Colonial Homes is a mixed-use neighborhood located north of the Atlanta city center. There are lots of services for residents to access on foot. Restaurants, shops, and other amenities including the Piedmont Animal Hospital and Dixie Dog Wear, a unique pet shop, exist in the area and are accessible for pedestrians. Services tend to be concentrated along Peachtree Road which runs roughly north-south in the region and the Peachtree Shopping Center is located here with a variety of businesses. There is also an art museum nearby.
Atlanta has fine weather for walking most of the year with sunny days and warm temperatures. Rain showers are not uncommon, however, and a rain jacket is useful for daily walks with your dog. Winter is colder and has more rainy days and warmer outerwear is advised. Summers are hot and humid and can impede walking. Dog walkers can avoid the extreme heat by going out early or later in the day.
There are hills in the district and on foot travel will necessitate some uphill climbs, so choose your route according to your ability. Sidewalks are prevalent in the community and provide safe, separate walkways.
Most of the residences in the area are apartment or condominium complexes. Residential properties are most prevalent, but there is a lot of commercial activity and some industrial activity along the tracks which are not as well landscaped, so finding shady trees can be an issue. The hot pavement in commercial areas can damage your dog's paws. During hot weather, avoid these areas or invest in doggie boots to protect your pup's feet.
The Tanyard Creek Park is within walking distance to the southwest. This 14.5-acre greenway has lots of wooded areas and some open spaces. The Northside Beltline Trail travels through the park beginning in the Colonial Homes neighborhood and following the golf course. It then travels through Tanyard Park, then under a trestle bridge to the Ardmore Park neighborhood. The trail is a great walking path for people and pups alike.
Atlanta Memorial Park sits on the west side of Colonial Homes. This park has a golf course and tennis center which are considered to be part of the neighborhood. Further west, there is a natural wooded area with lots of trails that are well shaded from the summertime heat. This park is the third largest in Atlanta and very popular with cyclists, joggers, and dog walkers. Keep your dog leashed and be prepared to clean up after your pet to be respectful to other park and trail users.