nursery rhyme characters and verses), DeMeritt Hill Farm has been a local family favorite for years. Check their website for the 2013 opening day.

After traipsing around DeMeritt Hill Farm or picking up a few bottles of Hair of the Dog Red at Flag Hill, you might be ready for a sit-down meal.

I've written here before about the tasty offerings at Popovers on the Square in downtown Portsmouth, where it's just about time for the sidewalk tables to make their appearance. Around the corner, The Works Bakery Cafe has seasonal out-door tables, too. And Redhook Brewery's Cataqua Pub, also in Portsmouth, has an outdoor dining area where well-behaved dogs are allowed.

Portsmouth is definitely a walking town. Should your pooch need a drink before or after you eat, the Life Is Good store a few doors down from Popovers always has a fresh water bowl out front.

For more dog-friendly travel reviews and information, visit ChaucerSeesAmerica.com.