Audrey’s Farmhouse owner Donald Leff and his Shitzu Lakoda (left). (Christian Johnston)
Codi, a bearded collie, lazes about on the front porch of Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard.
Despite last week’ s early winter surprise, there’s still some time to enjoy the tail end of autumn with your tail-wagging friend. Whether you have a weekend or a day, these fall-friendly trips are as much fun for Fido as for you.
Audrey’s Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast
2188 Bruynswick Road., Wallkill, NY; 845-895-3440
Brooke Pietrzak and her 6-year-old Pomeranian, Izzy, who live on the Upper West Side, have been visiting Audrey’s Farmhouse for three years. The pet-friendly B&B is less than a two-hour drive from New York City and a stone’s throw from hiking trails, lakes and apple-picking orchards.
“When we stay there, Izzy and I typically go hiking in nearby Mohonk Preserve,” says Pietrzak. “We also like driving to Sam’s Point Preserve; the ride along country roads is beautiful and half the fun, especially when the leaves are changing colors.”
After a long day of hiking, they like to grab a bite at Harvest Café (10 Main St., New Paltz, NY; 845-255-4205), an eatery that welcomes pets on its deck and boasts spectacular views of the Shawangunk Ridge and Wallkill River.
Days tend to wrap up back at Audrey’s with a glass of wine (for Pietrzak) and a biscuit (for Izzy) in front of the fire, along with the other guests, most of whom travel with their four-legged friends in tow. Dogs are welcome to roam the inn and play off-leash in the fence-less backyard.
“Izzy may look like a Paris Hilton dog, but when we arrive in the country she gets in touch with her inner wolf,” says Pietrzak. “She loves the smells and gets so excited and has this look like, ‘Hooray! I’m out of the city for a while!’ And I feel the same way.”
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard
2114 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow, LI; 631-369-0100
If you’re looking for a less active pursuit with your pooch, check out this winery, located on the North Fork of Long Island. Leashed pups are welcome to chill out with their wine-sipping owners. Sharon Levine, one of the vineyard owners, often brings her two dogs, Codi and Tobi, to hang out on the property.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Route 35, just south of Route 121 South, Cross River, NY; 914-864-7317
Tammy McCarley, founder of Blue Sky Dogs, a New York City-based dog-friendly travel company and author of “Best Hikes with Dogs,” recommends heading to Westchester County’s Ward Pound Ridge, a park that offers miles of wooded trails and is about an hour and fifteen minute drive from Manhattan. “You’ll likely meet plenty of other dog owners here,” she says. “Later in the season it’s terrific for snow shoeing and cross country skiing since the forest is fairly dense and protected from winter winds.”
Sonoma Falls Cider Mill & Country Store
140 Old Liberty Road., Livingston Manor, NY; 845-439-4949
Check out 2 1/2 miles of hiking trails along seven cascading waterfalls down the side of Dahlia Mountain at Sonoma Falls. It’s about a two-hour drive from Manhattan, and dogs are welcome as long as they’re on leashes. After a long hike, owners can enjoy fresh pressed apple cider straight from its orchard.
Dr. Davies Farm
306 Route 304, Congers, NY; 845-268-7020
While most orchards only offer apple picking through October, Dr. Davies Farm, less than an hour’s car ride from the city, will still have plenty for picking through November. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
SeaStreak Ferries
2 First St., Atlantic Highlands, NJ; 800-262-8743
Don’t have wheels? SeaStreak allows dogs onboard their ferries to New Jersey, which depart from 11 Wall St., East 35th Street and the World Financial Center. Take the hourlong ride to Atlantic Highlands, where you can disembark and explore the town’s picturesque streets and restored Victorian homes.