5 Reasons Your Pup Craves a Trip to Asheville

Since rescuing my dog Maggie a year ago, she has traveled to 16 states with my wife and me—but her tail truly wags the most when it’s time to head back to Asheville, North Carolina. Take your furry friend along to discover why dogs adore Asheville, a city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains that is celebrated for its outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and canine-friendly atmosphere. Just a heads up, your dog might be a little mopey when it’s time to leave.

Dog-friendly trails

Year-round hiking is a major attraction for both dogs and their owners in the Asheville region. In autumn, the foliage delivers one of the most breathtaking displays in the nation, and during winter, the mild temperatures allow for equally gorgeous views. Trek the Greybeard Trail for expansive vistas of some of the tallest peaks in the area, including Mount Mitchell, which rises to 6,684 feet, making it the highest point in mainland North America east of the Mississippi River.

In spring, roll down the windows as you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Graveyard Fields, letting your furry companion catch a whiff of the upcoming adventures. This trail is famous for its delightful fragrance of blooming rhododendrons starting in late May. When summer arrives, visit the French Broad River Greenway and Reed Creek Greenway, flat areas shaded by trees to keep both you and your pup cool.

Most trails in the Asheville region welcome dogs, and in line with Leave No Trace guidelines, you should stay on the path and keep them on a six-foot leash. Did you forget yours? Swing by The Patton Avenue Pet Company, popular among locals for a wide selection of leashes, harnesses, outdoor gear, and treats. While you’re there, grab a bag of locally sourced dog treats from Botanical Bones. Maggie will do anything for their plant-based goodies.

Dog-friendly downtown attractions

The connection between trails and town life is vibrant in Asheville, allowing you and your furry friend to stop by local breweries, with most restaurants welcoming pets right after a hike. You’ll blend right in with a bit of mud on your boots—your dog can, too. Dogs aren’t just tolerated; they’re embraced in many local bars. Numerous shops offer water bowls for pets at their entrances, and several boutiques like Ware, Provisions Mercantile, and Duncan and York invite your pooch inside while you shop for local treasures.

Dining options for everyone

Asheville has earned a solid reputation as a food lover’s paradise, boasting several James Beard Award-winning establishments, from Chai Pani to Rhubarb. While dogs can’t join you inside these eateries, you can make it up to them by heading to Universal Joint (or the U-Joint, as the locals call it). Well-mannered pups are also welcome to join the fun on the outdoor patio and beer garden at 12 Bones Smokehouse.

Treat them afterward to some peanut butter-and-banana frozen yogurt, a completely natural snack with no added sugars, from The Hop, a local shop that has been winning over dogs with this delightful recipe since 2010. The frozen yogurt is available pre-packaged—Maggie suggests grabbing a few extras to take home.

The craft beer scene

Asheville earns its title as Beer City due to the plethora of craft breweries, far more than you could visit in just one trip. The great news is that it’s nearly impossible to find a bad beer in the city, and most bars welcome dogs.

If your dog loves socializing and you’re a fan of Belgian brews, don’t miss New Belgium Brewing. For a laid-back experience in a covered outdoor area crafted from shipping containers while enjoying a Hazy IPA, make your way to Hi-Wire’s RAD Beer Garden. If you want a fun selfie with your dog in an old VW van while sipping on a resinous pale ale, Burial Beer is the place to be.

Pet-friendly accommodations

One of the standout features of Asheville is its wide range of lodging options that warmly welcome your furry companions. Located right in the heart of downtown, Kimpton Hotel Arras provides a special treat bag at check-in, along with pet beds and bowls—making packing a breeze. Aloft Asheville Downtown is another excellent choice, especially for travelers with larger dogs, as there’s no additional pet fee or size restrictions. Just a short distance from downtown, Hotel Indigo offers a Pet-Friendly Package that includes a welcome treat, plus a bed and bowl for your pet’s use during your stay.

For a cozy and walkable experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast in the Montford Historic District. The 1900 Inn on Montford features three pet-friendly rooms, two of which are conveniently located on the ground floor with an enclosed rear garden, perfect for easy potty breaks in the mornings and evenings. Another dog-friendly option is the Crowne Plaza Asheville, which boasts amenities such as a spa, golf course, tennis courts, trails, and the Adventure Center of Asheville for your human companions to enjoy.

Connect with fellow dog enthusiasts

When two dogs become friends, their humans often find common ground too. Whether you and your pup are exploring solo or with a group, it’s quite possible you’ll return home with new friends, furry and otherwise. The best place for these spontaneous meetups is at WagBar, an off-leash dog park and bar designed for canine enjoyment. With proof of vaccinations and a day pass, your dog can frolic and socialize while you sip on a local craft beer. (You might even spot Maggie there!)

Another favorite spot for socializing is the French Broad Dog Park, which is free and welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes. Even the famed Biltmore estate allows your furry friend to explore its grounds and trails, plus you can relax on the outdoor patios of Cedrics Tavern and the Bistro.

No matter where you wander in Asheville, and regardless of the season, this city stands out as one of the most dog-friendly destinations around. Don’t believe it? Just ask Maggie.