Franklin County, Florida Welcomes Canines

If you’re traveling to the northwest Gulf coast of Florida with your four-legged friend, the dog devoted destination of Franklin County invites you to stop and sightsee with Spot.

Pets of all sizes can leave their paw prints in the sand at Dog Island (with the exception of the nature conservancy), Carrabelle Beaches and St. George Island, provided they are on-leash or under direct voice control.

Adventure-craving canines can also experience the great outdoors on an eco-tour, bay fishing excursion, sunset cruise, or on a kayak or powerboat with their human parent, thanks to Journeys of St. George Island. Tail-waggers can also join Apalachicola’s Wheelhouse Eco-Venture Tours aboard the “Pegasus.”

Shopping and Dining with Your Dog

Looking for a souvenir for your pawed pal? Downtown Apalachicola’s store Petunia: For Pets and Their People, offers an array of presents for your pooch, from designer beds and dog bowls to gourmet treats and toys.

After your shopping excursion, chow down with your canine chum on the outdoor patio of Magnolia Grill, which offers menus that can be custom-designed for finicky Fidos, or pull up a chair and sit with your pooch in the downstairs level of the Creek Raw bar. Outdoor tables are also available for patrons with pups at the Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe on St. George Island.

Pet-Friendly Festivals

• January: Start off the new year at “Art for Arf” in Apalachicola. The event benefits FCHS with an auction of artwork by local artists as well as a gourmet dining prepared by Chef Eddie Cass of the Magnolia Grill.
• August: Celebrate the “Dog Days of Summer” at the historic Dixie Theatre in Apalachicola , complete with a “Yappy Hour” and a “Parade of Pups.”
• October: Join in the fun at the annual “Howl-oween Bow Wow Ball” at Harry A’s Restaurant and Bar on St. George Island.

Digs For You and Your Dog

A plethora of pet-friendly accommodations are available in Franklin County, including:

St. George Island

• Collins Vacation Rentals– Canines can call 116 of its almost 300 rental homes and condos home away from home while on holiday.
• Resort Vacation Properties– From cottages and condos to multi-level beachfront abodes, 213 of 386 properties can be booked for you and your barking buddy.
• Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park– “Ruff” it in the great outdoors at one of the pet-friendly campsites.

Apalachicola

• Gibson Inn
• The Consulate
• Rancho Inn

Carrabelle

• Ho-Hum RV Park
• Carrabelle Palms RV Resort and Park
• Rentals at Sandy Beach Properties

Alligator Point

• Harbor Point Realty

For more information:

Franklin County Tourist Development Council
www.anaturalescape.com
1-866-914-2068 (toll free)
1-850/653-8678 (voice mail)
P.O. Box 819
Apalachicola, FL 32329

Photos courtesy Franklin County Tourism Development Council

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4. TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort Welcomes Dogs
5. Village of Merrick Park Doggy Days of Summer, Coral Gables, Florida, July 12, 2009