Dog Tales: Tail-Wagging Walks Around Town

Priceless moments can’t be scripted; they crop up when least expected. A last-minute stroll with my studious daughter and enthusiastic pup on a cool and clear June evening turned exactly that–golden, just like the spectacular sunset.         

Family strolls are a chance to reconnect at the end of a long working day, and to expend some pent up puppy and people energy. Adventures aren’t reserved for the outward bound, some can be found within the borders of one’s town. It’s understandably easy to tuck in at the end of a long day. Still, resisting the urge to merge with the couch can pay off in dividends.

So, with Ralph at the end of his leash, we set out, looking for a little dose of adventure.

Paved and unpaved, here are Ralph’s top five favorite walks:

1.  Kingfisher Bluff/Hines Park pathway: Located at the very back of the Henry Ford Community College Campus, this walk is a favorite in winter or summer. The parking area alone is worth the trip. Rain collection ponds with spray fountains, native plants and park benches are surrounded by crushed stone pathways. What used to be a vast parking area is now a striking eco-friendly park.

Pausing first at Kingfisher Bluff, take in the curving Rouge River from the elevated viewing area. It’s a civilized way to commune locally with nature. We watched an otter swim by toting his family’s lunch. 

Continue down the paved walking and biking pathway to the best part: an extraordinary manmade steel girder bridge across the river. The smooth planks of the footbridge bounce gently with each step. Never know who or what you might run into. The pathway continues into Hines Park for miles. 

Ralph’s keen sniffer gets a workout due to the off hours use of this area by local wildlife.

2. The Henry Ford: Stroll along history’s lane. After-hours or on an early  weekend morning, stay ahead of the crowd and park at the lot outside the Cinemax. Meander along the museum front, taking in the unique details of colonial architecture as well as the tidy landscaping. Continue along the sidewalk to the Village courtyard entrance. 

Circling the Josephine Ford Fountain is the highlight of this short trip. View it from varied angles, toss a coin into the water and hope your wish comes true (mine certainly did!) Pause on one of the courtyard benches.  

Sometimes it’s cool just to soak up history for a bit.

3. “The Hill” Hard to believe you’re in the middle of the city. Park behind the Leo’s Coney Island on Outer Drive near the Southfield Freeway. Take the short pathway through the bramble onto a wide paved bike and walking path. In a few steps the high bulrushes block out urban noise. Circling a wide pond filled with ducks and geese, trot through a brief forested area and continue through a sunny meadow. This walk has a little of everything. Even retail shops if the mood strikes–Petco is a favorite.

The angle of the sun setting produced breathtaking photographs.

4.  The Towers: Around the “Washer and Dryer” paved paths surround a lovely pond equipped with billowing fountains, miniature footbridges and picnic tables.  The undulating landscape around the sizeable pond is mature and well maintained. It’s a cool tree-shaded walk in the evening or on weekends. Cross the road to Regent’s Court and continue around a second manmade pond. Check out the inner cobblestoned atrium area. The abundance of glass, water and open space makes sunset a zen experience. Namatase.

On a cool June night we chose the Tower pond for a short walk. The clear sunset bathed the surroundings in a myriad of color, from burning gold to red to pale pink, ending in an indigo sky. Families laughed and fished. A strong breeze caused the multiple fountains to dance. 

Hard to believe we were only a mile from home. Pure gold. 

5. Dearborn Farmer’s Market: Each Friday from May to October, next to the Bryant Library, a dog friendly group gathers to meet up, chat, eat and buy fresh produce, plants, heavenly baked goods, smoked fish, meats, crafts and generally stock up on goodies for the weekend ahead. Home-baked dog and cat treats are sold, which makes this a leash-strainer for Ralph. Seriously, some of these treats could make it into a lunch box or two. 

Two and four legged friends reconnect over a steamed hot dog, fresh baked croissant or peanut butter and liver flavored treat, depending on the palate.

Some of the best times don't cost a dime. Grab the leash, put one foot in front of the other and find out.

Don't forget the plastic bag!