9 Steps to Enjoying a Day with Your Dog in Broad Ripple

Make sure Fido has a collar and leash. City ordinances mandate that dogs be leashed when they aren't behind fences. It's probably not the best idea to try putting your Papillion in a Paris Hilton-esque puppy purse, either, since one of our stops will be lunch.

Step 2: Preparing for Scooping

You'll want to have some plastic bags on hand, as well. Broad Ripple has a few stations for "doggie clean-up," but you'll want to be prepared in case your pup has to make a pit stop at an inconvenient spot. Luckily, you'll find plenty of trash bins along the roads to dispose of the mess.

Step 3: Approaching Broad Ripple

We're going to start from a common point: Meridian St. and Westfield Blvd. You might not normally come from this direction, depending on your departure point, but when you're bringing your pup, you'll want to take this route. When you turn northeast onto Westfield Blvd., you'll be driving alongside the Central Canal, which is usually populated with ducks. I'm sure Fifi will love the chance to bark at and sniff these web-footed friends as you drive along the tree-lined street.

Ste 4: Parking

The village is lined with metered and 2-hour parking spots, so once you arrive at the three-way intersection of College Ave, Westfield Blvd and Broad Ripple Ave, you can wind your way around until you find an available one. Hint: Try making a slight left from this intersection so that you are on the one-way alley that continues to run along the canal. (This alley is still Westfield.) If you can find an open spot here, you'll be in a great position for the rest of the day.

Step 5: Grabbing a Bite at the Bakery

You first stop, for a bit of nourishment and energy for the day ahead, is the Three Dog Bakery. Located at 844 Broad Ripple Ave, this special bakery is just what the doggie ordered. Using the best, all-natural ingredients to pamper your dog, you may even be tempted to have a bite.

Step 6: Window Shopping

Stroll east along Broad Ripple Ave until you reach Guilford (about a block and a half). Turn north (left) onto Guilford and you come to an area that is more packed with boutiques and antique dealers than with bars and fast food chains. You and Fido can peer into the windows here as you enjoy the day and make a mental note of what to come back for some other time.

Step 7: Grooming

If you've wandered off Guilford a little, which is possible with all of the neat little stores in that area, make your way back, and head north again. (North should be in the direction of the rainbow-colored bridge, unless you crossed the canal in your meanderings.)

Step 8: Walking on the Monon Trail

You are so close to the Monon Trail, the railway tracks that were converted into a walking/jogging/cycling path, that you might as well take a stroll. If the day is nice, you'll be glad you did.

The Monon is lined with trees and is very nicely refurbished to make a hospitable path through the city. You'll undoubtedly see other walkers and joggers, some with their pups, on the trail. Your pooch will be glad for the time to wag tails with his four-legged kindred.

Step 9: Eating Lunch

Before you get too tired on the Monon, turn and walk back to Main St. Follow it west back to Guilford. Follow Guilford south over the bridge and back to Westfield Blvd. Turn right (west).

Stop at 823 Westfield Blvd, a cute little French eatery called Petite Chou. Described as "French food, American attitude in a casual Broad Ripple atmosphere," Café Petite Chou is one of the rare places where you and your sweet pup can dine out together.

You'll have to sit on the patio, and you must have a leash. (Hope you didn't skip Step 1.) On a beautiful day, though, there is nothing better.