With more people traveling closer to home this summer there is more reason to bring the pup along. Resorts and vacation spots are beginning to take note of this demand, and adjust accordingly. Let's take a look at a few of the popular vacation spots close to (and in) the Lowcountry and see how they are offering to include the WHOLE family.
My wife and I, along with our three children, took a week long vacation to Disney World in Orlando, Florida this month. We struggled weeks before, with trying to find a good place for our golden retriever pup to stay, or someone to watch him at our home. Little did we know, Disney World just opened a number of air-conditioned kennels on their resorts, which just so happen to be members of the American Boarding Kennel Association.
After we got back, we looked into these kennels to brush up on our knowledge for our next trip. Kennel fees are per animal, per day and overnight boarding is also available. The rates includes two walks and two feedings per day and I can assure you that Disney does everything top-notch.
Reservations at the kennels are not required, but are highly suggested since having a resort reservation does not guarantee a kennel space for your pets.
Great Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN.
With over 800 miles of hiking and nature trails, the Great Smokey Mountain National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a great way to get out in the open and enjoy nature with your dog. Gatlinburg boasts 14 dog-friendly hotels in the National Park region and the park itself is dog-friendly.
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is a popular attraction amongst dog owners. The lifts allow pups, and their owners, to quickly travel to the tops of the mountains for spectacular views. Take the quick route up and the scenic route down to work out some energy and prepare for dinner.
Olympic Village and Park, Atlanta, GA.
Between Atlanta and Savannah there are over 100 pet friendly hotels to accommodate your entire family. The staple of the 1996 Olympics, the Olympic Village and Park, is dog friendly and allows you to explore the amazing architecture as well as the history of the Olympics. Almost all of the restaurants in the area are pet friendly on their outdoor patios, which makes stopping for a meal as easy as rolling over.
Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach
Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach are both popular coastal destinations in our own state, and boast a bevy of pet friendly hotels, restaurants and fun things to do with your pooch.
In Hilton Head make sure to stop at the Bistro 17, where your dog can order off their very own menu of Lucky Dog Cuisine. $3 of every meal is donated to various charities, including Chain Free Beaufort! Best Friends Dog Park is a great spot to meet new canine friends. There's play space for large and small dogs. And if you want to enjoy some of the area's best fishing, a number of the charter boats allow dogs aboard. Nearby Myrtle Beach has an amazing Barc Park comprised of a huge 11 acres and is worth an afternoon trip alone. There is a large pond in the park for swimming, and there's even a doggy shower at the park. Check out Zeke the Canine Corespondent's review of the park HERE. The Baker's Dog is a great place to take your pooch after a hard day playing at the park. They offer yummy, healthy treats with custom photo packaging. Myrtle Beach State Park is a super popular place to take your dog for some sand and surf. And Dog House Bar is a dog-friendly biker bar, if you are looking for something a bit more adventurous! Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Old Charleston Ghost Tours, Charleston, SC.
If you are looking to stay closer to home this summer on a "staycation", both Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation allow leashed dogs on their grounds. Old Charleston Ghost Tours have southern hospitality for your pets too. Dogs are welcomed to walk the streets of Charleston and learn about the history and ghosts and goblins of old Charlestontowne -- on a leash of course. Both you and your dog can be tourists in your own town.
Explore your options this summer. There are many resorts and vacation spots that are starting to welcome Rover. If the location does not list they are pet friendly, don't forget to ask. Some brochures or websites may not be updated in a timely manner even though rules and regulations have changed.
What about you? Do you know any great local vacation spots that are pet friendly? If so, drop us a comment down below and share your knowledge with us!
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Comments
Hey great review of your vacation..... I really enjoyed it and i must say your Vacation destinations selection was too good.
Thanks for sharing.
When I look for information about dogs, it turns out, I got this on your website. I strongly pleased to read and listen to your article. I was getting an inspiration, because now I'm making the topic of Dog Friendly Hotels. This post is helpful. I wait for your next update, Thanks Bro,,
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