To say that Maine puts out the welcome mat to four-legged visitors is an understatement, as I learned when visiting southern Maine with my 15-year-old well-traveled cocker spaniel. During her time on earth, Brandy has always been a staple on family vacations. Have dog, will travel is our personal mantra. Never before have we experienced such hospitality, graciousness, dog friendly beaches and parks, and a general sense of dog equality as during our June week-long stay in southern Maine. The state even has a local book and newspaper dedicated to dog-friendly travel, which made our lives so much easier and much more fun.
Throughout the years of vacationing with our dog, I’ve heard countless numbers of fellow travelers say, “I wish we could’ve brought ours along!” I’m always surprised when locals aren’t aware of the many businesses or areas that permit access to dogs. In lieu of visiting each of you to dish the inside scoop with unique how-to’s in making your dog’s southern Maine vacation as fun and fret-free as possible, sit, stay and read a while.
Assuming you are reading this article while visiting Maine or in preparation for a visit, you’ll need dog-friendly accommodations. Two of the best websites I’ve used over the years are: www.dogfriendly.com and www.petswelcome.com. Depending on your price range and amenities desired, areas like Portland, Kennebunkport, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth have dog-friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts (yes, you read that right), campgrounds and even beach houses. Want to see what others have to say about the lodging you have in mind? Check out www.tripadvisor.com.
You have the reservations and you’ve arrived in southern Maine. So now what? I’m so glad you asked. Places to see, things to do, restaurants overlooking the water, and they all allow dogs.
When we travel, we like to combine spontaneity with planning so we can make the most of our time here. Stock up on cool water for Rover and snacks for yourself at HB Provisions in the Lower Village of Kennebunk. Just don’t leave Rover outside in the car, as even a few minutes inside a vehicle with the windows left open can lead to sickness and/or death.
By land or by sea, there’s a little of both for you and your pooch to explore. Within the new book, “The Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches and Trails in Maine,” we found that both railway and ferries allow our dog to take a tour with us. One of the ferries that ranked high on our list for dog friendliness and accessibility is Casco Bay Lines (www.cascobaylines.com). In fact, Meghan of Casco Bay replied to an email stating, “Islanders love dogs, and they’re more than welcome on our boats!” I love that attitude, Meghan.
Start your day with one of their many cruises, from a one-hour short jump to Peaks Island or if Rover is so inclined and doesn’t get seasick, try the five-hour day trip to Bailey Island. No, you don’t have to sit on the outskirts of the ferry. As long as your dog is well-behaved, leashed and has a dog ticket ($3.75), all aboard and cast away for the day. Parking is conveniently located in several lots and garages in the nearby vicinity. Be sure to take a clean-up bag and supply of fresh water.
Once you’ve arrived back on dry land, perhaps you’d like to take a trip back in time. Just moments from Casco Bay Lines you’ll find the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company. For a small fee, you and your dog can take a half-hour ride on a steam train. Relax as a railroad volunteer talks about the gorgeous waterfront district and the importance of these two-foot gauge steam trains. Great picture taking and a lovely breeze, your canine pal by your side—can life get any better than this?
Afterwards take a stroll through the museum, which houses historic locomotives. Our guide was both hospitable and knowledgeable, as she guided us through the rich history of Maine’s railways. Did I mention your dog is allowed in? (Not on the preserved train cars, but in the museum itself).
Since you’re already in the Old Port Waterfront District, have some lunch and do some shopping. Many of the restaurants have outdoor tables, which do allow your dog to remain at your feet as you have lunch.
Brandy had her packed lunch while we snacked on a delightful sandwich from a café. While individual stores determine if dogs are allowed inside, I can say that both The Black Dog and Fetch on Commercial Street laid out the two- and four-legged welcome mat to us.
Fetch is a particularly unique store in that they sell items not found in your average pet supply store. Trendy and off-the-beaten-path leashes, collars, magazines, treats and natural items are all available. Agatha & Louise on Fore Street also welcomes dogs and has a store filled with dog-breed items from jewelry to house signs to throw pillows. Learn more about the historic Old Port District at www.portlandmaine.com.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one outstanding store that not only allowed our pet, but gave us free dog-shaped keychains, Woof stickers and a treat for our dog upon entering: Planet Dog, whose company store is in Portland. A sweet Boxer named Rocksy greeted Brandy and her humans upon entering the store, and in true Portland style, kept the welcome mat rolled out for us.
Shopping—those eight letters so many of us pine for on vacation. For many canine owners, shopping can also mean 13 other letters, “No Dogs Allowed.” Not so for many of the stores in southern Maine. Divine shopping, bargains, unique items, and dog friendly attitudes can all be found in Dock Square in Kennebunkport.
Parking is scarce, but if you are lucky enough to garner a spot in the “honor parking” lot, you are set for the day. Two stores that opened their doors to us were Scalawags and Digs, Divots, & Dogs. Be sure to pack a vet-recommended sunblock as you meander from T-shirt shop to jewelry store to pet boutique.
Food—most eateries that allow pets will politely point you to an outdoor table, which is perfectly fine in this beach area. A hidden treasure that allows dogs at its tables on the deck overlooking the gorgeous water is the Cape Pier Chowder House (www.capeporpoiselobster.com). A hop, skip and few jumps from Kennebunkport, you can enjoy a waterfront view as fishermen depart and return with their catch o’ the day. Highly recommended are the crab cakes and lobster roll, of course served while Rover relishes the view beneath the picnic table umbrella. Call ahead to other establishments and ask about take out.
Grab a few sandwiches from Henry VIII Carvery and take a picnic. This unique eatery is in Kennebunkport, and while they don’t allow dogs, their noses will be action as you approach the aromatic delicacies cooking within. If your dog’s diet allows, carved roast beef is available for a dollar an ounce for your pup, served in a Styrofoam container.
Ocean—no trip to southern Maine would be complete without a trek to the ocean. Within a few miles of each other are Portland Head Light Park, Two Lights State Park and Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth. This author and her pooch were enamored with the beauty and majesty of Portland Head Lighthouse overlooking the water. With 90 acres of land, spectacular ocean views and picnicking facilities, this is truly a “must do” on your list of places to visit.
Take necessary precautions when visiting Two Lights and Crescent Beach, because deer, coyote, foxes and raccoons make their home here. Respect all leash laws, posted times for dog-friendly beaches, and do clean up after your pooch.
While winding down our week-long stay in Portland, I learned of the term “As goes Maine, so goes the nation,” referring to Maine being the only state in the country that used to have its elections in September.
This Pennsylvania gal’s wish upon winding down her vacation in southern Maine echoed those very words. I hope that as Maine is one of the most dog friendly states I have ever visited, so too will the rest of the nation be as friendly and accommodating. Dogspeed.
Carol Bryant is a freelance writer/editor living in Pennsylvania. She can be reached at carolbwriter@yahoo.com.
Post a Comment