This article is brought to you in partnership with pup-friendly Smith & Porter. Read on for more about what makes ‘em pawesome!
With the majority of summer already behind us, I think we can all agree: What the pup was that? Chin up, Chihuahuas: there’s still time to pack in some Minnesota fun with a doggy date by your side. To inspire your next outing, we sniffed out six dog-friendly spots in Minneapolis’ Mill District.
Put the ‘social’ in social distance with a stop at Smith & Porter Restaurant + Bar, a relaxed neighborhood dining spot with a dog-friendly patio. Smith & Porter specializes in modern food featuring local ingredients. Try the drool-worthy smoked walleye tots or signature Mill City Burger with onion jam and thick-cut bacon. Quench your thirst with their Mill City Mule or the Smoked Old Fashioned.
Your chowhound will go wild for their wide selection of doggo treats. We’re talkin’ Von Hanson’s bones, pig ears, “Doggy Delight” dairy-free ice cream, biscuits, and more.
Smith & Porter’s brand new patio furniture adds to its ambiance. (Pro tip: our exclusive Patio Leash makes it a snap to set up your pup at your feet.)
And if you’re feeling that curbside lifestyle lately, Smith & Porter’s takeout awaits.
Fun fact: Nestled above Smith & Porter is Abiitan Mill City, a community of living spaces for age 55+ which is also dog-friendly, featuring Z-E-R-O breed or weight restrictions!
Never has retail therapy been more necessary, and dogs make the best enablers — er, shopping companions. This home goods store welcomes them inside. We’re obsessed with Faribault’s summer throw blankets, which are doggone perfect for the beach, bonfire, or hammock.
From a wide selection of craft beer to N/A treats like house-made kombucha, Day Block has it all — including a sweet dog-friendly patio with afternoon sun. The smartest hoomans can even score free beer at Day Block with our Dog-Friendly Brewery Pass.
For a quick caffeine pick-me-up, make a stop at Dunn Brothers’ petite dog-friendly patio. Or take your joe to go: our next suggestions involve a W-A-L-K.
Did someone say ‘photo op’? Gold Medal Park, a gorgeous 7.5-acre greenspace in the heart of this neighborhood, is your dog’s new favorite Instagram backdrop. Climb the mound for views of the Mississippi River, Stone Arch Bridge, and Guthrie theater. Then plop down under a grove of trees for some screen-free snuggles with your four-legged BFF.
North Loop Dog Park or 205 Bark
Finally, if your ideal doggy date wouldn’t be complete without an off-leash romp, take a stroll along the Mississippi River to one of these snug, fully fenced play areas for urban pooches.
Time to show this pandemic who’s boss, SWDers! (Safely, that is.) Share your Mill District intel in the comments and don’t forget to tag #sidewalkdog in your adventures.
This article was brought to you in partnership with Smith & Porter, a restaurant and bar where you can distance socially while eating locally. Humans will love their delicious, fresh dishes for dine in or takeout; dogs’ll love their impressive selection of canine treats and a pups-welcome patio.
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(Photo by Day Block Brewing Company)