North of BSM

The Basset Creek Dog Park–nestled between Crystal,Golden Valley and New Hope–offers a fenced-in play area and is located within a park that has paved paths if your pup prefers parading over playing.  For a post-dog-park snack, try the coffee house Cuppa Java in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood, which offers a dog friendly patio, great brunch options, and the best iced chai in the Twin Cities. If your dog has a taste for fine literature, venture to Kenwood for Birchbark Books, an intimate bookshop that welcomes dogs inside and showcases Native American literature and artwork. You and your dog could also stop in at Primp in the West End, a canine-friendly clothing boutique.

East of BSM

For some exercise east of BSM, take your pooch for a three-mile walk around Lake Calhoun. Or if you feel like taking a break while your dog gets all its energy out, check out the Lake of the Isles Dog Park. Sandwiched right between West Lake of the Isles Parkway and the Midtown Greenway, this off-leash park is easily accessible by car, foot, or bike. Uptown is a great place to stop for some dog-friendly shopping. Many stores including The Apple Store, Urban Outfitters and Paper Source all invite dogs inside their shops. You can grab a bite to eat at Yogurt Lab in Uptown, Tin Fish on Lake Calhoun, or Bread and Pickle on Lake Harriet, where dogs are gladly accepted on the patio.

West of BSM

The Plymouth dog park is a pup’s paradise. Set on over 10 acres, the park includes a small dog area, walking trails, a turf play area, agility equipment, and even a pond for dogs to cool off after a long day of play. Make sure your dog is well trained before you decide to play here because the majority of the park is not fenced in. As far as shopping opportunities for Fido, The Vintage Loft in Navarre is a rustic antique shop and welcomes dogs. The Vintage Loft is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 to 5. Fall is now upon us, and one of the staple traditions for many Minnesotans is apple picking. If you want to include your pup in the festivities, check out Deardorff Orchards, just three miles out of Victoria. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 to 6, The Orchard is home to 12 varieties of apples you can pick yourselves and also offers hayrides, a pumpkin patch and piping hot cider.

South of BSM

If you live south of BSM and are looking for a fun place to spend time with your dog, look no further than the Flying Cloud Dog Park in Eden Prairie. This off-leash park offers an expansive, fenced-in area with agility equipment for dogs of all sizes, as well as a separate area for small or fragile dogs. To clean up after a day at the dog park, you can bring your pup to Bubbly Paws, a grooming salon in St. Louis Park. Bubbly Paws provides full service baths and professional grooming for your dog, but also offers all the facilities to do the job yourself including step-up tubs, shampoos, and professional advice. For dog-friendly dining, try the Galaxy Drive-In in St. Louis Park by Knollwood Mall. The combined Galactic and 1960s diner themes along with a dog exercise area and free doggie ice cream cones will make it fun for both you and your pup.