To say the Bridge Street Town Center in Huntsville, Alabama is dog friendly shortchanges the dog his bone. Not only does the property welcome pups, they encourage them with festivals throughout the year including Dog Fest on May 5, 2017.

Clean and pristine, this sculpted open-air shopping emporium hints of Las Vegas. No slot machines, of course, but faux stone bridges over man made waterways remind me of Sin City’s contrived facades and almost too-good-to-be-real perfection. Circular seating dotting the walkway beacons a cocktail waitress.

Unfortunately, we missed the Saturday Dog Festival (10 am to 3 pm), but that didn’t stop my black terrier Victor from getting his shop on later that day.

A walking path leads people and dogs away from stores, circling a large pond (yes, with ducks – popular here in Huntsville) outside the Westin Hotel (affiliate link). On warm days, rent paddleboats. On any day, ride the carousel beside the water or the little train circling through the mall.

It’s kind of a mini-Disneyland of shopping except, unlike Disney, you can bring the dog. (However, you cannot eat with Fido on the patio at P. F. Changs. Boo Changs.)

Ultimately, this place is about shopping and my little Victor is no stranger to the past time. He’s been dragged along on more than one spree, but as long as he can stop and smell the garbage, he obliges.

At the Bridge Street Town Center, stores allowing dogs display white paw stickers in the window and some supply water dishes outside.

Victor scores pet treats at two of our … ok, my … favourite shops: Chico’s and Anthropologie. We also take a spin through Kate Spade although I carry him, like any great bag. Barns and Nobel let us tour through too, although Victor says right now he’s got more books piled up than he can read.

Otherwise …

Where can you take the dog in Huntsville, Alabama?

If you’re in Huntsville on Thursdays, and want to dine with your dog, check out the authentic Biergarten – a  German Food and Beer Festival from 4:30 to 7:30 March through October at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Food is served on the patio. Proceeds benefit local charities and leashed pets are allowed with you outside.

Inside this Smithsonian Affiliated museum is a different story though. If you want to see a Saturn V rocket that went to the moon, or the capsule that returned the astronauts, or walk in a real life-sized space station, then you’ll have to enter the museum without the dogs. However, dog kennels are available outside. Free parking but museum entrance is $24.

If you’re in Huntsville January or February, The Huntsville Botanical Gardens allows leashed dogs along the paved meandering paths. Allow about an hour to walk them; unfortunately, pets are not allowed during spring and summer months when flowers are in full bloom and gaggles of school groups flood the premises.

A five to ten-minute drive from the Bridge Street Town Center is a pet-friendly newly renovated Red Roof Inn Plus (affiliate link) – conveniently located if you’re driving and excellent value as always. Pets like Victor stay free. I, however, had to pay for my room.

Check out our previous adventures: Travel Huntsville, AL Part I – where to shop downtown Huntsville

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