Sparks Glencoe, Maryland might just be a tiny speck on a map, but visiting with your furry pal is quite the treat! Located just 20 miles north of pawpular Baltimore city, Sparks Glencoe, sometimes called just Sparks, is a tiny little community with a big heart. Because it's so small, Sparks Glencoe has no vets in the immediate area, but there are several available in the nearby towns of Cockeysville and Monkton.
Sparks Glencoe is an unincorporated community, so although there are no "official" town limits, you can recognize Sparks Glencoe by the Gunpowder River that runs through it. Luckily for you and Fido, a pawtastic pup-friendly activity is available just alongside the basin of the Gunpowder River, known as the North Central Railroad (NCR) Hike-Bike Trail! The NCR Hike-Bike Trail (otherwise known as Torrey C. Brown (TCB) Rail Trail) is a wooftacular old and abandoned railroad corridor that's been transformed into a beautiful hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, running, and walking destination for two-legged hoomans and their four-legged furiends. The trail runs 20 miles all the way from the Sparks area to the border of Pennsylvania. Pups are more than welcome to jog alongside their owners as long as they are leashed!
Wag to the Hunt Valley neighborhood in Hunt Valley to dive into local eats and places to sleep. Take Fido for a spin at the Coal Fire Pizza restaurant, where you both are welcome to grab a seat at one of the eight furiendly tables and enjoy one of their special coal fired pizzas! Once you've woofed down your pupperoni pizza, head over to the "Hunt Valley Inn, a Wyndham Grand" for a dreamy night's sleep at an affordable rate. One pup up to 50 lbs is allowed for an extra fee per stay and must call ahead to the canine concierge to request a pup-friendly room.
The Western Run Valley neighborhood in Cockeysville is another pawtastic location to sniff out tasty treats with Fido. Start off at Peet's Coffee & Tea for a much-needed cup of joe with your pup. Next, head to the Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille for a wonfurful restaurant gathering spot to dine on delicious burgers and sip on refreshing brews with friends and family. Ten pup-friendly tables are available outdoors, so bring your hefty Fido along! Make sure to order a plate of the Colossal Crab Cake to enjoy while you watch your favorite sports game; whatever it may be! You and Fido will have a furtacular time while in Western Run Valley.
The Cockeysville Ivy Hill neighborhood in Cockeysville is the place to be with Fido on a particular sunny afternoon. Wag to this neighborhood to enjoy the Oregon Ridge Park with your pup! In a nutshell, the Oregon Ridge Park is a pawtastic 1,000+ acre park that attracts visitors and locals from all over. Thanks to its plethora of walking and hiking trails, the Oregon Ridge Park is a pawpular outdoor destination for pup-owners! The park also has a educative nature center, a lodge, picnic and recreation areas, plus more! Just make sure to keep Fido on a leash and pick up after any droppings while you're strolling around the park.
Cockeysville still has some more surprises waiting for you and Fido. Head to the Warren Lodge neighborhood to dine on fresh Italian-inspired cuisine at either the Vito Ristorante or at the Original Giorgio's restaurant. These two local eateries are pawpular dining locations in town and it's no wonder why. Giorgio's features sandwiches, pizzas, and even specialty items such as Chicken Tikka Masala. But if you don't have time for both, definitely visit the Vito Ristorante with Fido in order to try the Petronelli brother's and Chef Luca's authentic Italian dishes. The veal chop will have you drooling, but don't forget to save (lots) of room for their special homemade Tiramisu--crême brûlée style. Enjoy it all out on their lovely patio with your pup. Bone appétit!
Come check out the Lutherville neighborhood in Timonium for a furtastic eating adventure. Start off with a pawsome gourmet breakfast at Towson Hot Bagels and Deli. Grab a seat at one of the three outdoor tables with Fido and dig into their signature (hot) bagels! Lunch sandwiches and yummy pawninis are also available for doggoes on the go! Next, go out to eat at the First Watch restaurant. This casual cafe/eatery will make your appetite go woof! The Chile Chorizo Omelette and Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict are just two favorites on the menu, so make sure to go hungry and try a bit of everything!