Fido Visits Manhattan
By Gloria Geannette
Manhattan with its skyscrapers and glamorous hot spots, might not strike travelers as a Fido-friendly city, but it really is if you know where to go. Accompanying my son, his wife and yellow lab Penny on their outings from their Upper East Side apartment for the last few years, I've learned firsthand where natives go with their dogs and where visitors will be equally welcomed.
Central Park is one of the most visited tourist sites in Manhattan, and it is particularly suited to be enjoyed by dogs and their owners. The park covers 840 acres and is located between 59th and 110th streets and Fifth and Eighth avenues. If people know the rules, they'll not only be allowed to join the fun, but they'll be welcomed into the group of dog owners in the know. Visitors who arrive before 9 a.m. or between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. can enjoy many areas where Fido can even run off leash. Our experience has been that most owners are very respectful of the rules and clean up and monitor their dog's behavior. We haven't had any run-ins with aggressive dogs or obnoxious owners in years of taking Penny to the park for free play time. There are 23 particularly Fido-friendly areas in the huge park area so it isn't hard to find a favorite. There are certain areas where Fido has to stay on-leash such as John Lennon's Strawberry Fields and the Shakespeare Garden, due to the heavy tourist crowds in those areas. Every season is fun for a park visit, but winter snow lends a magical feeling to the experience.
