13 Weeks of Summer: Week 6

Now that summer is officially here it’s time to get out of the house and make the most of these three short months.  Each week will include a new idea, dog event, or activity for you and your dog to try.  Don’t be afraid to try something new and encourage your friends to join you.

This Week, Take a Trip to the Beach

Have you ever gone an entire summer without visiting the beach?  As a native Californian you know that it’s possible to take the beach for granted.  But with the coast so close, and with the days getting hotter, it would be a crying shame not to take a little time to cool off at the beach before summer is over.  So this weekend, give yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of life and go relax on the beach with your dog.

Wine a Bit at Yappy Hour…

On Thursday night (July 26^th) stop in the Just Food For Dogs kitchen in Newport for yappy hour.  New to the yappy hour scene? Yappy hour is a chance for social adults and their social pups to join in the fun of cocktail hour.  While you sip on wine and eat hors d’oeuvres your pup gets to sip his own non-alcoholic beverage (usually chicken broth) and eat dog biscuits.  While yappy hours are held in various dog-friendly locations, this yappy hour is hosted by Just Food For Dogs, in their store front/commercial, human-grade kitchen.  Just Food For Dogs provides fresh, nutritional food made entirely from USDA/FDA ingredients created by a team composed of a veterinarian, canine nutrition expert, pet chef, and a crew of dogs and dog lovers.  Check out their facility, enjoy some tasty treats, and let your pup sample their wholesome creations while you mingle.  This yappy hour takes place on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and is located at 500 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, Ca 92663.

Catch Some Rays at the Huntington Dog Beach…

One of the best places for a dog to be a dog is romping through the sand and splashing in the water at the Huntington Dog Beach.  Even if your dog doesn’t like the water, playing on the sand is a better workout for him them walking on concrete.  The dog beach can be found at the very end of Goldenwest Street in Huntington Beach (around lifeguard tower 24).  The dog beach stretches from Goldenwest Street to Seapoint Street (to the right of Goldenwest when facing the beach from PCH).  There is metered parking along PCH or free parking one to five blocks inland, among the homes.  Check out the Huntington Dog Beach website for a list of beach rules and other FAQs.  Don’t forget to bring poop bags, a towel, fresh water for your dog, and sunblock if your dog requires it.  If it is your dog’s first time at the beach don’t be afraid to take it slow.  You want his first experience to be positive so you can come back again.  

Stop for a Bite at the Park Bench Café…

After a good run at the beach, your pup should be tired.  A tired dog is a good dog so it’s the perfect time to stop in at the Park Bench Café for a bite to eat.  Located at 17732 Goldenwest Street, in Huntington Beach, the Park Bench Café is a one of a kind stop for dog lovers who want to enjoy food and the beautiful outdoors with their four-legged friends.  After you order one of their delicious menu items for yourself, be sure to get something for your dog off the dog menu.  Your pooch can get a hot dog (without the bun), chicken, ground beef, bacon, lean ground turkey, and even eggs.  Check out the ParkBench Café website for a complete menu and list of dog rules to make sure your first visit there goes smoothly.  And if you have the energy after eating, you and your pup can saunter around the beautiful surrounding park before heading home.

13 Weeks of Summer: Week 5

Now that summer is officially here it’s time to get out of the house and make the most of these three short months.  Each week will include a new idea, dog event, or activity for you and your dog to try.  Don’t be afraid to try something new and encourage your friends to join you.

This week, take a Hike! (Literally)

Put on your boots and grab the dog, it’s time to get out and explore your neck of the woods.  The Inland Empire has a treasure trove of hiking trails, from Temecula to Big Bear, just waiting to be explored.  The best part is, your four-legged pal can join you and explore too (on leash, of course).  Remember to bring plenty of fresh water for you and your pup and be careful not to bring any new creatures home with you.

1.       Louis Robidoux Nature Center, Riverside -  This park offers several hiking trails, many of which take hikers around Sunnyslope Creek.  There are other trails which take hikers to Schroder’s Pond, Burnt Pond, or the Santa Ana River.  Additionally, this park has several educational bridges highlighting the native animals and plants of the park.   Located at 5370 Riverview in Riverside.

2.       Skyline Trail, Corona – For hiking or biking, some of the best views of Corona can be can be seen from this little known trail which leads to the Cleveland National Forest.  Located on Skyline Drive (off Lincoln Ave, turn right onto foothill, the entrance is a little hard to find) in Corona.

3.       Pine Knot Trail, Big Bear -  This moderate 6-mile (roundtrip) hike gives you an little more of a physical challenge while rewarding you with a breath taking view of the world below.   Parking is located at Aspen Grove (just off Highway 18, past the Big Bear Dam and Mill Creek Road) in Big Bear.

If you would like to cool off in this hot weather, you may enjoy a costal hike better.  California boasts 1,200 miles of wild and urban trails along the coast, appropriately called ‘California Coastal Trail’.  Enjoy the view and the breeze with your dog, no matter where you might be along the California Coast.  More specifically, Laguna Beach is littered with trails that are great for day hikes.  The most popular places to hike is El Moro Canyon and Crystal Cove State Park because of the variety and diversity of the trails there.  Just be aware, the trails are shared with mountain bikers so keep your dog close and out of the bikers’ way.

1.       El Moro Ridge Grand Loop – This trail can be found just 3 miles south of Corona Del Mar, on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach.  This trail is great for any level of hiker because although it is a 9.5 mile loop, there are several other trails (at various parts along the main trail) that cut through it allowing a hiker to take a short cut and make the loop shorter according to their comfort level.   Parking can be found in the El Moro Canyon/Crystal Cove parking lot off of PCH.  For complete directions, click on the trail title.   Also, be aware that dogs are not allowed on any Crystal Cove backcountry trails.  

2.       RanchoSan Clemente Ridgeline Trail – This trail is 3 ½ miles long with wide angle views of the coastline from Dana Point to San Diego.  The trail is mostly asphalt but there are a couple of points along the trail that are natural soil.  The majority of the trail is easy, long grades but there are a few points that are steep, making this an appealing option for any type of hiker.  This trail has 6 entrances, one of which is just behind the Sergeant Baron Von Willard Memorial Dog Playground, and 3 of which that have parking nearby.  Parking can be found on Avenida Salvador, from Avenida Presidio off the 5 freeway.  For complete directions and a map of the trail, click on the trail title.

Want to find a trail near you? Check out www.trails.com and click on ‘Trail Finder’ to locate a trail closer to home or to find a new trail to explore. 

13 Weeks of Summer: Week 4

Now that summer is officially here it’s time to get out of the house and make the most of these three short months.  Each week will include a new idea, dog event, or activity for you and your dog to try.  Don’t be afraid to try something new or invite a friend along. 

This Weekend:

Do you and your pup like music? Why not enjoy a concert in the park? This Saturday, July 14^th, The Shops at Dos Lagos kick off their “Rockin’ at Dos Lagos” summer concert series of tribute bands.  Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and some friends and get ready to rock along to your favorite classics from Aerosmith, U2, Queen, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Boston, and Styx.   Each week will feature a different band, starting this week with Aeromyth (Aerosmith tribute band), at 7p.m. until 9p.m.  Admission is free but if you spend $20 or more at any Dos Lagos restaurant on the day of the concert you will receive 2 VIP seats.  VIP seating is limited so be sure to check in at customer service booth starting at 5p.m. to ensure you get your seat.

Don’t forget your petiquette while enjoying the concert.  Remind your pup to be on his best doggy behavior at all times.  Keep him on his leash, be sure to pick up any messes he leaves, and bring plenty of fresh water for him.   

The Shops at Dos Lagos is located at 2780 Cabot Drive in Corona. Click on the “Rockin’ at Dos Lagos” link for the complete concert schedule.  

Are you or your dog not in to rock n’ roll? That’s ok, because Huntington Beach Central Park has a weekly summer Concerts in the Park series as well, with big bands, jazz bands, and orchestras.  Get lost in that old time music this Sunday, July 15^th, as The Swing Cats Big Band recreates sounds from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Each week will showcase a different band, continuing next Sunday with Orquesta Charangoa.  Admission is free and the bands start at 5p.m. so bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and some friends to get lost in the nostalgia.
Again, don’t forget your petiquette while enjoying the concert.  Remind your pup to be on his best doggy behavior at all times.  Keep him on his leash, be sure to pick up any messes he leaves, and bring plenty of fresh water for him.   

The Huntington Beach Central Park is located at 7111 Talbert Avenue, on the corner of Goldenwest and Talbert, in Huntington Beach. Click on ‘Concerts in the Park’ link for a complete concert schedule.