Pup-Pleasant Stops for Summer time Southern Highway Journeys
Seize the leash and prepare for a tail-waggin’ good time. Positive, canine sniff butts and eat rubbish. However canine are cherished members of adventure-loving households, which is why we’ve rounded up 5 woof-tastic cities within the Blue Ridge. From the mountains of West Virginia to the Upstate of South Carolina, these bark-worthy burgs cater to canines and their two-legged companions.
Boone, North Carolina
It’s been mentioned that Daniel Boone by no means traveled anyplace with out two searching hounds by his aspect. So it solely is smart for Boone—a North Carolina city named after the American frontiersman—to drag out all of the stops for modern canines.
Based on Ben Rogers, canine dad to pitbull mixes Milly and Mabel and proprietor of a neighborhood pet-sitting enterprise referred to as Ben’s Buddies, Boone is a mecca for mutts and purebreds alike.
“There’s so many nice locations to discover with furry associates,” he says.
WHAT TO DO: Observe the 1.8-mile Elk Knob Summit Path to the eponymous 5,520-foot peak in Elk Knob State Park. Afterward, take pleasure in some charcuterie at one of many park’s 11 picnic areas. Simply be sure to offer Sparky somewhat nibble.
WHERE TO EAT: For a canine-friendly chew, head to Appalachian Mountain Brewery for a pitcher of Hop Rain Drop—a contemporary IPA with heavy notes of mango, peach, and papaya—and a buffalo rooster pizza.
WHERE TO STAY: Catch some shuteye at The Horton Resort, a downtown retreat with a complete flooring devoted to hounds.
Dawsonville, Georgia
Most know Dawsonville for moonshine and motorsports. In spite of everything, this tiny metropolis has hosted a ‘shine pageant because the ‘60s and is dwelling to the Georgia Racing Corridor of Fame. However there’s a lot for pups, too.
“We didn’t neglect about our four-legged associates,” assures Dustin Heard, director of tourism at Vacation spot Dawsonville.
WHAT TO DO: Beat the Georgia warmth at Lake Lanier, a 38,000-acre reservoir with greater than 100 islands which can be simply begging to be explored.
WHERE TO EAT: After a day on the water, take Fido to dinner at Massive D’s BBQ. Choose a desk on the patio and order your self a redneck-style burger with American cheese, chili, and slaw, and a plain patty for the pooch.
WHERE TO STAY: In case your doggo digs panoramic views, ebook a room on the Lodge at Amicalola Falls. Nestled within the mountainous terrain of Amicalola Falls State Park, this rustic chalet presents a stable collection of pet-friendly rooms.
Vacationers Relaxation, South Carolina
Within the early 1800s, Vacationers Relaxation emerged as a stopover spot for livestock drovers and rich households touring to and from the mountains. Although lots has modified within the centuries since, this South Carolina metropolis nonetheless accommodates all types of holiday makers, the four-legged form included.
Aaron Crowell, proprietor of Vacationers Relaxation Pet Sitting, enjoys loads of pooch-approved actions with LB, his 5-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
“There’s tons to do, from the Swamp Rabbit Path to the native state parks,” he says. “Plus, nearly each restaurant has outside seating, and the native house complicated has a free doggy park.”
WHAT TO DO: Lace up your jogging footwear and take Rover for a path run in Paris Mountain State Park, a 1,540-acre recreation space positioned about 20 minutes southeast. In the event you’re searching for a problem, end the ten.6-mile Paris Mountain Massive Loop after which go swimming in Lake Placid.
WHERE TO EAT: Fill your stomach at Coastal Crust, a wood-fired pizza joint Crowell says is “just about the lifetime of the occasion” in Vacationers Relaxation. Wash it down with an ice-cold IPA from The Neighborhood Faucet subsequent door.
WHERE TO STAY: Relaxation your head on the Swamp Rabbit Inn, a bark-tastic mattress and breakfast named after the city’s 28-mile greenway.
Abingdon, Virginia
They are saying Virginia is for lovers. However in Abingdon, a small mountain village positioned about 130 miles southwest of Roanoke, it’s all concerning the canine lovers. That’s in response to native Amanda Smith.
As a licensed veterinary technician, proprietor of a doggy daycare referred to as The Canine Lodge, and proud pawrent to 5 goldendoodles, Smith spends a variety of time exploring Abingdon’s houndish haunts and is glad to report that it’s a dog-gone pleasant place.
“It’s a small city,” says Smith, “but it surely isn’t missing in eating places, breweries, retailers, and trails for canine lovers.”
WHAT TO DO: In the event you’ve acquired a high-energy hound, take them for a cycle on the Virginia Creeper Path, a 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation path beginning in Abingdon and touring by means of Damascus, Va. Simply keep in mind that all canine have to be stored on a six-foot or shorter leash.
WHERE TO EAT: Canines deserve tremendous eating experiences, too. That’s why Smith at all times takes her pack of pups to Rain Restaurant and Bar, an upscale eatery serving every part from octopus to ribeye. “They’ve an out of doors patio,” says Smith, “so I can take my canine anytime, and the meals is at all times scrumptious.”
WHERE TO STAY: Skip the lodge and camp at Abingdon Vineyards as an alternative. Located simply minutes from downtown, the vineyard presents two personal RV spots alongside the banks of the South Fork of the Holston River.
Wardensville, West Virginia
Wardensville is ruff nation. Stroll round this tiny city of fewer than 300, and also you’re positive to identify as many hounds as you do people. Relying on the day, you may even run into Ashley Eklin and her two canine: Ruxin, a four-year-old Corgi, and Bandit, a four-year-old border collie-spaniel combine.
Eklin moved to the Japanese Panhandle together with her husband final 12 months and rapidly fell in love with woof-worthy Wardensville throughout a day journey.
“We’re excited to proceed to discover and take adventures,” she says, “and it’s simpler when our pets are welcomed and inspired to hitch us.”
WHAT TO DO: Final time Eklin was on the town, she took Bandit as much as Massive Schloss, a rock outcropping accessible through the 4.3-mile Wolf Hole Path.
WHERE TO EAT: Publish-hike, head over to Misplaced River Buying and selling Publish for espresso, pup cups, and yummy treats. In the event you’re craving some contemporary produce, take a look at the Wardensville Backyard Market lower than half a mile down the street. “We’re recognized to like the pups,” says Anne Kirk, advertising and marketing director.
WHERE TO STAY: Lodge your Labrador on the Cottage at Misplaced River Ridge, a three-bedroom mountain retreat with a doggy poo station on your pup and a bidet for you. Based on hosts, the latter may simply “change your life.”
Cowl Picture: Take your canine for a hike at Elk Knob State Park close to Boone, N.C. Picture courtesy of Discover Boone
