Dog Friendly Berkshires Adventures

Hanging with the Pups!

For those of us who adore our pups, leaving them behind when we travel can be heartbreaking, but it is often super stressful to try to plan a trip not knowing where they will be welcome. If the thought of bringing your furry best friend along on your Berkshire vacay gives you paws (see what we did there?) never fear! We have lots of doggie-friendly suggestions. 

Where to Stay?

The Porches Inn is known to many art aficionados as the homey, welcoming boutique hotel that sits across from North Adams’s world-famous contemporary art museum. This charming row of exquisitely restored 19th Century row-houses has porch views of MASS MoCA (a five-minute walk away), and offers a pool, hot-tub, a continental breakfast, and many other amenities. And they love pets! For a $40 per night pet fee, Porches will provide a dog friendly room with special treats, available crates, and directions to the nearest community dog park!

Dogs (and cats) will stay in style at the Williams Inn where they will receive a welcome treat upon arrival. Be sure to make your reservations in advance as pet-friendly rooms fill up quickly. Other barktastic options include the historic landmarked Red Lion Inn, the hip Hotel on North (pup can ask EVERY staff member for a treat!), and the retro-inspired Briarcliff Motel, which doesn’t charge a pet fee for new bookings; other options include Shaker Mill Inn and 33 Main.

Get That Good Boy (or Girl) Some Culture!

Hang out in Stockbridge for the day, walk your (leashed) pup on the gorgeous grounds of The Norman Rockwell Museum and pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the museum’s many picnic tables. You can spend days museum hopping with your doggie if you want to. Head on over to The Mount in Lenox and walk a mile in Edith Wharton’s shoes before stopping by the Haven Cafe for some pet-friendly outdoor dining. Or frolic (responsibly!) on the grounds of Herman Melville’s Arrowhead in Pittsfield before heading over to the Pittsfield Dog Park. Your pup can experience outdoor art at your side at Turn Park, a sculpture park in West Stockbridge. 

Just for the Furbabies

Does your baby need a nail trim or a grooming? Are you looking to give the pup her own vacation away from it all? For over a decade, family-owned Shamrock Dog Grooming/Dog Day Care in Pittsfield has offered all breeds a whole range of affordable services.    

Travels with Charley (or Fido or Roxie)

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Bash Bish Falls State Park, and the Williamstown Rural Land Foundation properties (along with countless other Berkshires hiking trails) boast dog-friendly policies and offer great outdoor adventures for you and your dog! Check websites in advance and read signs upon your arrival. Make plans to dispose of waste properly and remember to keep your pups on a leash to help protect wildlife and native ecosystems. 

So, don’t leave the doggies behind! The Berkshires are twice as fun with a fine furry friend in tow! Explore more places to stay here.

Photo credits: Mount Greylock, Ruth Schneider Photography; The Williams Inn, Ryan Bent Photography

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