ATLANTA
An Urban Adventure in The Big Peach
Atlanta has been described as a “city surrounded by a forest”. What makes it even more amazing, is that when you are inside the city you don’t have an inkling of the wilderness adventures that await you and your dog just minutes away.
The city of Atlanta is an adventure in itself. The city consists of downtown and various neighborhoods. Each has its own eclectic vibe and is very pet friendly. So, get out and explore! There are so many experiences to be had, we can only touch on a few of the most unique.
In Buckhead you’ll discover an amazing dog park that takes safe play with your pet to another level. Fetch is an extraordinary urban play area with Astroturf instead of wood chips that offers creature comforts for both people and pets. A bar and big screen TV’s provide refreshment and entertainment as pet parents relax while their pets play with the free tennis balls provided.
Assigned staffers known as Bark Rangers make sure all the dogs play nicely.
All dogs are required to have up-to-date vaccinations on file and be spayed or neutered if 8 months of age or older. Pup parents must also sign liability waivers stating their dog is friendly and social. The park is set up as a membership for dogs, but no charge for people. Fetch is so unique it has been featured by The Travel Channel, CNN, ESPN and more.
Every neighborhood has its own vibe and Springhill is a multi-cultural retreat for many Millennials that want a neighborhood feel close to downtown. Situated in Springhill is Little Bear Restaurant. A cozy, brick-lined eatery featuring a rotating menu with international dishes, locally sourced, plus beer and cocktails, Little Bear is named for a local pet celebrity, Fernando, a Great Pyrenees who is the “Ambassador of Adorableness”. Pets Welcome Here met Fernando and his parents, learned about the restaurant and Fernando’s fans. We were fortunate to have Fernando lead the way to the most pet friendly hotel in Atlanta.
The Sylvan in Buckhead, a Kimpton Hotel, is Fernando’s favorite spot for a stay-cation. Kimpton’s motto about pets is, “if it fits through our doors it can stay in our hotel.” Very few hotels would welcome a dog of Fernando’s size, but although it is a high end luxury hotel, the Sylvan welcomes dogs everywhere. Pets Welcome Here hung out with Fernando in the posh lobby, as he checked-in and got welcome treats, walked around the pool area (pets can’t go in the pool) hung out at the rooftop bar and cabanas, was welcomed at the daily afternoon Happy Hour, and of course relaxed in his awesome guest room with welcome pet amenities including treats, toys, and a welcome message in a presentation box that says “We Woof You” plus a large size bed.
The Chattahoochee National Recreation Areais just outside the city. As a National Park, Park Rangers are available to tell you about walking and jogging along the many trails or picnic-ing on the benches provided. One of the many dogs that loves the park is Kylie, a Blue Heeler, who led the way on a hike along the Chattahoochee and on a well-known hiking trail, the Cochran Shoals trail. One of Kylie’s special places is hidden within the city of Atlanta—Powers Island. Kylie and her person went on a canoeing adventure off the Canoe and Raft Launch created so canoes and rafts can launch and dock safely. Kylie paddled about oblivious the Atlanta traffic going by a short distance away.
Who would have thought that the Martin Luther King National Historical Site is dog friendly? Leashed pets are welcome to stroll through the magnificent Rose Garden, gaze at historic statues, walk in the footprints commemorating civil rights leaders, see the famous Ebenezer Church and more. Dogs are not allowed in the museum or other buildings, but it is an awe inspiring walk around the lush grounds.
Where do Atlanta’s furry kids go for a stroll or hike in the heart of the city? Atlanta’s Beltline, of course! The Beltline is an urban revitalization project that was created to unite unique neighborhoods around in-town Atlanta. There are many shops and restaurants to discover along the way. It’s a favorite location for Atlanta residents to walk or hang out with their dogs after work or during the day. And one that visitors can easily access.
To find put more about pet friendly Atlanta, check out discoveratlanta.com