2022 Best of Lake Erie: Four-Legged Fun
Pamper pooches at these three Lake Erie locations.
Pampering for Pooches: Ruff Life on the Lake
Dog-friendly dining and gifts galore are in store at Ruff Life on the Lake, where business partners Nina Salerno and Cindy Lindberg have created a go-to spot for families and fur buddies to enjoy eats, drinks and retail therapy. The patio seats 75, a doggy daycare gives owners a way to play around Geneva-on-the-Lake while their pooches stay.
“I’ve always wanted to open a dog boutique, and I was a chef for most of my career. Cindy came up with the idea to do a combination of food for dogs and humans with a gift shop,” Salerno says. “We have many followers and friends who return — it’s just fun.”
Two-legged diners will enjoy the house-made crab dip and Ruff House Cobb Salad — pierogies and shrimp tacos are specialties. Pooches can nosh on scrambled eggs, a grilled all-beef hot dog or chicken, or Ruff Cup pup-ice cream. A kids menu includes mac ‘n cheese, grilled cheese or a Hot Diggity Dog.
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, 440-361-3854, rufflifeonthelake.com
Pet-Friendly Pub: Taps & Tails
Barks and brews is the concept at Taps & Tails, which includes a dog park, doggie daycare and full bar with specialty drinks on Train Avenue in Cleveland. It’s the first of its kind in Ohio. “We have a growing group of regulars, a mix of dog lovers and pet owners who share a common interest,” says the lead bark ranger, Chase Grossman. Taps & Tails’ outdoor seating overlooks a doggy obstacle course. “And we are always doing events like breed meetups and singles night,” Grossman says.
Cleveland, Ohio, 216-417-7384, tapsandtailsdogbar.com
Stay and Play with Pets: J.F. Walleye’s Island Rentals and Villas
Deluxe villas sleep six, are pet friendly and give you the flexibility to cozy up on Middle Bass without the worry of boarding your fur buddy. The villas include a screened in porch, full kitchen, dining area, bathroom and sleeping spaces.
Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie Islands, 419-285-2739, jfwalleyes.net
