Meet Leisure Pup
If you are a follower of DW&S, you know that our team loves dogs. As a matter of fact, our dog posts, stories, and guides are popular in both the magazine and online. (#DWSdog) So, when we found @LeisurePup on Facebook, we knew that we needed to meet both Rummy and Lindsey. With Virginia breweries, wineries, and outdoor cafes now allowing guests to bring their furry friends, we asked Rummy (and Lindsey) to tell us about favorite spots. All dog-friendly.
From Rummy and Lindsey…
Blogging and posting about dog-friendly places across Virginia has some challenges. Not all sites advertised as “dog-friendly” end up getting the paw stamp of approval.
We lucked out with Rummy in that she’s super chill, but most dogs need a little standoff space. So, when I write reviews and post on social, I like to make special note of three things:
- How many dog-friendly tables are available?
- How much shade is provided?
- What is the general comfort level for both the dogs and guests in the dog-friendly area?
I know restaurants are not designed for dogs, and I don’t expect them to cater to dogs. So I don’t bash, but I do like to provide the necessary information that I know will be helpful to dog-owners…and the dogs.
Rummy has visited many places across Virginia. You can follow along on our Leisure Pup Facebook page. When asked to pick three sites for this DW&S story, I picked a few of our favorites.
Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards in Hamilton, VA. We love this dog-friendly tasting room and thought Rummy checking out the cheese basket is fitting. I believe it showcases what a tasting room experience should be– enjoying great food and wine with friends and family (four legs included, of course!). If you are near Hamilton, you might enjoy reading about where to Eat, Drink & Sleep in Loudoun County.
New District Brewing Company in Shirlington. Rummy really likes this brewery because it is right at the entrance of the Shirlington Dog Park. Rummy and I both believe this dog park is the best in Northern Virginia. I love taking Rummy out with us to breweries and wineries, but feel like we should let her be a normal dog before we ask her to behave in a tasting or taproom. So, I generally try to incorporate a park or hike so she can burn some energy before we all relax. Fortunately for us, there are many great combos for these types of outings all over Virginia.
Most breweries either have food trucks or allow you to have food delivered: so, we frequent them more often in winter when al fresco dining isn’t an option. This is just one way we include Rummy in our outings year-round.
Quinn’s on the Corner We like Quinn’s for several reasons. Quinn’s has many outdoor tables, and they are spaced far enough that I think most dogs can comfortably lie next to you without being stepped on by staff or other patrons. Plus, they have indoor TVs right at the windows facing the patio, so you can watch a game outside with your pup. That’s a bonus!
As more Tasting Rooms across Virginia become dog-friendly, we will continue to follow Leisure Pup and check-in with both Rummy and Lindsey.
