Dog-friendly winter getaways in the Northeast

Pet parents itching for a winter escape can skip boarding their dog or hiring a pet sitter and head to dog-friendly destinations in the Northeast where well-behaved pups are welcome. As dog ownership continues to soar, hotels and vacation spots are making room for Rover.
From winter hiking trails to eateries and lodging options with doggy amenities and menus, fetch your bag and head to these spots within a four-hour drive from Long Island:

Head to a winter carnival in Lake George

DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 4 hours

This winter wonderland is about four hours from Long Island, but it’s worth the drive because there are plenty of exciting options for pets and their parents.  Once it gets cold out, Lake George transforms into the perfect place for skiing and winter sports.

The Lake George Winter Carnival held at venues around Lake George and in the village, runs all weekend from Feb. 7 through March 8 and your pup is welcome to tag along for the outhouse races. There’s also a Dog’s Got Talent contest where dogs demonstrate their best tricks to win prizes.

WHERE TO EAT 

Dining with your dog is easy at Lake George. The Lagoon is known for its wood-fired pizza and award-winning chicken wings and homemade mac and cheese (appetizers start at $9.95, pizzas start at $16.95). Dogs are welcome inside — they even get a water bowl — and there are plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options for humans.

The area’s multiple breweries and pubs serve food and open their doors to canine companions. One option: Craft beer bar 163 Tap Room is open for food daily from 11 a.m. until midnight and dogs are welcome in the main dining area. Appetizer options, which range from $5.50 to $13, include fried pepperoni, puff pretzels and deviled eggs. Humans can chow down on barbecue turkey burnt end tacos, fried haddock bites and pork belly Philly tacos ($16 each), while dogs can choose puppy "dogs" or burgers ($4 each). There’s an extensive kids’ menu, too.

WHERE TO STAY

When it comes to hotels you have plenty to choose from. During winter, try the Queensbury Hotel, a historic hotel with a spa and plenty of charm (rooms start at $115 plus a $75 per night pet fee). The Hampton Inn & Suites Lake George is another option. Only five minutes from the lake, the indoor pool and snow mobile trails will keep humans happy while the recently renovated dog-friendly rooms provide a place for your dog to lay their head.

Explore the snowy trails in Hunter

DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 3 hours

A three-hour drive brings you to Hunter, New York, home to Hunter Mountain, the heart of winter fun. Dogs and their owners can take in the views via the areas many hiking trails. Some popular hikes, according to locals, include a trek to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, which is 4,040 feet high, or to the much easier to get to Diamond Notch Falls via the Spruceton Trail. If you’re bringing along your snowshoes or cross country, cross-country skiing skis try the 7,620-acre Kaaterskill Wild Forest. Park on Laurel House Road and walk the .03 miles to the Kaaterskill Falls viewing station for an easy, yet breathtaking walk.

WHERE TO EAT

If indoor activities are more your speed, try the multiple dog-friendly breweries and restaurants where you can settle in for food, drinks, and relaxation. Brave the Flames, a counter service venue, greets pups with a water bowl and biscuits. Locals love the $13.99 smash burger, described as one of the best burgers around and order an extra patty ($3) for your canine pal. Weekly specials include a world fusion Taco Tuesday, Fish Fry Fridays and Seafood Boil Saturdays. Vegan and Halal are also on the menu.

Jägerberg Beer Hall & Tavern always welcome pups in its downstairs beer hall. You can sit at the bar or at the long open tables. Try the chicken schnitzel ($32) while your pup gets its own water bowl and biscuit treat. The beer hall has plenty of festive events such as the Celtic Fest, taking place March 13-16 with bagpipes and drums along with stout beer and whiskey. Make reservations as these events usually sell out.

When it's time to head to bed, don't sleep on Scribner's Catskill Lodge or its Pupstater package (rates start at $245 per night). For an extra $100 fee, your pooch gets a welcome package with a bandanna, waste bags, a toy and treats to take home. A dog bed and water bowl will also be in your room for use during your stay.

WHERE TO STAY 

Bluebird Hunter Lodge is billed as cozy and rustic, and the actual rooms do not disappoint. Rent the chalet that sleeps eight or the loft with a private balcony and settle in for the mountain views. Rates start at $145 plus a dog fee of $45 per night, which includes food and water bowls, a paw towel, and a special take-home treat for your pup.

If you want something a little smaller, head over to the upscale, historical yet dog-friendly Deer Mountain Inn. Dogs 50 pounds and under are welcome in any of its six rooms and four cabins as well as its lounge and restaurant bars. Rooms range from $390 to $665 per night plus a one-time $50 cleaning fee per stay. After you finish the complimentary breakfast check out the Inn’s 168 acres of hiking trails including a mountain top meadow with views of the Catskills.

Roam the boardwalk in Asbury Park

DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 2 hours

Known for its most famous son Bruce Springsteen, Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a teeming beach town during summer. However, it isn’t until the offseason that it becomes truly dog-friendly.

The town’s storied Asbury Park Boardwalk, peppered with murals and things to see, is open to dogs through early May . Leash up and walk the milelong wooden structure, billed as a great place to shop, eat and play. There, you’ll find dozens of storefronts, restaurants, and things to do, with most welcoming well-behaved furry friends.

 Find live music every Friday in the Grand Arcade and shop all the fun stores on the boardwalk. If it’s not too cold, take a walk down to Asbury Park Dog Beach, but steer clear of seals if you see any. They often come ashore in the winter and early spring and need to be respected.

WHERE TO EAT 

When you get hungry, try the Asbury Ale House, with its dedicated full dog menu. The popular drunken chicken sandwich on garlic torpedo bread ($16) is sure to please as is mac and cheese bites ($15). Open for brunch, lunch and dinner daily  until 2 a.m., it’s the perfect place to hit whenever you or your dog need a nosh. The Asbury Hotel is another option for food and drink, especially if you’re in the mood for a treat before bed. Head over to the hotel’s lobby bar, Soundbooth, which is open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Sit down, play pool, eat, drink and listen to music or sing karaoke — and Fido can come along, too. There’s also a pet-centric menu at The Counter, a quick-serve option.

WHERE TO STAY 

The Asbury Hotel is also a pup haven. Average rates at the chic hotel start at $256 per night plus $100 pet fee, half which goes directly to a local animal shelter. Your dog will take home a collar and bandanna set and a tasty treat from The Counter.

Another option right on the beach is the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. Across the street from the pet-friendly Bradley Park, where pets and their parents can walk, dogs and cats are welcome to stay for an additional $25 per night fee. Pets can hang out with you in the lobby where you can find coffee and tea during the morning hours.