If you’re ready to jump the fence of city life and want to soak up some vibrant, small-town charm, look no further than the pup-lovin’ town of Excelsior. Bring your appetite and walkin’ shoes, because this place is jam-packed with dog-friendly businesses close enough to double this as your daily W-A-L-K. Read on for 10 fur-friendly spots to hit along the way.
Excelsior Brewing Co.
This brewery is the dog’s woof for a number of reasons. Not only does it have a dog-friendly taproom and patio, but also hosts dog-centric events like pup parades and ugly sweater parties. Bear in mind that pups are only allowed to pawty on the patio after 8 p.m. on weekends, so weekdays are best for the canine folk. (Unfortunately, it’s not on our Brewery Pass yet, but we’ll get ‘em next time!)
GRAY Home + Lifestyle
Calling all pupfluencers! An Instagram aesthetic come to life, this shop offers quality products for your home, body, and skin. Treat yo’ selves with a visit to this shop and peruse the number of products that will make you feel like a couple of brand new puppers. (Did somebody say treat?)
318 Cafe
The small-town vibes shine in 318 Cafe, a cozy cafe that’s the perfect lunch date for you and your doggo. The drool-worthy tacos and a mid-day glass of wine have your name on them, and there’s always pawlenty of fresh water bowls and love for the fur-kiddos.
Brightwater Clothing & Gear
Any Minnesotan knows that outdoor gear is as essential as hearty kibble. This shop has sniffed out the best in ruffwear supply, featuring brands from across the U.S. and Europe. Your furry adventure bud will puppreciate love from the Minnesota-nice staff while you browse the merch.
Lake Effect
Ahoy, pups! There are tons of reasons to give a ship about this nautical-themed shop, including home decor, clothing, doggie goods, and more. Let your pup try out the seafarin’ mutt life with a duck, goose, fish, or shark toy, because, let’s face it… they aren’t going to chew themselves.
Red Sauce Rebellion
Our pick for Italian cuisine, Red Sauce Rebellion has pasta so good it’ll make you do your *good* tricks. Hang with Fido on the patio and order the butternut squash strozzapreti (or the traditional spaghetti, who are we kidding?) and one of its drool-worthy cocktails for the best dinner date with the pooch.
Excelsior Bay Books
Pup won’t stop hounding you for some new reading material? If he’s after anything from Pawnte’s Inferno to 50 Shades of Gravy, visit this indie bookstore with a huge selection of bestsellers and award-winning books. Doggos will enjoy fresh water and treats while judging you for your less refined taste in literature.
The Suburban
You don’t have to be a foodie to sniff out doggone delicious pub grub. With locally-sourced ingredients, this industrial-chic spot is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. We recommend the award-winning burger with a cold beer on tap to make the most of this craft sports bar—of course, this meal pairs perfectly with a seat on the patio for your puptown girl.
Joey Nova’s
Channel your inner New Yorker and head to Joey Nova’s, a locally treasured NYC-style pizza place serving up a dog-friendly patio, complete with treats, water, and a dog-lovin’ staff. About one mile from downtown, this’ll be the perfect spot to end your day. Brooklyn accents are encouraged; love for grrreat pizza is required.
Lake Minnewashta Off-Leash Dog Park
Take the edge off after a day of shopping and tasty noms with a romp and wrestle at Lake Minnewashta’s Dog Park. Make a quick detour by taking Highway 41 on your way out of town to enjoy one mile of off-leash walking trails, two large play areas, a separate small dog area, and a fenced pond for a dip in the water. It’ll be just what the dogtor ordered.
Have any other fave dog-friendly spots in Excelsior? Spread the ruv and put ‘em in the comments. Don’t fur-get to take lots of pics while you’re out and about and tag #SidewalkDog so we can give you ALLL the heart eyes.
(Photo by About a Dog Photography)