Courtesy Photo
Dirk the Doxie feasts his eyes on a pupcake, which is a special dog treat made by Bliss Cupcakes.
One of the reasons that Fayetteville has a thriving dog-friendly community is because so many businesses cater to dogs. Many business owners are also dog lovers and understand the bond a person has with their dog. The NWA Bark-It list highlights the businesses and events that include our BFF (best furry friend) so we can make special memories with our beloved doggy companions.
NWA “Bark It” List:
- Campout at Devils Den State Park
- Snack on custom dog treats and hang on the patio at Core Brewing Co., then hit the rest of the dog friendly breweries on the Ale Trail
- Bar hop together during the Dickson Street Pup Crawl (late April)
- Stroll Gulley Park during the Humane Society of the Ozark Dogwood Walk (May)
- Catch a Natural’s baseball game together during Bark in the Park (May & August)
- Enjoy a free Pupsicle from Pedal Pops at Farmers Market
- Stroll arts & crafts vendors during “1st Thursday”
- Chase tennis balls and make friends at Iam’s Dog Park
- Enjoy an outdoor concert at Gulley Park Summer Concert Series (Summer)
- Kayak the Elk River (Elk River Resort allows dogs on the kayaks & canoes)
- Make a splash at the Soggy Doggy Pool Party (Prairie Grove, late August)
- Tour the outdoor art exhibits on the hiking trails of Crystal Bridges
- Sample Pupcakes from Bliss Cupcakes
- Get a blessing at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at the annual Blessing of the Animals(service held 5:30 p.m. on Sunday close to St. Francis day in October) and attend the 7:30 a.m. pet-friendly service at St. Paul’s
- Taste-test a cheese and wine pairing at Sassafras Springs Vineyard
- Wear themed costumes to the annual Halloween Party @ Dog Party USA
- Pack a picnic and tour the grounds at Terra Studios
- Treat the pack to Pup Cups at Andy’s Frozen Custard
- Buy matching shirts at Something Urban
- Get a pet portrait with Santa during the holidays (great for Christmas cards!)
AUGUST CALENDAR OF DOG FRIENDLY EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS:
First Thursday will take place around the Fayetteville Square on Thursday Aug. 4 beginning at 6 p.m. There will be art, food for purchase, children’s activities and music.
PEANUT BUTTER, PUPPIES & PINTS —Set for Saturday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Nomads Music Lounge. There is a special dog menu including peanut butter smoothies and chicken sno-cones for the pups as well as a full human food menu and craft beer selection. Ten percent of proceeds will go to the Washington County Animal Shelter. Rain or shine so come with your pup and enjoy their covered patio at 1431 S. School, Fayetteville.
YAPPY HOUR — B.Y.O.D. Bring your own dog to Yappy Hour benefiting the Animal League of Washington County on Thursday Aug. 18 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the Noodles patio! Admission is $10 which includes live music, giveaways, appetizers and gourmet dog treats. Cash bar available. Proceeds benefit Animal League of Washington County. Noodles is located at 3748 Mall Ave., Fayetteville.
SOGGY DOGGY POOL PARTY — Make a splash at the Soggy Doggy Pool Party on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Prairie Grove Aquatic Park! Dogs take over the pool for the ultimate end-of-summer bash. First dog is $15 and $10 for each additional dog. Humans are free! This is a ‘dogs only’ swim (no humans allowed in the pool). Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Prairie Grove Pound. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the event ends at 2 p.m. Dogs must be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and dog and people friendly. The Aquatic Park is located at 311 Butler St., Prairie Grove.
BARK IN THE PARK — NWA Naturals presents Bark in the Park on Sunday, Aug, 21. Bring your dog to the ballpark for an afternoon of family fun! Dogs admitted free with a paid owner. Game time is 2:05 p.m.
Hope to see you at one of these great events! Until next month…Keep Fayetteville Furry! xoxo Stephanie & Dirk
