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Posted July 2006
Pet-friendly Healdsburg
Wine Country puts out the welcome mat for
four-legged friends By Heather
Irwin
HEALDSBURG—As the dog-days of summer approach, everyone's longing
for a getaway. Trouble is, what to do with Fido? This year, rather
than leaving him home, have a doggone good time with your pets
in Wine Country.
Located a little over an hour north of San Francisco, the town
of Healdsburg is especially pet-friendly, with a host of pet-pleasing
activities and accommodations for four-legged friends.
Run, Spot,
Run
Tucker out your pup at Badger Park, a small, fenced-in patch
of grass that's perfect for smaller dogs, and located close to
downtown. Villa Chanticleer Dog Park is 1.5 acres surrounded
by forests and the Russian River. There is a children's playground
nearby, water for the doggies, and the park is completely fenced-in.
Raise
a Glass to Fido
Several wineries allow dogs on the grounds, and even into the
tasting room. Lambert Bridge Winery (4085 W. Dry Creek Rd Healdsburg,
800.975.0555) has one of the most lenient policies, allowing
dogs in the large picnic grounds and in the wine tasting room.
Foppiano Vineyards (12707 Old Redwood Highway Healdsburg, 707.433.7272)
allows dog at the picnic area and on the self-guided vineyard
tour. Mutt Lynch Winery (1960 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, 707.942.6180)
celebrates the Dog Days of Summer, on August 12 and 13. The annual
charity event benefits the Healdsburg Animal Shelter and features
dog art, food and music. This is the only time the winery is
open to dogs.
Doggie Dishes
Where to grab a bite with Brutus? Many outdoor restaurants allow
pet-owners to dine with their dogs in outdoor areas. Favorite
spots in Healdsburg include the upscale Barndiva (231 Center
St., Healdsburg, 707.431.0100) with beautiful gardens and a fresh,
well-crafted menu; Willi’s Seafood & Raw
Bar, (403 Healdsburg
Ave, Healdsburg, 707.433.9191) for great small-plate dining;
as well as Giorgio's (5 Grant Ave., Healdsburg, 707.433.1106).
A little further a field, the Garden
Court Café & Bakery (13875 Sonoma Highway 12, Glen Ellen, 707.935.165) even offers
a special doggie menu.
The Pampered Pooch
They don't ask for much--a few bones, a nice collar, perhaps.
Entire stores, however, are dedicated to indulging owners'
need to, well, indulge their pampered pets. In Healdsburg,
Fideaux (43 North Street, Healdsburg, 707.433.9935) features
the finest doggie couture. Nearby, the Healdsburg
Dog House (212 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707.431.1044) offers free
doggie ice cream to all visiting pooches.
The Tour de Paws
Europeds offers special dog-friendly tours of Wine Country
September 3-8, October 1- and October 22-27. With trips to
San Francisco and Napa, the excursion includes all accommodations,
special wine tasting and even a professional dog walker (should
you need a little time alone). www.europeds.com |
