Wilmington’s Gone to the Dogs

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.

Roger Caras

Ah, dogs. Any humans who’ve had the pleasure of having one own them will happily tell you the fascinating con game their four-legged friend embodies. What? It’s 4 o’clock and I usally eat at 5? Time to walk meaningfully around my friend until he succumbs to my charms, and more importantly, feeds me. Huh? Watching TV without scratching my ears? May as well walk back and forth, making faint whiny noises until I get pleasured. What’s that noise? A car passing the house? Time to bark like a burglary is imminent.

The truth is more and more people can’t live without their dogs, and Wilmington is fortunate to have some great outdoor spaces that are dog-friendly. As a public service the Grove Project lists some official (and unofficial) ones here, with their specific restrictions:

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH map
Dogs are allowed on the beach December through March, so long as they are leashed. Don’t tempt this law — a friend walking her dog off-leash in January was issued a $500 ticket without warning.

CAROLINA BEACH map
Dogs are allowed on the beach November through February. During these times, your dog MUST be on a leash, and you must have in your possession a container to pick up dog waste. This rule is often flaunted, especially in the summer, with varying degrees of success.

KURE BEACH map
Dogs are allowed on the beach October through March. During these times, your dog MUST be on a leash, and you must have in your possession a container to pick up dog waste.

UNCW map
The intramural field adjacent to the soccer field and abutting the baseball stadium is a great green oasis for canine calisthenics. Technically, no dogs are allowed (according to signs), but I’ve been going there for years without hassle. Just be sure to have a doggie bag handy, and keep your pooch on a leash if students are playing sports. Parking by the tennis courts is also hassle-free, and free!

HUGH MACRAE PARK map
Situated between the municipal golf course and College Road. Countless long leaf pines shade this extremely dog-friendly park that features a small area dedicated to off-leash fun. Bags are provided.

EMPIE PARK map
Located at Park Avenue and Independence, this is THE place to socialize a dog — a 2-acre amusement park for dogs. Often packed with bi-peds and quadri-peds alike, it’s got everything in one enclosed area.

FORT FISHER STATE PARK map
A state-owned park at the southern tip of Kure Beach. A $10 day pass and a 4-wheel drive vehicle gives you access to beach fun. Dogs are allowed at all times but must be on a six-foot leash.

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK link
A scenic 700-acre park with miles of trails through various natural habitats, it’s a dog’s dream. There’s no cost to hike in the park, and doggie waste bags are provided. Dogs MUST be on a leash at all times, and if you don’t heed this, your dog might bolt into the woods after that rather large deer.

MASONBORO ISLAND map
If you have a boat, or a friend with a boat (wink, wink), and your dog is into anarchy, this is the place. Excepting holiday weekends, this beach is always nearly empty and affords dogs a type of freedom they won’t soon forget. I’ve seen dogs run for hours after each other, while others chase toys into the sea, and still others bury themselves escaping the heat. Put simply: This is dog heaven. Not much is monitored on the island, so please be responsible, and clean up after your dog — and yourself!