Activities For Dogs In South Carolina On Rainy Days
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Introduction
When it comes to rain, few places see as much South Carolina. In fact, in summer, the Palmetto State is nearly unrivaled, second only to Florida. It ranks highly the rest of the year as well, landing it 10th overall in the entire country, leaving most residents, visitors and their dogs to wonder just what to do with all those soggy wet days. Well friends, we've got some solutions for you. Whether it's avoiding the weather entirely or learning to embrace it, there are still plenty of opportunities to find some fun and adventure if you know where to look. Here are a few ideas on how to keep yourself and your dog occupied when the sky decides to open up.
Adventure Shopping
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Moderate
Easy
45 - 180 min
Items needed
Leash
Dog Bags
Towels
Activity description
South Carolina is a state made for the outdoorsy types. The weather is more often warm than not, the state is blessed with gorgeous natural beauty and there are more than enough ways to get out and find some adventure, whether you're a diehard hiker or just a beach bum. If the rain happens to dampen your ability to get out and enjoy, consider one of two options: going shopping to buy gear for your next non-rainy excursion or finding a way to compensate for it. Since most of the rain happens in summer, chances are it will still be tolerable enough to get out into the elements, barring any lightning that is (although other times of the year may allot for it as well). Regardless of what you're planning for, shopping for new gear will give you a few hours of dry entertainment and with any luck, will have you and your dog excited for your next trip instead of moping around in the house. It may not always be cheap, but it's certainly easy.
Step
1
Examine your endeavors
Before you just rush out and hit the nearest shopping center, it's probably best if you figure out what types you and your dog really are. If you're undeniably adventurous, consider getting gear that will help you combat the rain, like waterproof clothing, so the next time it happens to downpour, you can still grab your dog and head outside. Consider what kinds of things you can do in the rain such as rain hikes, fishing trips (more details below), canoeing or kayaking - these are often the most underrated times to go if you want to avoid peak fees, tourists or just want a leg up on your fishing spot. If you're not one for rain, simply check out new gear that pertains to your interests, such as a better backpack or shoes for hikers.
Step
2
Select your stores
Once you've figured out what kind of gear you'll want or need (including something as simple as a bookstore for new rainy day reading material for doggy cuddle-ups at home), you'll want to figure out the best places to go to attain them. Generally speaking, for the adventurous types we recommend local outdoors stores like Bass Pro Shops and Gander Mountain, as they both have a wide selection of both human and dog-centered gear for outdoor adventures, but if you need new clothing or hardware, many chain shops like Macy's and Gap are dog-friendly, as are home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot. If possible, see if you can find several in one place to minimize your time in the rain. Just make sure to place a few phone calls to verify each local franchise is dog-friendly before you go.
Step
3
Dry people, dry dogs, dry goods
Once you've identified your gear needs, grab your dog, their leash, some dog bags, towels, an umbrella and money and hit the road. The best part is, if you're getting gear to fight the rain, you'll have the perfect day to test it out before you're out in the field, so you'll know whether it works before it has the chance to fail while in actual use during your excursions. Take the rainy day opportunity to test anything that should be tested beforehand, which is just one more thing you can do with those "useless" rainy days.
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Fishing For Fun
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Expensive
Normal
2 - 8 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Dog Bags
Towels
Your Own Fishing Gear
Dog and Human Food (depending on trip length)
Activity description
While we can't say fishing is always cheap, especially if you charter a vessel, it's certainly one of the more entertaining things primed for rainy days. Because the rainy surface of the water obscures light, fish are considerably more active since they feel safer, especially since rain also washes more bait into the water, ramping up their food-drive. You can go as cheap as finding a local fishing spot and standing in the rain or spending some cash to have someone take you to prime spots, with extra gear and tips to boot. It's not always easy and is best reserved for dogs who do well in boats and don't mind getting at least somewhat wet, but those that do usually have a grand ol' time watching (or helping) their human friends fish, meaning the pair of you will have hours of rainy day entertainment, all with the chance of bringing dinner home!
Step
1
Gather your gear
You'll first need to decide what kind of fishing trip you're going to take. For those who are simply going to hit a local fishing spot, you likely won't need much more than some waterproof gear, your poles, a few lures and potentially some bait. For those looking to charter a boat, you'll want to consider bringing food and water, possibly extra clothes and some towels for when you need to dry off (say, before you get back in the car). Consider all of your and your dog's needs. If necessary, when booking a charter, call ahead and see what kind of additional gear the company can provide for free or rent so you have a better idea of what you'll want to bring yourself.
Step
2
Chart your charter
Once you've decided what kind of trip you're going to take and the necessary gear, you can take the next step. If you're just going it alone (with your dog of course), the next step may be as simple as donning your gear, grabbing your dog and hitting the road. If you're chartering a boat, now's the time to call and make your reservation, plus learn any additional details you might need to plan for your trip. While there are plenty of companies willing to charter a boat, you'll want to make sure to find one that's dog-friendly. Both Exclusive Fishing Charter in Charleston and Runaway Fishing Charters in Hilton Head are dog-friendly and well-received by dog-loving communities. At this point you'll get to pick the trip length and location, which may also influence what gear you bring.
Step
3
Dog tails and fish tales
Once you've got your gear gathered and your reservation made, grab your supplies and hit the road. There's little to do at this point besides check in, climb aboard and hit the water. Our best advice is to A) make sure you give your dog a bathroom break before you depart B) double check your supplies and C) check with staff to make sure there's nothing important you're missing as far as gear or information. Once that's all set, it's time to spend some good rainy day time with your dog, all with the added enjoyment of fishing.
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Get Wet, Stay Wet Adventures
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Moderate
Easy
45 - 180 min
Items needed
Leash
Dog Bags
Swimsuit
Towels
Activity description
Many people forget that just because it rains, it doesn't mean you weren't likely to get wet anyway. There are plenty of adventurous and fun outdoor activities that would have you getting wet regardless, leaving the rain to just make it more consistent both in and out of the water. Sometimes, rainy days are the best way to take advantage of activities like running around or swimming at the beach, let alone canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, that is, as long as there's no lighting and the temperature is warm enough. Some places will reduce their rates and many others will have considerably fewer patrons waiting to participate, meaning fewer lines, more solitude and more space to play. Prices are generally cheap to moderate for those activities anyway and as long as your dog is already comfortable with the activity and being wet, it shouldn't be anything but easy.
Step
1
Pick your activity
The first step is to pick what you and your dog are going to do. If you want to keep it simple, just head to the nearest beach. South Carolina has plenty of them and since most of the rain happens during summer, chances are it should be warm enough to justify a swim. But be mindful before you go to check any weather advisories or local warnings for the area, as rain can also stir up potentially dangerous wildlife in the floodways and shorelines. Otherwise, as mentioned above, rainy days are also perfect for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. Pick your activity before moving onto the next step.
Step
2
Spot your spot
Once you've figured out what you want to do, you'll want to find a place to do it. For beachgoers, make sure you're within the legal boundary of where you can take your dog, as some beaches have leash restrictions and those that limit the hours and time of year. For those looking for something more active, consider booking at a place like Nature Adventure Outfitters in Mount Pleasant or Paddle Santee in Santee as they're both known to be dog-friendly.
Step
3
Go find some rainy day adventure
Once you've picked an activity and a location, it's time to hit the water (or have it hit you in most cases as well). For beachgoers, it's time to play. For adventurers, you'll need to pack your supplies, hit the road, then check in at the appropriate spot. Make sure to get your dog acclimated to whatever craft you've chosen before you depart, but once they are, you're ready for some seriously wet fun. Just don't forget to leave your towels somewhere dry for when you return!
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More Fun Ideas...
Boutiques and Barkeries
For those who aren't all that adventurous or just want something simple and dry to do, check out some local pet boutiques and barkeries/bakeries. Since most of the owners are dog-centric people, it's a great place to get info on new or dog-specific toys, food and tons of other stuff.
Pampered Patio Pooches
If you and your pooch are in some serious need of grub, consider hitting up a dog-friendly restaurant or doing a short patio tour. Plenty of places in South Carolina are dog-friendly, but in the rain, you'll just need to find the ones with covered patio areas like the Lost Dog Cafe. It can be a calm and peaceful way to spend a rainy day, as long as it's not too windy, and you and your dog will get to have some delicious food in the process!
Conclusion
If you do it right, the next time it rains in South Carolina you and your dog be much less likely to sing and howl "Rain, rain, go away," and much more likely to don some waterproof gear and get out in it. We hope our list has given you some places to go and things to do when Mother Nature decides it's time to give your local area a good soak; if nothing else at least inspired you to go find some rainy day adventure of your own. After all, in one of the rainiest states in the country, you might not be able to stop the weather, but you can surely always learn to embrace it.