PetsWelcome
Athens, Georgia is a small city with many fun things to do. They offer a good selection of parks and off-leash dog runs. It is a hip college town that also has a downtown and some fun restaurants.
Parks
Memorial Park Dog Park
This is a very popular off-leash dog park in Athens. It is a fenced-in 1.5 acre area, and is situated on a hillside near a lake. There is no fee for this park.
Sandy Creek Dog Parks
This park contains four dog parks. There is one free one, but the other three are by reservation only, and cost $1 per hour to use. They also offer dog park passes. You must reserve by calling up to 48 hours in advance. All of the Sandy Creek Dog Parks have running water, a picnic table and trees. Dogs have to be leashed in the greater park.
The greater park takes up 782 acres and is situated on Lake Chapman. There are also picnic areas, horse trails, playgrounds, fishing, camping, sports areas and more. There is a $2 entrance fee for humans 4-64 years old.
“Wiggley Field” Southeast Clarke Park Dog Park
This is a fenced-in, two acre dog park. It has separate areas for large and small dogs, and it is free to use. There is a water fountain for dogs and for humans. The greater park contains sports fields, a half-mile running path, nature trails, a skate park and a playground.
Pet Stores and Places
Z Bakery
This store has premium dog and cat foods, as well as toys, collars, shampoos, beds and treats. They have specialty dog treats flavored with peanut butter, cheddar cheese and yogurt. Leashed dogs are allowed to enter the store and sniff out a treat. They also offer cakes you can pick up, if you’re celebrating your dog’s birthday in Georgia.
Healing Manners Dog Training
You can drop off your dog or cat at this spot, which offers obedience training and behavior modification. They also have pet sitting and photography available.
Outdoor Restaurants
Five Star Day Cafe
This restaurant is located in downtown Athens across from the UGA arches. It has an artsy atmosphere with gourmet food. Leashed dogs are allowed at the outer tables. They have vegetarian choices.
Mercury Lounge
This is a bar that has things like specialty cheeses and cocktails. They have live music like folk bands and jazz playing on some nights. Dogs are allowed at outer tables.
My husband and I just spent 3 nights in Athens with our Jack Russell, Gina. We stayed at the new Candlewood Suites. Gina was welcome – with a $75. one time charge. It is a beautiful hotel with free laundry, wireless and grass areas for walking your dog.
Hey – whats up. Thanks for the blog. I’ve been digging around for info, but there is so much out there. Google lead me here – good for you i guess! Keep up the great information. I will be popping back over in a couple of days to see if there is updated posts.