If the beginning of this week was any indicator, Concord is in for a hot summer. Although the heat tempts us to stay inside, our pets may still want to get out and experience the joy of summer. We teamed up with Poppy, Visit Concord NH’s resident Ambassadog, to recommend some of her favorite summer activities for your four-legged friends!

Take a Shaded, Hydrated Hike

Even when the heat is up and the sun is beating, there are ways to burn some energy without scorching any paws. Concord boasts a plethora of wooded walking & hiking trails that can keep the sun away and prevent scorched paws on the pavement. Don’t forget to bring plenty of fluids for yourself and your pet.

🐾 Poppy’s Recommendation: Try the Jim Hill Riverwalk—the terrain is relatively flat for a hot day and there are several spots for jumping in the water, cooling off, and grabbing a drink.

Go Shopping!

Downtown Concord is home to a bounty of unique boutiques, and several welcome dogs. Try out local favorites like Gibson’s Bookstore or Lilise Designer Resale. Plenty of businesses leave out doggy bowls with water on warmer days, too. Don't miss the Concord Farmers Market that runs on Saturdays all summer and early fall to stock up on everything from local produce to dog treats (and yes, they have samples)! If you’re at the South End, Blue Seal carries everything from dog food to treats.

🐾 Poppy’s Recommendation: Sandy’s Pet Food by the airport is a dog’s dream; there are treats aplenty, things to sniff, and options galore.

Stop by a Park

Concord’s parks offer a safe place for dogs to play while offering respite from hot pavement. White Park, right by downtown, features meandering paths, places to sit, and a pond with ducks. The South End’s Rollins Park has a gazebo, paved walking paths, and a large playground.

🐾 Poppy’s Recommendation: Terrill Dog Park is a dedicated dog park stationed right by the Merrimack River—and a great place to meet new friends!

Dine Al Fresco

During the summer season, Concord's local restaurants and eateries open up outdoor dining, and dogs are often welcome. Our friends at Intown Concord compiled a list of dog-friendly downtown businesses and restaurants.

🐾 Poppy’s Recommendation: Twelve 31 Café offers a selection of delicious bites and dog treats too!

Check out the SPCA

The Pope Memorial SPCA is always offering community events, vaccination clinics, pet therapies, and other engaging activities. Keep up with them to see what summer fun they have planned!

🐾 Poppy’s Recommendation: Check out the SPCA’s volunteering opportunities, or donate to their Pet Food Pantry to give back to Concord’s pet community.

Although Concord benefits from New England’s temperate summers, there are always times where the heat really cranks up. Be sure to stay hydrated, be mindful of surface heat—especially hot pavement—and make the most of the Dog Days of summer!

Dillon Clark is the Creative Director at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. You can often catch him walking downtown, visiting Concord’s restaurants, buying a sweet treat, or petting a passing dog.

Poppy is Visit Concord NH’s Ambassadog. She is a registered therapy dog, avid hiker, enemy of vacuums, and peanut butter enthusiast. You can spot her at many of Concord’s dog-friendly events!

Visit Concord NH is an initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. This website and accompanying social media profiles showcase the best of NH’s Capital Region to travelers, new residents and long-time fans of Concord. Learn more about the Chamber at concordnhchamber.com.

Is this list missing something? There’s always new businesses, menu items and endless places to find great food in the Concord region. Email dclark@concordnhchamber.com to submit your suggestion for this blog!

The Dog Days of Summer