I hate leaving my sweet Pomeranian, Halli, when we go on a trip. So lately I’ve been on the lookout for places that accommodate dogs, and Banner Elk, North Carolina is one of those towns that embraces furry friends.
Dog Friendly College
Lees-McRae has a lot to offer to tourists; elaborate summer musicals, beautiful grounds and the Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The campus is also pet friendly; students often take their best friends to classes. The idea is that it will instill responsibility while easing the anxiety of being away from home. Call it over the top…but I love it!
Festivals
Being a dog oriented town, as well as a place that loves to throw a great festival, you bet some of those are going to focus around four legged buddies. High Country Pet Fest just passed last weekend, and we had the pleasure of attending. A frisbee contest was going on in the front lawn of the Banner Elk Historical School, while a galley way of tents offering pup treats, custom clothes, kettle corn for the humans, and adoptable puppies lined the paved area. We almost left with a second dog!
My Best Friend’s Barkery
Yes…a “barkery” offering local goodies and rooms filled with toys, clothes and treats sits across the street from the historical school. The cute cottage has a play area outside for the dogs after they shop. We picked up precious, yogurt cow cookies to bring home to Halli. She scarfed it down like no ones business.
Outdoor Dining
Most restaurants like Sorrento’s Bistro, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk Cafe and even Banner Elk Winery have outdoor seating to accommodate your pooch. The weather is always nice in the summer, hardly ever exceeding 80, so it’s relaxing fun to sit and sip with your pup. We actually saw several dogs inside the Winery, which I personally enjoyed.
Places to Roam
Being situated in the Appalachian Mountains, there are plenty of places to hike and walk with your dog. The park in town is great if you’d rather not venture too far off the beaten path.
If you can’t vacation without your puppy, Banner Elk is the perfect place to go. Standards are high and we saw zero traces of the four leggged tourists, if you catch my drift. Having dogs around actually made our trip more pleasant!
