Dog-Friendly Fun at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg

The Smoky Mountains have gone to the dogs…literally! Everywhere you turn, people are enjoying their lives with their canines in tow. There are joggers with leggy creatures loping along beside them, service animals in every locale, walkers with their tiny dogs in strollers, and cars whizzing by with doggy heads leaning out of windows. With pet friendly rentals abounding, and lots of locals enjoying their pets, it’s easy to see why so many people end up at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg. Dogs are welcomed and enjoyed!
Though the hot days of summer will soon be bleeding into the refreshing temps of fall, it’s still a good time to keep an eye on your dog’s hydration and comfort as you enjoy the mountains. If you like to take your dog on hikes short or long, you may want to stop by The Day Hiker in The Village Shops. You’ll find helpful accessories like collapsible water bowls and doggie pack harnesses. While there you may snag some outdoor essentials for yourself. The place is packed with all things hiking. You don’t have to be infirm to enjoy a good hiking stick in these mountains. Steep terrain means you can never be too careful. Your knees, whether young or old, will thank you!
Of course, all dog-lovers will need to stop in at Bone-Diggity Barkery and Gifts , a shop focused on man’s best friend. Your dog will be on sensory overload between attention from staff and the good scents coming their way from special baked doggie treats for sale! There are healthy doggie chews, plenty of creative dog toys and, for the smaller dog that has been walked all over town, nice strollers!
After you’ve treated your puppy to something awesome at Bone-Diggity, both of you are welcomed heartily at Boudicca’s Celtic Pub, where your dog will find a bowl of water waiting and where you will get an utterly fantastic meal! Grab an authentic Irish beer and some fish and chips in the company of other dog lovers. Or try something else Boudicca’s is famous for: their legendary “Banger Burger.” If you like hearty meat with Irish yellow cheese and mashed potatoes, that burger meal will have you planning a return trip to Boudicca’s for sure!

After lunch, duck into Life According to Jake, a Life is Good brand retailer! There you will find comfy apparel for your pets as well as yourself! T-shirts, hats and more in a plethora of colors greet you upon entering this highly optimistic zone! After all, they believe” Life is Good,” and that, of course, it’s better with your pets.
Cruise around on foot, your four-legged best friend in tow, and see what else there is to see in The Village. You’ll find everything from pajamas to footwear to spices and coffee. Of course there are unique gifts galore. You’re sure to find something for the house-sitter who is looking after your other pets, whether furred, finned or feathered. Don’t forget to stop in at the Candle Cottage in The Village Shops. While we love our fur-babies, we don’t want to smell them! Choose from the Candle Cottage’s own line of “Fresh Scents” candles and prepare yourself for a home that smells like heaven. The store also produces its own line of aromatherapy candles using essential oils. These candles may be a good option for homes with people and/or pets that are sensitive to scents and chemicals.
Whether you are carrying a tiny dog in a purse to match your outfit or have your 100-pound shelter dog on a sturdy leash, you are both welcome at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg. What are you waiting for? Head over today!