Woof! Got a favorite Fido in your life? Bookmark this article! This guest post from Kidding Around partner realtor Dan Hamilton highlights all of his team’s favorite dog-friendly hangouts in the Upstate. This guide gives you the lowdown on the best neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, parks, and doggie daycares and boarding for your favorite four-legged friend.
From Great Danes to Dachshunds, one look around Downtown Greenville will tell you Greenville is crazy for dogs! We love taking our furry friends with us wherever we go. Whether you’re a new pet owner or just new to the area, you’ll want to take advantage of this pet-friendly guide to the Upstate.
Best Neighborhoods Near Greenville for Dogs
For those new to Greenville or looking for a change of scenery, there are some amazing communities all over the Upstate that prioritize green spaces and trails perfect for your pup.
Hollingsworth Park
Hollingsworth Park is a sprawling community located between Verdae Boulevard and Woodruff Road. Upon completion, the community will have more than 900 homes and feature everything from apartments and townhomes to luxury homes and retirement living within its 10 neighborhoods. In addition to numerous neighborhood-specific amenities, the community’s major draw is Legacy Park, a 20-acre park with multiple water features, walking and biking paths, playgrounds, and more. Just across the street from Legacy Park you’ll find Stella’s Southern Brasserie, a charming restaurant with a European flair. After a long walk in Legacy Park, your furry friend will love relaxing at one of Stella’s outdoor tables while you enjoy a bite. Legacy Park and the neighborhoods surrounding it are great for walking your dog, but keep in mind your dog must remain on-leash at all times in the park. If you are interested in living in Hollingsworth Park but prefer an off-leash park option, the Unleashed Dog Bar is only five minutes away.
Hartness
Hartness is another beautiful Greenville community located just off Pelham on Highway 14 and minutes away from I-85. Don’t let the convenient location fool you; Hartness feels like a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of the world. The custom-home community is divided into neighborhoods called Enclaves and features a variety of custom architectural designs. Townhome, cottage, or estate— Hartness has the home designed to fit your needs! Your dog will want to get lost in the 444-acre Nature Preserve, complete with 15 miles of walking trails and countless ponds and streams. Upon completion, the Hartness Community will feature luxurious amenities including sprawling green spaces, a spa, a Sports Garden, shopping and dining, a dog park, and more.
Sugar Creek
Finally, Sugar Creek Subdivision is an established community built up of over 800 homes divided into three neighborhoods, each with its own pool, tennis court, and clubhouse. The community is located in Greer but is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Greenville. This neighborhoods’ established landscape, water features, green spaces, and general walkability make it an excellent choice for dog owners. Ashley, a member of the Hamilton & Co. team, takes her dog Ada walking through Sugar Creek regularly and Ada loves stopping to look for turtles at the pond (pictured). If you are looking for a bigger off-leash park space, East Riverside Park is only 5 minutes away.
We’ve highlighted three popular neighborhoods ideal for dogs, but there are plenty of others across the Upstate. If you are looking for a townhouse or single-family home and want to prioritize your pet’s needs, Hamilton & Company can help you find the perfect place! The highest-rated real estate team in the Upstate, Hamilton & Co. team has the experience and passion needed to help you find the perfect home for you and your furry friends. Fill out our Buyer’s Interest Form today if you’re considering a move; we’d love to hear from you and see if we’d be a good fit!
Restaurants
Do you hate leaving your beloved pup behind when going out with friends or running errands? Thanks to Greenville’s pet-friendly community, you don’t have to! Here are a couple of our favorite social spots that welcome our furry friends:
Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery
Located just north of Downtown Greenville along the famous 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery is the perfect post-walk stop. Shop artisan goods and quality produce, and don’t forget to wrap your trip up with a sandwich or scone from the bakery! Swamp Rabbit Cafe’s mission is to “buy, sell and cook with fresh, local food to support a sustainable food system and provide a community space where people come together to celebrate meals.” They accomplish this not only with their store and cafe but also with their events, catering, and flea markets. At Swamp Rabbit, “community” includes dogs, too! The majority of the space caters heavily to your furry friend, including dog-friendly outdoor seating, water bowls, and an outdoor food line your dog can walk through with you.
The Commons
Another prime stop along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, The Commons has a little something for everyone. The Commons was designed as a pedestrian and family-friendly gathering space in Greenville’s brand new Unity Park opening this spring! The food hall hosts a variety of businesses including Golden Brown & Delicious, Automatic Taco, Bake Room, Community Tap, and more. There are outdoor tables surrounding The Commons, many with umbrellas, that you can sit at with your pup. Be sure to bring a friend along to go inside and get your food though!
Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Grateful Brew
Grateful Brew is the “best of both worlds, specializing in artisan Counter Culture coffee and craft beer. Located on South Pleasantburg Drive across from Greenville Technical College, the cozy cafe is dog-friendly indoors and out (leashed dogs only please). In fact, the employees claim that many of their best customers have four legs! Water bowls and treats are provided around the shop. Seating includes covered tables outdoors as well as bar and table seating indoors. Most evenings you will find a local food truck parked outside Grateful Brew, or you can walk across the street to Pita House for authentic and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
Shopping
Shop ‘til you drop – with your pup! Many Greenville businesses welcome four-legged customers, and even more specialize in pampering them. We’ve included a few local favorites here:
The Barkery Bistro
Looking for an upscale spa experience for your furry BFF? The Barkery Bistro on Augusta Road has you covered! Drop your pup off for a nail trim or cut and shop for all your pet needs in the shop’s boutique and dog-safe bakery. This family-owned business will even help you plan a birthday party for your pup!
Mast General Store
A classic Main Street Greenville shopping experience, Mast General Store sells a variety of clothes, outdoor gear, candy, dog merchandise, and more. Leashed dogs are not only welcomed but encouraged to come in and shop with their families.
Pet Wants GVL
Pet Wants GVL is your one-stop-shop for high-quality, fresh dog food. Located on Woodruff Road near the Spaulding Farm community, Pet Wants GVL’s specially formulated small-batch pet food is full of natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. If stopping by the shop isn’t convenient, owners Bree and Simon offer home delivery!
Parks
Bringing our dogs along with us to dinner may be fun, but eventually, they need to stretch their legs and run! Thankfully, Greenville has tons of beautiful dog parks for you to choose from.
Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Conestee Dog Park
Conestee Dog Park in Mauldin is part of a much larger recreational complex including 5 baseball fields, playgrounds, and a Nature Preserve complete with miles of trails for on-leash dog walks. The Dog Park itself is broken into two open spaces, one for small dogs and another for big dogs. Watering stations shaded sitting areas, and rounded fence corners create a relaxing and engaging experience for you and your pup.
Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Unleashed Dog Bar
Unleashed Dog Bar is Greenville’s first 100% dog-friendly bar! Your pup can enjoy a fenced-in, off-leash park with his buddies while you enjoy a beer with yours. All dogs are required to have either a day pass or an annual membership to enjoy the park, and all human patrons must be 21 years or older. Before visiting, make sure you and your pup meet all the requirements. Unleashed Dog Bar is located on Rocky Slope Road right next to Hollingsworth Park.
Pelham Mill Dog Park
Pelham Mill Dog Park, located just off Highway 14 and Pelham Road near the Sugar Creek Community, is the ideal space to let your dogs run wild! This no-fee dog park features fenced-in, off-leash runs for small and large dogs. Dogs are welcome in the rest of the Pelham Mill Park as long as they stay on a leash. With its proximity to I-85, this park makes an ideal stop if you are passing through Greenville and your pup needs a break from the car.
Dog Daycares and Boarding
We all love our pets, but let’s face it, sometimes we need a break! Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled daycare program or an overnight boarding service, Greenville has the business for you.
Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Pet Paradise Greenville
Pet Paradise provides a safe, clean, and fun experience for your pup. Located on Congaree Road, the premiere daycare center offers a variety of services including boarding, day camp, veterinary care, grooming, and more. Pet Paradise prioritizes your furry friend’s comfort with climate-controlled indoor and outdoor suites, raised dog beds, and spacious outdoor play areas. Not to leave out their human friends, Pet Paradise has webcams installed in their facilities so you can look in on the fun!
Camp Bow Wow
Camp Bow Wow “unleashes the fun” with their interactive pet services. Camp Bow Wow offers grooming and boarding as well as a variety of training services for dogs of all ages and behavioral needs. Safety is Camp Bow Wow’s priority; all their counselors are CPR and pet first aid certified and their play yards are climate controlled. They also offer unique perks like all-inclusive pricing and live webcams to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as your pup’s. Camp Bow Wow is located on Airport Road just past the Haywood Mall.
Astro Kennels
Astro Kennels is a full service boarding, training, grooming, and pet supply facility with two locations in the Upstate, one on Scuffletown Road in Five Forks and another on Old Mill Road in Simpsonville. In addition to your basic pet needs, Astro Kennels offers a range of speciality services including Wilderness Adventures, Dock Diving, and children’s camps. Astro Kennels is also an amazing resource for service dogs in the area.
We love our furry friends at Hamilton & Company!
