Ever wonder what a perfect day in South End looks like through the eyes of a four-legged friend? We followed Jamie the Golden Retriever on a puppy-approved tour of the neighborhood, and let’s just say South End passed the sniff test with flying colors. From local treats to off-leash adventures, here’s how to spend a doggone good day with your pup in tow.
Stop 1: PetWants
We kicked things off at PetWants, a locally loved pet boutique that’s basically heaven on earth for dogs and cats. Jamie wasted no time picking out a new toy and sampling some of their signature treats.
But PetWants is more than just a treat stop. They handcraft dry pet food free from corn, wheat, and soy—and it’s made fresh every month in small batches. It’s even sold by the pound to reduce waste. Pro tip: bring your own container to continue cutting down on plastic and make your pup’s day a little greener.
Stop 2: Wilmore Centennial Park
With a brand-new toy in paw, Jamie headed over to Wilmore Centennial Park, South End’s only public park. It features a large lawn space perfect for playing fetch, lounging in the grass, or enjoying a midday picnic. There’s a natural play area and shaded benches for those much-needed rest breaks for both pups and their humans!
Stop 3: Flower Child
There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurant patios around the neighborhood! We made our way to Flower Child, a go-to for healthy bites and sunny patio vibes. Not only is the food fresh and flavorful, but their patio features a Puppy Hydration Station for your furry friend. Think multiple clean water bowls and a refill barrel to keep your pup cool while you enjoy your lunch.
Stop 4: Rail Trail
After lunch, it’s time to stretch those paws! Take your pup for an afternoon stroll on the Rail Trail, a 3.5-mile linear public park that connects South End to Uptown and LoSo. The popular urban trail provides access to restaurants, breweries, bars, shops, public art, and more! Jamie made tons of new furry friends while we explored the neighborhood’s public art scene.
Stop 5: Wooden Robot Brewery
Wooden Robot Brewery is another one of South End’s puppy-approved spots to hang out and cool off. Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer or a craft coffee, this laid-back brewery has you covered. Their outdoor patio is spacious, shady, and full of other pups. Bonus: well-behaved dogs are welcome inside too!
Stop 6: Toastique
To wrap up Jamie’s big day, we headed to Toastique for a light snack. While we sipped smoothies and enjoyed avocado toast, Jamie got a special treat of his own: a spoonful of Toastique’s house-made dog-friendly peanut butter. Made with simple ingredients and lots of love, it was the perfect pup-approved reward for Jamie being the best boy all day.
Want to see more of Jamie's best day in South End? Check out his full adventure here.