See Atlanta through the Eyes of Your Canine Companion

Planning a getaway with your best friend? Maybe you'll head to the big city, take in a ballgame, do a little shopping, and stay in a luxury hotel for some well-deserved pampering. If your best friend has four legs and wears a fur coat, then Atlanta is your ticket.

This gem of the South is leading the way with exceptional entertainment, dining, shopping and lodging ?and it's all pet friendly. Atlanta hotel accommodations can provide a welcome retreat for you and your pal. Look for amenities designed just for him as well as locations near all the places pups love to roam and you'll make your stay delightful for both of you.

Sniffing Out the Pet-Friendly Spots in Atlanta

From hotels to attractions, Atlanta is a bustling city with a rich history, but there's more to it than peach trees and plantation houses. Beyond Gone with the Wind is a thriving metropolis that promises a spectacular trip for both you and your pooch.

Since every good dog leads with his nose, your trip to Atlanta can have no better starting place than in one of the many gourmet treat shops catering to canines. Pampered pups will find treats, supplements, and just about everything a well-groomed dog needs to keep his coat shiny and teeth white. Scrumptious hand-decorated biscuits, canine confections, and specialty grooming products are available from several fine retailers around town.

Of course, people have to eat, too. Dog-loving Europe can't compare to Atlanta, where you'll discover an array of pet-friendly restaurants. You'll have your choice of cuisines to tempt your taste buds, from pizza and microbrews to sushi or even upscale menus featuring local, organically grown foods. More than a dozen Atlanta restaurants offer outdoor dining and will allow your furry friend a place at the table ?or perhaps under it.

For boutique shopping with a bit of history, Stone Mountain Village is the place to see. Taking a stroll along Main Street is like stepping into the past. Little has changed from the time when summers were spent sipping lemonade on the veranda and the most important decision was which dance to attend on Saturday. You'll feel like Scarlett O'Hara as you wander the streets of this charming burg, the air heavy with the scent of gardenias. Located just east of Atlanta, this delightful little town is a haven for dog lovers and features one of five off-leash parks in the area.

Collegiate Pups Make the Grade

Do you have college-bound kids? Look for pet-friendly hotels near Georgia Tech. There's no need to leave your dog behind when scheduling a campus tour or dropping in for a football game. Students away from home for the first time will love that you brought the family pet along for a visit, and your dog will be just as thrilled to see his old friend again.

Getting there is Half the Fun

Even Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is joining in the fun. In November 2009, they opened a brand new dog park of their own, completely fenced and decorated with flowers and benches. They also provide biodegradable bags for easy, earth-friendly cleanup. This little park gives the frequent-flying dog a fun place to stretch his legs after a long flight.

Visiting Atlanta with your favorite four-legged companion has never been easier. Off-leash parks are popping up everywhere, specialty treat stores are almost as common as fire hydrants, and even restaurants are getting in on the act. Better still, you don't have to settle for run-of-the-mill motels just because you've brought your dog along. Luxury hotels offer pet sitting, grooming, walking, even massage. Rather than leave him in a kennel, book a pet-friendly vacation that he'll enjoy as much as you will.

By Barbara Wade ?2010, All Rights Reserved