The only thing I love more than traveling is doing it with my best friend, my dog, Jameson. While traveling with him requires extra preparation and planning, it’s always worth it for the added fun and comfort he brings to the trip.
Traveling with pets can be stressful, so I’m always looking for destinations that aren’t too far away and offer activities he can fully enjoy. My goal is to spend quality time with him, so I try to avoid situations where I have to leave him alone in a hotel room.
Less than a five hour drive from New York City, the Finger Lakes region of New York state has everything you could want for a trip with your four-legged bestie: incredible scenery, excellent hiking opportunities, diverse food options, endless wineries, unique museums, and more. Named for its 11 long, narrow lakes that resemble fingers (hence the name), most of the action centers around Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, and Cayuga Lake.
For this trip, I decided to base myself at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, just outside of Ithaca. Jameson and I had a blast exploring all of the dog-friendly the area had to offer.
I hope this guide helps you and your pups plan an unforgettable adventure here, too!
Where to Stay:
The most popular and convenient places to stay in the Finger Lakes are typically at the top or bottom of one of the lakes. I was looking for something a bit more secluded and rustic in terms of accommodation, so I landed on Enfield Manor, a charming bed-and-breakfast nestled on 15 acres of certified organic conservation land.
The Manor is surrounded by incredible flowers and ponds, and there’s even a Monarch Butterfly Way Station on the property! In addition to its beauty, Enfield Manor is an eco-friendly option, powered by 92 solar panels spread throughout the gardens.
Hosts Inez and Tom were warm and welcoming, as were their two beautiful golden retrievers, Sally and Floyd, who greeted us upon arrival and roamed the grounds throughout the day. We booked the Mallard Cottage for extra privacy, which came with a private deck and plenty of spacious lawn for Jameson to run around and play.
What to Pack for Your Dog:
Packing for your pet should be straightforward, with just a few extra items beyond the everyday essentials.
- Food and Water Bowls
- Along with food and water bowls for your accommodation, bring a collapsible bowl for on-the-go hydration.
- Food
- Pack your dog’s regular food, enough for the number of days you’ll be traveling, plus a little extra. If you’re doing a lot of hiking, your pal may be extra hungry at meal time!
- Towels
- Your dog is going to get dirty outdoors. Bring a towel or two to dry and clean them off before they get into your car or your accommodation.
- Stain Spray
- Even house-trained dogs can have accidents in a new, unfamiliar place. Be prepared by packing some light cleaning supplies, especially in accommodations with carpeting or rugs.
- Leash / Harness with I.D. Tags
- Ensure your dog’s collar or harness has accurate I.D. information with your contact details. If you plan to let your dog off-leash on trails (where permitted), consider getting a GPS device for your dog’s collar, as well.
- Bedding
- Jameson sleeps in bed with me, but I still bring his bed on trips for any downtime he needs.
- Toys
- Pack some of your dog’s favorite toys for comfort and relaxation.
- Poop Bags
- Be considerate on the trails and in the towns just as you would at home – always clean up after your dog!
- Canine First-Aid Kit
- While you likely won’t need it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A first-aid kit will prepare you for anything from scrapes and cuts to ticks and poison ivy.
- Medical Records
- Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and bring a copy of their medical records. It’s also a good idea to research local veterinarians in the area in case of an emergency.
- Outerwear
- Depending on the weather, pack a raincoat or winter coat for cooler temperatures, and booties to protect your dog’s paws if you’re doing a lot of hiking.
Dog Friendly Things To Do in the Finger Lakes:
Visit Watkins Glen State Park
As the most famous state park in the Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen State Park is a must-see. While dogs are not allowed on the popular 1.5-mile Gorge Trail (which takes you over and under the park’s 19 waterfalls) for safety reasons, both the North and South Rim trails above the gorge are pet-friendly and offering fantastic views, These trails are definitely worth exploring with your dog.
Depending on how far you want to hike, and how many photos stops you make, expect to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Pro tip: The main parking lot at the visitor center fills up quickly, so aim to arrive before 9:00 am to secure a spot and enjoy the trails before they get crowded. Parking costs $10, but the park itself is free to visit.
A note on Watkins Glen’s pet policy, as per its website: Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Additional Dog-Friendly Hiking Spots
Watkins Glen State Park is far from the only outdoor area in the Finger Lakes to hike with your dog. Here are a few more pet-friendly spots:
- Taughannock Falls State Park
- Buttermilk Falls State Park
- Robert Treman State Park
Winery Hop on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the oldest wine trail in the United States, offering incredible views of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls, and picturesque vineyards. It’s a must for wine lovers or anyone looking to relax and take in the scenery.
When planning your DIY wine trail, start with the furthest vineyard from your accommodations and work your way closer to your homebase throughout the day.
All ten wineries on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail are dog-friendly. Here are the ones we visited (bolded), along with the full list:
- Americana Vineyards
- Buttonwood Grove Winery
- Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery
- Hosmer Winery
- Knapp Winery
- Lucas Vineyards
- Montezuma Winery
- Six Mile Creek Vineyards
- Swedish Hill Winery
- Thirsty Owl Wine Co.
Spend a Day on the Water
Swimming:
There are a handful of dog-friendly spots for swimming in the Finger Lakes region, including Lakeside Dog Park, Sampson State Park, and Seneca Lake State Park.
Kayaking/Paddleboarding:
For a more active water adventure you can enjoy with your dog, consider paddling boarding or kayaking with them on Owasko Lake through Owasco Paddles at Emerson Park. They offer kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and provide doggie life vests in all sizes for your pup’s safety. Trust me, there’s nothing cuter than a dog in a life vest!
Lake Cruise:
Captain Bill’s offers pet-friendly sightseeing cruises of Seneca Lake, where you and your dog can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. Cruises typically run from mid-May through mid-October. While Jameson and I didn’t have time for this during our trip, the reviews are fantastic, and we’ll definitely plan on it for the next trip.
Explore Downtown Ithaca and Ithaca Commons
Downtown Ithaca and Ithaca Commons are filled with dog-friendly shops, restaurants, and bars, so your furry companion can explore with you. The four-block, pedestrian-only area of Ithaca Commons is a vibrant and eclectic destination known for its public art, thanks to its proximity to Cornell University and Ithaca College. Whether you’re strolling through local shops, enjoying street performances, or grabbing a bite to eat, there’s something for everyone.
You may even catch one of the annual events and festivals hosted in the Commons, such as the Apple Harvest Festival in the fall. Local shops like Sunny Days of Ithaca, which specializes in crafts and gifts from New York State artisans, and Odyssey Bookstore, an independent bookstore with a great selection, offer plenty of unique souvenirs to bring home with you.
Where to Eat and Drink With Your Dog:
- Ithaca Ale House: Located in the City Centre, this spot offers an extensive dining menu alongside a vast selection of craft tap beers, featuring brews from across the country.
- Monks on the Commons: An eclectic gem in Ithaca Downtown Commons, Monks serves up comfort food and creative cocktails in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Moosewood Restaurant: A renowned vegetarian eatery with a charming covered outdoor patio, Moosewood is a must-visit, even for meat eaters. In addition to delicious meals, they also sell branded apparel and a curated selection of house wares.
- Red’s Place: This casual spot offers quality pub food for both lunch and dinner, paired with a great selection of handcrafted beers and wines. It’s perfect for a relaxed, low-key meal.
- The Boatyard Grill: Situated on the waterfront of Cayuga Lake, The Boatyard Grill specializes in steak, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and more. During the summer months, they feature outdoor live music for a fun night on the water.
- Viva Taqueria: This affordable Mexican spot is ideal for enjoying fresh tacos, burritos, and more. It’s also the perfect spot to sip on margaritas or sangria.
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