As the owner of a Saint Bernard who brings us her leash when she notices we are getting ready to leave the house, we know how important it is to find furry-friend friendly places she can go with us. There is no shortage of hiking, biking, water and outdoor activities in Wilson County that welcome pets,, but she loves nothing more than spreading across a patio and letting everyone who walks by tell her how pretty she is. It really is her favorite pastime next to sleeping and eating.
Slow Hand Bakehouse feels like home with their sprawling front porch patio. Their amazing coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos are a special treat for you, and they usually have dog treats to share with your pup too.
You already know we love Sammy B’s cocktails and happy hour, and just about everything else on the menu. But did you know they love when you bring your pup to enjoy your meal with them on the patio? This local favorite patio is a pet favorite too.
Tenn Lakes Brewing Co. was already voted some of the best beer and pizza in town, and their new patio does not disappoint either. Tucked in the corner of The Mill, with an abundance of shade, this space is an extension of their inside in the best way. And how can you argue with pizza and a beer with your dog?
The Lebanon Dog Park at Bob Smith Memorial Park, 408 Jim Draper Blvd., is a fully fenced, off-leash park with a playground that is sure to get the energies out. This park tends to be underused and although we aren’t mad about often having the place to ourselves, this place is truly a hidden gem you should not sleep on.
Whether you’re camping, hiking, or playing some disk golf, Cedars of Lebanon is a great place to spend time. When we consider places to hike with our exceptionally hairy Saint, we like to find places with maintained trails like Cedars so we can worry a little less about being a tick magnet. Note, there are no poop bags along the trail so bring your own and keep your leash on.
Coming home from an adventure out of town? Pup’s birthday? Three Dog Bakery, 1982 Providence Pkwy Ste 102, in Mount Juliet is an absolute must to make your dog feel extra special. Their celebration cakes, cookies and ice cream not only look good enough to eat yourself, they are salt, sugar, preservative, artificial flavoring and dye free. Bonus, they are locally-owned, their treats are all made in the USA, and they also have homeopathic remedies, apparel, toys, and accessories too.
Of course we can’t always sit around eating and drinking or be out hiking, sometimes our girl just likes to ride along for daily chores. Cumberland Creek Mobile Veterinary Service reminds us that it only takes six minutes for a hot car to be life threatening to a dog, so we would never leave her in the car while we run errands. Box stores like Lowes and Home Depot welcome your leashed dogs everyday making it easy to stop by for a quick shopping trip or let her tag along with us so she can get her fill of pets and loves while we get our checklists taken care of.
