Billed as “Dog City USA,” Asheville is definitely one of the most dog-friendly cities I’ve visited. There’s even a dog welcome center downtown if you need extra tips on where to stay, dine and shop. And when you eat out with your dog, there are even a few places with special doggy menus. It can’t get better than that.
Where to Stay: Aloft Asheville Downtown
Located in the heart of the shops and restaurants is the Aloft Asheville Downtown. Not only does this hotel warmly welcome you and your dog, but they also help find homes for adoptable pups. Look for the resident adoptable dog, a member of Charlie’s Angels rescue, in the lobby. Since launching this one-of-a-kind partnership in 2015, more than 90 of Charlie’s Angel’s dogs have found loving homes through hotel visitors.
When you get up to your room, your dog will be all set up with dog beds, a water bowl and dog treats from Three Dogs Bakery. For your early morning potty break, there’s no need to even leave the hotel—there’s a puppy play area on the rooftop deck.
Where to Shop: Mast General Store
There’s something about being in the mountains that makes you want to stock up on outdoor gear, and the best place to do that in Asheville is Mast General Store. Your dog will show you exactly where to go … straight to the register for a treat!
Browse the local souvenirs, candy and gifts upstairs, then head downstairs for a wide selection of sporty outdoor gear. You’re sure to find perfect dog coats for any dog-walking weather.
Where to Walk: The Biltmore Estate Grounds
When you’re in Asheville with your dog, don’t miss your chance to tour the grounds of the Biltmore Estate together. This enormous property is home to George Vanderbilt’s masterpiece mansion that was built in the late 1800s. Although your dog cannot go inside the house, you can spend hours touring the gardens designed by Frederick Olmsted, considered the father of American landscape architecture. Walk down the driveway and enjoy the views from the South Terrace, then let your dog sniff the flowers in the Rose Garden and the Azalea Garden. If you continue through the gardens, you’ll discover the Bass Pond. Look for ducks and wildlife along the way.
Where to Restock: Patton Avenue Pet Company
With three locations in Asheville, you’re never too far away from Patton Avenue Pet Company. It didn’t take long for a staff member to offer my dog Lucy a treat, which is always a good sign. We browsed a wide selection of natural treats and chews then checked out some of the latest toys. If you have any questions about finding the right dog food for your dog, check out the mini library of dog wellness books on the food side of the store. It’s great to find a dog supplies store that can help to educate their customers about their dogs’ needs.
Where to Go Out: Bhramari Brewing Company
Bhramari Brewing Company is named after the Hindu Goddess of bees and it’s a great dog-friendly place to get a little buzz in Asheville. The dog-friendly patio is perfect for playing a game of cornhole or just hanging out. What’s great about this brewery is that they also have a full food menu, so you can enjoy dinner here as well. If you’re lucky, there will be a pop-up market in the front room like there was the night Lucy and I visited. The one we visited was full of hand crafted wares from 70 local makers. The perfect companion to a hand crafted beer.
Check out our list of other top dog-friendly breweries across the U.S.
Tori Mistick is the stylish dog mom behind the award-winning blog Wear Wag Repeat. She loves to document dog friendly adventures with her Chocolate Labrador, Lucy, on Instagram.
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