Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Area Itinerary
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored review. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Angel Nutter
When I’m planning a pet-friendly road trip with Dexter The Dog, I’m always looking for fun adventures. These dog-friendly road trips don’t have to be touristy; something off the beaten path or things that a local dog parent may experience are always entertaining.
Dexter and his canine travel buddy, Levi, did enjoy a great day at the Indiana Dunes State Park, but this dog-friendly day trip was going to be beyond the beach. We wanted to “shake off the sand south of the dunes” and check out other great dog-friendly attractions in Indiana Dunes Country.
Our first stop was Third Coast Spice Cafe. This charming dog-friendly restaurant isn’t just dog-friendly, but all the menu items are made from scratch without preservatives. For a person, like me, who suffers from migraines due to preservatives, this is a huge selling point. Third Coast Spice Cafe’s food is cooked in a thoughtful way and implements a lot of local products, organic products, and minimally processed foods. Their menu offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
I’m not one to eat healthy, but it was nice to know that my meal was not going to cause me a migraine. I ordered the Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast. Yes, you read that right. Cream cheese and raspberry stuffed into freshly baked bread and cooked on the griddle until golden brown then drizzled with raspberry sauce and served with whipped cream and maple syrup. OMDog is right. It was heavenly and, believe it or not, tasted light, not heavy.
Although the outside seating encouraged dogs, we decided to leave the pups in the car and eat inside due to the fact that it was a cool and windy morning. No worries, the car was parked in the sun, close to the café, we had a constant visual on the car, and the boys had their sweaters on.
After our scrumptious breakfast, we were off to Chesterton’s European Market. Chesterton’s European Market is more than just your typical farmer’s market. This market is located in historic downtown Chesterton, Indiana, and has a French-inspired feel. Vendors join together from all over the Midwest to create a delightful shopping experience. The dog-friendly shopping market featured a vast array of merchants and artisan products. The marketeers offered a diverse selection of freshly prepared foods, jewelry, local-farm-raised meats, local wines, flowers, and even live music.
Following the market, we walked to the Red Cup Cafe & Deli. This dog-friendly coffee shop’s decor was quite eclectic. The big red coffee cups throughout the cafe were surrounded by local artwork and old vinyl records. But, the cafe wasn’t just fun to look at. They offered a wide variety of coffees, chai tea, fresh muffins, and deli sandwiches. We ordered a couple of salted caramel mochas and sat at the outside tables.
After our big morning and afternoon, we decided to head back to our pet-friendly hotel, Waterbird Lakeside Inn, for a little rest. What I loved most about the Waterbird Lakeside Inn was the relaxing atmosphere. The inn has been a Chesterton staple for over 20 years and is surrounded by 60 acres of woods. Our room had a private balcony overlooking Chubb Lake. The hotel was quiet and centrally located to all of our dog-friendly attractions, including the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
After our rest, our bellies were beginning to rumble. We hopped into our car and headed to Ivy’s Bohemia House for some takeout to bring back to the hotel. I was in the mood for something on the lighter side, so I ordered the spinach-artichoke veggie wrap. The wrap was nice and fresh and hit the spot.
We had a relaxing evening sitting out on the balcony and watching the day turn into night. The waterbirds prepared for bed, and a few fish jumped to the surface, catching their dinner. Another great way to end a fun-filled day with the dogs.
When planning your pet-friendly Indiana Dunes Country vacation, visit Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for your Pet Guide and The Top Ten Pet-Friendly Stops. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center offers helpful advice, brochures, and coupons you won’t want to miss.
Do you travel with your dog? Tell me in the comments.
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Oh wow, you have some lucky dogs! That spinach artichoke wrap looks amazing!
🙂 Ya, they know how to have a good time. The wrap was great!
It is always nice to see dog friendly places for when I travel. I love that a lot of places are being more and more dog friendly as well!
It is. It makes traveling so much fun.
What a life for those lucky pups, I always say that when I die I want to come back as one of my pets because they have it so good. You are apparently cut from that same cloth.
<3 It's a good cloth!
We don’t have a dog but the food looks good! I am with you on the sweets!
🙂 I was close to getting a second one!
The food is making me hungry. I love those red coffee cups.
🙂 The Red Cup was such a great coffee shop. Perfect for our trip.
Your dogs always make me smile.It’s nice to find pet friendly places because there are so many people who have pets and need to go out with them sometimes.
Thank you Joan. Dexter has a way of doing that. 😀
Oh yum, this food looks so good! I’m pretty sure I’d love eating at the places you mentioned. I know I’d be all about that French Toast.
haha Yes. The french toast was amazing!
Great pics! Great food! And cute doggies! Glad there’s lots of fun places for them to go!
Thank you Charlotte! 🙂
The food looks delicious. I love places that cater to animals. Being in the military, I know some people who have PTSD dogs, and this is a nice place to get away for a quick sandwich.
Thanks for your service. The Indiana Dunes area is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
I don’t have a pet but I know it’s hard work. I see how some
Of my friends struggle with giving the best to their pets
Awe, please feel free to send them my way. I have a lot of articles and videos. I hate to see people struggle.
I do not have a dog, but I would likely go just for the food. It looks delicious.
Hi Lotta. Yes, lots to do and eat even without a dog. 🙂
Awww… they are so cute… I love dogs and I never travel with them but this has given me ideas to the same thing in spring when I travel up north to see my family. Will bring my dog along to it this time and stop by some yummy ice-cream too. LOL…Thx!
You bet! I love it! Have a great trip.
That place looks fantastic! THe perfect place for a walk and a meal out! even better that they allow dogs!
Agree. So much fun. We cant’ wait to go back.
Your dogs are so adorable! That breakfast looks amazing- I’m sure your pets really enjoyed!
Thank you. They had a blast. Oh, ya. That food was fantastic.
Ahhhhhh the dog has a 3 dunes challenge scarf!!! How cute! I have a t-shirt and it’s currently one of my favourites haha
That’s so cool! Congratulations on your challenge!
I just love following your adventures with you darling “children”! This is on my list of places to visit!
Thank you Stephanie. The Indiana Dunes and surrounding area is so much fun. So many things to see and do.
Such a great experience with your furr babies! I love that there are many places that allows our pets to bring.
Best times. We find very unique things when traveling with Dexter.
I love dog-friendly places! It’s so rewarding when you can travel with them.
It really is a great experience.
Your dogs are so so cute. I am a dog lover person and always feels good to find dog friendly places.
Thank you Rupy. 🙂
So great that you can share animal friendly places makes life so much easier 🙂
It sure does! Makes me get out and have some fun.
I love all the places you and the pooch get to explore!
Thanks, Cara. It’s so much fun exploring with Dexter. Just wait until 2019!
It’s great to have places like this to hang out with our pets. Lovely place for people and dogs.
Thanks Hannah. It really is a great spot for all families. We love the Indiana Dunes area.
THIS is good news for my mom and all those dog lovers who wish to visit dog-friendly places!!! i wonder how the animals feel… maybe awesome!!!
If they are socialized, they will likely have a great time. Dexter loves to travel and sniff out new places.