Summer is here and for many, if not most of us that means it is time to head out of town for some fun in the sun. One of the best things about living where we do is that we are close to a lot of great getaways. Many of the beach destinations, on both the gulf and the ocean, can be reached in less than five hours by car. Many others are just a few hours more, and worth the ride.
Closer to home, almost in our back yard, are the mountains of north Georgia. Here, less than two hours away, you can find just about anything that you are looking for in the way of relaxation or recreation. Like to play golf or tennis? You can do it here. Enjoy riding your bike down a country road or up a mountain trail? This is the place. If fishing is your pass-time, the rivers and lakes are full of fish that are eager to jump onto your hook. There is horseback riding and white water rafting, swimming and water skiing on mountain lakes, and rafting and tubing down crystal clear rivers and streams. If you just want to relax and catch up on your reading, you can do so on the sunlit porch or the tree shaded deck of one of the many cabins that are available for vacation rental in the mountains.
Cabin is a term that can mean a cottage, a log cabin, or a modern house that sleeps 10-12 people or even more. It may be located on top of a mountain, in a quiet valley, along a river or stream, or on a lake. As with almost everything else, the internet has made looking for a vacation rental much easier. Now you can go online and view properties inside and out, often with photos of the view from the front door or deck, along with a list of features and amenities and places of interest nearby.
One of the most relaxing forms of exercise, and one that doesn’t feel like exercise, is hiking on some of the hundreds of miles of trails that run through the mountains. Many of them pass by brooks and streams or lead to mountain lakes, adding to the enjoyment of the walk. With any trail, you soon leave behind the outside world, and as the forest draws you in, you find yourself alone with the sights, sounds and smells of nature. For the dogs, this is a real treat, because here they can run off-leash, jumping and climbing, checking out every new smell that the forest has to offer, and getting the kind off exercise and mental stimulation that all dogs need. One of the best parts of any hike is watching the dogs enjoying themselves.
Whether you come up for a weekend or a week, there is plenty to do in the mountains. Most cabin rentals require a minimum two night stay, so if you come up for a weekend, a motel is the only choice. Motels are only located in the various towns, and we have included a listing of pet-friendly motels. There is something new starting with this issue, a listing of pet-friendly lodging, vacation rental cabins where your pet is welcome. These are people who help support critter Chatter, so we hope that you will make them your first choice. There is also a list of websites that will be useful to you if you feel you really must expand your search.
See critterchatter.com for a selection of good hiking trails, but that is just a start. Ask the people that you rent from to suggest some trails. They live there and know the area best, and can probably direct you to some little known gems.
If you have a good experience in the mountains, or anywhere else, let us know and we will share it with others.
