When you were younger, your parents probably told you how great an apple a day could be for your overall health. There’s no arguing the benefits of eating fruit on a daily basis, but as it turns out, there may be some furry freeloaders roaming around your house that provide some pretty remarkable benefits to your health as well.
For example, James E. Gern, a pediatrician at the Universtiy of Wisconsin-Madison performed several studies that show that having a pet inside the home can decrease the likelihood of a child developing pet-related allergies by 33%. What’s more, his research (which was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) shows that kids are around family pets have a better overall immune system.
The CDC and NIH also conducted studies centered around the human heart and how pets had an impact on it. Results of the studies showed that pet owners typically have lower triglyceride levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. For those that have had heart problems in the past, pets have been shown to help recovery rates.
Of course, If you’re not the most extroverted person in the world, pets can be great conversation starters, which can go a long way in improving your socialization skills.
As many pet owners will admit, their four-legged friends are more than just a source of entertainment; they often become a cherished part of the family dynamic and grow alongside children and relationships as the year's pass.
So why, then, would you want to enjoy a vacation without them?
Good news – when you head up 575 this year on your way to Blue Ridge, there are a number of pet-friendly activities and lodging options that will cater to your pooch in North Georgia.
Restaurants
Harvest on Main
Harvest on Main serves delicious entrees such as Bistro Steak and Crusted Salmon. Outside tables under porch are dog-friendly.
Website
Blue Ridge Brewery
Blue Ridge Brewery is pet-friendly! Dogs are allowed at the outside tables in the bar area in the back.
Website
Masseria
Casual Italian cuisine with dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Website
Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grille
Christy Lee's serves seafood, oysters, steaks, pasta, and pizza. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly.
Website
Grumpy Old Men Brewing Company
Dog-friendly nano brewery offers refreshing craft beer.
Website
Pet-Friendly Events
1st Annual Barktoberfest
October 15 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Fundraiser Benefiting Humane Society of Blue Ridge
Enjoy Paws in the Park located in the city park in downtown Blue Ridge from 10 AM to 2 PM, then join us at Fannin Brewing Company for the first annual Barktoberfest.
Host: Fannin Brewing Company
Website
Paws in the Park
Every year, Humane Society of Blue Ridge hosts Paws in the Park, an event that invites our community’s pet owners and animal lovers to participate in a variety of events, including a pet parade, costume contest, pet photos, and our main attraction: the Paws in the Park 5K, a USATF-certified 5K race course that runs through the streets of downtown Blue Ridge. In 2015, the Mutt Mile was introduced, a shorter course perfect for walkers and young ones.
The next Paws In The Park will be October 15, 2016 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
5k Race begins at 8:30 AM
Website
Dog Parks
The Haven Off Leash Dog Park
171 Mineral Springs Road, GA 30513
Get fit with your fur baby! The Haven Off Leash Dog park is the perfect place to take your pets on your next trip to Blue Ridge. They will love getting to roam around in the Blue Ridge mountains and make new friends!
Lodging
Comfort Inn & Suites
83 Blue Ridge Overlook, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
(706) 946-3333
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly hotel, Comfort Inn and Suites has got you covered. Call for more details.
Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals
If you’re looking for a true North GA mountain experience, but are having a hard time finding a Blue Ridge cabin rental company that accommodates pets, look no further than Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals! Follow the link below for a list of pet-friendly properties, and enjoy all that there is to see and do in Blue Ridge, Georgia with man's best friend!