Carmel Attractions, Woof! Dog Friendly Carmel

Sonic Boom, a 4-year-old retired racing greyhound, arrived in Carmel seemingly determined to find out what this quaint village had to offer. With his tail wagging curiously and his tongue hanging in anticipation, Boomer (as he is fondly known) was led to The Cypress Inn — a beautifully remodeled property co-owned by animal-rights advocate Doris Day and Dennis LeVett. Tugging excitedly on his leash, he makes a beeline through the portal and plops down in the Library Bar, eager to make friends with the other dogs who have come to enjoy an “high tea” (iced Evian) and doggie scones (biscuits). It was everything he could want and more — down to that flirty brown-eyed King Charles spaniel with the bows in her hair.

Indeed, Carmel is crazy for its canine visitors. Many merchants in this “storybook” village put out biscuits and water, and welcome four-legged visitors into their shops. It’s no surprise that dogfriendly.com named Carmel-by-the-Sea the most dog-friendly village in the United States.

“Every place we went our hounds were welcome — whether it was the fine art galleries, the antique stores, or the world-class restaurants,” says Stuart Homer, president of Golden State Greyhound Adoption (his five greyhounds frequent Carmel). “This is a wonderful vacation place for dogs and their people.”

Carmel is so enamored with their dog visitors that the organizers of The Carmel Art Festival created “The Art of the Dog.” During this annual plein air art competition in May, many Carmel art galleries exhibit sculptures of dogs, painted by local artists, to be bid on by festival attendees. Over the years, the pieces have become collectors’ items.

More than 30 gourmet restaurants in Carmel tout themselves as pet-friendly.The wait-staff at Portabella on Ocean Avenue serves water in a silver champagne bucket.The Forge in the Forest, on the corner of Fifth and Junipero, offers the Dog Pound Menu, which includes Hen House Chicken Strips and the Quarter Hounder.

Dogs can even play on the white sands of Carmel Beach — a great place to watch the antics of many excited dogs enjoying the unleashed freedom of a fullspeed run in the surf and sand.

GUESTLIFE DON'T MISS

Carmel Doggie Delights

Diggidy Dog, near the corner of Ocean and Mission, offers a wide array of doggie goodies — from bones and beds to unique collars and toys. 625-1585.

The Cypress Inn at Lincoln and Seventh, 624-3871, provides the ultimate in pampering and comfort for your favorite canine.

Carmel Plaza features the Fountain of Woof, a dogs-only drinking fountain.

Mackie’s Parlour caters to pampered pooches that sit up and beg for Swarovski crystal-studded collars, doggie cologne, and squeak toys. At Ocean Ave. and Mission, 626-0600.

European Jeweler & Goldsmith in the Crossroads Shopping Village serves up custom 14K gold and sterling silver paw-print jewelry by taking a mold of your pet’s precious prints. 624-3555.