8-Day Dog-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Asheville, NC

Day 1: Welcome to Asheville

Asheville, NC

9:00AM

Brunch at Corner Kitchen

Begin your day with a dog-friendly brunch at Corner Kitchen, where you can enjoy delicious Southern-inspired dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Located in the historic Biltmore Village, easily reachable by car.
USD25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the River Arts District

Take a leisurely walk through the River Arts District, filled with artist studios, galleries, and vibrant murals where your dog is welcome on-leash.
A short 5-minute drive from Corner Kitchen.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at White Duck Taco Shop

Grab a quick bite at White Duck Taco Shop, renowned for its creative taco options and outdoor seating for you and your pup.
Just a 5-minute drive from the art district.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center

Take your furry friend to the Western North Carolina Nature Center to learn about the region’s wildlife and take a stroll through the peaceful grounds.
A short 10-minute drive from the taco shop.
USD12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at The Omni Grove Park Inn

Unwind at the dog-friendly Omni Grove Park Inn with stunning views while enjoying a cocktail on the terrace.
About a 10-minute drive from the Nature Center.
USD12, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tupelo Honey Cafe

Savor a Southern-style dinner at Tupelo Honey Cafe, which offers a dog-friendly patio in an inviting atmosphere.
Located 5 minutes away from the inn.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Blueberry Pancake House

Start with a hearty breakfast of blueberry pancakes and fresh coffee before your scenic drive.
Drive 10 minutes from Asheville to the restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Experience breathtaking views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks for photos and fresh air walks with your dog.
Directly accessible from the restaurant, head to the Parkway.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Craggy Gardens

Pack a lunch to enjoy a leisurely picnic at Craggy Gardens where your dog can also roam and explore.
20-minute drive from previous spots.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hiking at Craggy Gardens Trail

After lunch, embark on a dog-friendly hike on the Craggy Gardens Trail for stunning vistas and varied terrain.
Trailhead located right at Craggy Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Asheville

Head back to Asheville for some rest before dinner.
About a 30-minute drive back to Asheville.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Cúrate

End your day with a Spanish-inspired dinner at Cúrate, known for its tapas and vibrant atmosphere; call ahead to ask about dog-friendly areas.
Located in downtown Asheville.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Pisgah

Pisgah National Forest, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sunny Point Cafe

Start your day with a delicious farm-to-table breakfast at Sunny Point Cafe, featuring outdoor seating for you and your furry friend.
About a 15-minute drive from Asheville.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking at Pisgah National Forest

Travel to Pisgah National Forest for endless hiking options; try the dog-friendly Looking Glass Rock trail for stunning views.
Approximately a 30-minute drive from the cafe.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sliding Rock

Pack a picnic or grab takeout to enjoy near the natural water slide area of Sliding Rock, with plenty of space for your dog to explore.
Easy drive from the hike, about 20 minutes.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Looking Glass Falls

After lunch, visit the beautiful Looking Glass Falls, an accessible spot with scenic views where your pup can enjoy some splashes.
5-minute drive from Sliding Rock.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Asheville

Drive back to Asheville, taking time to relax after a day full of adventure.
30 minutes back to Asheville.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Bull and Beggar

Indulge in a farm-to-table dinner at The Bull and Beggar, which has a lovely outdoor dog-friendly patio.
Located in the River Arts District.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Charming Brevard

Brevard, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Square Root

Start your day at The Square Root for a delightful breakfast known for its homemade biscuits and dog-friendly patio.
Just 30 minutes from Asheville.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Downtown Brevard

Stroll through downtown Brevard, known for its charming boutiques and quirky shops, all while your dog enjoys the fresh air.
Walkable within downtown areas.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Brevard Music Center

Take a tour of the Brevard Music Center, where you can enjoy the beautiful grounds and the sounds of nature with your pet.
A short drive from downtown, about 5 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Brevard Brewing Company

Enjoy a laid-back lunch with great craft beer and a dog-friendly patio at Brevard Brewing Company.
Located 5 minutes from the Music Center.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hiking at Pisgah National Forest

After lunch, spend the afternoon hiking one of the dog-friendly trails at Pisgah National Forest nearby Brevard.
A short 15-minute drive.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Drive back to Asheville

Return to Asheville after your day's explorations.
About a 30-minute drive back.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

End your day with pizza and craft beer at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., where dogs are welcome on their patio.
Located 10 minutes from your return lodging.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Chasing Waterfalls

Dupont State Recreational Forest, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mountain Diner

Start your morning with hearty comfort food and coffee at Mountain Diner, a local favorite with outdoor seating.
Drive 30 minutes from Asheville.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dupont State Recreational Forest

Explore the beautiful Dupont State Recreational Forest with your pup, home to several stunning waterfalls and dog-friendly trails.
About a 15-minute drive from the diner.
Free, 4 hours

1:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Dupont

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots nearby the waterfalls to take in the natural beauty.
Location within the recreational forest.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Continued Waterfall Exploration

Continue exploring the forest and its trails, taking time to discover more of Dupont's hidden gems and waterfalls.
Choose trails as desired, plenty of options.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Asheville

Return to Asheville for an evening to relax after your day of nature.
About a 30-minute drive.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Chorizo

Dine at Chorizo, a dog-friendly eclectic eatery known for its unique dishes and lively atmosphere.
Located in downtown Asheville.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Lake Lure Day

Lake Lure, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake Lure Inn

Spend your morning at Lake Lure Inn for a delightful breakfast with views of the lake and outdoor seating available for dogs.
A scenic 30-minute drive from Asheville.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk Along Lake Lure

After breakfast, walk along the picturesque waterfront and enjoy the serene views with your pup by your side.
Directly accessible from Lake Lure Inn.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Chimney Rock State Park

Head to Chimney Rock State Park for breathtaking views and a variety of trails, some of which are dog-friendly.
A 15-minute drive from Lake Lure.
USD17, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Old Rock Café

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at The Old Rock Café, featured in the town of Chimney Rock, a welcoming space for you and your dog.
Located nearby in Chimney Rock.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore more hiking trails

Continue exploring additional trails in Chimney Rock State Park before heading back.
Choose trails as desired within the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Asheville

Return to Asheville for a relaxing evening after a joyous day at the lake.
30 minutes back to Asheville.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Buxton Hall Barbecue

Indulge in delicious barbecue at Buxton Hall, which offers a dog-friendly patio for you and your furry friend.
Located just outside downtown Asheville.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Craggy Gardens Exploration

Craggy Gardens, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hub

Enjoy a unique breakfast at The Hub, where everything is made from scratch and offers a wonderful canine atmosphere.
A 20-minute drive from Asheville.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking at Craggy Gardens

Spend the morning hiking at Craggy Gardens, choosing from various trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, all welcoming dogs.
Direct access to the trails from your parking area.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Craggy Gardens Picnic Area

Break for lunch at the picnic area, surrounded by panoramic views and fresh mountain air.
Find picnic areas within Craggy Gardens.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wildflower Viewing

In the afternoon, wander around for wildflower viewing; the flora is particularly vibrant in the spring and summer.
Explore trails and find the best spots to view flowers.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Asheville

Drive back to Asheville, taking in the fresh air and views.
Return drive takes about 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Getaway River Bar

Finish the trip with dinner at The Getaway River Bar, which offers a scenic outdoor dining experience and welcomes dogs.
10 minutes drive from downtown.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Goodbye Asheville

Asheville, NC

9:00AM

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Enjoy a fresh, locally-sourced breakfast at Early Girl Eatery, known for great service and dog-friendly options.
Located downtown, a 10-minute drive.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Final Stroll at Biltmore Estate

Take a last stroll through the gardens of the Biltmore Estate (dogs allowed on outdoor areas) for a lovely farewell to your trip.
15-minute drive from the eatery.
USD15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cantina at Biltmore

Enjoy lunch at The Cantina, where you can taste authentic Mexican cuisine with a serene view of the estate.
Located at Biltmore Estate.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute Shopping in Asheville

Spend your afternoon exploring local shops and galleries in Asheville for some last-minute souvenirs.
Back in downtown Asheville, about 15 minutes drive.
Free to browse, though budget for purchases., 2 hours

4:00PM

Depart Asheville

Prepare for departure, cherishing the memories created during your dog-friendly adventure.
Heading back home or your next destination.
Free, Varies
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