Road‑Trip Itinerary: Edgewater, MD → Winston‑Salem, NC → Grandbury, TX (Dog‑Friendly)

Day 1: Edgewater → Winston‑Salem

Morning: Depart Edgewater and cross the iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge, enjoying panoramic water views. Continue to the lively Baltimore Inner Harbor for a quick stroll and a coffee break at a dog‑friendly café.

Afternoon: Drive through historic Richmond, stopping at the Virginia State Capitol plaza where leashed pets are welcome. Continue south on I‑85, with a brief rest at the scenic Hillsville Rest Area before reaching the outskirts of Winston‑Salem.

Evening: Arrive in Winston‑Salem and check into the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, known for its pet‑friendly policy and complimentary dog beds. Enjoy dinner at Foothill Brewing Company, which offers an outdoor patio for dogs.

Day 2: Exploring Winston‑Salem

Morning: Wander the historic streets of Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where leashed dogs are allowed on the walking tours. Grab a pastry at the on‑site bakery and explore the colonial gardens.

Afternoon: Visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and its expansive grounds, perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog. Stop for a late‑lunch bite at Dog Haus, a pet‑friendly eatery with outdoor seating.

Evening: Stroll through downtown’s Riverwalk along the Yadkin River, where many restaurants have dog‑friendly patios. Return to the hotel for a relaxing night.

Day 3: Winston‑Salem → Grandbury, TX

Morning: Begin the long drive westward, making a scenic stop at the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville for breathtaking mountain views and a quick walk with your pup.

Afternoon: Continue on I‑40 and I‑20, pausing at the historic Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi for a brief tour of the battlefield grounds (dogs on leash welcome). Refuel and stretch at a pet‑friendly truck stop.

Evening: Arrive in the Grandbury area of Texas and check into the La Quinta Inn & Suites Dallas‑Grand Prairie, which welcomes dogs of any size. End the day with dinner at the nearby Trinity Groves food park, where many stalls have outdoor seating for pets.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chesapeake Bay Bridge – 30 min, $8 toll
• Baltimore Inner Harbor – 45 min, free
• Virginia State Capitol – 1 h, free
• Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (2 nights) – 2 nights, $260
• Old Salem Museums & Gardens – 2 h, $15 per adult (dogs free)
• Reynolda House – 1.5 h, $12 per adult (dogs free)
• Blue Ridge Parkway stop – 45 min, free
• Vicksburg National Military Park – 1 h, free
• La Quinta Inn & Suites (1 night) – 1 night, $120
• Meals & Snacks (average) – 3 days, $180
• Fuel (approx. 2,000 mi) – 2,000 mi, $250
• Pet fees (hotel) – $30
• Parking & Miscellaneous – $30
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,010

Tips

If you’d like to extend the adventure, add an overnight stop in Asheville to fully explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and its dog‑friendly hiking trails. To shorten the trip, skip the Vicksburg detour and head straight west after the Blue Ridge stop, reducing the final day’s drive by about two hours.