Marina Station (Restaurant and Boat Rentals)
Our first stop was Marina Station at The Ridges Resort Marina for lunch, and it was the perfect way to kick off the day. The restaurant features a large covered deck that provides plenty of shade while offering beautiful views of Lake Chatuge and the surrounding mountains. There’s also a sandy waterfront area where you can relax before or after your meal.
Inside, you’ll find a 40-foot bar, plenty of table seating, and nine big-screen TVs for sports fans. The food was excellent, and the staff made our pups feel just as welcome as we did by bringing out water bowls as soon as we were seated.
If you’re looking to spend some time on the lake, the marina also offers dog-friendly motorboat rentals, making it easy to enjoy Lake Chatuge with your four-legged companion.
Chatuge Park
Next, we headed to Chatuge Park, a peaceful lakeside park with a scenic one-mile loop trail that follows the shoreline. Along the trail are plenty of spots where both dogs and people can cool off with a swim.
We visited on a Monday and only crossed paths with a few other people, making it feel quiet and relaxing. The park also offers ample parking, a small boat ramp, and a fenced playground for children.
This was easily the highlight of the day for Bleu and Freyja. They loved swimming, chasing tennis balls into the lake, and digging in the sandy beach coves.
One important tip: there’s quite a bit of poison ivy growing near the trail, so be sure to stay on the designated path.
Hiawassee Fruit & Vegetable Market
If you enjoy shopping local, don’t miss the Hiawassee Fruit & Vegetable Market. This charming roadside market offers fresh local produce, nuts, flowers, plants, home-canned goods, and other regional favorites.
We noticed several shoppers browsing with their dogs, and the owners’ friendly Chihuahuas and resident cat added even more charm to the experience. We picked up fresh vegetables for dinner, along with jars of pickled bread-and-butter squash and jalapeño relish—both were absolutely delicious!
Local Vineyards
We wrapped up the day at Hightower Creek Vineyards, located just east of Hiawassee on Highway 76. This small, family-owned vineyard has a cozy tasting room, a covered outdoor deck, and a welcoming fire pit area.
The dogs were invited to join us on the deck and were greeted with treats from the staff as soon as we arrived. Hightower offers a nice selection of red and white wines, with both sweet and dry varieties, along with a few meads.
Another excellent option nearby is Crane Creek Vineyards, a larger winery with beautiful mountain views. Guests can enjoy wine at the historic Stone House Tasting Room, which features a patio overlooking the vineyard, or visit the Farmhouse, where you’ll find wine, drip coffee, and light snacks.
Best of all, leashed dogs are welcome throughout the property, making it another great stop for visitors exploring Hiawassee with their pups.
