Alexandria has earned the ranking of No. 2 two in the nation when it comes to dog-friendly amenities, according to a Rent.com ranking. The city comes in just behind Miami. That means Alexandria is the perfect spot to plan the ultimate day in the city with your pet.
Here’s how you can create a day that your pooch, if it could speak, would say, “Best. Day. Ever.”
Get your canine’s sillies out at Frolick Dog’s Gym. Dog owners know just how much pups need to get their “sillies” out like toddlers sometimes, so make sure to take them to Frolick’s Dog Gym on Colvin Street. Frolick calls itself a “Canine Sports Club.” Dogs can get gym memberships much like their owners do at regular gyms. Gym hours are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The indoor facility is open year-round and features specialized canine gym equipment and an agility course.
Owners are welcome to drop in during gym hours to exercise their dogs with no reservation required and no time limits. Staffers are always on hand to show you how to best work with your dog at each piece of equipment. Membership includes the unlimited gym access during drop-in hours, use of grooming facilities, wellness seminars, and event invites. 3208 Colvin St., Alexandria
Hit the showers at VIP Pet Elite. After running around Frolick, your dog may want a post-gym shower. VIP Pet Elite’s mobile grooming van serves the surrounding area, providing a full grooming experience. That experience includes shampooing, conditioning, and blow drying, along with a nail trim, ear cleaning, haircut, and anal gland expression.
Enjoy the sunshine at Jones Point Park. Leashed dogs are welcome at Jones Point Park, located on the Potomac River. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet. A dog drinking bowl, water fountains, and restrooms are located underneath the park’s bridge. Jones Point Park features one of the last remaining riverine lighthouses in Virginia. Park hours are year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jones Point Dr., Alexandria
Head to Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato for some Hungry Henry’s Dog Gelato. The family-owned and operated Casa Rosada is home to Argentine gelato and sorbet. The treats are made with quality natural ingredients and best of all, it doesn’t forget about your pet. Casa Rosada spent months figuring out the ingredients for its frozen dog treat and came up with “Hungry Henry’s Dog Gelato.” The concoction is made with lactose-free milk, coconut oil, cane sugar, and food starch. The base is a pumpkin gelato topped with a peanut butter and banana gelato bone. 111 S. Payne St., Alexandria
Grab a bite at Barkhaus. After a fun-filled day, chances are both your pet and you are going to be hungry. Barkhaus on East Howell Avenue is a dog-friendly bar and restaurant with an off-leash indoor and outdoor dog park. It has classic bar food and theme nights like Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, and Flatbread Fridays. Dogs can even partake in their own menu. Options include Bark-Ables (a dog lunch combo with treats to go), a fruit barkfait (unflavored Chobani with frozen berries), toast and peanut butter, or apples and peanut butter, and of course, puppuccino. 529 E. Howell Ave., Alexandria
Have a staycation at Lorin Hotel & Spa. End your perfect day with your good boy or girl at the Lorien Hotel & Spa on King Street. The hotel welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes with a $25 per pet per night fee. Beds and food bowls are available upon request. The staff is happy to provide directions to the nearest grassy relief area. 1600 King St., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Mary Swift/stock.adobe.com
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