Welcome to wild, wonderful pet-crazy West FURginia!

Bring the whole furry family for a mountain adventure, snuggle up in a cozy B&B or hotel or rent a cabin with plenty of room to run. Fido can join you at the hot dog festival, you can go on a spooky ghost tour together, or explore national parks by boat, foot or paw. Dine on dog-friendly decks, stroll historic Civil War-era streets and meet local shop pets along the way. Now that’s Southern hos-PAW-tality!

Let your pet take the lead on your mountain journey!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pet-Friendly Adventures...................................

Travel Resources & Tips....................................

#WestFURginia Contest...................................

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PUPPY LOVE

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NATIONAL PARKSOverlooks at Long Point Trail in the New River Gorge and the Maryland Heights Trail in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are popular treks for people and pooches alike, and both parks have plenty of forest room to roam.

STATE PARKS Most state parks have pet-friendly cabins, so you can stay and explore together. Take a hike and a dip in the lake at Tygart Lake or Beech Fork state parks, or trek the rail trail at North Bend State Park to uncover plenty of unique history. Get really off the grid at secluded Lost River State Park or Kumbrabow State Forest. Find the state park pet guidelines at WVStateParks.com/PetPolicy.htm.

MORE TRAILSThe Monongahela National Forest’s vast wilderness has 8 distinct regions. The Cranberry Wilderness is one of the largest roadless areas east of the Mississippi, with plenty of places to get off the beaten path. Dolly Sods is known as one of the most scenic spots in the state for its remote, sweeping vistas.

DOG PARKSThe whole family can stretch their legs at Fido’s Backyard in Fairmont, right off I-79. Walk the paved track at Joplin Park in South Charleston, where mulch lets your little buddy roll around without getting muddy. Wurzburg Dog Park in Martinsburg has separate areas for big and small dogs, night lights and even pet fountains.

PARKS & PLAY GARDENSEnjoy the beautifully cultivated landscapes of the West Virginia Botanic Gardens in Morgantown with Spot (just make sure he’s on a leash and doesn’t go prancing through the flowers!) Or, stroll the old-growth forest and diverse natural habitats at the nearby Core Arboretum.

LAKES & RIVERSSet sail with your good boy at the bow! Summersville Lake Retreat near the New River Gorge has dog-friendly canoe rentals, plus pet-friendly cabins. You might meet Otis, the resident black lab! Pets can even hop aboard for a lake cruise at Stonewall Lake Resort in Roanoke.

FIDO ON THE FARMBring your dog for a romp down in Elkins! Pegasus Farm’s giant sunflower fields, vegetable gardens, grass mazes and orchards will give him plenty of scents to discover!

WINERIES, DISTILLERIES & BREWERIESSip some vino with Fido in tow! If you prefer classic wines, try Lambert’s Vintage Winery in Weston. Or, bring along your friendly pooch while you sip some unique hooch! Meet the Bloomery Plantation Distillery pets and try some some “SweetShine” flavors like peach or ginger. Enjoy the brews and views on either the upper patio or lower deck at Mountain State Brewing Company in Morgantown.

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1. GHOST TOURSCan your hound help you sniff out a spooky mystery in historic Harpers Ferry? Keep each other company on a ghoulish tour through town with Harpers Ferry Ghost Tours.

2. TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUMSpot not spooked enough? Try taking your pet through the maze-like halls of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston. Small pups are allowed, as long as you carry or roll him in a stroller. He’ll appreciate the comfort on this creepy trip!

3. BLENNERHASSETT ISLANDStep back to an elegant era with your classy canine. Cruise on the sternwheeler from Parkersburg to the historic Blennerhassett Island State Park. Rover can roam the massive grounds and manicured gardens (but he can only marvel at the elegant mansion from the outside).

4. SUPStand-up paddleboarding is one of the trendiest outdoor sports right now, and there are plenty of rivers and lakes here to try it out. Pretty much anyone can do it— even your pooch! And paddleboarding with a dog is a great bonding experience, since it requires trust to stay afloat. Just be sure to bring a PFD (personal floatation device) too!

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5. SURFINGWhat? Surfing in West Virginia? Yes, it exists! Just hop on the river’s whitewater rapids. Take those SUP skills from the lake and test them on the waves. At most summer river levels, the Gauley River’s “Perfect Wave” is an excellent beginner spot for surfing in the New River Gorge. Is Bingo adventurous enough?

6. DRIVE-IN MOVIEDoes your pet enjoy a good flick as much as you do? Take movie night off the couch and into the car, with your best bud in the passenger’s seat. Pipestem Drive-In in Athens won’t mind, as long as Rufus is respectful.

7. SKIINGWith nearly 40 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, White Grass in Davis is one of the best winter sports destinations in the East. Did we mention the private park allows dogs on some of their trails? After a long day of skiing, when Sparky is exhausted, make sure to check out their organic cafe.

8. SPLASHINGOglebay Park in Wheeling is known for its annual “Drool in the Pool,” when your pet can join you for a swim. And pups love making waves at the “Dog Splash” in Morgantown’s Marilla Pool.

9. PLAY BALL!Take Fido out to the baseball field! On special promotional days, you can bring your pup to watch the West Virginia Power in Charleston or the West Virginia Black Bears in Morgantown.

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WV HOT DOG FESTIVALHave a “dog-gone good time” at this downtown Huntington summer bash! Chow down on all the state’s tastiest hot dogs as your little doxie takes on the dachshund race. There are also all-breed races (and runs for us 2-leggers, too!), plus a pet parade.

SHEPHERDSTOWN DOGFEST Shepherdstown goes to the dogs in mid-May, with sheep herding, flyball, obedience training, a dog show, pet parade and a “Blessing of the Dogs.” Show your pet pride with dog-themed tattoos, art and auction items.

KEGS 4 K9SSupport Bruiser and local brews! This dog-friendly beer festival pours together Charleston’s best drinks, food and entertainment for a perfect summer kickoff (while temperatures are still cool enough for your pooch).

CAMP RUFFIN’ ITPuppy day camp for kids? Well, at this Parkersburg summer camp, it’s not all fun and tail wags. As they play with the dogs, kids will learn responsible animal care.

WOOFSTOCK & WIENERSThe race is only part of the fun! If Rex isn’t much of a runner, he could still make it to the winner’s circle for the costume, trick or best rescue story contests. The event is part of Charleston’s 10-day FestivALL, which has literally 100s of arts events. Get Coco some culture!

HANCOCK COUNTY BARK IN THE PARKGive your pet something to aspire to this summer with agility and obedience demonstrations, and a showcase from the sheriff’s heroic K-9 unit. Rufus can even step up his own skills with clinics, contests and more.

EVENTS JEFFERSON COUNTY BARK IN THE PARKLeash up Fido and head to Jefferson Memorial Park for a Biscuit Walk, animal blessing, contests and vendors. This is a great opportunity to pick up K9-friendly cookies, clothes and more.

WV STATE WATER FESTIVALIs your dog talented? Enter him in the dog show at Hinton’s late-summer festival! While you’re there, enjoy boat races, a quilt show, pancake breakfast and craft competitions. Browse rows of vendors and snack on funnel cakes and hot dogs!

STUDIO 8 EVENTSEver tried “doga”? In spring, Studio 8 yoga in Huntington lets you bring a dog to class! Even if you don’t own a pup, you can borrow one from Little Victories Animal Rescue— they’ll have shelter pets on site who’d love to be your workout partner for the day! The studio also has workshops about holistic animal care, grooming and nutrition in April.

BARKTOBERFESTGet your pampered pooches groomed for a portrait, or dress them up in masquerade for the costume contest in Clarksburg this October. Your athletic pets can compete in trick competitions.

GET SOME PUPPERCISEPaws and feet hit the pavement in August for the “Book It” 5K walk/run/dog walk through Snowshoe Mountain’s scenic resort village. Or take twisting paths and curvy climbs along the Dirty Dog 15K Trail Run in Kanawha State Forest in May. You and your dog can also celebrate a 5K victory with lunch, arts and family fun at Morgantown’s Bark in the Park in April.

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MORGANTOWNChow: This is one doggone tail-thumping town, with tons of pet-friendly patios: The Greeks, Table 9, Terra Cafe, Tropics, Evansdale Black Bear Burritos or Jay’s Daily Grind. Top off the late night at Sandwich U.

Play: Build your own “hike hop” with your dog: roam around the arboretum, botanical garden, either of the 2 dog parks or Coopers Rock State Forest.

CHARLESTON Chow: Enjoy deep-fried hot dogs and urban beach eats on the deck at Tricky Fish. Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream has New England-style flavors and a water bowl for Fido.

Play: Tricky Fish is just down the street from the Ruth Raftery Peyton Dog Park, and you’re also just a short drive from the trails at Kanawha State Forest.

FAYETTEVILLEChow: There are dog-friendly decks aplenty in Fayetteville: try fresh modern fare at Vandal’s Kitchen, or the creative (and huge) burritos overlooking the forest at the Burrito Bar, where you may even catch a live concert.

Play: Roam the wild, wonderful trails through the 3 National Parks of Southern West Virginia, search for waterfalls and explore the funky, colorful shops in “America’s Coolest Small Town.”

HARPERS FERRYChow: Savor from-scratch dishes with New Orleans flair at Bisou Bistro. Guide Shack Cafe’ has fresh local coffee, baked goods and espressos. Both spots are Fido-friendly.

Play: Explore the historic relics in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, or go on a Harpers Ferry ghost tour.

FUEL & FUN SHEPHERDSTOWNChow: Hang out with Spot at the eccentric Lost Dog Coffee for quality coffee and tea. For lunch or dinner, check out Domestic’s artisan cuisine or order beer on tap and sandwiches at Blue Moon Cafe.

Play: This town has oodles of charm in its historic Civil War district, or you and Rover can go splash around on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.

LEWISBURGChow: Head to Stella’s for gourmet sandwiches, burgers and 18th-century ambience. You and Fido can sit in the garden with the fountain and florals.

Play: Lewisburg has upscale restaurants, historic buildings and boutiques galore. Plenty of stops are pet-friendly— some even have their own pets!

HUNTINGTONChow: Order towering burgers, sandwiches and comfort food on the patio at Hall of Fame Café.

Play: Right across the street is pet-friendly Pullman Square, where you may catch an outdoor concert! Stroll through downtown, or romp through Ritter Park, where you can let your friendly pup off-leash at the dog park!

BRIDGEPORTChow: You and your pooch can relax on the deck at Provence Market. The chef will treat you to gourmet French dishes and a lengthy wine menu.

Play: Catch some live music on the deck at Artworks, or head to the Bridgeport Dog Park for a game of fetch or frisbee.

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CABINSYour pooch will think he went to doggie Almost Heaven on a cabin retreat, where limitless forests, trails and scents wait right outside the door! Cabins at Yokum’s Vacationland are just a quick dog walk from Seneca Rocks, and New River Cabins in Fayetteville welcomes canines and felines of all sizes. With spacious backyards for Beethoven to run, the cabins at Berkeley Springs Getaways are so pet-perfect, they’re even named after dog breeds!

B&BS Treat your critters to the cushiest of comforts at our cozy B&Bs. Curl up at The Billy Motel in Davis for cocktails and retro ambience. Unwind at Jericho B&B, a historic home in Marlinton, or enjoy the farm-fresh eggs and country charms at Morning Glory Inn in Slaty Fork.

STAY FARMSRetreat to a farmstead with Rover! Tucked onto 40 woodsy acres, Sunset Mountain Farm has jaw-dropping views of Cacapon Mountain and a pond, plus it’s close to Berkeley Springs’ famous mineral baths. Or escape to the The Old Homestead nearby. Unwind at this 215-year-old farmhouse with a nap in the hammock, a meal overlooking Sleepy Creek Mountain or a trip to the peaceful koi pond.

CAMPINGWant to “ruff” it? For that genuine Mountain State experience, all you need is a dog and a tent! West Virginia will provide the scenery. Spend the night at Mountain Lake Campground on the shores of Summersville Lake. Or head to Chief Logan and North Bend state parks for rustic wilderness campgrounds.

HOTELSYour 4-legged companion will feel right at home with hospitality like The Blennerhassett Hotel’s “woof” welcome package in Parkersburg. Snuggle up with Spot in Kingwood’s Preston County Inn, with its Civil War-era charm. You and your pooch are also welcome at Candlewood Suites in Logan, which has a gym and outdoor gazebo grill. “Bone” voyage!

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etsFURRY FRIENDSLife’s better with animals— and so is work! In West Virginia, you’ll discover plenty of businesses with furry staffers.

WATERSTONE OUTDOORSAmong racks of shirts and climbing gear in Fayetteville’s top-notch adventure shop, you might meet one of the 2 lovable shop dogs, Riley the terrier and Chai the puggle.

“Riley likes to lay on our counter or directly in front of the door, just so she can get the most possible attention from whoever walks through the door,” said Emily, Riley’s owner.

Actually, both pups love the limelight!

“Chai has this quiet bark— it barely qualifies as a bark— but when you stop petting her, she looks up at you with her big eyes and barks because she needs your constant attention,” Emily said.

MEET OUR MOUNTAIN PETS

COOPER HOUSE B&CAs long as you’re not a mailman, Scruffy the bearded collie will let you hang out at the cozy bar at the Cooper House B&C (Bed-and-Cocktails).

“He’s the Poopmaster General of Thomas and concierge of Cooper House,” said Joy, owner and innkeeper.

Scruffy takes clean up seriously along the town’s rail trail. But he definitely has a sense of fun, too— that goes with the territory. After all, Thomas is famous for nightly live music and local craft breweries.

FANCY PAWSCat people can get their fluffy fix too. Take a little kitten crawl through Randolph County!

Several local businesses sponsor homeless kitties from Randolph County Humane Society. The cats live in the shops, which helps free up space in the shelter— and gives more people a chance to meet and fall in love with them!

Pop around to play with a purr-fect friend at partners like Fancy Paws grooming boutique and Shabby Avenue party supplies. They always have lively new cats to cuddle with, since so many of these feline fosters get adopted quickly.

TAKE A PET TO PLAYEven if you don’t have a pet of your own, you can spend some quality time with a canine companion. If you’d like to give a shelter pooch some 1-on-1 attention, head to Beckley. On Saturdays, you can walk a dog at the Raleigh County Humane Society.

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DOGGY DAYCAREDoes Rover need a babysitter while you go exploring? House of Hounds is a luxurious cage-free dog and cat daycare in Nitro with sofas, and indoor and outdoor spaces. You can also treat your dog to fenced yards, a creek, meadow and certified masseuse at 3 Dog Farm in Martinsburg. For individual playtime and private runs, try Winding Road Kennel in Parkersburg.

GROOMERSTake your pet to the spa while you explore! Fancy Paws in Elkins has a boutique salon complete with grooming, training, grain-free treats and more. Meet their foster kitties too! Paradise Pets in Morgantown will pamper your pooch with grooming, a bath and a nail trim. For a glamorous makeover complete with hair coloring, try Wags n’ Whiskers Pet Grooming Salon in Oak Hill.

SHOPSGet everything you need, even on-the-go. Pick up clothing, toys and treats at stylish shops like Sassy Cissy’s Pet Boutique in Charleston or Ooh La La Boutique in Huntington. You can also find general supplies— and more cute critters!— at Susan’s World of Pets & Dog Grooming in Lewisburg.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

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Travel Tips

TRAVEL1. Check guidelines everywhere you go. Most places

require your pet to be leashed, and sometimes pets have to stay in certain areas.

2. Get a microchip for your pet. That way if he gets lost, you can find him more easily.

3. Bring a copy of your pet’s rabies vaccine record and other key documentation, just in case.

4. If your pet has a favorite blanket or bed, pack it to help keep him calm as you explore unfamiliar places.

5. Don’t forget to pack your poop bags!

OUTDOORS1. The most important steps to outdoor play come

before the trip begins! Make sure your dog has all her vaccinations and treatments for fleas, ticks and other unwanted critters.

2. Check the weather. Plan a picnic break under a shaded tree if it’s going to get too hot for Spot.

TRAVELING TIPS 3. If you’ll be wandering in the woods together a lot, be sure to keep an eye on Rover. Some plants can make him sick if he tries to eat them.

4. Bring extra water for your pets while you’re out in the wilderness. If you’ll be gone a while, some trail snacks will help keep her energy high, too.

5. Going swimming? A pup-sized PFD will help keep Fido safe in the water. (Plus, he’ll look adorable!)

6. Your dog can’t tell you if she’s getting too tired, so be sure to pay close attention to how she’s doing. Don’t push your pets too hard!

7. Stop for mini-checkups throughout the day, and look at his paws regularly to make sure his pads aren’t worn down or injured. Check him thoroughly for ticks and other unwanted critters.

PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS

2 cups self-rising flour

1 cup skim milk (can substitute water)

1 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together

and cut using a cookie cutter. Place on ungreased

cookie sheet and bake until golden brown

(approximately 10 minutes).

To make a beef or chicken flavored treat, don’t

add peanut butter and substitute chicken or beef

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#WESTFURGINIA CONTESTWhile you’re exploring West Virginia, take plenty of pictures! Does Rover like to go rafting? What about quiet hikes? Capture him in action!

WINSubmit your photo, and you can win a custom “West FURginia” collar and Petsie— a one-of-a-kind plushie that looks just like your dog!

Every Friday, GoToWV will pick the best Mountain State pet pic. To be eligible to win, tell us your pet’s name, where you took the photo and your dog’s favorite West Virginia activity. Don’t forget to tag your photo #WestFURginia and share it!

Enter to win at GoToWV.com/WestFURginia

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As much as we’d love to, there’s no way our guide can fit all of West Virginia’s “fur-cation” spots.

Discover more trails, towns, cabins and 4-legged adventures. Get your paws on all the pet-friendly travel information at GoToWV.com/WestFURginia.

PACK UP YOUR POOCH

GoToWV.com | 800.225.5982 | #GoToWV

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