Wagging Through Central MA: Best Spots for Pets and Their Humans

Treat your furry friend to an unforgettable day exploring all the best dog-friendly spots in Central Massachusetts! From scenic parks to pet-welcoming restaurants, you and your pup are in for an adventure you won't forget.

Worcester

Worcester, New England’s vibrant second-largest city, offers a variety of beautiful and accessible spots perfect for you and your dog. From dog-friendly restaurants and tasty treat shops to scenic trails, Worcester has everything you need for a day full of tail-wagging adventures.

Paws and Pints

Baystate Brewery

Located right off the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, and specifically in the Canal District, Baystate Brewery offers locally brewed beers with a side of classic pub food. Your dog is welcome right inside the tap room or at its outdoor seating. Live music, open mic, and other unique celebrations are hosted, offering a variety of days to experience engaging events. 

Greater Good Brewery

Right off of Park Ave, Greater Good Brewery provides indoor and outdoor seating. Not only are your furry friends welcomed, but they are encouraged! Their menu offers a range of choices that pair well with their known drinking menu. They offer an order of grilled chicken to share with your pup as well as dog treats made from leftover grains, the same kind used to brew their beer! 

Notch Worcester Biergarten

This Salem-based brewery is connected to a known favorite, The Mercantile. Notch welcomes leashed dogs to join the fun outside, where yard games and socializing go hand in hand. Enjoy a bite from the snacking menu or place an order online at The Mercantile and dine conveniently on-site.    

Bone Appétit!

Vintage Grille and Gourmet Pizza

This unique dining experience, located on Shrewsbury Street, offers fun American staples with a modern twist. This bar and restaurant was formerly a garage, creating a vintage car-themed eatery.  With a large patio, dogs are welcome to hang out beside you while enjoying food and drinks.

Nancy Chang

With a popular following and menu, Nancy Chang offers indoor and outdoor seating. Dogs are not only encouraged, but they also have their own menu! From pet-friendly veggie omelets to chicken and rice, you and your dog can enjoy dishes together! 

Pup-Approved Treats

Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream

Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream brings sweet treats to Central Mass with a traveling stand that serves up unique, locally sourced flavors made with dairy from nearby farms. Alongside their delicious selection for humans, they offer pet-safe frozen treats specially crafted for your pup. Indulge in a Banana Raspberry Chocolate Chunk while your furry friend enjoys a Pumpkin Banana delight right by your side.

Tail Wag Trails

Cascading Waters

Known for its views of brooks, cascading waters, pools, and wildflowers, Cascading Waters provide a series of hiking trails that you and your dog can walk through. Known for its glory, specifically after a rainstorm, this trail transports you out of the city and into a nature trail.

Beaver Brook Dog Park

With top-notch sports facilities, multiple playgrounds, and a spacious dog park, Beaver Brook offers fun for the whole family. The dog park features separate areas for small and large pups, with 17,000 square feet of open space to run and play. Complimentary waste bags are provided, making it a convenient and friendly spot to connect with fellow dog lovers.

Wachusett    

Known as the most scenic district in Central Mass, Wachusett offers plenty of green spaces for you and your dog to explore. With a variety of outdoor and indoor spots, it’s a versatile destination no matter the season.

Pups, Pastures, and Pinot

Lilac Hedge Farm

Dogs are welcomed at this Rutland local farm offering enjoyment for everyone.  From a trail of animals, to brews and food, you are sure to have a great night. Lilac Hedge hosts music and events almost every weekend offering an insight of local talent.

Agronomy Wine Vineyard

Agronomy Wine Vineyard is a quiet yet beautiful farm, located in Oakham, offers views of how their products are grown and produced. Their open field is full of picnic tables with live  acoustic music being presented throughout the months. Dogs are encouraged to enjoy the experience outside.

Seven Saw’s Brewing Company

Seven Saws, located in Holden, offers a welcoming indoor-outdoor setup perfect for relaxing with your pup. With picnic tables, cornhole, live music, and fire pits, it's a great spot to enjoy local brews together. The friendly staff even keep dog treats behind the bar and are always happy to give your pup some extra attention

Trails & Tails

Moore State Park

Moore State Park, located in Paxton, has a variety of leisure and hiking trails with views of wildflowers and running streams. With a restored sawmill in the heart of it, and the gorgeous sight of Eames Pond, you and your dog are sure to be busy. 

Rutland State Park

Rutland State Park is a 300-acre recreation area featuring freshwater swimming, boating, and plenty of spots for picnicking. Whether your dog enjoys cruising on a boat, swimming, or simply relaxing by your side while you fish, they’re sure to have a great time.

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area

A beloved staple in the Wachusett community, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area offers year-round events, activities, local eats, and plenty of open space to soak in the changing seasons. With 26 scenic trails and a beautiful mountain campus, it’s the perfect place for you and your dog to explore and enjoy together.

Fetch and Feast

Pinecroft Dairy

Located in West Boylston, this classic ice cream and diner-style seafood spot offers a welcoming outdoor atmosphere and a brand-new Summer Music Series. With pup cups available for your dog, Pinecroft Dairy is the perfect place for a fun and flavorful stop with your furry friend.

Maggie’s Food for Pets

This family-owned local pet store has everything your dog could need, from treats to toys. Your dog is sure to wag its tail while roaming this West Boylston store and greeting the friendly resident animals. With neighborly customer service, the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect pick for your pup!

Meola’s Wayside Ice Cream

Founded in 1912, this family-run business provides over 65 delicious options of ice cream and sundays. With outdoor seating in the West Boylston location, you and your dog are able to enjoy it together. 

Still Four Corners

Still Four Corners is a family business that has been running in Rutland since 1982. Offering ice cream, meals, snacks, and drinks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With an outdoor deck, enjoy your food with other neighborly locals. Plain vanilla cones are often ordered so your pup can have a sweet treat along with you. 

Sturbridge Townships

Sturbridge is a historic town reflecting the character of New England. Its charm attracts visitors from all over Massachusetts to experience dining, outdoor trails, history, and shopping. 

Barks in the Park

Wells State Park

Wells State Park is a peaceful woodland park in Sturbridge offering activities from fishing and canoeing to hiking and mountain biking. With gorgeous views at Carpenter Rocks, you and your furry-friend are in for a scenic day. 

Leadmine Trails

This 880-acre mountain conservation area in Sturbridge offers a wide range of outdoor activities. With accessible trails, convenient parking, and stroller-friendly paths, it’s a great spot for the whole family, including your dog. Leadmine Trails is known for its scenic beauty, making it the perfect place to capture stunning photos along your walk.

Wags & Bags

Klem’s

Klem’s provides a wide variety of services provided by their welcoming and understanding employees. Their pet department accommodates any pet you may have from horses to fish. Enjoy complimentary popcorn upon arrival, and bring your dog along for a fun shopping experience!

Fetch in the Fields

Brookfield Orchards

This family run orchard is open year-round providing fresh pastries at your fingertips. Brookfield Orchards, located in North Brookfield, has a pet friendly atmosphere that is described as a nostalgic and authentic experience that reflects the New England Community. Pick-Your-Own begins after Labor Day Weekend allowing your dog to join the fun!

Leashes & Landmarks

Old Sturbridge Village

Known for being the largest living history museum in New England, Old Sturbridge Village immerses you in the surrounding history. Just five minutes away from Wells State Park, and next door to Leadmine Trails,  you and your pup can visit on select Dog Day events found on the Old Sturbridge Village website. 

Barks & Barrels

Oakholm Brewing Company

Oakholm Brewing Company is a rustic farm and brewery with 115 acres of land located in Brookfield. Dogs are encouraged inside and outside of the taproom with farm animals around to greet your pup. Foodtrucks, live music, and other events are offered frequently. 

Hardwick Vineyard and Winery

After restoring a 1795 mansion, this unique winery combines rustic views with a modern wine tasting menu. Its large outdoor space welcomes all furry friends. With frequent live music and events, Hardwick Vineyard and Winery is a must stop place to explore with your dog. 

Tree House Brewing Company

Located in Charlton, this large outdoor brewery largely attracts brewery enthusiasts from across the region. Its relaxed environment and backyard-like atmosphere provides a day of comfort and enjoyment. Tree House’s large open space has plenty of room for your pup. 

Blackstone Valley 

The Blackstone Valley has a rich history and is now known for its scenic landscapes, charming small towns, local farms, and opportunities for outdoor activities. It’s a great place to experience New England’s natural beauty and historic character.

Barkside Views

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

Purgatory Chasm, in Sutton, offers a one of a kind hiking experience with rugged trails and rocky climbs shaped by ancient glacial activity. It’s more than just a walk as this adventurous spot promises a fun and active outing for you and your dog.

Blackstone Valley Greenway

This scenic walking and biking trail is designed to eventually span 48 miles, connecting Worcester to Providence. With 17 miles already completed through the beautiful Blackstone Valley, it's the perfect straightforward path to enjoy with your pup whether you're out for a long walk or a casual stroll.

Tails & Tastings

Vandervalk Farm and Winery

Vandervalk Farm and Winery isn’t just a charming Christmas tree farm in Mendon, it also showcases an impressive selection of hand-crafted wines. Seasonal events, live music, and food trucks draw in both locals and visitors alike. With picnic tables and spacious outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the day with your dog by your side.

Snouts & Screenings

Mendon Twin Drive-In

This nostalgic drive-in is the perfect way to end your evening. Cozy up in your car with a mix of classic and new movies, and bring your dog along for the fun, whether they’re snuggled beside you or lounging on the lawn just outside.

Paw-lease Tag Us! 🐾

Exploring with your pup? We’d love to see it! Tag us on social @discovercentralma and share your favorite spots. If you sniff out any new dog-friendly gems along the way, let us know! We’re always on the lookout for more paws-itively great places!