Our four-legged family members enjoy a beautiful Saturday in downtown as much as anyone! Fortunately, Downtown Cary is a welcoming and safe place for pups, with many restaurants and breweries offering treats, water, and even ice cream especially for doggos.
Like many dog lovers, my idea of a perfect day involves taking my best fur-friend Willow along for the ride. To create a guide to the best pet-friendly hotspots in Downtown Cary, Willow and I embarked on an epic adventure, exploring the dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, parks, and stores from a dog’s perspective.
1. FRESH Local Ice Cream
Willow absolutely loves FRESH Local Ice Cream. Not only does she enjoy the scenic outdoor seating and scent of Ashworth’s hotdogs wafting down Chatham Street, but she actually gets her very own bowl of ice cream. That’s right – FRESH creates small bowls of doggy-safe vanilla ice cream with peanut-butter sauce drizzled over tiny dog-treats. It’s a great place to set the tone for the rest of the day in Downtown Cary.
2. BREW Coffee Bar
I typically need a mid-afternoon latte to kick off my downtown adventures. Fortunately, BREW Coffee Bar is right next to FRESH. Willow typically finds other pups to socialize with while I sip my caffeine boost. Best of all, BREW has a little bowl of soft, bite-sized homemade dog treats. Willow uses two or three treats to wash down her ice cream.
3. Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage
While many of Downtown Cary’s businesses allow dogs on their comfortable patios, Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage actually allows pups inside. They also offer treats, so this is Willow’s next stop. With 16 drafts on rotation, and over 100 craft beer selections from breweries across North Carolina, it’s a great place to hang out with a group of friends with a variety of tastes. You’ll almost always see a few dogs casually hanging out inside, and the spacious layout allows plenty of room for pups to socialize and make new friends.
4. Cotton House Craft Brewers
Now that Willow’s had her fill of treats, it’s time for her to get some exercise! It’s just a quick stroll down Academy Street to reach Cotton House Craft Brewers. Their unique selection of beers includes a delicious, bitingly tart Cherry Limeade craft beer. The bar is built into a historic house, providing a rustic, relaxed ambience. The back deck has two stories, a wide open grassy yard, and twinkle-lights hanging overhead. During our adventure, Willow met a new friend named Bella, and they enjoyed romping through the yard while their human friends drank brews and played cornhole.
5. Downtown Park
Just a stone’s throw away from Cotton House Craft Brewers, the beautiful fountain and lawn of the Downtown Park beckon. We grab a few hotdogs from Ashworth’s, lay down a blanket on the lawn, and have a quick picnic. Willow loves watching the kids play, and every so often someone comes over to pet her. It’s a nice place to slow down and enjoy a lovely Autumn day.
6. Cary Downtown Farmers Market
The Cary Downtown Farmers Market brings a sense of community, whimsy, and fun to any weekend. Local vendors offer homemade art, handcrafted soap, farm grown produce, and lovely local art. A folksy musician plays for the crowd, while guests sit down to sip coffee, eat fresh baked goods, and enjoy the show. Dozens of friendly dogs greet each other as humans explore the unique wares. I get two samples of farm-fresh cheese — one for me, one for Willow.
7. City Garden Design
A tiny “Dogs Welcome to Shop” sign adorns a bowl of fresh water for thirsty dogs passing by. Willow takes a sip, then wanders into the open door of City Garden Design. I don’t know about your dog, but Willow is especially happy when she gets to go inside somewhere new–almost like she’s getting a secret peek into a world only humans are able to enter. The fresh-smelling boutique features pottery, plants, candles, art, and more. Here, Willow finds another four-legged friend, and they enjoy shopping together for the perfect garden decor.
8. Crosstown Pub
As dinnertime approaches, Willow and I follow our stomachs to Crosstown Pub, a dog-friendly restaurant within walking distance. With burgers, beers, wings, and other staples, it’s a great place to spend an evening. From the patio, Willow and I watch the streetlights come on and people (and dogs) walking down Chatham Street.
9. Jordan Lake Brewing Company
If you love dogs, Jordan Lake Brewing Company is a perfect hangout! The dog-friendly brewery features lots of canine-related events, like Yoga with Puppies on Saturday, October 19 and a Pug Rescue Event on Sunday, October 20. Every other Wednesday night they have an acoustic jam session beneath the stars, with dogs laying dreamily at their humans’ feet. Several of their upcoming events benefit local dog rescue non-profits, so you can spend time with your dog, drink craft beer, and help other dogs at the same time!
10. Chatham Hill Winery
If you enjoy relaxing wine tastings and smooth jazz, the Chatham Hill Winery is a beautiful, rustic place to spend a warm evening. The charming outdoor deck and mini-vineyard offer plenty of space for calm canine companions.
11. Bond Brothers Beer Company
Willow especially enjoys visiting Bond Brothers Beer Company. There’s almost always a food truck to sample from, there are plenty of other pups to play with, and she’s allowed inside! The tall hedges and trees create a cozy nook, providing a private, intimate place to hang out with your friends and pups. With a large assortment of craft brews made in-house and spacious seating, it’s a great place to make new friends — human or canine!
12. BottleDog Bites & Brews
The word “dog” is right there in the name for BottleDog Bites & Brews! Offering dozens of draft or canned beers, an entire stack of board games, a pool table and dart boards, and even a retro Nintendo hooked up in the corner — this is the place to go for an entertaining night out! They’ve got an eclectic food menu with everything from unique hotdog flavors, specialty pizza toppings, and even vegan options! Willow’s favorite dessert is their maple-bacon pastries — she always gets a small taste of the bacon.
Plan Your Own Dog-Friendly Outing in Downtown Cary
Aside from the ones Willow visited on her day on the town, many of the restaurants in Downtown Cary have outdoor seating where dogs are allowed. Likewise, the Downtown Park, Page-Walker Arts & History Center, breweries, and other venues regularly offer dog-friendly events with live music, vendors, and food trucks. If you’re unsure whether or not an event or space is pet-friendly, just call ahead!
Willow loves helping me “quality test” the dog-friendly venues in Downtown Cary, so keep an eye out for future articles on Cary’s best doggy dates! In fact, come celebrate Dog Days at Fred G. Bond Metro Park for some outdoor Fall fun! For one day only, dogs are allowed on boats, kayaks, and canoes. Plus, enjoy animal-related vendors for gifts and treats your dog will love.
Get out there and enjoy making lifelong memories with your best friend.