Highlands: Pet-Friendly Places In Highlands, NC
Highlands, NC is a premier vacation destination for action packed, nature loving vacationers around the Southeast and beyond. We want guests to get the most from their time with us and not be feeling a sense of guilt for leaving the family pet sulking at home. From playdates to swimming to dining, we’ve compiled some vacation friendly activities for dog-loving families just for you.
Dog Parks: A couple options for a quick romp around the dog park, we have Mr. Pickles, which is a smaller dog park on the corner of Helens Barn Avenue and Second Street. Guests with larger dogs or dogs who want more space to run can take a stroll over the The Town of Highlands Dog Park on Foreman Road. They offers a fenced area for smaller dogs and for those who can hang in the big pen, bring your tennis balls, as it has an area for larger dogs with a picnic pavilion for their human friends.
Playdates and boarding: Loma Linda Farm has animals of all kinds for your furry friend to sniff and play with. With pastoral land and boarding, this place is a vacation in and of itself. Perfect for dogs that like to run and explore. Noah’s Playground in Franklin is a perfect atmosphere for socialization and a calm playdate between sophisticated puppies. They also offer boarding for owners who prefer to have their family close by.
Hiking: Yes, we are well aware that almost all dogs love to go on a nice walk so lets take it up a notch with some of our local pet-friendly hikes. Secret Falls is a 1.4-mile roundtrip hike, which includes a swimming hole at the bottom of the where you can take a dip. Panthertown in Cashiers is a great choice for a hike with man’s best friend. With several options up to a 5.62 mile hike, this hike has a little something for all activity levels.
Dining: We always suggest calling ahead to see if restaurants have pet-friendly dining options but a few to consider are Wild Thyme Gourmet, which has more than a big patio with consistently good food and live music on occasion. They also allow patrons to bring along their pup. Likewise, the High Dive serves beer, wine, and cocktails, and bar food out of their food truck. Patrons can enjoy a meal without leaving out the furriest family members. At the Ugly Dog Pub you’ll find the walls mired with pictures of dogs. In fact, bring your own framed photo and add to the atmosphere. The Cashiers location has a large patio that is dog-friendly so go and have a cold beer and lunch with man’s best friend. For something a little more refined, take a walk on over to a local staple called Cornucopia. With quite possibly one of the most gorgeous and comfortable open air dining rooms on the Plateau, they also have a thing for man’s best friend. Mica’s in Sapphire, NC is an upscale local tavern that offers live music on Thursday nights and has a pet-friendly patio.
Petshops and Bakeries: Any pup who is tired after a nice long hike should be adequately rewarded with some treats from Woofgangs Bakery. From pupcakes to cheese pulls, they have something to pleasure any dog’s palette. Need a new outfit or some provisions for man’s bestie, Highlands Mountain Paws in Highlands and Paws on the Mountain in Cashiers have you covered.
Grooming and pampering: If it’s something a little more delicate that your pup has a taste for, prance on down to Posh Paws Pet Spa in Highlands or Mountain Dog Spa & Boutique in Cashiers.
Vet Services: We all know that accidents can happen at the most inopportune of times, but have no fear, in Highlands we’ve got you covered with our excellent Veterinary Services. Guests can choose from Animal Wellness of Highlands, which is on Dillard Rd. and has an after-hours emergency number or Highlands-Cashiers Animal Clinic which, you guessed it, is in between Highlands and Cashiers.