Carolina Mountain Dog

New! Asheville Doggie Guide in Kindle Format

The Second Edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide is now available as an eBook for Kindle for only $5.99. Kindle eBooks can also be viewed on an iPad or iPhone using the free Kindle app available in the Apple App Store.

The Asheville Doggie Guide, published by Carolina Mountain Dog in assocation with the Asheville Humane Society, is chock full of useful information for WNC dog lovers. Covering Buncombe and Henderson Counties, the guide is the most comprehensive up-to-date listing available of pet-friendly accommodations, adoption organizations, dog bakeries and boutiques, boarding facilities, dog-friendly campgrounds, doggie daycare, dog parks, emergency services, groomers, dog sitters, dog therapy, hiking trails, pet stores, veterinarians -- hundreds of listings with names, locations, phone numbers and website addresses.

The 160-page Asheville Doggie Guide includes a bonus section of material that represents the best of Carolina Mountain Dog. You'll find pages and pages of information reprinted from this blogazine listing favorite Canine Cruisin' locales, Pooch Paths and lots more.

Get the Kindle version of the Guide for just $5.99 here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SHJEH6
Purchase the regular eBook edition (file download) or printed version here: www.ashevilledoggieguide.com.

Restaurants and Your Dog

A surprising number of dog lovers would like to take their dogs with them to restaurants. This is not an impossible dream. While it is rare (and sometimes illegal) for restaurants to permit dogs inside the premises, restaurants with outdoor dining facilities are often accommodating to dog owners, as long as local ordinances do not prohibit dogs from being in restaurants.

Happily, many restaurants in the Carolina mountains welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas as long as they are well-behaved. Some restaurants may restrict the offer to small dogs only, however. Asheville and Greenville are particuarly dog friendly. Of course, it always pays to call a restaurant in advance to inquire about their dog policy.

If you're traveling with your pet in Arizona, California, Florida or New York, or in the Chicago area, check out the "Dining with Dogs" website, www.diningdogs.com. The site lists dog-friendly restaurants (including reviews) in these areas. Who knows, as the site expands, restaurants in the Carolina mountains might someday be listed. (Offer to post reviews of local restaurants and it could happen sooner than you think!)

Photo credit: www.gites4dogs.co.uk

 

CANINE CRUISIN': Cashiers, NC

Cashiers is one of those places you and your dog won't easily forget. While it is about 1-1/2 hours southwest of Asheville, its elevation is higher -- 3500 feet -- and that makes it considerably cooler. This charming, quaint, upscale town has both mountains and lakes -- the smaller Cashiers Lake and the larger Lake Glenville, where you'll find pet-friendly rentals (check out the lakeview cottage or cabin at www.sugarbearlodge.com, for example) and water sports of all kinds, including kayaks and pontoon boats for rent. There are a number of public boat launches and low spots where your dog can paddle around -- take Pine Creek Road off of Route 107 in Glenville to reach them.

Cashiers is a worthy destination for its shops and restaurants, but there are some notable spots that are great for your pup, too. There is the Woof Gang Bakery on Pillar Drive, just off the center of town, where you can lavish your dog with baked treats, natural foods, and plenty of boutique and accessory items. Also in the center of town, at the intersection of Routes 107 and 64, is the Village Green -- a beautiful 12-acre park with flat walking trails, including one that wanders through natural wooded forest. The park features sculptures, a gazebo, a chldren's playground, a picnic area, and more.

Half an hour away, and at an even higher elevation, is Highlands -- worth the trip if you like a winding road leading to tony shops along a busy main drag. (You'll find a pet store called Whiskers there too.)

For more information about Cashiers, visit the CANINE CRUISIN' page.

Safe Car Travel with Your Dog

A recent survey of "dog parents" conducted by the American Automobile Association revealed some disturbing facts. For one thing, 59 percent of those responding said they participating in at least "one distracting behavior" while they were driving with a dog. For another, more than half of the respondents said they pet their dog while driving, and 21 percent allow their dog to sit in their laps.

The ASPCA suggests that drivers with dogs in the car keep their pets safe and secure in the car's back seat in a well-ventilated crate, pet carrier, or specially made harness. A crate should be large enough for standing, sitting, lying down, and turning around, and it should be secured so it doesn't slide. Click here to read the ASPCA's top 10 tips for safe care travel with your pet.

CANINE CRUISIN': Mt. Mitchell, NC

If you're looking for a cool (sometimes even cold) spot to take your dog, Mt. Mitchell's the place. It's a perfect destination on a hot summer day, and just as delightful during the fall.

Just under 6700 feet high, yet easily reachable via car, Mt. Mitchell offers spectacular views and temperatures at least 10 degrees, and sometimes as much as 20 degrees, cooler than Asheville.

Mt. Mitchell is in Yancey County, 33 miles north of Asheville, accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile marker # 355). Off the Blue Ridge, turn left on NC 128, which leads to Mt. Mitchell State Park. You can drive to the top of Mt. Mitchell and walk your dogs a relatively short way to get to the observation deck (see photo). There's a restaurant at the park, but the shady picnic area is a better bet for dogs. There are a number of hiking trails in the park as well.

Go to the CANINE CRUISIN' page for additional information about Mt. Mitchell.

Going to Walt Disney World? Take Your Dog!

If you're planning to take your kids to Walt Disney World in Orlando after the summer, then take your dog too -- because as of August 27, your pooch can be pampered at the new Best Friends Pet Care Resort.

The one-of-a-kind resort comprises more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and an expansive private dog park exclusively for the use of pet resort clients and their dogs. A wide selection of suite choices for dogs includes air-conditioned indoor rooms, 48-square-foot indoor-outdoor suites, and four expansive VIP (very important pet) suites with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yards.

The resort’s exclusive dog park features a fenced walking trail bordering the natural wetlands around the park. Inside the trail, guests can choose from a variety of different play areas, including a 3,300 square-foot area covered in artificial turf, a 4,500 square-foot area with shade trees, and a 1,300 square-foot “canines only” water park. There are several large areas for owners to sit, relax and watch their dogs play. The entire park is secured from outsiders and is illuminated for use after dark.

Pet parents can choose from a wide range of a la carte activities for pet guests from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff. Additional amenities and upgrades include Ice Cream Treats, Bottled Water and Premium/Orthopedic Bedding.

The pet resort is located across from the Port Orleans Resort at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. Pricing and other details are available at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or by calling 877-4-WDW-PETS.

 

Camp Unleashed Coming to Asheville, Sept. 23-26

The concept of Camp Unleashed, which started in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, is to get dogs and their owners together for an extended weekend of fun and learning. After an initial introductory period, dogs remain for the most part unleashed during a four day, three night outing that includes everything from hiking to agility to canoeing to learning about dog behavior. It's a jam-packed agenda, but dogs and their owners can do as little or as much as they wish.

Now Camp Unleashed is coming to Asheville, September 23 - 26. (It will actually be held at Blue Star Camps, a 500-acre property outside Hendersonville.)

For more information about Camp Unleashed, watch the accompanying video, and go to: http://campunleashed.com/asheville.html

 

Best CANINE CRUISIN' "Keep Cool" Spots

If you're a regular reader of Carolina Mountain Dog, you know that we periodically run stories about dog-friendly destinations in our CANINE CRUISIN' section. Well, given how dog-gone hot it has been lately, we thought you might appreciate taking another look at the top CANINE CRUISIN' COOL spots to take your four-legged friend when you want some relief.

Each of these places is typically 10 to 20 degrees cooler than downtown Asheville on a steamy, sultry day... so pick one and CHILL!

Click on each link to view the original CANINE CRUISIN' story:

Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

Max Patch, NC

Montreat, NC

Dog-friendly Black Mountain, NC

Black Mountain is a charming, laid back town east of Asheville, right off Route 40. It's also remarkably dog friendly.

In Black Mountain, you'll find a small but nicely appointed off-leash dog park at the River Walk Park. It is a fenced-in, bark mulched area with shaded seating for owners and a water spigot for dogs. There is also a plastic doggie pool for splashing and cool-downs. It's known primarily to locals but anyone can use it. Just head for the Bi-Lo shopping center on NC 9, gong south out of Black Mountain. Go around the back and to the left of Bi-Lo and you'll see a parking area and the entrance to the dog park.

Another great dog-friendly spot is Lake Tomahawk Park. It's located at 401 S. Laurel Circle Drive, not far from the center of town. This lovely lake has a half-mile flat path all the way around it, perfect for a low-impact walk with your pal (on-leash, please).

While in Black Mountain, be sure to visit Bone-A-Fide Bakery in the heart of town at Cherry Street Square. The bakery features homemade treats and doggie birthday cakes, as well as dog food, soaps and shampoos, collars and leashes, doggie clothing, and gifts. Bone-A-Fide is open Monday 1-6 PM, Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM - 6 PM, and Sunday 1 - 5 PM. For more information, go to  http://visitblackmountain.com/Default.aspx?ItemID=36&TabID=58&uc=info&mode=dir 

 

CANINE CRUISIN': DuPont State Forest - Part 2

In Part 1 of Carolina Mountain Dog's coverage of DuPont State Forest, we discussed the forest's primary attraction: its waterfalls. But there are other natural attributes of DuPont State Forest that make great destinations for you and your doggie.

Consider, for example, that there are some 90 miles of trails and dirt roads of varying difficulty, so you can hike to your heart's content. Then there are several other water features, aside from the falls, that make for enjoyable and refreshing visits.

Fawn Lake is one such destination. This lovely lake is hidden away in an access area beyond the falls, so it attracts less attention and therefore less crowds. Fawn lake has a small grassy area and sand sloping down to the water's edge, plus a short wooden dock that swimmers use for diving. The lake is very dog-friendly; in fact, no one seems to mind dogs being off-leash. Your dog will love frolicking in the shallow, warm water near shore or chasing a ball or stick further out. Be aware, however, that there is no shade, so come prepared with sunscreen, hats, etc.

Another interesting place to take your dog is Corn Mill Shoals, which is on the way from DuPont State Forest to Fawn Lake. Corn Mill Shoals features a slippery but inviting shallow swimming area on the Little River.

Finally, try Lake Imaging if you're looking for a quiet spot for a picnic. It's a pond-sized lake with a covered picnic pavilion, located in its own access area, just before the Hooker Falls access area.

For directions to Fawn Lake, Corn Mill Shoals, and Lake Imaging, visit the CANINE CRUISIN' page.

CANINE CRUISIN': DuPont State Forest, NC - Part 1

DuPont State Forest, located between Hendersonville and Brevard, NC, is a hiker, biker, and dog owner's paradise. This 10,000-acre forest has numerous outstanding trails (some of the best mountain biking trails anywhere), waterfalls, lakes, and dense, cool forest. It definitely qualifies as a premier Canine Cruisin' destination -- so exceptional that it deserves more than one blog post. That's why Carolina Mountain Dog will cover it in two parts.

This first part covers DuPont's most visited attractions -- its waterfalls. There are six different falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wintergreen Falls, and Grassy Creek Falls. Each one has its own unique qualities. For a description of each, visit http://www.dupontforest.com/attractions.asp

The falls are accessible from two parking areas, the Hooker Falls Access Area, and the Buck Forest Access Area, which has access to the high falls. If you park at the Hooker Falls area, you can walk all the way up a path and see several of the falls.

For driving directions to DuPont State Forest and additional information, visit the CANINE CRUISIN' page. In Part 2, we'll explore some of DuPont Forest's other natural attractions.

Greenville, SC: A Dog's Best Friend

Greenville, SC is a dog-friendly city, worthy of a visit with your pooch.

Dogs can go off-leash at Canine Corner at Cleveland Park, a fenced, mulched dog park on Woodland Way in Greenville. For leashed walks, try Falls Park in downtown Greenville (pictured here), right along the Reedy River. It features waterfalls, gardens, and the beautiful Liberty Bridge. For ambitious excursions, there's the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail. It's more than 13 miles long and goes from Travelers Rest to Greenville, running along the Reedy River.

Many Greenville restaurants welcome dogs in the outdoor seating areas. If you're looking for special treats just for Fido (baked gourmet goodies as well as boutique items), head over to The Barkery Bistro, 118 North Main Street.

For lake recreation, Paris Mountain State Park is just four miles away from the city. Paris Mountain features 15-acre Lake Placid, hiking trails, and picnic and camping areas.

And if you're from the area and looking to adopt a pet, don't forget about the Greenville Humane Society.

Cruisin' the Lakes

 Over the past year, Carolina Mountain Dog has covered a number of beautiful lakes in our CANINE CRUISIN' and POOCH PATHS sections. With the warm weather upon us, lakes make a great outing for you and your dog, so we thought it might be useful to provide you with links to all of the lake stories in one place. Enjoy!

Lake Powhatan, NC
http://www.carolinamountaindog.com/2010/03/pooch-paths-lake-powhatan-asheville-nc.html

Lake Jocassee, SC
http://www.carolinamountaindog.com/2009/08/canine-cruisin-lake-jocassee-sc.html

 

Moses Cone and Julian Price Parks, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
http://www.carolinamountaindog.com/2009/09/canine-cruisin-moses-cone-park-julian-price-park-nc.html

 

Lake Junaluska, NC

http://www.carolinamountaindog.com/2009/10/canine-cruisin-waynesville-and-lake-junaluska-nc.html

 

Furman Lake, SC

http://www.carolinamountaindog.com/2010/05/canine-cruisin-furman-lake-greenville-sc.html

 

Asheville Restaurant Features "Dog Days of Summer"

Mayfel's, an Asheville restaurant that serves Southern Louisiana-style comfort food, is doing its part to go to the dogs. Every Thursday through the end of August, Mayfel's will donate 10 percent of its proceeds towards different Western North Carolina animal welfare organizations through its "Dog Days of Summer" promotion. Dogs are welcome to sit with their owners on the front patio or in the back courtyard.

Asheville Humane Society, Animal Compassion Network, Animal Haven of Asheville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic, Haywood Animal Welfare Association, Madison County Animal Shelter, and Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation are just some of the beneficiaries of the program.

Mayfel's is located at 22 College Street in downtown Asheville. Phone: (828) 252-8840.

ReTail Scene - For Dogs on the Go

Pet Trek is a new line of cool products that are for people and dogs on the go. Products include the Traveler, which is designed to hold food and water in two separate compartments, the Walker, with a canteen and pop-off bowl, and the Gear Pack, a backpack designed to carry doggie stuff.

These products look like they're tailor-made for hikes in the Carolina mountains. Check them out at www.pettrek.net.

Road Trips with Your Buddy

The summer vacation season is upon us, and lots of folks are probably going to opt for less expensive trips that they can make by car. And that means you can take your four-legged friend along.

Or can you? Where do you stay with your dog? Where do you find beaches that allow dogs... or the best places to hike... or daycare facilities and vets in areas far from home?

As you might expect, there are websites with just that sort of information, and here are two very helpful ones that should give you everything you need to know before you take that road trip:

www.dogfriendly.com

www.petswelcome.com

Check 'em out!

Dogwood Park, Knoxville - One of "5 Best" in South

Dogwood Park in Knoxville, Tennessee is considered one of the South's "5 Best Dog Parks," according to the May 2010 issue of Southern Living. The magazine says:

"Puppies are not overlooked here with a playground (constructed especially for little legs) that features a tunnel, puppuy jump, and inclined hill. Once your pooch is thoroughly worn out, he or she can drink up at a water fountain designed just for dogs. It's part of larger Victor Ashe Park, a 115-acre area that also includes a disc golf course, a children's playground, soccer fields, fishing, a 1.5-mile cross-country trail, and a paved greenway for biking or jogging."

Directions from I-40: From I-40, take the I-640 exit #385; take the Western Ave. West; head west on Western Ave; turn right onto Ballcamp Pk. at the Wendy's; turn right onto Bradshaw Rd; park will be on the left. (Note: I-40 has been reopened so travel to Knoxville from the Carolina mountains is easy again!)

For more information: http://www.ci.knoxville.tn.us/parks/victor.asp

CANINE CRUISIN': Furman Lake, Greenville, SC

If you're looking for an idyllic stroll with your dog in the Upstate, there's none better than Furman Lake, located on the campus of Furman University. The trail meanders about 1-1/4 miles around a small lake and offers shade and lovely views of the picturesque clock tower and campus. Take a picnic lunch and make it an outing.

There are other trails on campus as well, including a two-mile trail behind the lake that goes through the woods, and a portion of an eleven mile trail that stretches from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest.

The lake and trails are open to the public, but dogs should be on leash -- and please remember to pick up after your dog. For directions and more information, visit the CANINE CRUISIN' page.

If you want to tie this stroll in with some off-leash time for your dog, check out the canine fun park in close by Greer.

Discount and Free Shipping on the Asheville Doggie Guide!

Know where the dog parks are in Asheville? Is there anyone who can scoop the poop in your yard? Do any vets offer alternative medicine? Where are the best places to hike with your dog in the Asheville/Hendersonville area? Where is there a campground that actually caters to dogs? 

You'll get the answers to these questions in the new 2010 Edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide -- everything for dogs in the Asheville, Hendersonville, and Black Mountain, NC area!

This handy pocket-size guide includes adoption organizations, animal services, dog bakeries and boutiques, boarding facilities, dog-friendly campgrounds, doggie daycare, dog parks, grooming services, dog photographers, poop pick-up services, dog therapy, hiking trails, dog training, sitters, vets, and more, plus adoption information, safety tips, and pet rules and regulations for Buncombe and Henderson Counties. It has hundreds of listings -- names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and websites -- saving hours and hours of research time! You will refer to it often. There is no other resource available like the Asheville Doggie Guide.

Pick up your copy today at Three Dog Bakery, 21 Battery Park in Asheville (a block away from the Grove Arcade). Or order the guide online via this special offer:

The publisher's list price for the Asheville Doggie Guide is $19.95, but you can get your copy of the guide for $13.95, a savings of $6! You'll get a $6 rebate when you purchase the Asheville Doggie Guide directly from the publisher! Learn about this special offer here. 
Added bonus: Enter the code FREEMAIL305 when you order online and get free shipping through May 1!

POOCH PATHS: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is one of the country's national treasures. It's also a naturally beautiful and protected walking, hiking, and biking paradise for dogs and their owners. George Vanderbilt, who built the magnificent structure, was a dog lover, and the estate carries on his tradition by welcoming leashed dogs onto the property (but not in the house). There are numerous trails of varying difficulty that lend themselves to hours and hours of walking, hiking, and biking.

The downside is that one must pay the full $65 daily admission price to use the facilities. However, a smart alternative for anyone who is within reasonable driving distance is to purchase a Twelve-Month Pass. The passholder is able to gain unlimited entry to the estate at any time of year for $105 annually. If you purchase the pass by May 16, you can get it for $85, a savings of $20. Passholders are also entitled to other benefits, such as priority dining reservations and discounts at estate stores. A few visits with your dog will make the pass worth the price, so it's something you should consider.

For basic walking or biking with your dog, the best place on the Biltmore Estate is probably the area surrounding and adjacent to Antler Hill Village and the winery. Park near the winery and pick up the paved trail that leads to the duck pond. It is a beautiful flat trail that meanders along the French Broad River and winds up at a duck pond where your doggie will love watching the ever-present geese. An added bonus is that you can return to the just-opened Antler Hill Village, where you'll find Cedric's Tavern, named after one of George Vanderbilt's beloved dogs, and a Creamery, which serves outstanding ice cream. Both eateries have outdoor seating and dogs are permitted to sit beside you while you enjoy lunch, dinner, or a treat.

Another great area for a walk is behind the house itself. Drive past the house and park in the lot for "A Gardener's Place," the plant and gift shop located near the greenhouse. Then cross the road to the Azalea Gardens. You'll find a wonderful paved path that winds through these gardens (the azaleas are spectacular in season) and eventually leads to a pond and waterfall. It's a memorable walk.

There are many more trails on the property, including some for serious hiking. Just ask for a trail map and follow whichever ones appeal to you. You could easily spend a day adventuring with your dog. Right now is a great time to visit because it's Biltmore's annual Festival of Flowers.

For directions and more information about Biltmore, visit the POOCH PATHS page.