It’s no secret that Americans love their fur babies. In a survey conducted by YouGov, 88% of respondents say that pets are part of the family.
So if you’re thinking of moving to a new home, pet-friendliness may be one of your criteria for selecting a new neighborhood. After all, you wouldn’t want Fido to miss out on all the fun, right?
The good news is that Loudoun County, VA has a wealth of pet-friendly destinations that make it the ideal community for you. Below are just a few of them:
Morven Park Mansion Grounds
Leesburg, VA
With over 1,000 acres of land, Morven Park Mansion Grounds has more than enough room for your four-legged friends to play. Dogs of all sizes are permitted on the premises — including the picnic areas — provided they are leashed. Of course, the mansion itself and the surrounding buildings are off-limits. Still, there’s plenty to explore here, from the expansive fields, to the wooded ridge, to the manicured boxwood gardens. Moreover, a significant portion of the park lies within Catoctin Ridge, thus offering you and your fur baby miles of hiking trails to conquer.
Fireworks Pizza
Leesburg, VA
Fire Works Pizza is one of those rare restaurants that actually has a separate menu for man’s best friend. Among the things you can order from its Food For Fido menu are homemade dog biscuits, meatballs, and chicken breasts, all prepared to be safe and delicious for dogs. You can even order “dog beer,” a unique non-alcoholic and non-carbonated concoction made from pork bone broth. Needless to say, the restaurant itself is pet-friendly and pooches are free to lounge around on the spacious patio. Humans can also get their pick of mouth-watering pizzas, including Margherita, Siciliana, and the restaurant’s namesake specialty.
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Leesburg, VA
If your dog loves the outdoors as much as you do, head over to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a 695-acre natural wonderland. There are 20 miles of trails to explore, which takes you through fields, forests, and wetlands. Who knows, you may even spot some of the local wildlife like deer, rabbits, and geese. Pups are allowed in the park as long as they are leashed and owners ensure they are well-behaved. The trail that traces Goose Creek is an especially ideal path for dog walking.
8 Chains North
Waterford, VA
A scenic winery that welcomes two and four-legged guests alike? Now anyone can toast to that! Luckily, 8 Chains North is just such a place. In fact, this vineyard has a dedicated off-leash dog park where your pets can play to their heart’s content. And it’s not just Fido who’s going to have fun here. Be sure to sample the winery’s signature offering: the Provencal-inspired Pink Link rosé, which boasts strawberry and melon notes. Sipping fine wine in between playing with your pet — could there be a more delightful way to spend the day?
Old Ox Brewery
Middleburg, VA
After hiking the lush trails of Washington and Old Dominion trail, you and your dog can cool off at Old Ox Brewery. The joint features an outdoor beer garden where dogs can hang out as their owners sample drinks like ale, rye porter, and IPA beers. And if you order the special beer called Slack, the brewery will donate part of the proceeds to a therapy dog training program. The owners have also partnered with local food trucks and restaurants to supply scrumptious food to go along with their excellent brews. For all these reasons, Old Ox Brewery is a can’t-miss destination for people and pups.
Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg, VA
While Salamander Resort & Spa is known as an equestrian resort, dogs are more than welcome here, too. In fact, the company has an “open paws” policy, which grants pooches access to guest rooms and the hotel’s expansive fields. They even offer in-room amenities for your furry pal, including a comfy bed, organic treats, and water bowls. The hotel has a limited number of pet-friendly suites, however, so mention that you’re bringing your dog along when booking a room. Likewise, make sure to keep your dog leashed at all times and clean up after them when exploring the grounds.
Loudoun County, VA offers an ideal lifestyle for both you and your pets. From outdoor adventures, to relaxing experiences, to pet-friendly dining places, you can experience it all in this idyllic corner of the Old Dominion State.
Interested in buying a home here? Get in touch with the Wicker Homes Group today by calling 571.338.3880 or by sending an email to debbiewicker(at)wickerhomes(dotted)com.