A Guide for You and Your Four-Legged Friend

Are you and your furry companion looking for a change of scenery and some fun activities to do together? Look no further than Abilene! Our city is pet-friendly and offers a variety of options for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy. From hiking trails and dog parks to outdoor dining and shopping, there's something for every pet-loving duo to experience in Abilene. So grab your leash and get ready to explore all that our city has to offer with your trusty companion by your side.

Planning a trip to Abilene with your furry friends is easy, and you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels to choose from. Simply look for listings with the cute little dog symbol and book your getaway. Pets can be some of the best travel companions, so make sure to include them in your plans to enjoy all that Abilene has to offer.

If you're looking for a fun activity to do with your dog in downtown Abilene, consider participating in the Storybook Sculpture Scavenger Hunt. Starting at Everman Park, search for all 37 sculptures throughout the area, including Wilbur the pig, Marcel the moose, and Mr. Tiger at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. Afterwards, treat yourself and your furry friend to a meal or drinks at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants and bars in the area, such as Cypress St. Station or The Hallows on Pine Street. Don't forget to grab a refreshing drink at Monks Coffee Shop, where you can also sit on the patio and people-watch with your pup.

If you and your dog are looking for some fun and tasty things to do on the south side of Abilene, there are plenty of options available. You can treat your dog to a "Pup Cup" at Big Country Coffee, or enjoy some ice cream or frozen yogurt together at Cold Stone Creamery or Nikki's Swirl Shoppe. There are also several pet-friendly restaurants in the area, including Taylor County Taphouse, Firehouse Subs, and Fuzzy's Taco. And if you're in the mood for some shopping, you can bring your dog along to stores like Petsmart, Petco, Tractor Supply, Academy, Lowe's, and Home Depot. If you want to get some fresh air and burn off some energy, you can visit Red Bud Park, where there's plenty of space for your dog to roam and you can even check out the prairie dogs in Prairie Dog Village.

You and your dog will be happy to know that there are many pet-friendly restaurants in Abilene that offer patio seating where you can enjoy a delicious steak together. Copper Creek has two outdoor tables that are dog-friendly, and both Lytle Land & Cattle Company and Sweetwater BBQ welcome dogs on their patios. This way, you don't have to leave your furry friend behind while satisfying your craving for red meat.

Spending time in the sun and getting some exercise is a great way to boost your mood and bond with your furry friend. In Abilene, there are several parks and green spaces where you can take your dog for a walk, such as Grover Nelson Park, Cal Young Park, and Red Bud Park. Just be sure to keep your dog leashed while in city parks.

For a more adventurous outing, head to Abilene State Park, located 15 miles south of Abilene, where you can enjoy activities like bird watching, picnicking, and hiking with your dog. You can also visit historical sites like the Taylor County History Center or Fort Phantom Hill, both of which welcome leashed dogs. At Fort Phantom Hill, you can explore the ruins of an old U.S. Army outpost, or head to Johnson Park at Lake Fort Phantom Hill for some fishing or kayaking.

For a shorter walk, check out the two-mile Lunsford Trail at Abilene Christian University, which has parking available at the Hunter Welcome Center. And don't forget to stop by Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap for a bite to eat at one of their twelve dog-friendly outdoor tables.

There are plenty of events and activities in Abilene that you and your furry friend can enjoy together. One popular event is ArtWalk: DogWalk, which takes place on the second Thursday of each month from 5 pm to 8 pm. This lively evening features concerts, culture, and camaraderie throughout the cultural district, and is organized by the Center for Contemporary Arts. In August, the theme is often the "Dog Days of Summer," and includes a dog costume contest, live music, food trucks, and street vendors. Another fun event for dogs is Doggie Splash Day, which is held on the last day of summer at Adventure Cove in Rose Park, where dogs can cool off and have a blast in the water.

If you're interested in training your dog, Abilene Park and Recreation offers classes for dogs of all ages. For beer enthusiasts, the Abilene Beer Summit is another event to check out, which takes place in September and features more than 125 beer flavors from over 40 breweries. Finally, don't forget that leashed dogs are always welcome at downtown parades, so be sure to bring your furry friend along for the fun.

There are plenty of pet-friendly things to do in Abilene that are perfect for you and your four-legged friend. From hiking and dog parks to outdoor dining and shopping, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So don't hesitate to bring your furry companion along and make the most of your time in Abilene. Whether you're looking for an adventure or just want to relax and spend some quality time together, you'll find plenty of options that cater to both you and your pet. So go ahead and explore all that Abilene has to offer – your furry friend will thank you for it!