Dog walking in Watkinsville

City Center

The City Center area of Watkinsville, GA is where you’ll find most of the activity in the rural town, like the county library, churches, and schools. This area does participate in DogVacay, where you can find a special sitter for your four-legged pal when you go out of town and have peace of mind knowing he’s well cared for. Or, visit Chops and Hops with your pooch! This Southern-style pub is the perfect place to pull up a chair at one of the restaurant’s dog-friendly tables to enjoy its popular selection of meats, salads, burgers, and more. Girasoles is another local restaurant that will welcome your dog during its lunch hours.

South Lumpkin

About 8 miles from Watkinsville is South Lumpkin in Athens, GA. Aside from housing several small communities with plenty of walking areas for you and your pooch, South Lumpkin also gives him a chance to run in the Athens Memorial Dog Park, an area of Athens Memorial Park especially for your fuzzy friend. The off-leash park has plenty of shade, seating, and convenient restrooms close to the area. You’re also welcome to keep your pup on her leash as you walk the park, visit the playground, or check out the picnic areas. The nearby Butt Hutt Barbecue is a great place to visit when you’re done at the park. You can dine in the outdoor seating area with your dog!0.453.

North Lumpkin

A mile or two north of South Lumpkin is the North Lumpkin area of Athens. This is considered the downtown area of Athens, filled with city-like blocks, tons of restaurants with a variety of cuisines, fun stores, and more. And, it’s within walking distance of the University of Georgia’s main campus! This is the place to wag your tail if you’re looking for pet-friendly restaurants because you’ll certainly have your pick. From your favorite Southern foods at South Kitchen + Bar to organic ingredients at Clocked, you can find everything you and your dog love while enjoying a meal with him. For a unique outing, head to Blu Sky Bar and have a couple of drinks. You can hang out with your pooch on the outdoor patio!

Rabbit Hill

Rabbit Hill in Dacula, GA is about 33 miles from Watkinsville. This quiet, low-population area houses Dacula Park, a well-kept location with playgrounds, an outdoor swimming pool, a 1.75-mile walking trail, sporting fields, picnic areas, and more. Bring your leashed dog out for a day of fun in the sun! Rabbit Hill Dog Park is also in the neighborhood and it’s the perfect place for your pooch to play with his peers. The fenced area has small and large dog sections, plenty of shade, and a mix of terrains for your dog to explore. Is your tummy growling for some food? Head to Cupcake Diva Girlz, which makes special treats for your pup when you let them know you’re coming!

Rutledge

The small town of Rutledge, GA is about 21 miles south of Watkinsville. It has a population of only 793 and no distinct neighborhoods, since it’s only just over 3 square miles itself! But, Rutledge houses the Hard Labor Creek State Park, a gorgeous recreational area with hiking trails, bike paths, picnic areas, and more. This park is an excellent place to bring Fido for an all-day, outdoor adventure as long as he stays on his leash no more than 6 feet long. With lakes, bird watch areas, boat rentals, and more, you and your dog can plan the perfect outing in Rutledge’s Hard Labor Creek State Park. The park even welcomes campers with their dogs for an additional fee.