A Tail Wagging Westchester Getaway

Day One:

Get your morning caffeine fix at Coffee Labs Roasters in Tarrytown. With roasts like Doghouse Blend, Rockit Dawg and Circus Dog Espresso and its own canine mascot, this shop is as welcoming to pups as it is their human companions.

Then it’s a short two-mile drive to Lyndhurst, where, when the world’s top purebred dogs aren’t vying for Best in Show this June, dogs on leash can explore 67 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the Hudson River. The estate’s Gothic Revival mansion was once inhabited by railroad tycoon Jay Gould, whose youngest son owned, bred and exhibited St. Bernards at Westminster at the turn of the 20^th century.

For lunch, stop at Lefteris Gyro’s Tarrytown location and enjoy casual, classic Greek fare at an outdoor table while your faithful friend relaxes at your feet. Niko’s Taverna in White Plains is another great pet-friendly choice and will put you halfway to your next stop.

Who’s a good dog? Your dog is—so head east to Rye and pop in at Woof Gang Bakery  or All Paws Gourmet Pet Store to reward them with a fresh-baked treat. Then take a stroll along the Playland Boardwalk to take in the views of Long Island Sound and one of the nation’s most historic amusement parks. Bonus: in the off season, dogs are allowed on Playland’s sandy beach.

Before heading back to Tarrytown, grab a local brew at Tuckahoe’s Broken Bow Brewery, where dogs are welcome in the beer garden, or at the equally dog-friendly Yonkers Brewing Company or Lazy Boy Saloon (White Plains)—all within an easy drive.

If you’re as serious about food as you are about Fido, Tarrytown’s RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen earns raves from critics and locavores for its farm-to-table focus—and has a patio that’s perfect for an al fresco dinner with the pup. Then it’s time to turn in for the night at one of Westchester’s many hotels with pet-friendly policies.*

Day Two:
 

Start with a great brunch at Sweet Grass Grill, another Tarrytown locavore favorite that welcomes dogs in its outdoor dining area.

Drive north to Chappaqua and the 126,000 acres of Gedney Park. Dogs are permitted off leash in the morning hours (and are welcome on leash at other times) to explore miles of trails through wetlands and woodlands.

Another option: Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt. Located at the base of the Old Croton Dam, the park allows dogs on leash and offers impressive views of the dam plus access to the northern end of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail.

Cap off your excellent adventure with a stop at Croton Pet Station for a special treat or new toy to keep pup happily occupied on the way home.