There's Nothing Yappier than New York City, New York
- Luie Boone
- 5 hours ago
- 9 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
Guau. Wuff. Bau. Wan-wan. Meong-meong. Gav-gav. Ouaf. Hav-hav. Au-au. Hau-hau. Turns out, those are all ways to say “woof,” depending on where you are in the world. Luie Boone had no clue there were so many different ways to bark. Now, with his hoomans planning a trip to New York City—the proclaimed Language Capital of the world, where over 700 languages are spoken, including endangered ones like Seke and Yiddish—Luie Boone’s realizing he’s got a lot of barking to prepare for. He might just need a Rosetta Bone to keep up.
Most people picture New York City as a jungle of skyscrapers, honking taxis, and iconic landmarks. But for a pup like Luie Boone, it’s also a place where every bark might need a local twist. Thankfully, NYC isn’t just for humans; dogs can enjoy the city, too! From sprawling parks to pet-friendly cafés and hotels, there’s plenty to explore with your furry companion. If you’re planning a getaway with your dog, the Big Apple has more to offer than you might expect… even in 700 different languages.
Finding a place to stay is the first step. Luckily, many New York City hotels welcome dogs. One great spot it the Kimpton Muse Hotel, which offers free stays for pets along with a welcome kit! Luie Boone sure hopes there's a woofipedia in that welcome kit, because he needs all the help that he can get translating barks. A second great accommodation is the 1 Hotel Brookyln Bridge. This hotel provides dog beds and bowls, plus easy access to local walking paths. Another boutique option is the Marlton Hotel in Greenwich Village. Please note that booking early is recommended, especially if you want a hotel in Manhattan, so you can be close to parks and attractions.
Despite its concrete reputation, New York City is full of green spaces, which are paw-some for dogs. The most popular park of all is, of course, Central Park! Did you know Central Park was the first landscaped park in the United States? How cool is that! At Central Park, there are tree-lined paths and plenty of spots for people-watching. Hopefully, squirrel-watching, too! Even better, there are off-leash hours from 6 AM to 9 AM and 9 PM to 1 AM. Please note that some areas require dogs to be on-leash at all times, and that there are areas not available to dogs at Central Park.
Another great park is Hudson River Park, which is located along Manhattan's west side. It has dog runs, trails, and waterfront views. The Hudson River takes its name from English explorer Henry Hudson, who journeyed up its waters in 1609 while on an expedition for the Dutch East India Company. He was hoping to discover a Northwest Passage, but he did not. Long before Hudson’s voyage, Indigenous peoples referred to the river as "Muhheakunnuk," meaning "Great Waters Constantly in Motion." That's exactly why Luie Boone's hoomans said the Hudson River is off-limits for swimming. It can be very dangerous due to the currents and boat traffic. After checking out Central Park and the Hudson River Park, Luie Boone intends to swing by Prospect Park in Brooklyn. This park offers a large off-leash area and trails for long walks. Luie Boone will be sure to have his hoomans pack a picnic basket, so they can snack away after their fun day out exploring.
All of these parks provide the perfect opportunity for your dog to stretch their legs, while you enjoy the city’s beauty together. And, if you're not bringing a picnic basket along on your adventures, then you'll need a restaurant to eat at. Thankfully, eating out with a dog in NYC is easier than one may expect. The Barking Dog Luncheonette in Brooklyn welcomes dogs at their outdoor tables. And then there is Shake Shack! Who doesn't want to go to a shack that sells shakes? (Luie Boone's hoomans informed him that this is not the case, but a dog will believe in what a dog wishes to believe in.) At Shake Shack, dogs can hang out at certain outdoor seating areas and get a "Pooch-ini" to enjoy. If you're looking to swap the shakes with some wine, then the City Winery in Manhattan is the place for you. At this spot, you can enjoy a meal and wine tasting, while your pup lounges comfortably under the table.
*Please always check the latest pet policies.
With a full tummy, it's time to enjoy some of New York City's most iconic landmarks. Many of these iconic landmarks can be enjoyed with dogs, as long as you stick to the outdoor areas. For example, you can check out the exciting Brooklyn Bridge. This is a cable-stayed suspension bridge, which was open on May 24, 1883. As you walk along the historic bridge, you can enjoy the stunning skyline views and take in the history of the city. Another place you may want to check out is Times Square. Known for its heavy crowds and loud noises, it's best to take an early morning stroll through the square, in attempt to avoid potential triggers for your pup. And, in Dumbo, Brooklyn, you can explore the iconic cobblestone streets and take in the Manhattan Bridge—a suspension bridge that crosses East River, which connects Lower Manhattan with Downtown Brooklyn.
With a little planning, New York City can be an exciting and welcoming place for both you and your dog. From parks and cafes to iconic streets and scenic walks, the Big Apple is ready to be explored paw-in-paw with your furry friend.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in New York City, New York. Check it out below!
Rental Name: City Island
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 3 bathrooms.
Photos are courtesy of Airbnb
It features the following amenities:
Back deck
Fenced-in yard
Large backyard with patio
Gas BBQ
Fire pit
Ping pong table
Within walking distance to the beach
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans said something about a vacation to the Big Apple! I especially love the apple crisps that my hooman sister makes, so I wouldn't mind visiting a big apple and chowing it down. Except, it's not actually a big apple that we're visiting—nah-uh, it turns out that's just a nickname for New York City. Whatever, that place sounds cool, too, especially because my hoomans picked out a cozy rental home away from the large crowds and honking cars. It's this place called City Island, and it's a seaside spot in the Bronx that’s peaceful, walkable, and close to the beach. That's sounds like the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. My hoomans are excited about the fire pit and patio, but I’m mostly focused on the possibility of dropped snacks. I also heard there are two cats who like to stop by every day. I love cats, especially my kitty brother Tobi. He won't be too happy that I'm hanging around with other kitties. I just hope they’ll be friendly, or Tobi will make fun of my failed friendship. Oh, and I’m bringing Pixie. She's my stuffed pink toy Poodle. Now, I’ll be honest: I never really liked poodles. Too much fluff, too much prance. But then my hooman mom got me Ms. Pixie, and, well… she’s actually okay. She doesn’t yap, she doesn’t hog the couch, and she’s always ready to travel. So, Pixie is coming along for this adventure, which we're both giving four paws-up already!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in New York City, New York!
Charging Bull Statue
The Charging Bull Statue is a free, public attraction that is open year-round. However, visitors should be aware of the busy streets and crowds, especially during peak hours. Luie Boone learned the status was created by artist Arturo Di Modica, as a gift of guerrilla art to New York City in 1989 to inspire resilience after the 1987 stock market crash! The statue represents the vitality and tenacity of the financial markets. It also serves as a cultural icon, attracting tourists who often rub the statue for good luck!
Balto the Heroic Sled Dog
No trip to New York, NY, with your dog, would be complete without a stroll through Central Park and seeing the statue of Balto. Balto was one of the heroic lead dogs that battled a blinding blizzard in 1925. He traveled 674 miles to deliver medicine to Nome, Alaska for all the sick who were stricken with a horrific diphtheria outbreak! His statue is one of the most popular. Luie Boone will be sure to pose for a pic and pay his respect to the iconic Balto.
Clove Lakes Park
This park is rich with natural history. It is home to Staten Island's largest living thing—a 119-foot-tall tulip tree. Luie Boone promises to not pee on it. The park has serpentine rocks, which are said to resemble snakeskin in both texture and color. Plus, there's a variety of wildlife that call the park home. Just, hopefully, no snakes, because Luie Boone's hooman sister is not a big fan. At the park, visitors and their pups can enjoy walks by valley lakes, wooded hills, and picturesque parks. Personally, Luie Boone will find a comfy perch to watch the ducks crossing the road to go for their swim. He also promises not to swim after them.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid, cable-stayed, and suspension bridge in New York City. It crosses over the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan with Brooklyn. Your pooch is more than welcome to join you, as you both admire the views from either side of the paved, pedestrian pathway on the bridge. Luie Boone can only image how good the sniffs are up on that bridge!
Marine Park Salt Marsh
Have you ever been to a tidal salt marsh? Luie Boone has not, so he couldn't be more excited to visit the Marine Park Salt Marsh and its unique ecosystem. Several trails wind through the salt marsh, which offer opportunities to see the tides, birds, and the beautiful expanse of the cordgrass. You can also check out the water in the park, as water from Jamaica Bay flows into and out of Gerritsen Creek twice a day. It results in high and low tides on the shoreline of the park!
Prospect Park Dog Beach
Prospect Park Dog Beach is a must-visit during your vacation to New York City. It’s an off-leash zone, so your dog can run, splash, and sniff around to their heart’s content. There’s even a chain-link fence, including underwater fencing, to keep pups safe and separate from the local wildlife. It’s basically a doggy paradise for swimmers, splashers, and mud-rollers alike. Luie Boone’s already dreaming of cannonballs and soggy tennis balls. So, if your dog lives for the water, this spot’s a total win.
Kazimiroff Nature Trail
The Kazimiroff Nature Trail in Pelham Bay Park is a great pick for families and their furry friends. This little-over-one-mile loop winds through the natural beauty of Hunter Island, with views of the sound, small beaches to explore, and even photo-worthy rocks for your pup to pose on. Named after Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff—a Bronx-born dentist and environmental advocate who worked to protect the area's delicate ecosystems—the trail offers a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature, one paw-step at a time.
Barking Dog Hell's Kitchen
Luie Boone cannot wait to bark at the Barking Dog Hell's Kitchen. He'll bring along his woofipedia to show of all the cool new languages he learned to bark in. At the restaurant, your pup is welcome to join you at an outdoor table on the heated patio. Once seated, they'll get their own pup menu! Pups get a complimentary bowl of water and then can choose between a grilled hamburger patty bowl or a grilled chicken breast bowl. Luie Boone will have one of each, thanks! The hooman menu includes traditional American favorites—such as sandwiches, wraps, classic hamburgers, pastas, and salads.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
New York City, New York
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My hoomans are taking me on vacation to New York City—and of course, Pixie (my trusty stuffed pink poodle) is tagging along. I’m pumped! But I’ve heard whispers… and they’re not good. Word on the street is that finding a spot to do your business in NYC is ruff. It’s mostly concrete out there, with only teeny patches of grass scattered around. I can already picture myself circling one lonely tree while a line of impatient pups wait behind me. Not exactly the dream. Pixie, of course, doesn’t mind. She just smiles from my backpack like it’s no big deal. Thankfully, there’s hope! Central Park, Prospect Park, and even riverside trails offer plenty of space to sniff, stretch, and roll around on actual grass. So, while bathroom breaks might be a bit of a scavenger hunt in the concrete jungle, Pixie and I are ready to track down every green patch the city has to offer.
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