Fun

11 Easygoing Vacations For Good Ol’ Southern Pups

Written by: Claire Beaudreault

April 20, 2015

Huge congrats to our pals at BringFido who just pup-lished a brand new book full of the best places to stay and play in the USA with your pup. Below are some of their tips on visiting the South. To see more, buy the book!

It’s still a little chilly in parts of the USA, so it’s the perfect time to venture down South! Your dog doesn’t have to be a Carolina yeller dog to enjoy the charms of the region. Here are some destinations that provide plenty of Southern hospitality for you and your pup.

1. AlabamaRussell Cave National Monument

Bring your pal along on a prehistoric journey to grounds inhabited by Native Americans 10,000 years ago. Check out impressive caves that provided shelter to humans in ancient times. There are fields of wildflowers, hiking trails, and plenty of places to picnic.

RussellCave dogs

2. ArkansasGarvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs

You and your dog will enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens of the University of Arkansas. Explore 210 acres of beautiful gardens, right in the center of the Ouachita Mountains.

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3. Florida Kayaking in Key West

Take kayaking and paddleboard lessons with your pooch at Lazy Dog Kayak. The helpful staff will give you the best tips on how to get your doggie paddle on. Maybe you’ll meet a manatee! (Don’t worry, they’re vegetarians.)

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4. GeorgiaBonaventure Cemetery, Savannah

Savannah’s most famous cemetery is filled with live oaks draped in picturesque Spanish moss. Local legend has it that a pack of ghost dogs roams the cemetery after dark. Midnight (digging) in the Garden of Good and Evil?

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5. KentuckyDinosaur World

Um, photos of your pup showing a T. Rex who’s boss? Priceless. Check out Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky. Your dog will salivate over the biggest bones in the world. Interactive and educational for humans of all ages!

toe pic corgi dino

6. LouisianaAlgiers Ferry, New Orleans

Escape from the bustle of the French Quarter on the dog-friendly ferry to the New Orleans neighborhood of Algiers. Check out the picturesque neighborhood and enjoy the view of the city from the river. You might want to come back at Mardi Gras for the dog-themed parade. Laissez les (dog) temps rouler!

nataliemaynor algiers ferry dog new orleans

7. Mississippi Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace is over 400 miles of scenic landscape. Hiking and camping are some of the activities you can share with your pooch. Explore waterfalls, lush forests, burial mounds, and Civil War sites. Learn about the many inhabitants and travelers of the route, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes and several US presidents.

natchez dog trace

8. North CarolinaBiltmore Estate in Asheville

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic Biltmore Estate has hundreds of acres of manicured gardens and scenic hiking trails for you and your dog. It’s not far from the vibrant arts scene of Asheville!

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9. South CarolinaBurkes Beach

South Carolina is home to many beautiful beaches. Pups are welcome on Burkes Beach before 10am and after 5pm Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, and there are some charming dog parks within walking distance.

burkes beach

10. TenesseeBlackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm is in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Relax with your pup, enjoy hiking, or try your hand at fly fishing. The farm is home to several Italian Lagotto Romagnolo dogs who are trained in truffle hunting; an annual festival is held to celebrate the rare mushroom and pups who sniff them out.

blackberry farm dogs

11. VirginiaPony Watching Cruise In Chincoteague

OH MY DOG, PONIES!!! With pup at your side, watch the ponies of Chincoteague Island frolic in the wild. Cruise in style while watch dolphins, sunsets, and wildlife.

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Find great dog-friendly accommodations (and more recommendations!) at BringFido.com.

Featured image via Nell Dickerson

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Written by: Claire Beaudreault

April 20, 2015

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INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.