Throughout my travels with my wife in Europe, we were struck by the difference in the way restaurants allow dogs inside. After a few of those European trips where dining with dogs was common, we were determined to try and take our dog with us whenever possible.
Our latest German Shepherd, Sophie took a bit longer than previous dogs to pass the test of a well-behaved dog. Once she made the grade, we started taking her to any restaurant we could. Her first big test was at Gina’s in Saint Michaels. She did so well her photo appeared in Edible Delmarva Magazine.
Sophie loved the outdoor patio at Gina’s.
Later that same year, 2017, Sophie returned to Saint Michaels and dined at https://www.avaspizzeria.comAva’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar. At Ava’s, they have a special doggie menu and Sophie enjoyed a chicken dinner while we wined and dined. While some people frown on dining with dogs, the crowd at Ava’s seemed to enjoy having canines around.
Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar in Saint Michaels.
A Very Big Road Trip
In September of 2018, I took Sophie on her first big road trip. Our first stop on our way to Denver from Baltimore was Elkhart, Indiana, We stayed at the very pet-friendly La Quinta and dined at the Chubby Trout. The crew at the Chubby Trout loves it when their human customers bring a dog along. Sophie was given ice water and lots of attention. I loved the food and service.
Chubby Trout dining with dogs.
Sophie did great on the trip, and at a stopover in Lincoln, Nebraska got to meet my niece and her family. We drove to Golden, Colorado the next day where in the heat of the day she happily swam in Clear Creek while dozens of tubers, swimmers, and waders checked her out. She didn’t mind having to swim while attached to her leash.
Sophie swims in Clear Creek.
The next day we picked up her other favorite human, my wife, at the airport and drove up to Fort Collins. We ate at RARE Italian Restaurant, and even though Sophie had to stay outside the patio, she loved it. Passers-by would come and ask to pet her which made her day. She is a very sociable German Shepherd.
Sophie in Ft Collins.
The next stage of the trip from Fort Collins was up to the high country of Colorado for a three-day stay in Buena Vista at a vacation rental. We all enjoyed the fall colors and hikes along the Arkansas River Where Sophie swam off-leash. I was surprised Buena Vista didn’t much approve of dining with dogs so we ate most of our meals at the rental with friends and family.
Sophie swims the Arkansas River.
Back in the Mid-Atlantic
After that trip, it was clear Sophie was ready for more socializing. Her next big trip would be to accompany me on travel writer work to Cape Charles, VA. We stayed at the pet-friendly Sunset Beach Hotel where they have a dog-friendly beach. She loved the early season scene and chased stick in the water as a real German Shepherd should.
Sophie on the beach at Sunset resort.
In the town of Cape Charles, we found the legendary Brown Dog Ice Cream shop just opened for the season. We had to wait a couple of days for it to open on Friday, but it was worth the wait. The owner, Miriam, personally fed Sophie a cup of Waggin’ Tails ice cream.
Sophie at Brown Dog Ice Cream being fed by Miriam.
At The Shanty in Cape Charles, I had the best fried oysters ever! I ordered the spring salad and opted to top it with oysters, a wise choice.
Fried oysters at Shanty.
Sophie hung out on the Shanty’s deck with me and behaved perfectly. This shaded deck is a great place for dining with dogs and the food is excellent.
Sophie at The Shanty.
Dining With Dogs Close to Home
On an unbelievably cool June day, my wife and I went to Loch Bar in downtown Baltimore. Sophie went along and even though nobody fussed over her, she did just fine without the usual “Can I pet your dog” stuff.
Me and Sophie at Loch Bar.
Recently Sophie got to accompany my wife and me to the Historic Wellwood Restaurant in Charlestown, Maryland. She not only got to eat at the restaurant with us, but she also got to go for a ride on the Wellwood Water Taxi.
Sophie at sunset on the Wellwood Water Taxi.
The Wellwood is famous for its steamed crabs and fried chicken. Funny how little bits of chicken kept falling off my plate near Sophie.
Wellwood fried chicken.
Since Sophie is still young, only three years old, I suspect there will be way more dining adventures in the future. After the heat of summer has passed in August, she should be back on the road again to new dining experiences. If you know of any such dining with dogs restaurants, please leave a comment so Sophie and I can try and check it out.
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