Last Halloween we hosted, in partnership with Northwood Animal Hospital, a Spooktacular Dogs of High Point Halloween Costume Contest. With the Vid’ still around, we chose to be safe and go virtual, hosting the contest through Facebook. It was exciting to see the different costumes and participation as far away as Florida! According to the National Retail Federation in 2018, pet costumes continue to gain popularity with 31.3 million Americans dressing their pets in costumes. That’s 20 percent up from the previous year at 16 percent.
As I scrolled through the photos from the contest I began to think about the love and devotion we give to our pets, myself included, to make sure they are a part of our family and our daily activities, including vacations. Forty percent of pet owners take their dogs with them when they travel. GoPetFriendly.com released a Pet Travel Survey in 2018 confirming pet owners are spending more on products and services for their four-legged family members which also impacts the travel industry. Results showed 37 percent of pet owners will not travel without their pet and more than 60 percent plan three plus getaways a year. More destinations are highlighting pet-friendly attractions in hopes to attract more visitors.
Survey results show that 43 percent look for destinations with fresh air and lots of hiking, making High Point a perfect location with hundreds of parks and trails in the High Point – Greensboro area. Residents and visitors can easily search parks and trails by amenity, name or “near me” with the popular Piedmont Discovery App. Within the app are five dog parks; with the newest in High Point, Hedgcock Dog Park. You’ll need to register your dog with High Point Parks and Recreation before entering; which is a seamless process.
When asked which mode of transportation is mostly likely to be used to vacation, it was no surprise to see 64 percent travel by car with the second most popular by motorhome or RV at 28 percent. High Point’s Oak Hollow Family Campground is surrounded by a Pete Dye designed golf course, tennis courts and Oak Hollow Lake Marina; making it a great outdoor destination with plenty of social distancing opportunities. Pet-friendly hotels in High Point include Super 8 by Wyndham, a Visit High Point Partner of Excellence, located near I-40, just minutes from shopping and dog-friendly restaurant options. While you are greeted with a smile at Super 8 by Wyndham, they are greeted with treats upon arrival!
Breweries across the country recognize the desire for patrons to bring their pups with them as they enjoy a brew and hang out with friends. In North Carolina, State Representative Jon Hardister cosponsored a bill clarifying taprooms may allow patrons to bring dogs into their establishments, putting them in the same category as wineries, which already had the freedom to allow pets in tasting rooms that lack food service areas. Brown Truck Brewery, a local favorite, offers indoor seating and outdoor seating with fire pits for those cooler days, both nice areas for you and your dogs to kickback and relax while enjoying one of their award-winning beers. Dog bowls filled with water are available upon request. Brown Truck also provides kegs for dogs, filled with water of course, at dog-friendly High Point events.
The Pitchin’ Kitchen at Truist Point
is open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and Tuesday and Thursday evenings for specialty food nights. Taco Tuesdays feature specialty tacos and margaritas, and Wing Thursdays feature wing specials. Enjoy local craft beers, wine, and specialty cocktails on the outdoor patio, offering a socially distant atmosphere overlooking the field and water bowls for your pup. After your meal walk over to Blessing Park, near the outfield so your dog can have some play time in the dog park. Opening day will be here at the end of May and we are looking forward to cheering on the Rockers while catching up with friends. Like their Facebook page for information on events happening at the stadium and their game schedule.
Several of our local shops offer special treats that would be hard to pass up for our fur-babies. DeBeen Espresso offers a variety of coffees, espressos, smoothies and baked goods. Don’t be surprised to see people enjoying a cup of joe while their pups sip on a puppacino along the outdoor seating. The Market offers homemade treats for humans and their pups at Dot and Pearl Bakery. Company’s Coming, a great place to pick up prepped meals, offers homemade dog treats weekly and is known for their baked lasagna and chicken pie.
For the outdoor enthusiasts, Kersey Valley Maize Adventure (seasonal) should be on your bucket list for the Fall months. Dogs are welcome and while you may not want them to take the lead finding the exit, you can reward them with a drink at the “Dog Bar” water station when you find your way out.
Known as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World!”TM with more than 100 furniture stores and outlets within High Point and the surrounding area, a furniture purchase for your pet would not be out of the question. Furnitureland South, the largest furniture showroom in the nation offers pet accessories, including beds. Before your furniture shopping excursion, you’ll want to drop your pup off at Doggy Daycare with Northwood Animal Hospital. They will make your pet feel right at home, so much so that when you pick them up, they won’t want to leave.
Dog-Friendly Drinks, Eats and Events Around High Point 
- Lone Star Burger, dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area
- Sweet Old Bill’s, dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area
- Brown Truck Brewery, dogs welcome both outdoor and indoor
- Plank Street Tavern, dogs welcome and water bowls provided
- Penny Path Café, dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area
- Blue Rock Pizza & Tap, dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area
- Sammy G’s Tavern, dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area
- Ham’s Restaurant, dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger, dogs welcome at the outdoor seating area with five tables designated dog-friendly
- Jingle Jog 5K & Santa Strut, hosted by Northwood Animal Hospital
- Spooktacular Dogs of High Point Halloween Costume Contest, Hosted by Visit High Point & Northwood Animal Hospital
Have your pup raise its paw while enjoying a char-poocherie board from The Gather & Graze Co. and whether you are visiting or live here, know that High Point welcomes you and your dog! Be sure to tag us when visiting dog-friendly attractions and show us how you and your pup #VisitHP.
