Dogs at Cypress Inn
The boutiques and galleries in Carmel Village are seriously intriguing, and not just for window shopping. Look for the water bowls on the sidewalk; they’re a good indicator that dogs are welcome inside. (A hitching post, on the other hand, is a hint that furry friends should wait out front while their people pull out their credit cards.)
To get oriented and fill up on fascinating factoids, sign up with Carmel Walks for a two-hour guided stroll through hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens and past historical and celebrity haunts. Daisy is welcome to accompany you so long as she minds her manners, and by the time you’re done, you will have earmarked a dozen or more dog-friendly places to return to.
Beautifully landscaped Carmel Plaza, with 35 shops and eateries, is a good place to begin a retail adventure with your leashed friend. Many of its establishments allow dogs inside, and there are benches galore where you and yours can sit, rest, and watch the canine fashionistas pass by.
Lunch or afternoon tapas at Bistro Beaujolais, where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables, is a four-star experience. And don’t miss the Fountain of Woof, Carmel’s landmark dogs-only drinking fountain.
On and around Ocean Avenue, the main thoroughfare, you’ll find many places to indulge your pet. Be sure to dip into Diggidy Dog, the go-to place for everything from bakery treats to fancy collars and toys you won’t see anywhere else. More treats for your furry friend can be found tucked between the licorice and the fudge at Cottage of Sweets, housed in one of those charming Hansel-and-Gretel cottages built by Hugh Comstock, Carmel’s most famous architect.
Thinking about feeding raw? You’ll find nutritional guidance galore at The Raw Connection out on Carmel Rancho Boulevard. And for washing the sand out of Fido’s coat—and perhaps having him professionally groomed and pedicured before dinner—make tracks to Suds ‘n’ Scissors at the Crossroads Shopping Center.
