Marley has decided that humans are not asking the most important questions when they look for a house.
Is there room for a fence?
Are the floors prepared for wet paws?
Is the screened porch suitable for supervising squirrels?
And exactly how much mud can one backyard produce?
Welcome to The Marley Move Meter, where Marley rates Midlands areas based on the things that matter to dogs and the people who clean up after them.
We’ll look at fence potential, sidewalks, screened porches, nearby walking options, durable flooring and whether there is room for the dog-washing station you never knew you needed.
THE MARLEY MOVE METER: LEXINGTON
Marley’s initial ruling: 4 happy tails out of 5.
Fence potential: 4/5
Mud-producing ability: 4/5
Sidewalk access: 3/5
Screened porch potential: 5/5
Lexington gives dog owners a broad mix. You can find newer communities with sidewalks, established homes with larger yards and properties with enough outdoor space for a dog to develop several bad ideas at once.
The catch is that sidewalks, fencing rules and yard sizes vary quite a bit from one community to another. Never assume a fence is allowed just because the backyard appears to be begging for one.
Marley’s verdict: Strong screened-porch potential, plenty of yard possibilities and respectable squirrel surveillance.
THE MARLEY MOVE METER: CAYCE AND WEST COLUMBIA
Marley’s rating: 4 happy tails out of 5.
Fence potential: 4/5
Sidewalk and trail access: 4/5
Older-home floor durability: 4/5
Room for a dog-washing station: 3/5
This area earns points for its mix of established yards, one-story homes and access to public walking options. The Riverwalk is a major bonus for dogs who believe every outing should include new smells and at least one unnecessary detour.
Some older homes have generous lots. Others have layouts that may require creativity if your dream is a dedicated dog-washing station with a tiny robe hook.
Marley’s verdict: Very walkable in the right spots, plenty of established yards and excellent potential for a dog who enjoys both nature and nearby snacks.
Every property and community is different, so fences, sidewalks and pet rules still need to be checked individually.
MARLEY’S DOG-FRIENDLY GUIDE TO LEXINGTON, SC
Marley has conducted important local research. By “research,” I mean he looked for places where dogs are welcome and food occasionally falls on the ground.
Here are the dog parks, activities and dog-friendly patios we found around Lexington.
DOG PARKS AND OFF-LEASH FUN
• Macie & Milo’s Brew Pup
Two fully turfed off-leash dog parks, drinks, food and covered areas. Daily admission and memberships are available.
• Dog Park at Love’s Travel Stop
A fully fenced dog park with a waste station. It may not be glamorous, but it gets the job done during a road trip.
DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES TO PLAY
• Hazelwood Brewing Company
Dogs are welcome inside and outside. Food trucks are often available on weekends.
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS AND PATIOS
• Libby’s
• Old Mill Brewpub
• Hudson’s Smokehouse BBQ
• Flight Deck Restaurant & Bakery
• Mellow Mushroom
• Twisted Roots Bar and Grill
• O’Hara’s Public House
• Boho Pizza and Brew
• Southern Smoked Tavern & Steakhouse
• Goodfellas Grill and Bar
• Mediterranean Cafe
• Antai Asian Dining
• Knead Pizza
• Cribb’s Sandwich and Sweet Shop
• Red Bowl Asian Bistro
• Chili’s
• Five Guys
• Panera Bread
• Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ
• Cook Out
• Cold Stone Creamery
• Krispy Kreme
• Another Broken Egg Cafe
• Starbucks
• LJ’s Par and Grill
Most restaurant listings allow dogs only at designated outdoor tables. Patio availability, rules and hours can change, so call before loading an excited dog into the car.
Marley would also like everyone to remember the basics: bring a leash, water, cleanup bags and a dog who can handle people, food and other animals without turning brunch into an incident report.
MARLEY’S DOG-FRIENDLY GUIDE TO CAYCE AND WEST COLUMBIA
Marley has expanded his territory.
This time, he sniffed out dog parks, river trails, restaurant patios and a few places where your dog can supervise you while you enjoy an adult beverage.
DOG PARKS AND OFF-LEASH FUN
• Bark West Dog Park
West Columbia’s members-only off-leash park has separate areas for large and small dogs, obstacles, benches and watering stations. Dogs must be spayed or neutered and current on vaccinations.
• Love’s Travel Stop Dog Park
The Cayce location has a fully fenced dog park and waste station. Practical, convenient and apparently proof that even bathroom breaks can have amenities.
DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
• Cayce Riverwalk
Miles of paved and shaded riverfront paths. Leashed dogs are welcome.
• West Columbia Riverwalk Park
A scenic river walk with places to stop, explore and possibly dip a paw in the water.
• Timmerman Trail
A quieter option for a longer leashed walk through wooded areas and wetlands.
• 12,000 Year History Park
Trails, local history and plenty of interesting smells that Marley considers historically significant.
• Palmetto Outdoor
Offers dog-friendly tubing on its Deluxe Tubing Package. Check current water conditions and pet requirements before booking.
DOG-FRIENDLY FOOD, DRINKS AND PATIOS
CAYCE
• Steel Hands Brewing
• Piecewise Coffee Company
• East Bay Deli
• George’s Southside Restaurant
• Sonic Drive-In
• WesCo Brew and Bowl, outdoor areas only
WEST COLUMBIA
• Savage Craft Ale Works, biergarten only
• WECO Bottle and Biergarten
• Café Strudel
• Mama Henry’s at The Backyard Café
• D’s Wings
• East Bay Deli
• Taqueria El Jarocho Express
• Sonic Drive-In
Most businesses welcome dogs only in designated outdoor areas. Patio availability and pet policies can change because apparently businesses insist on making their own rules. Call before making promises to your dog.
Bring a leash, water and cleanup bags. Please make sure your dog is comfortable around people, food, children and other animals before introducing him as the unofficial mayor of the patio.