Bring Your Best Friend: A Pet-Friendly Guide to Cayuga County
Your best friend goes everywhere with you at home, so why should vacation be any different?
For many of us, our pets aren’t just pets; they’re part of the family. And when it’s time to get away, leaving them behind can be one of the hardest parts of the trip. Luckily, bringing your four-legged family member along is becoming easier, and Cayuga County has plenty of ways to enjoy a getaway together.
From scenic parks and waterfront walks to pet-friendly patios, wineries and shops, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Cayuga County with your best friend by your side.
Of course, traveling with a pet takes a little planning. The good news? A little homework before you hit the road can help make sure everyone from the humans to the hounds has a great trip.
🐾Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Places to Rest Your Paws
Finding the right place to stay is the first step in planning a pet-friendly getaway. We’ve rounded up several Cayuga County accommodations that welcome four-legged guests.
Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn
Located downtown Auburn this hotel is within walking distance of local museums, shops, restaurants, breweries and more!
Orchard Cottage, Aurora
Orchard Cottage at the Inns of Aurora retains the charm of its 1850s character while being thoroughly modernized as a restorative, private retreat.
Stay with-in walking distance to downtown Auburn. Downtown Auburn is home to museums, breweries, shops and restaurants and the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center.
Abby’s Little Houses
Connect with nature, history and local charm at this unforgettable escape. Close to wineries, breweries, hiking trails, The Spa at the Aurora Inn, and local distilleries.
Pro-Tip: Pet policies, fees and restrictions can change. Always contact your accommodation directly before booking to confirm its current pet policy.
🐾Places to Play: Scenic Hikes & Walks and Parks
A vacation isn’t complete without getting outside and stretching your legs and marveling at the amazing scenery and Cayuga County offers plenty of places to do just that.
From peaceful parks to scenic waterfront areas and walking trails, there’s no shortage of opportunities for your pup to sniff, explore and burn off some energy.
Sterling Nature Center
This spectacular 1400-acre site, with nearly two miles of Lake Ontario shoreline, features glacially formed bluffs with scenic vistas of Lake Ontario. Hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country ski trails available. Call for listing of nature classes, exhibits and events.
This park is an oasis of cool, dense woods crowding into a long, narrow gorge. Its hiking trails offer spectacular views, unique geological formations, including five waterfalls, and a botanically rich glen. The park has 60 campsites, a stream-fed swimming pool and fishing in the Owasco Lake inlet. In the winter, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are permitted on unplowed roads.
The 37-acre Carpenter Falls Unique Area was created for the purposes of recreation and watershed protection. Upper Carpenter Falls is located in the southernmost portion of the property, just off of Appletree Point Road. Lower Carpenter Falls is located in the northernmost portion of the property.
Dogs are allowed on the Fleming side (West of Deauville Island and behind the Express Mart) of the park as well as along the trail running to the High School. Dogs must be on leash unless in the dog park (Lakeside Dog Park).
Located in Emerson Park on beautiful Owasco Lake. Here you can rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up Paddleboards and related equipment for the whole family. Thye are dog friendly and even have dog lifejackets and non-slip mats for your dog!
Sennett Dog Park
Enjoy an enclosed dog recreation area, playgrounds, pavilions, walking trails, and nearby sports courts.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to check posted park rules and leash requirements before heading out.
🐾Grab a Bite: Your Pup Can Come Too!
After a morning of exploring, everyone deserves a break including your four-legged travel companion. Several local restaurants and breweries offer outdoor seating where leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome.
Come for the Wine … Stay for the Day!
It’s not just a winery, it’s a Destination! Have a Wine Tasting, an Estate Tour, a Wood Fired Pizza or a Gourmet Meal, Relax with a Glass, Listen to Live Music, Stroll the Grounds
The Patio at Fargo Bar & Grill
Casual food and atmosphere are the calling card of this newly renovated restaurant and tavern. Take a turn playing pool or throwing horseshoes in the backyard pit.
Enjoy breakfast and brunch fare that is “a little step up from what normal diner fare might be.” Signature meals include shrimp-and-grits eggs Benedict, and chicken and waffles with sriracha maple and bacon jam.
You will find we have a little bit of everything on their store shelves, with a selection of almost 1,000 items! Their friendly staff is ready and willing to assist you in selecting the appropriate products to suit your needs. After shopping enjoy a stack of their famous pancakes…served all day!
Pro-Tip: Pet policies may apply only to outdoor seating areas, so check with the individual business before visiting.
🐾Sip, Relax & Enjoy the Scenery
Wine tasting doesn’t have to mean leaving your best friend behind. Look for wineries, cideries and breweries with outdoor spaces where you can enjoy a local pour while your pup takes in the scenery.
Lunkenheimer’s is a hand-crafted brewing company located in the historic Erie Canal village of Weedsport. They are the place where your pour is incredibly fresh, and everyone celebrates by wetting their whistle. They are this town’s best doggone brew.
Their goal is to bring people together to enjoy a great venue. Serving New York Style IPA’s, Blonde Ales and Sours all made with quality ingredients. Try their flagship blackberry kettle sour with a twist of plum and cinnamon-Twisted Sail!
Wine, beer, food, live music, events & more! Treleaven is your one stop shop located on the east side of Cayuga Lake, just a short 20 minute drive from Ithaca, NY!
Prison City is a gathering place for people who enjoy locally made beer and food. Prison City Pub & Brewery sells hand-crafted beers brewed on premise by their Brewmaster and pair it with elevated pub food with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine.
🐾Shop & Explore with Your Sidekick
Retail therapy is even better with a shopping buddy. Some local shops and boutiques welcome well-behaved, leashed pets, making it easy to browse, shop and explore together.
Stroll through this massive sporting goods store that specializing in fishing, hunting, camping, and outdoor recreation equipment. Visit the Giant Aquarium and marvel at the Wildlife Exhibits.,
Port Byron Erie Canal Heritage Park
Visit authentic canal structures that include the 1853 Enlarged Erie Lock,. 1895 Erie House Saloon, Blacksmith Shop, and Mule Barn. Your pet is even welcome in the visitor center!
🐾Don’t Forget the Photo Op!
Your pup deserves a vacation photo, too! Capture your adventures along the lake, in one of Cayuga County’s charming downtowns or at your favorite outdoor stop and share your memories with us at on Facebook or Instagram using hashtag #tourcayuga or @tourcayuga.
🐾Before You Go: Know the Rules
While more accommodations are welcoming pets, “pet-friendly” doesn’t necessarily mean “anything goes.” Before booking your stay, take a few minutes to check the property’s policies.
💵 What are the pet fees?
Some accommodations charge a nightly fee, a one-time fee or a refundable pet deposit.
⚖️ Is there a size or weight limit?
Some properties have restrictions on the size or weight of pets they accept.
☝️How many pets can you bring?
If you’re traveling with more than one pet, confirm that the property allows multiple animals.
🦮 What types of pets are welcome?
“Pet-friendly” doesn’t automatically mean every type of pet is accepted. Many properties primarily accommodate dogs and cats.
🛏️ Can your pet stay unattended?
Some accommodations allow pets to remain alone in a room, while others require pets to be with their owners at all times.
🐶 Are there breed restrictions?
Some properties, particularly vacation rentals and independent accommodations, may have breed restrictions.
Pro-Tip: Individual properties can have their own rules, even within the same hotel brand, and policies can change. Always confirm current pet fees, restrictions and requirements directly with your accommodation before you arrive.
🐾Ready to Explore?
With a little planning, there’s no reason your best friend has to sit this vacation out. Pack the leash, grab the treats and get ready to discover Cayuga County one walk, patio, winery, lake and scenic stop at a time.
A great website to explore is bringfido.com. This site is the world’s leading pet travel site. Here you can explore pet friendly places to stay, play, and eat with your dog.
🐶The best adventures are the ones you can share.