Pet-friendly Elizabeth City Area Outings

Man’s best friends are celebrated here in the Harbor of Hospitality®. There’s plenty to explore together so no matter how you and your pup like to enjoy your vacation, keep reading for a few suggestions on how your pack can have a doggone good time in Elizabeth City.

Start your day at locally-owned Muddy Waters Coffeehouse for coffee where the baristas have treats on hand for you and your four-legged friend. You’ll enjoy the fresh, house-roasted coffee beans and your dog can have their very own pup-cup to savor. Feel free to bring your pup inside or enjoy your treats on the patio enjoying the breeze.

While you're there, don't forget to snag a pic in front of the beautiful mural hand-painted by artist, Holly Cole Luke.

If bubble tea is more your style be sure to check out Elizabeth City's newest coffee shop, The Kraken Coffee House, for unique lattes, refreshers, boba and more. You can cool off (or warm up) indoors or set up camp at one of the outdoor picnic tables.

Next up, Page After Page, a dog-friendly literary haven, which often has a doggy water bowl next to its entrance for your pup to cool down on warmer days after exploring downtown. Check out the regional book selection and learn more about the history of the region while you cool your paws at this electic bookstore.

If you're feeling a bit hot, just around the corner at Jade Whale you can shop and cool off with popsicles, keto ice cream bars, bubble tee bars and doggie ice cream.

If you're just looking to take the scenic route you can stroll through several in one shot and get your daily walk in. Start at Mariners' Wharf, walk on the brick pathway on the waterfront and over to Waterfront Park to take in the riverfront sights and sounds. Once you get to the boat ramp, you'll walk over the small bridge to the new Coast Guard Park where there are picnic tables and benches on the dock to take a break and enjoy the view. Right across the street is Charles Creek Park and College Park (formerly Dog Corner Park) where you can walk the boardwalk loop to check out some local flora and fauna and then kick up your feet (or paws) and just enjoy the beauty of nature before you head downtown.

One of downtown's favorite watering holes, Seven Sounds Brewing Company, welcomes you and your pup inside the brewery and out back to soak in the waterfront views and a delicious craft beer. If you're feeling hungry your pup is welcome on the outdoor patio at Hoppin' Johnz in beautiful Pailin's Alley so they can take a quick nap while you enjoy your meal. While you trek through our nearby downtown district, you can make a pitstop at dog-friendly Big Boss Burritos for tasty churros and a burrito while your dog enjoys a nice drink from the water bowl provided by the entrance. Head on over to Main Street’s Virginia Dare Arcade for The SweetEasy with unique pasteries, half-pound cookies, and cake jars. Dogs are welcome to hang out inside the bakery to and they even offer doggie desserts your pup will love. This bakery receives two paws up!

Feeling more in tune with nature? Head over to the Dismal Swamp State Parks trail to stretch your legs and run off some pent-up energy. The trail weaves among the trees, providing a great place for sniffing and bird watching with benches for rest breaks along the way.

During warmer months, locally-owned Nu-Quality Ice Cream has decadent sundaes and candy-infused cold treats for you and a cup of vanilla ice cream with a tasty treat on top for your fur baby. You can both take a seat at their outdoor tables to enjoy your dessert and relax in the sunshine.

Next, head on over to Avdet Brewing Company in mid-town — veteran-owned and -operated 3.5 barrel Nanobrewery paying homage to the Coast Guard aviation history located in Elizabeth City! 

After a day of fun, enjoy a night out with your pup and dinner in beautiful, historic Pailin’s Alley. Grab dinner to-go from a variety of downtown dining options including Island Breeze Grill and The Mills, and have your meal at one of the outdoor tables. While you're in the alley, be sure to stop in and grab a fresh craft beer from Elizabeth City's first microbrewery, Ghost Harbor Brewing Company; they even sell locally-made dog treats so you can reward your pup for being awesome while they relax with you inside!

In the mood for a peaceful, Italian dinner with a waterview? Waterfront Paradiso Roma Ristorante has a spacious pet-friendly deck so you and your pup can relax outdoors while you dine with a scenic backdrop of the Pasquotank River.

When the day is done, rest your paws at one of Elizabeth City’s many hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts or AirBnbs, with several pet-friendly options to choose from including the Hampton Inn which welcomes your furry felines and canine companions!. Check out our Insider’s Guide blog and events calendar for more information on what’s happening in EC and things to do during your stay.

Be sure to document your trip to Elizabeth City by posting pictures with #VisitECity. Happy travels….woof, woof!

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