A Slow Spring Morning in Waterford CT with Figgy 🐾☕
Some days aren’t about big hikes or packed plans.
Sometimes it’s just a coffee ☕in hand, your dog by your side, good friends, and nowhere you need to be.
That’s exactly the kind of morning Figgy (10.5 weeks old at the time of this adventure) and I had in Waterford – two cozy stops that felt easy, local, and genuinely enjoyable for both of us.
First Stop: NV Bakery & Market
If your ideal outing includes a really good coffee and something delicious for 
breakfast (or lunch), NV Bakery & Market just feels right when you walk in. I’m there almost weekly, but this was Figgy’s first visit, and we lucked out with perfect early spring 🪻 weather to enjoy the outdoor area.
For Figgy, it was a great first stop because it wasn’t overwhelming. With the chill still in the air, we had the outdoor space mostly to ourselves with plenty of room to settle in with a friend and her little (human) daughter and say hi to a few friendly passersby.
Best for:
- Dogs comfortable around people but not chaos
- Dogs practicing calm public behavior
- A relaxed start to your outing
Tip: Always check current dog policies and setup before you go.
A Reset in Between
One of the most underrated parts of any outing?
The in-between time.
After NV, Figgy took a nap before our next stop – puppy life 💤 Puppies need a
lot of sleep (think 16–18 hours a day), and giving him that reset made a huge difference.
Instead of stacking stimulation, it let him decompress and actually enjoy the second stop.
If you’re planning something similar:
👉 Coffee stop
👉 Walk/sniff break or nap
👉 Second location
Simple, but it works.
Second Stop: Filomena’s Café
Filomena’s is a well known favorite in Waterford and they didn’t disappoint! Again we were able to set up outside, this time a friend and her baby, Ollie – this time the 4 legged kind – joined us!
I enjoyed a yummy bruschetta flight while my friend had a chicken sandwich and the puppies had their own chew sticks! We also got a yummy blueberry lemonade 🍋. The puppies had their own fun conversation and the grown-ups enjoyed chatting and talking all things puppies (her pup just turned 1🎂)
Why it worked:
- The outing was balanced with movement and downtime
- Figgy had time to adjust
No pressure for perfect behavior
As always, double-check dog policies and seating setup before visiting any location!
What Made This Work
It wasn’t just the spots, it was the pace.
This outing worked because it was:
- Layered
- Flexible
- Balanced
And honestly, that’s what most dogs need.
The Real-Life Takeaway
Outings like this are fun and they matter.
But what really helps dogs thrive isn’t just the occasional coffee date… it’s the consistency in between.
Regular walks, enrichment, and structured time outside help dogs handle outings like this with more confidence and ease.
That’s why Barks & Recreation is here for the everyday support; the midday walks, the play, the routine – so your dog gets both: the fun outings and the steady care behind them. 🐾
Want More Local Dog-Friendly Finds?
We create and share real outings like this, monthly community hikes, tips, and local recommendations inside the Barks Community Facebook group. It’s quickly becoming a go-to spot for Southeastern CT dog parents.
If you’re always looking for new places to go (or want to share your favorites), come join us 🐾 And of course follow @FindsbyFiggy on Instagram to keep up with his adventures in Southeastern CT
I hope to see you soon!
Warm Wags🐾
Elizabeth
