Life with Pets
July 2022
BY LAURA MCGILL
From dog-friendly lodging and laid back restaurants to Gulf Coast beaches and plenty-of-room-to- roam state parks, these stops welcome your favorite canine.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Dauphin Island’s public strands and Fort Morgan’s bayside beach allow leashed dogs to run on the sands and frolic in the waves. Just be sure to pick up any waste. Most Alabama beaches do not allow dogs; Dauphin Island’s public beach is an exception. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Remy’s Dog Park
These six acres of dog-dedicated space inside Birmingham’s Red Mountain Park include a special-needs area for dogs that are physically challenged, elderly, injured or simply shy.
Back Forty Beer Co.
This Gadsden brewery earns nods for its beer, but also for its puppy love. Dogs are welcome on the front porch, where they have access to water and mini pools. Also, the first Tuesday of the month is Yappy Hour.
Pirates Cove
New state legislation enables restaurants to allow dogs on outdoor patios, and Pirates Cove in Elberta is one of many eateries to adopt the change. Dogs love it here; they can swim in the surf while munching a stray burger or fry.
Elyton Hotel
Pamper your pooch with an upscale stay in Birmingham, ranked among America’s pet-friendliest cities. The Elyton, a boutique hotel that is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, offers a doggie bed; a signature Elyton bandanna; food/ water bowls; treats; doggie bags; and guides to pet parks, pet stores, and pet spa services.
Tail Trails
Grab a leash and hit these favored hiking spots with your dog.
Kiesel Park
Auburn
A 2.25-mile trail gives you and your dog a place to exercise, but if your four-legged companion needs more, let Fido loose in the spacious off-leash area with agility equipment.
Historic Blakeley State Park
Spanish Fort
Twenty-plus miles of trails wind past Civil War ramparts.
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
Tuscumbia
Signs to the Turquoise Pool lead to a lovely swimming hole where dogs and humans alike can cool off after tackling up to 15 miles of trails.
Chinnabee Silent Hiking Trail
Lineville
Expect your pooch to pant on this six-mile climb past waterfalls and rocky outcroppings to the top of Talladega Mountain inside Talladega National Forest.
