Page 52 - 2025 Southern NJ Vacationer

PET-FRIENDLY PLACES
Welcome Your Furry Friends with Water Bowls and Treats
Wildwood’s Dog Park was voted as one of the best dog parks in the country
NEARLY TWO-THIRDS of Americans are loving pet owners, so it’s not surprising that most dog owners prefer to travel with their furry friends. In fact, 52 percent of travelers base their travel plans on accommodating pets, and a whopping 75 percent of luxury, mid-scale, and economy hotels allow pets. Many businesses have adopted a pet-friendly attitude here. With an abundance of waterfront or beachfront eateries, outdoor dining patios are perfect spots to visit with canine companions. Just be sure your doggie is on a leash.
Pooches Paradise: It truly is a pooch’s paradise in Cape May County with many dog-friendly activities, museums, places to stay, restaurants, dog parks, and beaches! Start your morning at one of Cape May’s bayside beaches like North Cape May Beach, grab a bite to eat at Beach Plum Farm and explore the grounds, have a wine tasting at Willow Creek Winery, visit Historic Cold Spring Village and the brewery next door, enjoy some afternoon tapas and wine at Cape May Winery, and finish the day with a visit to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum.
A Dog Gone Good Time Downtown: Cape May is a charming coastal town known for its beaches but also is a national historic landmark city with plenty of local shopping, restaurants, historic sites, and tours, especially downtown. The most dog-friendly places downtown include the Boarding House Hotel,
Cape May Dog Park, Elaine’s Restaurant, Collar and Bone and Dog Days of Cape May pet boutiques.
Pup Crawl: Calling all beer, wine, and cocktail lovers! There is no reason your furry friend should have to stay home while you explore Cape May County’s many wineries and breweries. Most of the area’s wineries and breweries have outdoor seating areas, so letting man’s and woman’s best friend come along is a no-brainer. Try sampling award-winning wines and craft brews at Cape May Winery, Willow Creek Winery & Farm, Cold Spring Brewery, Nauti Spirits Distillery, and MudHen Brewing Company, Jessie Creek Winery, Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, Natali Vineyards, Cape May Brewing, Gusto Brewing, Bucket Brigade Brewery, Slack Tide Brewing, Whale Tale Brewing, and Ludlam Island Brewery. Additional dog-friendly spots around the Cape Mays include Harpoons on the Bay, 5 West Tavern, Rusty Nail, Harry’s, Exit Zero, the Blue Pig Tavern, the Lobster House, Delaney’s Irish Pub, and Vintage BYOB on the Emlen Physick Estate.
Dog Days of Summer: Beat the heat and stay cool during the dog days of summer in the Wildwoods or Sea Isle City. These resorts have tons of spots that are dog-friendly, making them the perfect place for a day at the beach or a week-long vacation. Voted as one of the best dog parks in the country, Wildwood
Dog Park & Beach is definitely worth a visit! The beach sand dog park features a 25-foot- high fire hydrant sculpture, a separate area for small and large dogs, and playground obstacles. After letting your dog play and run around, walk down to the beach so your pup can swim in the ocean. If you’re hungry, check out one of the several Wildwoods restaurants and bars that welcome dogs, including PigDog Beach Bar, MudHen Brewing Company, the Copper Dog, the Surfing Pig, and Lazy Bass. Sea Isle City has also just opened a brand-new dog park with tons of space and playground obstacles as well.
The Ocean City area is host to several outdoor eateries that welcome dogs, such as Yanni’s Cafe, Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar and Bistro, and Asbury Kitchen. Just across the causeway, in Marmora, is the Tuckahoe Inn, which has a spacious patio that can accommodate pups.
In Atlantic County, there are many dog- friendly spots, including the newest addition, Stouts and Snouts Brewing, which opened in Hammonton this past January. Among other spots in Hammonton are No. 79, and Ricca’s Brick Oven and Bar. On the mainland in Atlantic County there is a good number of pup-friendly spots, such as Mott’s Creek Inn, Galloway, Moonshiners Bar and Grill, Mays Landing, and Caroline’s and CJ’s Corner Grill, both in Somers Point., LaPizza Tega, Linwood, and Carluccio’s Coal-Fired Pizza in Northfield.
The Atlantic City area is home to a host of businesses that welcome canines, including Ozzie’s in Longport, Hannah G’s and PJ Buckets in Ventnor, and Johnny’s Cafe, Bocca, Maynard’s and Shucker’s Bar and Grille in Margate. The Tun Tavern, Back Bay Ale House, and Vagabond Kitchen and Tap House are all pet-friendly spots in Atlantic City. In Brigantine, the Pirate’s Den welcomes dogs at outside dining tables, and it’s just a short walk to the city’s dog beach.
In Cumberland County, which has plenty of open spaces in which to explore with your pooch, places like The Brass Tap and Merighi’s Savoy Inn, both in Vineland, are spots where you can enjoy a drink or dinner without worrying about leaving Fido in the car.
Expect to see more and more facilities and businesses in New Jersey’s Southern Shore putting out bowls of water and extending treats for your favorite furry friends! l
50 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER