1. Lowe’s 

    Grand Forks, ND

When we enrolled Stevie in puppy kindergarten classes through the Grand Forks Dog Training Club, one of our trainers recommended homework of weekly trips to Lowe’s to get eager pups used to lots of new faces. It sounded strange (lumber and Labradors, I guess?), but we gave it a shot.

As it turns out, the folks at the Grand Forks Lowe’s LOVE dogs. On our first trip, the clerk at the front desk mentioned that many new dog owners come through the store for training because of the tricky-slick industrial floors. She added that she loves watching the gradual transformation from furry monsters to refined canines. Three employees in the garden center asked if they could give Stevie a scratch or two, and our cashier treated her to not one, but three bacon snacks.

2. Scheels

    Grand Forks, ND

Scheels is a regional sporting goods store that happens to be the central hub of Grand Forks’ Columbia Mall. They are also known for having a soft spot for dogs, which is great for the hunters and distance runners who want to stop by with their pheasant spotters and running buddies. As long as your dog is harnessed and well behaved (subjective, I know), they can help you pick out your new UND Hockey sweatshirt.

I mean, any business where I can walk my dog, buy a frostbite-proof coat, AND snag a cookie the size of my face is OK by me. Check it out.

3. Wired Bean Coffee House

    East Grand Forks, MN

If you don’t follow Wired Bean Coffee House on social media, you are missing out on oodles of dog photos. I’ll wait here as you like them on Facebook.

OK, great.

Even before Stevie came into my life, I loved Wired Bean for their excellent lattes and daily stash of the Red River Valley’s best, Sandy’s Donuts (we can let Fargo have a victory once in a while). However, I can now bring Stevie with me by drive-through or right through the front door. Stevie now loves it for the same reason I do – the treats. They offer doggy donuts and edible pup cups crafted by Barktastic Bakery, a local businesses that donates a portion of its profits to Journey Home Animal Rescue. That’s just too sweet.

4. Revelation Ale Works

    Hallock, MN

Another aspect of manners training that we’re working on with Stevie is the road trip. She loves a car ride, until we’re going too fast for her to let the wind blow through her fabulous tresses. We heard that Revelation Ale Works, a brewery in Hallock, Minnesota, was happy to let dogs into their taproom. So we hopped in the Subaru and headed an hour north to the town just 20 miles from the Canadian border.

Stevie was a crowd favorite at the brewery, especially for the beertenders. One ale slinger snuck Stevie a couple of dog treats, and the other asked if we would like our family photo taken.

Um, absolutely, please.

On a warm day, Stevie was loving the cool concrete floor of the taproom, as we’re told many dogs do. But here’s something cooler. Revelation Ale Works is actually a participant in the Dog-Friendly Brewery Pass offered through the company Sidewalk Dog. The pass is $30 and lets you grab a free beer from 47 dog-friendly breweries across Minnesota. PLUS a portion of the proceeds go to a Minnesota animal rescue. Cheers to that!

5. Tractor Supply

    Grand Forks, ND

When Carter needs a rubber mallet for fixing the landscaping, we go get a rubber mallet for fixing the landscaping. Tractor Supply has rubber mallets, and they also have a bring-your-farm-dog mentality. Stevie is by no means a farm dog, but we brought her with for mallet shopping anyway.

What many people don’t know is that Tractor Supply is stocked ceiling high with some of the best doggy treats, food, squeakers, and supplies in town. It’s like a toy store for your four-legged children. Even if you say no to a new tug rope or box of biscuits, the cashier will still give your dog a treat at checkout.

6. So Many Downtown Patios

I’m just going to say this straight – Downtown Grand Forks is a great place for dogs on both sides of the river. After a summer or fall morning on the Greenway trails or at the Town Square Farmers Market, you can pop by more than a half dozen restaurant patios that are ready for Rover, and some will even hook you up with a water bowl. Just call ahead before your first-time visit to confirm doggers are allowed at your stop.

One of my favorites is Half Brothers Brewery, which occasionally features dog adoption events at its taproom and on its patio. They even leveled up their love of the pooch with a partnership with the Ruffing It Barkery, a Grand Forks gourmet dog treat business. The Barkery uses the spent grain of Half Brothers’ Classic golden ale to produce its Classic Brew & Cheddar Biscuits. Yum all around.