6 Things to Do with Your Dog Near Our Waterbury Factory

August 30, 2022

A dog on a boat

It's never too early to start planning your dream trip to ice cream nirvana! Even if travel is still a while off, it's fun to prepare for your next big roadtrip. Take a tour of our factory and visitor center in beautiful Waterbury, VT and you'll see how we fit so much euphoria into each and every pint. Plus, try a sample of a wild and wacky flavor and take a stroll down memory lane in the Flavor Graveyard.

The best part? You don't have to leave your four-legged bestie at home! Vermont is famously dog-friendly and if you love dogs as much as we do (have you met our K9-5ers?), we're betting you’ll want to include Fido in the action. That’s why we tracked down a few of the best dog-friendly places to go and things to do while you’re in the Waterbury area.

 

  1. When You Want to Mix (and Sniff) and Mingle

    Located on River Road, just outside the village of Waterbury, the Waterbury Dog Park is where all the coolest canines in the area hang out. Volunteers raised the money for construction and continue to provide all the maintenance and upkeep. If you decide to visit, here’s an inside tip: some of Vermont’s best mountain-biking trails can be accessed not far from the park. Word is that dogs are welcome on the less heavily used trails. 

  2. For Dogs Who Love the Mountains

    Dogs love to roam. It’s a fact. And around here, there are endless options for when you and your pooch want to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh mountain air. The breathtaking (literally and figuratively) hike to Mount Hunger is popular with both locals and visitors. You’ll always find dogs channeling their inner wolf on the (sometimes quite steep, FYI) trails to and from one of the best views in Vermont. Just remember, no matter which hike you choose, be sure to clean up after your pup!

  3. Trails for Chic and Sophisticated City Dogs

    If you and your tail-wagging companion prefer flatter, but no less gorgeous, terrain, don’t worry. There’s an easygoing loop trail that takes you from the historic, and award-winning, Waterbury State Complex down by the Winooski River and back. And be sure to check out the Recreation Path in Stowe, just north of Waterbury. There’s no finer place to spend a summer afternoon. (While you’re in Stowe, visit the Alchemist Brewery: they’re dog-friendly and you can grab some four-packs for your friends back home.)

  4. Time to Rest and Recharge

    All that fetching, panting, and running can make a dog, not to mention its owner, tired. Need a break and a bite to eat? Do yourself a huge favor and stop in at the Stowe Street Cafe in downtown Waterbury. The sandwiches and pastries will make you feel like a new (and much happier) person, and when you dine outside, the cafe’s staff is always happy to bring out a bowl of fresh water for your canine compadre. If you happen to be in town on Thursday afternoons through the summer, then you MUST go to the Waterbury Farmers Market. With food, crafts, live music, and a very dog-friendly vibe, it’s what summer in Vermont is all about. 

  5. Sleep Under the Stars

    There’s no place like the Green Mountain State for getting back to nature. At Little River State Park, you can go boating, play on the ballfields, or explore the many trails (including the fascinating History Hike, where you’ll see evidence of a settlement that was abandoned in the early 1900s). If your pooch can’t get enough of the water, then you’ll want to snag one of the waterfront campsites—you and your pal can doggy paddle there to your hearts’ content. 

  6. A Night Out on the Town

    You’ve earned it. You played hard all day and before you zip up your sleeping bag, one of Vermont’s famous craft brews would really hit the spot. No need to leave your dog at the campsite! We’ve got you covered. Idletyme Brewing in Stowe has a fantastic outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome to lounge at your feet while you sample beers made on-site. Prohibition Pig in Waterbury is another renowned local brew pub with space outside for your dog to enjoy. Come for the meats and libations, stay because life is really good here—for humans and dogs alike.