We picked the historic Globe Inn, where Scotland’s famous poet Robert Burns found his inspiration, as a pub to highlight while in Scotland. Robert Burns used to ride his horse here to drink, eat, write and stay in an upstairs room where at one point he had an affair. Burns is called the “ploughman poet,” and wrote such poems as “Auld Lang Syne” and “My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose.” Dumfries is a pretty big town with lots of pubs, restaurants, shopping and Burns spots, including his grave and the house where he grew up.

Jane, who manages the pub, is passionate about Burns. She took me on a tour before I had a pint in the smaller bar room, where I got to talking with some locals. One man, Robertson, who is an American living in Scotland, had his adorable collies with him. Dogs are allowed in most pubs in Scotland. Robertson and his Scottish wife Emma run a local B&B called Ferintosh. One of his favorite pubs is the Globe, because of its history and because it’s a local’s place.

Learn more about Equitrekking on PBS and the Equitrekking episodes on DVD and learn about exceptional equestrian vacations and Scotland horse holidays at EquitrekkingTravel.com.