Skip to main content

Connecticut is a surprisingly dog friendly state- if you know where to look!

We have tons of Dog Friendly Parks and Beaches (Just note that some beaches restrict dogs during bird nesting season).

There are also dog friendly museums (we’re looking at you, Mystic Seaport!), places to eat (including some breweries that allow dogs INSIDE which is amazing for a cold day), and shops.

Basically, there is no shortage of fun places that you can bring your dog if you feel like heading out on an outing together.

Also, this list is in honor of Ramsey who crossed the Rainbow Bridge this week. He was a Very Good Boy. We miss you, Buddy.

Dog Friendly Fall Fairs and Festivals:

1. September-October: The Connecticut Renaissance Faire

2. September 9: CT Folk Festival

3. September 9: Annual Animal Blessing in Redding

4. September 16-17: 2023 Chester Dog Fair

5. September 24: Puttin’ On The Dog

6. September 24: Bark in the Park in Bethel

7. September 30: Paws in the Park in South Windsor

8. October 8: Danbury’s Pets in the Park

9. October 14: Lucky Pawlooza

Dog Friendly Places to Eat:

10. Jealous Monk, Olde Mystik Village– Features a covered and heated outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. 

11. Abbotts Lobster in the RoughBring your doggo to get a Lobster Roll until they close for the season in October!

12. Lobster Landing, Clinton:  Bring your doggo to get a Lobster Roll until they close for the season in October!

13: Guilford Lobster Pound:  Bring your doggo to get a Lobster Roll until they close for the season in October!

14. The Place, GuilfordAll seating is outdoors, so definitely go on a nice day! 

15. Alvarium Beer in New Britain: Both Beer and Coffee- and dogs are allowed INSIDE the tap room!

16. Lock City Brewing, Stamford: Dogs welcome both inside and out!

17. Milford Point Brewing: Kid and dog friendly!

18. Reverie Brewing, Newtown: Dogs allowed in the tap room. 

19. Beer’d Brewing Co, Stonington : Dogs aren’t permitted in The Beer’d Garden, but they have created an area called the Dog Den where you can enjoy a beer with your furry friends. 

20: Lenny and Joe’s, Madison: Dogs allowed in the outdoor area, which, let’s face it, is everyone’s favorite anyway. 

Dog Friendly Museums and Attractions:

21: Mystic Seaport Museum: One of the country’s best places to visit is also dog friendly! Dogs are allowed in the 2 main museum areas and on the grounds. 

22: Florence Griswold MuseumDogs allowed throughout the grounds, though they are not permitted in the art galleries. 

23: Weir Farm, National Park:  Did you know Connecticut has a National Park for Art? I did not either, but it does and it is also dog friendly.

24: Elizabeth Park, HartfordSome of Connecticut’s most beautiful gardens are free and fido friendly! 

25: Wickham Park, ManchesterAnother wonderful outdoor garden to explore with your dog. Please note dogs are not allowed in the aviary or on the playground.

26. South Windsor Bark ParkThis is one of the best dog parks in Connecticut – an area for big dogs and little dogs, plus some amazing walking trails.

27: Riverfront Park, GlastonburyThis large dog park offers a wide range of amenities for dogs of all sizes.

Dog Friendly Shopping Areas:

28: The Shops at Evergreen Walk, South Windsor: The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk is a dog-friendly shopping center. Customers may bring leashed, well-behaved dogs to the common areas of the shopping center and shop with dogs in participating stores. Dog-friendly stores will have a decal on their door.

29: Olde Mystik Village: Stroll the beautiful lanes and enjoy shopping in distinctive buildings designed to represent a New England Village in 1720. Visit more than 40 quaint shops that feature unique items from around the world. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany you.

30: Coventry Farmers Market (And most farmer’s markets, TBH): Most Farmers Markets around the state are Dog Friendly- including the state’s largest! Bring your pup to sample cheese and lots of tasty treats.

What are we missing? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, dog policies can change at any time. Please check before heading out.

3 Comments

  • Hello,
    Branford Compassion Club is hosting an Animal Awareness Day on the Branford Town Green Oct. 1st, 2023. Pet Friendly, Kid Friendly, And Free and open to the public.
    There will be multiple Animal Rescue Organizations, Mystic Aquarium Touch Tanks, Face Painting, Food Trucks, Vendors, Animal Demos and best of all The Individual Blessing of the Animals! Fun for the whole family including Fido!

  • Lulu Torres says:

    Nice

Leave a Reply