Top 5 Places in North Carolina to Visit with your Dog

by Gianni Cooling

Why is Gianni Cooling headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina?

First, it was Gianni’s romance that brought her from Germany to Raleigh. After ten years of love letters sent from Germany to Raleigh, North Carolina was the easy choice for the early days of the startup. Raleigh is the tenth fastest-growing large city in the U.S. in 2020 and is located less than two hours from the ocean and three hours from the Blueridge Mountains. It is also home to North Carolina State University, which is one of the top textile and design schools in the country. Gianni Cooling loves Raleigh, and it’s where she makes and designs each and every dog collar, leash, toy, and accessory. It’s also where Henri, the Gianni Cooling studio dog, spends most of his time romping, and so it just makes sense to share her top five places in North Carolina to visit with your dog. 

1. Falls Lake State Recreational Area - Raleigh, North Carolina

Falls Lake Raleigh, NC

12,000 acres of undeveloped land and more than 300 campsites…’nough said. Henri loves running through the woods and chasing his Monkey Rainbow into the water. Luckily, it floats and Henri brings it back every time, though he won’t always let it go right away. 

Find out more about Falls Lake here 

2. Hebron Falls - Blowing Rock, North Carolina

A super simple trail for walking and hiking that is 2.8 miles of trail near Blowing Rock, North Carolina that ends in a waterfall. It is a series of drops around some impressively large boulders and makes it a popular hangout spot for swimming and lounging. Of course, dogs are welcome and they will make plenty of four-legged friends.

Find out more about Hebron Falls here 

3. Carolina Beach - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

I hear you, who doesn’t love Wrightsville Beach in the summer in North Carolina. It’s the perfect peninsula and Gianni spends her beach days there, but when it comes to Henri, the Gianni Cooling studio dog it is all about some Carolina Beach. There are no restrictions on dogs on the beach at Carolina Beach and it is only a twenty-minute drive south along the coast to reach the island. Dogs are allowed on leashes on the beach from October to March and you can also take a little air out of the tires on the Jeep and drive right up on the sand. Henri, the Gianni Cooling studio dog loves to drive out on the beach and take a swim after a day of exploring Carolina Beach State Park, a 761-acre dog-friendly park only minutes from the beach.

4. William B. Umstead Park - Durham, North Carolina

 

This is one of those can’t miss spots, covering more than 5,500 acres tucked away within the cities of Raleigh and Durham. Surrounded by great food and restaurants, this wooded wonderland is great for a long walk with the pup and especially nice for runners and bikers. And did you know, the Umstead Hotel and Spa has pet-friendly accommodations? Henri loves DogWoods, the enclosed playground for canine guests.

Find out more about William B. Umstead Park here

5. The Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina

 The Biltmore Estate is truly a sight to behold you and your pup! Built for George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, the massive house boasts 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces for you to take and 800 lush acres of property for the dog to explore.
Find out more about the Bitmore Estate here:  https://www.biltmore.com/
 

 

 

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