Loudoun welcomes millions of visitors yearly, many of which arrive with their furry friends in tow. With dog-friendly resorts, shops, restaurants, wineries and breweries, Loudoun has become a must-visit destination for dog owners. Here, we highlight just how Fido can enjoy a vacation in DC’s Wine Country®.
Overnights
Salamander Middleburg
The elegant Salamander Middleburg is more than an upscale equestrian resort; it welcomes doggos with “open paws”. Terrace rooms with easy access to the grounds have been designated pet-friendly and in-room amenities will include a comfy bed, food and water bowls, organic treats, a special chew toy and waste bags. The expansive grounds are perfect for walks, you are just asked to keep Fido on a leash and not enter public spaces.
Wineries
8 Chains North
Many Loudoun wineries allow dogs; 8 Chains North in the Waterford area welcomes them with an actual dog park. Owners can enjoy a summery glass of Provencal-style Pink Link Rosé on the tasting room terrace gazing out on acres of vines while doggo runs around in the fenced, off-leash dog park to the side. Submit a photo of yourself and your hound and the winery will feature it on its website.
Stone Tower Winery
Located on Hogback Mountain south of Leesburg off Route 15, this gorgeous 55-acre hilltop winery with panoramic views of mountains and vines welcomes dogs as long as they are leashed and remain outside. Fortunately, there are acres of open grounds with multiple al fresco seating areas where Fido can sip a bowl of water and cool down in the shade while you sample the winery’s Chardonnay.
Bogati Winery, Fabbioli Cellars, 868 Estate Vineyards, Breaux Vineyards
All four of these wineries allow dogs, although they must be kept on leashes and are not allowed in the tasting rooms. Fortunately, all locations boast vast open grounds with rolling lawns and tumbling vineyard views. Make sure to bring a water bowl for your dog.
Breweries
Old Ox Brewery
Take a break from walking your dog on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail and head to the patio at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn. Old Ox is close to the trail, loves furry guests and once released a beer called “Slack” benefitting a therapy dog training program. Cheers!
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery
Over in Lucketts, this sprawling and lively brewery has acres of outside space to walk (or run) your hound around and a dog-friendly pavilion where you can sit and sip a tasty IPA and gaze out on surrounding hop fields. There’s live music most weekends and food trucks if you – or pooch – get peckish.
Lost Barrel Brewing
This sleek Middleburg operation specializing in farm brewed ales, lagers, IPAs and stouts has a gorgeous front lawn leading to surrounding woodland. Take a seat on the Adirondacks around the firepits and in between sips of Belgian-style Farm Light or malty Amber Ale, feed your furry friend dog treats and water.
Dirt Farm Brewery
The amazing view from Dirt Farm Brewery gets talked about just as often as the beer. If your dog loves to be lazy in the sunshine, he or she will appreciate a visit to the brewery’s beautiful patio and the vistas of lush Piedmont below, vineyards to the south and mountain crests behind.
Bear Chase Brewing Company
After a hike with your furry friend up to Bears Den Overlook, cool off at Bear Chase Brewing Company. The outdoor patio and grass spaces are perfect places for you and your pup to overlook the county. If you are looking for a longer stay, the brewery includes two lodging properties that welcome pets!
Restaurants
Leesburg
Fire Works Pizza at the Market Station complex welcomes dogs on its sunny, spacious patio and even has a Food for Fido menu. Order homemade dog biscuits, Fido meatballs and even a pork bone broth “Dog Beer”. It all comes with a free Fido Dog Bowl to take home. At Spanky’s Shenanigans Pub attend a Wednesday “Yappy Hour”, with treats and water for dogs alongside classics such as blackened shrimp and Bloody Marys for grown-ups.
Middleburg
Several downtown restaurants and cafes cater to canines. The Red Horse Tavern on the western end of town allows leashed dogs on the al fresco porch, and friendly staff are quick to bring bowls of water and pet your pooch. Common Grounds coffee shop down the street allows dogs inside and out and there are free biscuit treats in a jar next to the milk and sugar counter. Many of the shops on bustling Washington Street have treats for dogs and water bowls outside.
Purcellville
A lot of the action at Monk’s BBQ takes place outside, from live music to an open-air bar to the actual smoking of all that great brisket and ribs. Dogs are welcome outside too and many regulars bring them to enjoy the lively atmosphere and one of those tasty ribs. While it’s technically Paeonian Springs, not Purcellville, Vino 9 Market on Route 9 allows dogs inside and in the courtyard out back, where water bowls are provided. It’s a great refreshment stop if you’ve been walking (or cycling) on the W&OD Trail a few yards away across Route 9.
