I’ve been wanting to go to New Orleans for years! My sister used to live there and a bunch of my friends have stayed at the InterContinental Hotel New Orleans. I had an idea in my head that it would be unlike anywhere else in the United States. Last week I finally got to go and it did not disappoint!

I was in town for the Being Boss Vacation, a gathering of creative women entrepreneurs (including the founder of Everyday Dog Magazine, Kim, who was my roommate during the trip). In between the brainstorming, networking and eating I discovered a southern style pet barkery. Of course this was one of the only stores I shopped in during the trip – how could I resist!

Southern Style Pet Barkery In New Orleans

Southern Paws Pet Barkery and Boutique is located in the French Quarter, right down the street from where I was staying. Although the French Quarter is noisy and busy, there are a ton of dogs and dog friendly places to explore. I saw dogs inside a lot of bars around the neighborhood, so apparently there’s no need to leave your pup behind.

I also saw a ton of dog bowls out in front of businesses and homes – one house I walked by even had a garden hose woven through the wrought iron fence so they could fill up the dog bowl on the sidewalk with fresh water all the time. I loved that!

At Southern Paws there’s tons of New Orleans themed goodies for your pup like collars, bandanas and treats. I went for a big cookie with New Orleans written on it. I know Burt and Lucy will be happiest with edible gifts!

I also got myself a pair of Chocolate Lab socks! It’s hard to find chocolate lab gear, black and yellow labs are more common. I’ll be rocking these under my Sorel boots this winter! As you can guess from the photo below, I was holding the giant dog cookie in my hands to get this shot : )

Dog Friendly New Orleans

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy with your pup check out the Nopsi Hotel, Maria who was working at Southern Paws when I stopped in recommended it! Checking out their dog brochure it looks like they are true dog lovers! They provide dog beds and bowls and will have the in house pastry chef whip up dog treats. The brochure also lists other dog friendly places in New Orleans like The Bulldog Bar and Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar – wish I had gone there!

How you been to New Orleans with your dog? Let me know where you went so I can add it to my list for next time – Burt and Lucy will be invited!