5 Must Go Places for You & Your Dog in the Fox Valley this Fall
1. Start your Day at High Cliff State Park
Morrigan & Mom taking a photo break after exploring High Cliff!
The best views overlooking Lake Winnebago with the crisp Autumn air...nothing beats it! High Cliff State Park is home to trails, camping, historical sites, and scenic overlooks. With trails that vary in difficulty, there is truly a place for all skill levels here which is why we love it so much! Our favorite loop is the 1.7 mile "Lime Kiln" loop which includes slightly rougher terrain and climbs to tire our pups out.
2. Grab Breakfast & Coffee at Copper Rock
On your way back in from High Cliff, be sure to stop and refuel at Copper Rock Coffee Co on College Ave. Their outdoor space is dog-inclusive and their coffee is fresh roasted in-house daily! My drink of choice is a Harvest Chai Latte. Pair that with a locally made bagel (with cream cheese added, of course) and you're set to continue your journey.
3. Take a "Barks and Recreation" Break
Friends socializing at the new dog park (County Website).
Head on over to Appleton's newest dog park for a bit of safe socialization! Barks and Recreation is the name of the park - no, seriously - after a public vote over naming rights. Once you're done giggling about the name, check out all 7 acres complete with agility equipment, separate areas for large and small pups, public restrooms for the humans, and lots of poop scoop stations! This County operated dog park is free for all to use and offers plenty of space for off leash play!
4. "Ope!" - we almost missed this!
The Ope! Brewery's mascot - Brewski - showing off before their "Ope-toberfest" event (Facebook)
While you're here, check out Ope - North Brewing at their new Appleton location. There is always something happening here from live music, Packers Watch Parties, or their sand volleyball league. They bring in a rotating variety of food trucks and offer their locally made beer on tap, non-alcoholic alternatives, as well as mixed drinks. For the month of October- they've declared that "Mondays are for the Dogs" and have local pet vendors, photographers, and other opportunities rotating through however well behaved dogs are welcomed all the time. Seriously- I think their staff enjoys loving on my dogs more than getting me another of their "Ope! Sourry - Cranberry/Cherry Sour Fruited Beers" but they're so good, I'll put up with coming in second to my pooch! Check out their dog policy: here.
5. "Loop the Little Lake" at Sunset
Our pup, Morrigan, enjoying the views on the Loop the Little Lake Trail.
What a better way to end your day than with a walk around Little Lake Butte des Mortes. The Loop the Little Lake Trail is a paved 3.5 mile trail through 3 Fox Valley cities and includes multiple bridges, public bathrooms, and lots of nature tucked right in the middle of the cities. This trail is enjoyed by bicyclists, runners, fishermen, and walkers alike so be prepared to hear "on your left" as community members pass. Our tip is to keep your eyes open - you never know what you'll see. We walk this trail every morning and are usually greeted by deer, turkey, and eagles throughout!
With that, your tour of our favorite places of the Fox Valley, WI area is complete! We want to know - what did you think? Is there anywhere you think we should add to our list and check out?