published on May 2022

“Ultimutt” Dog Lover Travel Guide

Dining, Fun and Amusement, Outdoors

It’s time to get out of your four walls and travel again with the family! But what about your four-legged family members? Have no fear, Crawford County welcomes you and your pets. We offer a variety of pet-friendly options, whether you’re visiting for leisure, business or family.

In fact, 68% of American households own pets, and 37% of those travel with their pets according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). If you are one of those households, we have some great places for you to stay and cool locations to check out. Plus, when you socialize with your pet, your pet can help establish connections with others and create an immediate common ground. You might make a new friend!

Photo credit: @2travelingdogs
Photo credit: @2travelingdogs

Path of Leashed Resistance

For outdoor adventure, Woodcock Dam, Ernst Trail and Pymatuning State Park are the perfect spots for you. You don’t want to miss the Spillway in Linesville where ducks walk on the fish!

Dining out offers several options with outdoor patio seating and live music in warm weather. In the Meadville area, some great locations to check out are Julian’s Bar & GrillRanz Bar & GrillHunter’s InnTimbercreek Tap and TableFirehouse Tap & GrilleJT’s SteamTableDavenport Fruit Farm Cidery & Winery and Roff School Tavern, which boasts over 100 different microbrews in house. Also, close by are Traveler’s Cafe in Saegertown and Riverside Brewing Company in Cambridge Springs. For folks visiting Conneaut Lake, some options are Station 20 Tap & TableSilver Shores RestaurantIce House Pizzeria & GrillTursky Tavern and Round the Lake Kitchen.

It’s a sure bet that when Eddie’s Footlong Hotdogs and Hank’s Frozen Custard open, spring has officially arrived! These are both third-generation-owned destinations and fun for the whole family. Since both classic locations only have outdoor seating, there is no problem bringing your fur babies along.

If it’s shopping you’re looking for, grab a coffee at the pet-friendly French Creek Coffee & Tea Co. in Meadville and meander around the many downtown boutiques such as Chateau ChristineThe Woolen Mill and Green Shoppe where they carry dog treats and bandanas and will offer your pet a cold drink of water. If you need a cool treat in the summer heat, stop into the new Cup N Spoon for a cooling yogurt, iced coffee, boba tea and more. They also sell pup cups! Speaking of dog treats, let your furry friend indulge in some of the best fresh-baked dog treats around at Confections of a Cake Lover and Kristen’s Kookies (and maybe even pick up a treat for the humans). After hanging out downtown, head up to Diamond Park for a classic walk and maybe some fetch to end the afternoon!

Photo Credit: @trixie_mae_mae
Photo Credit: @trixie_mae_mae

All Around Pawsome Fun

The Market House and other downtown businesses also participate in the Meadville Independent Business Alliances’ First Friday events from February to December with extended business hours, music and some special events. Or, you can visit during Second Saturdays from May to September that include outdoor vendors and entertainment every second Saturday of the month.

While traveling, sometimes pet-friendly hotels can be difficult to find. But in Crawford County, we have several to choose from! In Meadville, the Quality Inn and the Hampton Inn are excited to welcome you and your dog for a visit. If you’re staying out towards the Titusville way, the Quality Inn and the Caboose Motel are great options. Many camping sites are pet-friendly, too, so be sure to call ahead when booking your trip to make sure your pet friends are welcome.

If you’re heading out to a spot that’s not pet-friendly, then Crawford County has some great boarding establishments to keep your friend safe and happy nearby. Knick’s Bed and Biscuit, Maplewood Boarding Kennel, Conneaut Lake Bark Park, Critter Camp and CutsShoalwater Kennel and Maxfields Pet Resort are friendly places that will make your pet feel at home. Be sure to book early — these are popular spots!

Please be paw-lite: While this list is not inclusive, it serves a taste of what Crawford County has to offer for you and your pet. It is recommended you call in advance to any businesses not listed here and always utilize safe practices. Leashes are required and it is always imperative to clean up after your pet. Thank you!


This blog was written in conjunction with Lynnie Unice, a Crawford County resident and pet enthusiast!

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