Quarantine has been stressful for many people. Whether it’s having limited social interaction, not seeing family, or spending all day in an empty home/apartment, people have missed friends and family that they could rely on. The upside to the quarantine is that it created thousands of new pet owners looking for companionship. With work from home orders secured in most businesses, people have time to look after a new animal friend during the day. As restrictions begin to lift on travel and social interaction, many travelers will be wondering the best ways to travel with pets.
Our pet friends have been there for us during the quarantine, so taking them with us on a long-overdue getaway in Nantucket is a bit of a no brainer. Here are some excellent options for owners and their pets.
Dog Walking Trails in Nantucket
If your pup loves a good walk, Nantucket offers multiple pet-friendly walking, hiking trails, and lovely parks. Tupancy Links is the unofficial dog park of Nantucket with plenty of open space and trails that you can explore. Sanford Farm is a popular trail that leads to the beach with a six-mile round trip for dogs and their owners that are pro-walkers. The State Forest is another excellent choice to take your pup on a hot day due to the shaded trails. Get lost in the woods and make a day of adventure with your pooch. Just don’t forget to bring water and snacks for both two-legged and four-legged guests.
Ecological Exploration Tour
Nantucket is full of lush scenery and plenty of wildlife, from copses of trees down to the beaches. Several locations in town are perfect for traveling with your pet. The Lily Pond offers 5.7 acres of trails and boardwalks to explore. There is a Bird Sanctuary that has been around for 30 years and is somewhat of a hidden gem in the town. Then there are The Creeks, found at the end of Washington Street; the creeks bisect with a Saltmarsh, which is a great place to see ducks, herons, and egrets.
Pet-friendly Beaches and Establishments
Summer is the perfect time to bring your pet to the beach and let them get out all that energy that they’ve had cooped up during quarantine. Cisco, Nobadeer, Madaket, and Madequecham are the best beaches to bring your pet. It’s not an off-leash beach, but your pup will have tons of fun digging in the sand and cooling down in the waves.
Sailing with Pets
If getting out on the water is on your list of to-dos for the summer, then taking your four-legged friend sailing is a great way to spend the afternoon. Clip-on a life vest for both you and your furry pet and head to Straight Wharf for a dog-friendly boat tour. The captain will take you and your pup out onto the high seas for a one to one-and-a-half-hour cruise, offering knowledge of the area. There is no additional fee for dogs on the tour, but it is important to note that you should know beforehand whether or not your pet is comfortable on the water.
Pet-friendly Hotels in Nantucket
One of the essential aspects of traveling with a furry friend is finding a place to stay that can accommodate both human and four-legged counterparts. Nantucket offers a handful of locations that allow pets in the rooms on the premises. There is the Brass Lantern, a 17-room boutique hotel that has a dining patio and garden, and it’s a short walk to multiple locations in the area. Graydon House hosts a world-class restaurant within a historic home of 19 guestrooms. Harborview Nantucket offers both land and sea with 11 luxury cottages that guests can enjoy. The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin deliver a direct view of the ocean with waterfront cottages, many of which offer decks and harbor views. You’ll be able to vacation in style while providing a little relaxation for your pet.
While we have been stuck inside during quarantine, our furry friends have been right there along with us. It’s no doubt that similar to humans, your pet is probably missing their dog parks, other furry friends, and even family members that used to visit frequently. If you’re starting to get stir crazy, it’s a fair chance that your pet is too. So plan a trip and travel with your pet this summer for a fun-filled getaway that everyone can enjoy.