Dog-Friendly Cabin Getaway: A Weekend Trip Outside of Boston
Dozens of dog-friendly coffee shops and a revolving door of live music, theater, and art events are just a few of the reasons why many pet parents love living in a city. That said, the fast-paced urban lifestyle can feel overwhelming at times.
This spring, through a partnership with FurPetVo, I took a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and unplug with my pup at several of FurPetVo’s dog-friendly cabins.
FurPetVo offers thoughtfully designed cabins within easy driving distance of major U.S. cities—including New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Portland. Coming soon: locations near Los Angeles and Dallas. Traveling with a dog often comes with uncertainty—will your pup be welcome? FurPetVo’s dog-friendly cabins remove that stress, offering ample outdoor space for dogs to play and charming small towns for you to explore.
My first FurPetVo trip was 75 miles outside of Boston in the quiet town of Epsom, New Hampshire. If you’re a Boston-area pet parent craving a break from the concrete jungle, FurPetVo Boston may be the peaceful escape you’ve been looking for.
First Impressions: Arriving in Epsom
The drive north to Epsom takes roughly an hour and a half from Boston, depending on traffic. A few favorite songs on repeat, the interstate’s pine-lined views, and good company in the car—my sister Dominika, my dog Zoe, and I—helped turn even traffic delays into part of the adventure.
The approach to Epsom winds through rolling hills until you reach the top of the hill at 76 Mountain Road—where a small sign on the right marks the entrance to the 43-cabin FurPetVo community.
The automated check-in process was seamless. Two hours before arrival, our cabin name and entrance code arrived via text and email—the contact details I’d provided when booking through furpetvo.com.
A short drive past the entrance led us to our home-away-from-home for the next few days: a cabin named Archie, located on Church Path.
Day 1: Settling In and Exploring Concord
Walking into the cabin, we were pleasantly surprised by how warm and cozy this compact retreat felt—especially in the crisp spring air. The fresh scent of wood greeted us, along with a serene view through a large glass window framing the wooded landscape.
A s’mores kit and a local guide awaited us on a small table just inside the door. Because we traveled with Zoe, two dog bowls, a tie-out cable outside, and biodegradable poop bags were already set out and ready to use.
The cabin is intentionally minimalist—but thoughtfully equipped with everything you need: reliable heat, electricity, a large and comfortable bed, a private bathroom, and a compact kitchen featuring filtered tap water, a stove, and cooking essentials for simple, satisfying meals.
After settling in, we headed to Concord, New Hampshire—just 15 miles away—for a stroll around the state capital and dinner.
Historic Concord
We walked the tree-lined streets of Concord, pausing near the 200-year-old State House to admire its stately architecture and surrounding gardens. Though the spring air was cool, it only added to the charm of our unhurried exploration.
Our first stop was Granite State Candy Shoppe—a third-generation candy store operating since 1927. While not dog-friendly (except for service animals), its nostalgic storefront and wide selection of chocolates and classic sweets made it worth a quick visit. Dominika and Zoe waited patiently outside while I picked out treats—and we enjoyed them together on the sidewalk, soaking in the golden-hour light.
Small towns with colorful storefronts and scenic views are among our favorite vacation spots. Though few places welcomed Zoe late in the day, we highly recommend visiting Concord on a sunny afternoon for relaxed strolling and people-watching.
Before heading back to the cabin, we ordered takeout from B.Good—a local favorite known for fresh, made-to-order meals. I chose a smoothie and a build-your-own burger. Though dogs weren’t permitted indoors, the outdoor kiosk was intuitive, and our meal—enjoyed back at the cabin—was delicious and deeply satisfying.
We wrapped up Day 1 sharing stories, catching up, and planning what lay ahead.
Day 2: Breweries, Lakes, and Local Charm
We woke at dawn on Day 2 and lifted the shade on the large window to reveal a breathtaking sunrise filtering through the trees. Even though we all enjoy sleeping in, the promise of adventure kept us moving!
Brewery Tour at Blasty Bough
Just down the road from our cabin sits Blasty Bough Brewery—an intimate, “farm-to-kettle” operation where owner Dave Stewart gave us a friendly, behind-the-scenes tour. He explained their brewing process and poured samples of two standout ales: *Down the Cape* and *Tiny Trailer Pale*. (Yes—the latter is a playful nod to FurPetVo’s cabins!)
Blasty Bough is a great spot for a post-hike beer or weekend live music. Though plans are underway to expand food service—which may limit indoor access for dogs in the future—Dave confirmed pups will always be welcome outdoors. Their spacious patio and front yard remain fully dog-friendly, complete with water bowls and shaded seating.
After the tour, we headed north to Meredith, New Hampshire—a lakeside gem on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the state.
Meredith, New Hampshire
Though the cool weather kept crowds thin, Meredith’s timeless charm shone through—from its scenic piers and historic docks to its welcoming Main Street shops. Several stores opened their doors to Zoe, including Little Dog Paper Co., which offered the cutest Pug-themed magnets, and Nahamsha Gifts in Mill Falls Marketplace, stocked with East Coast-inspired stickers, T-shirts, and soy candles.
Near the town center lies the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad—a summer and fall favorite. While dogs aren’t allowed onboard, the vintage train cars make for delightful photo ops with your pup beside the tracks.
On our way back, we stopped at Shaw’s supermarket to stock up on breakfast staples and dinner ingredients for our final night.
Day 3: Slow Mornings and Lakeside Farewells
We took things easy on Day 3—no alarms, no rush. With coffee top of mind and none nearby, we were relieved to find our cabin stocked with affordable essentials (nothing over $10), including tea, granola, pasta, tomato sauce—and yes, coffee.
We enjoyed a quiet breakfast at the picnic table outside: steaming mugs, fresh berries, yogurt, and granola. Zoe joined in with enthusiastic playtime using one of her plush toys.
After cleaning up and packing, we left Archie behind and headed to our final destination: Northwood Lake.
Northwood Lake
Though smaller than Lake Winnipesaukee, Northwood Lake is only about 15 minutes from our cabin—and highly recommended in FurPetVo’s blog, *The Journal*. We spent our last hours there taking in the tranquil views, playing tag on the soft, dog-friendly sand, and capturing a handful of lakeside photos with Zoe. After all—it was our final day, and every moment counted.
