Whether you live in the Plano, Texas, area, or are just visiting, dog owners can find plenty of places to hang out together. You can bring your beloved companion with you while you eat or enjoy a frosty beverage. Or you can take your canine where he can roam free without a leash. Better yet, you can take your pooch on a hike, and you can both get some exercise. So, bring your four-legged friend and stay awhile at one of these dog-friendly spots near Plano.
Restaurants
In 2013, the Plano City Council voted unanimously to change its restaurant health code, permitting businesses to allow dogs. As of 2018, more than 70 restaurants welcome dogs at their outdoor tables. With names like the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, you can’t help but invite your canine to join you. This dog-friendly restaurant serves a variety of dishes paired with a lengthy list of draft beer. Your dog even receives a complimentary water bowl.
Known for its food and nightlife, the Holy Grail Pub specializes in refined pub fare and craft beer. A recipient of accolades from regional publications, this spot has a dog-friendly patio, so you can eat, drink, and scratch Fido.
The Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar is a popular spot due to its farm-to-kitchen fare and cocktails from scratch only. Grab a seat on the porch with your canine and enjoy the fresh air while eating your meal.
Parks
What dog doesn’t enjoy running around outside? Treat your canine to some fun of their own and visit one of Plano’s numerous dog parks. Open daily, except for Tuesday, Jack Carter Dog Park sits on 2 acres near Bluebonnet Trail. There’s a separate area for small and large dogs along with shade shelters, water stations, and a dog rinse station.
The NorthBark Dog Park, almost 20 miles south of Plano in Dallas, is a 22-acre off-leash dog park. As the largest dog park in the area, it features a doggy lake where your puppy can frolic and a pavilion for the humans to sit under. There are two separate fenced areas for small and large dogs. When you’re done, you can put the leash back on your dog and visit the park’s walking trail.
Trails
If you would rather get some exercise with your dog, you can visit one of the hiking trails in the area. The Bluebonnet Trail covers 7.6 miles with a short break near Preston Road. It also connects to other Plano-area trails, such as the Chisholm Trail, Blue Ridge Park Trail, and Shady Brook Trail. The Bob Woodruff Park Trail is a smaller trail, and it features a loop and several spurs. It also connects to the Santa Fe Trail and the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve Trail.
Enjoy the warm temperatures offered near Plano and bring your dog to hang out with you. Whether you’re in the mood for a meal, a cocktail, or a romp in the water, your canine can join you at these dog-friendly spots. Just make sure to pick up after your pooch no matter where you go.
Photo: “Dog” by Michal Ščuglík via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original