kennel.
And, with options ranging from budget-friendly state parks and RV campgrounds to five-star hotels, there are plenty of dog-friendly travel choices within a four-hour drive from Abilene.
For example, Austin is one of the most dog-friendly cities, according to the website toptenz.net.
“Boasting 12 off-leash parks, Austin is a dream come true for both pet owners and the pets themselves,” according to the website, which ranks Austin as the No. 1 dog-friendly destination in the country. “Whether cooling off in the creek at Bull Creek District Park or taking a tour of the city in horse-drawn carriage, there are plenty of ways for your dog to enjoy themselves while in Austin. A large number of restaurants and stores welcome dogs, so be sure to take them out with you when you’re hitting the town …”
For instance, if a walking tour of Austin is your forte, take your dog along, too. The Congress Avenue and East 6th St. walking tour is a stroll along Austin’s streets with a historic flair, and if you get foot sore — or paw sore — hail a passing horse-drawn carriage for you and your four-legged friend. The Austin Carriage company allows dogs (on leashes) to ride.
Among the myriad dog-friendly attractions in Austin is Zilker Botanical Garden, a 30-plus acre garden-lover’s dream on the south bank of the Colorado River with roses, herbs, Japanese gardens, streams, butterflies, waterfalls and koi-filled ponds. Dogs are welcome on leashes, and of course, there’s the “if your pet poops, you must scoop” rule.
Farther south on I-35 is San Antonio where many of the city’s most famous attractions are dog friendly. Take your dog for a leashed stroll in front of the Alamo or along the Riverwalk, where many restaurants allow dogs to dine with their owners in patio seating facing the river. A tip: Call ahead to make sure there is a dog-friendly table available. Many restaurants have a limited number of designated, dog-friendly areas.
“Unfortunately, every establishment on the Riverwalk has its own pet policy, so there really isn’t one rule,” said Marcia Hernandez, communications director of the Paseo del Rio Association. “The Riverwalk, as a public park, is pet-friendly, and leashed pets are always welcome.”
Many major budget hotel chains such as La Quinta and Motel 6 allow pets, or, if you’re feeling a bit rich, you and your dog may want to stay at an upscale hotel. For instance, at The Emily Morgan Hotel, a historic property located just steps from the Alamo, guests are given a list of local restaurants and other attractions that allow dogs. There have also been reports of ghost sightings at The Emily Morgan, so maybe your dog will alert you to any such goings-on.
A tip: Many hotels charge a nonrefundable pet fee, so it’s best to check the property’s policy before making reservations.
And, if you love roller coasters and Shamu, then you can visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas or Sea World in San Antonio. Both theme parks offer on-site kennels where you can visit your dog throughout the day as you play.
But, if you and your dog are more nature-lovers than city-lovers, there are many options, including privately owned campgrounds and RV parks such as Hidden Valley RV Park in Von Ormy, southwest of San Antonio.
Park operator Teri Blaschke said her guests and their dogs can enjoy walking trails and fishing at private Medio Creek on the property.
Blaschke, who is a dog lover herself, said traveling in an RV is a great way for many of her guests to enjoy traveling, many of whom are snowbirds who come south to escape the winter months up north.
“I would say that 90 percent of the travelers in RVs travel with their pets,” Blaschke said. “That seems to be a main reason to choose an RV lifestyle.
“I don’t often travel anywhere, but when I do, I have an RV and I do bring my dogs (because) it would be like leaving your kid, and I can’t imagine doing it,” said Blaschke of her dogs Louie and Dottie.
State parks are also an option for dog lovers, including local favorite Abilene State Park (16 miles southwest of town near Tuscola) as well as the state parks in San Angelo (on the shores of Lake O.C. Fisher) and at Lake Brownwood (16 miles northwest of Brownwood.)
All state parks have regulations which require that dogs be on a six-foot or shorter leash and be attended at all times. (Dogs are not allowed in buildings at the state parks, so you’ll need to plan on tent camping or staying in an RV, but the advantage to taking your dog to a state park is that there is no additional pet fee or deposit.)
At Abilene State Park, you and your pooch can enjoy observing wildlife on the natural trails — if your dog can be stealthy — such as white-tailed deer, raccoon, armadillo, fox, squirrel, cottontail rabbit and a variety of birds.
At Lake Brownwood State Park, park superintendent John Holland said campers and picnickers are more than welcome to bring their dogs as long as they follow the rules.
“They can go everywhere (within the park) except the actual swim beach,” he explained. “The pet needs to be with them at all times. (Owners) can’t go off and just leave (their dog) tied up or in a pen while they’ve gone somewhere else.”
And, at San Angelo State Park, dog lovers can join with others who enjoy the park’s hiking and walking trails and equestrian areas. The park even has camping facilities for visitors who want to bring their horses, said Kurt Kemp, park superintendent.
“People bring their horses and their dogs and their own families, and I’ve even had campers bring their cats with them,” Kemp said, adding that the park prides itself on being pet-friendly.
The park also hosts an annual fundraising event for the park that’s catered to dog lovers: The Weiner Dog Races are held each spring during the Dog’s Day at the Park event. The park also features the state’s official 100-head longhorn herd for visitors to observe, and local kennel clubs have offered canine educational programs at the park throughout the year, Kemp added.
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