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The dog days of summer – destination #1: St. Simons Island, Georgia
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Yan Yan on Driftwood photo by: Jeanie Dizon Britton
Some people never leave home without their American Express; I never leave home without my dog – a precocious Pekingese named Yan Yan.
Since she was a puppy, Yan Yan’s been traveling with me faithfully from West Coast to East, from South to North, and back several times over. Just at the 15 lb carry-on weight limit for airlines, she stows easily into a Delta sherpa bag and suddenly the world is her oyster.
But if you’ve ventured even past the front door with your dog, you know that the world is not necessarily a dog-friendly place. Silly shopping centres worry about accidents and ban your pooch from walking around, necessitating that awkward puppy on one arm, goods on the other situation. Restaurants are often limited to pubby joints with rickety benches outside with the smokers. But there are places that worship dogs as much as your dog worships you, so when it’s time to adventure with your pooch, head to one of my top choices for dog-friendliest destinations.
Destination #1: Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Saint Simons Island is the largest and most popular of the Georgia barrier islands, for dogs and humans alike. Forego staying in a resort and rent out one of the many condos all over the island. You and Bon Bon will have the run of the place, and Bon Bon can sleep all he wants on the couch.
The biggest draw for dog-lovers is the long, hard-sand beach, perfect for racing into the sunset, playing catch, or frolicking in the surf. Yan Yan’s favourite area is the wave pools. The little inlets and puddles provide calmer swimming waters for little snouts, and many a horseshoe crab shell may be sniffed and investigated. The wave pools also possess one of the largest differentials between high and low tide, one moment allowing vast stretches of sand to run across or roll in, hours later exhibiting endless ocean-lakes to paddle through.
Most of the year, dogs are allowed on the beach all day, at all times of day; but during the summer (from Memorial Day through Labor Day), doggie hours are before 9:30am and after 4pm. These are actually the loveliest times of day to wander, and Bon Bon won’t have tons of kids assaulting him with floaties and sand shovels. Though the friendliest of dogs can often be seen off-leash, and most dogs make new buddies on their walks, it’s best to keep your dog on-leash just in case she meets a frenemy or becomes a diva herself.
Once you’ve soaked in enough sun and waves, Fort Frederica National Monument is another great place for you and Bon Bon to explore. Though dogs aren’t allowed in the buildings, you may roam the extensive grounds and visit the ruins of one of Georgia’s oldest settlements. For good eats, Mallory Street near the pier is home to Barbara Jean’s, The 4th of May, and Brogen’s, all of which have outdoor tables for doggies and their best friends. Yan Yan has enjoyed many an oceanview sunset from the Brogen’s balcony, where she can do her foo dog stance and watch the world go by. The dog days of summer wouldn’t be the same without her.
For more photos of Yan on the beach, click here.
Be sure to check out Destination #2: Savannah, Georgia!
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