In our ongoing quest to find America’s pooch-friendliest cities, we travel south of the Mason-Dixon to Atlanta, Georgia. Alcott’s friend in Hot ’lanta tells us that it’s definitely a cool city to live in—or to visit—with a dog. She has two dogs, Zara and Zobra, and finds plenty for them to do in The Gate City.
If you live nearby or if you’re planning a trip there sometime soon, you can feel comfortable bringing along the four-legged member of the family, knowing that you can choose from a wide variety of attractions worth barking about.
Piedmont Dog Park. A favorite destination for Zara and Zobra, and for Atlanta’s many dog owners, this newly renovated park offers more than just a place to run around. But that’s a great way to start, and dogs can enjoy three acres of freewheelin’, featuring separate enclosures for the big and the small. The park also hosts special dog-focused events such as the Splish Splash Doggie Bash. You can find out more about the park at http://www.piedmontpark.org/do/dogpark.html. Or your pooch can keep you informed if they follow Petey the Piedmont Pup on Twitter for daily updates and latest happenings.
Hotel Indigo. Need a place to stay while you’re in town? Look no further than Hotel Indigo, a cool boutique hotel in the heart of midtown that’s pet friendly. Your furry roommate will cost you an extra $25, but the staff will make sure everyone’s comfortable. Hotel Indigo also offers a Canine Cocktail Hour every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months. A spread of snacks for pets and owners will keep both of you satisfied as you savor one of the hotel’s signature martinis.
GreenDog. If your dog prefers a bit of pampering, check out Greendog, Atlanta’s first eco-friendly pet retreat. This deluxe and environmentally conscious boarding service and doggy daycare offers private “eco-dens” with privacy gates where your pooch will be safe and happy while nibbling on organic foods or perhaps popping over to the grooming area before a night on the town.
Bark in the Park. There aren’t many better ways to spend a fun evening with your dog than going to a ballgame. The Atlanta Braves host Bark in the Park at Turner Field a time or two every season. The dogs can frolic in the splash pools or take advantage of room to run in the Coca-Cola Sky Field area in the upper deck of the leftfield corner.
These suggestions just scratch the surface of all you and your dog can do in Atlanta. Put the ATL on your summer travel list, and bring your whole family, including the four-legged members. For more ideas, check out www.atlanta.net.
I’m glad to see such service offered for dog-lover. I’m a dog-lover myself, and sometimes it’s hard for me to find hotels that allow pets.