Wag Worthy

A far howl from “ruff“-ing it, man’s best friend has it easy in Halifax County. Use this guide to give your furry friends the space they need to roam, as well as find tasty eateries and lodging where they’re more than welcome.

Pet-Friendly Eateries: Where to Dine

Weldon Mills Distillery, housed in a restored historic building, offers tours and tastings. Grab a seat on the picturesque patio, where your dog can rest while you sample the distillery’s spirits. Pop over to nearby River Falls Park to stretch your legs.

Sunshine Grill welcomes dogs on their covered patio — ideal for days the weather isn’t cooperating but you and Fido still want to get out and enjoy a meal. If you’re lucky, the friendly owners may have a treat waiting for your pup! Don Juan Mexican Restaurante, in Roanoke Rapids, also has a dog-friendly patio. (We recommend the fajitas!)

While you’re getting your own java fix, the Roanoke Rapids Starbucks continues the Starbucks tradition of a whipped cream “pup cup” for four-legged friends.

A Cozy Place to Rest: Where to Stay

Halifax County’s proximity to the interstate means you have plenty of choices for convenient and trusted hotel brands. Some Halifax County vacation rentals also celebrate pets in an environment that feels like home.

The following are just a few of the spots that welcome dogs in our area. (For the most up-to-date listings, refer to bringfido.com.)

• Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids offers pet-friendly rooms for up to two pets, with a fee dependent on the number of nights you stay.
• Hampton Inn holds a similar policy, with a pet weight limit of 80 pounds and fees that rise slightly for stays longer than five days.
• Holiday Inn Express also requests a nonrefundable but affordable fee; they only admit cats and dogs.
• Scotland Neck Inn is a simple and budget-friendly option that allows pets by request.
• Halifax Cottage, a local Airbnb in a restored 1900s home, is pet friendly.

When searching for large vacation rentals on sites like VRBO and Airbnb, remember to check with the rental’s contact listing to see if the rental is open to pets. You may also snag a rental with easy access to Lake Gaston that will let your pets wake up by your side.

Play Fetch: Where to Run

Dogs love getting outdoors, socializing with other dogs, and enjoying the scenery (and the smells!) of nature alongside their families. The following pet-friendly options lend wide open spaces to get all that bountiful energy out.

• Halifax County Visitor Center Dog Run. A stop at the Visitor Center is great for humans, but the dog run is a particular hit with pups feeling cooped-up in the car. With separate spaces for large dogs and small dogs, these fenced runs let them get some energy out, with convenient options like a water feature, clean-up station and picnic tables for the humans.
• Roanoke Canal Trail. With lots of distance for the cyclists, your high-energy dog will also find this beautiful trail a great place to move around in nature.
• Medoc Mountain State Park. Whether you opt to stick around and camp here or just explore the trails, you’ll love the pet-friendly options at Medoc Mountain. Note that pets aren’t allowed inside the buildings and need to remain on their leashes.

Connect with a Local Veterinarian

Just because your pet isn’t feeling his best doesn’t mean you need to leave town. Consult with one of the following Halifax County animal hospitals if you need medical attention during your visit.

• Lake Country Animal Hospital. The vets at this Roanoke Rapids location will treat your pets like their own.
• Creekside Animal Hospital. Also located in Roanoke Rapids, Creekside offers care and healing to pets beyond cats and dogs.
• Roanoke Animal Hospital. A great option in Halifax County, be sure to look for website info about the location in Roanoke Rapids, since a similarly named Virginia location is also listed on search engines.

By Lara Ivanitch