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Asheville has become a popular place for travelers and has even been deemed a top U.S. tourist destination by Lonely Planet. This town has a cool factor that attracts both seniors and millennials, entrepreneurs and artists, hipsters and hippies, you name it.
Praised for its food culture and craft beer, Asheville has a lot more to offer than fresh mountain air. It’s a vibrant region with talented street musicians, historic buildings and unique shops.
But did you know that Asheville is also a great place to bring your dog? You and your best friend can enjoy the beautiful scenery together and take long walks to mountaintops and waterfalls.
We’ve compiled a list of some great pet friendly places to stay in Asheville, as well as some ideas on how to spend your time together while you’re here.
Aloft Asheville Downtown
This hotel is located within walking distance of numerous entertainment venues, restaurants and shops. You’ll get stunning views, a pool deck and your dog will get his own bed, water bowl and access to a rooftop dog run. They welcome both dogs and cats and you can bring two pets of any size at no additional fee. They even have their own pet adoption program!
1900 Inn on Montford
A great Bed and Breakfast situated in the historic district that offers a three-course breakfast and in-room massage packages. Cats are not allowed but dogs get a built-in-tray, gourmet biscuits, lighted leashes and your pet friendly suite will have a patio for your pooch. You’ll also be able to take him on a quick evening walk in the near-by neighborhood park.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Since you’ll be atop Sunset Mountain, you’ll be enjoying spectacular views but also their subterranean spa and Donald Ross-designed golf course. The new Vanderbilt Wing offers dog-friendly rooms, a walk area on the second floor and doggie rooms service.
Hotel Indigo
Soulful, vibrant and eclectic, Hotel Indigo is a true reflection of Asheville. You’ll be in the heart of downtown so you can just leave your car there and explore. Of course, it will be hard to tear yourself away from the spacious rooms, spa-inspired bathrooms and full-service bar and bistro. They welcome both dogs and cats and the front desk supplies you with pet beds, bowls and treats.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore
At just one block away from Biltmore Estate and Blue Ridge Parkway, guests can enjoy hiking trails, zip-lines, cycling and water rafting and if you want to go downtown, there’s a shuttle service at your disposal. Both cats and dogs are allowed and there’s a pet relief area supplied with waste bags. Pups even have a place to run in the hotel’s adjacent field.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
The Grand Bohemian Hotel is designed to stand apart from its surroundings. The antique curiosities on display, the patina of worn leather and Tudor-inspired interiors give it a mysterious air while the crystal chandelier and 14K gold leaf paintings inspire luxury. Dogs may not be able to appreciate such details but they’ll certainly get excited about the treats and bowls provided and check-in and enjoy the walks through Biltmore Village.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Fitness Center, indoor heated pools and toasted Belgian waffles for breakfast! Your dog will be getting free treats while you enjoy a drink in front of the fire pit on the veranda. They’re situated 1.1 miles from the city center and 2.4 miles from the Biltmore Estate, but they also offer free shuttle services.
Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn
Designed by Biltmore’s supervising architect Richard Sharp Smith, the Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn is surrounded by award winning, English-style gardens and offers spa services and rooms with all the amenities including a fireplace and a whirlpool tub. The pet-friendly suites are located in the Carriage House and provide beds, bowls and homemade biscuits. There’s a fenced-in dog run and your pooch can have his picture taken for the hotel’s wall.
1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage
Immerse yourself in a soothing Jacuzzi tub, take part in a relaxing spa treatment, or walk through the scenic trails. The 1889 WhiteGate Inn and Cottage is just a couple blocks away from the lively downtown scene, but offers a serene escape with beautiful gardens, breathtaking waterfalls, and Koi ponds. Dogs are allowed in the Guest Cottage, Oscar Wilde Suite, and Joyce Kilmer Suite for a small extra fee.
Asheville Cabins and Vacation Rentals
Ashville also has a wide selection of pet-friendly cabins you can rent. You can choose one to be as modern or as rustic as you’d like. They’re fully furnished and equipped with all the modern amenities that you need: AC, flat screen TV’s, coffee maker etc. The staff can even direct you to a dog care center where your pet can have his own fun while you have yours.
Where Can You Take Your Dog in Asheville?
If you want to show your four-legged friend a good time, there’s plenty to do. The Blue Ridge Parkway has plenty of trails to explore and the Craggy Pinnacle at Craggy Gardens end in a 180-degree spectacular view. If your tail-wagger enjoys a good splash, there’s always the cool creek and the two waterfalls at Graveyard Fields Loop.
In the city, you can take him to the dog parks at the French Broad River Park and Azalea Road Park. He can go off-leash and mingle with the other furry tourists and you can also find water and baggies available.
When the two of you have built up an appetite, the Twisted Laurel restaurant has a menu made for dogs! Most restaurants in the area allow pets on their patios or decks so you can bring your pal along while you try different kinds of craft beer at the Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, sip fine wine or champagne at the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar or delight your taste buds with some vegetarian dishes from Laughing Seed Café.
For dessert you can get him some special puppy ice cream at The Hop Ice Cream Café and then go shopping at the Treasured Pets all-animal boutique. If he’s been a really good boy you can treat him to a designer collar or a stroller.
