6-Day Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Itinerary in Asheville, North Carolina

Day 1: Explore Downtown

Asheville, North Carolina

8:00 AM

Grab Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Start your day with a farm-to-table breakfast at Early Girl Eatery, known for their Southern-style dishes.
Located just a short drive from downtown.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Asheville Urban Trail

Take a leisurely stroll along the Asheville Urban Trail, a self-guided walking tour that showcases local art and history, making sure to spot dog-friendly spots along the way.
The Urban Trail begins at Pack Square Park.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at White Duck Taco Shop

Enjoy lunch with unique and delicious taco options at the casual, dog-friendly outdoor seating of White Duck Taco Shop.
Just a short walk from the Urban Trail.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the River Arts District

Walk over to the River Arts District to explore local galleries and studios, where dogs are often welcome in outdoor spaces.
A quick drive or bike ride from downtown.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at French Broad River Park

Head to French Broad River Park for a lovely walk along the water, with picnic spots and a dog park.
Drive from River Arts District is about 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Marketplace

Dine at The Marketplace, which offers a farm-to-table menu and welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio.
Located downtown, easy walk from the park.
USD80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Biltmore Estate Day

Asheville, North Carolina

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Fuel up with giant biscuits and Southern specialties at Biscuit Head, famous for their house-made jams.
Drive to the nearby establishment, a 10-minute trip.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Biltmore Estate

Spend the day exploring the beautiful grounds of the Biltmore Estate; dogs are welcome in the gardens and grounds on a leash.
Biltmore is a 15-minute drive from Biscuit Head.
USD75 (admits 1 adult), 5 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at the Stable Cafe

After touring the estate, enjoy lunch at the Stable Cafe, located on the estate grounds.
Conveniently located within Biltmore, no travel needed.
USD40, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore More of Biltmore

Continue exploring the estate's gardens and winery, where you can enjoy tasting wines with your pup nearby.
Stay on estate’s property.
Included in entrance fee, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Asheville Ale House

After a day of exploring, enjoy gastropub comfort food in a dog-friendly atmosphere at Asheville Ale House.
It's a quick drive back to downtown Asheville.
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

7:30 AM

Breakfast at The River's Edge

Start early with breakfast at The River's Edge; their outdoor seating allows for dogs to join you.
Drive to The River’s Edge from your accommodations downtown, about a 15-minute trip.
USD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive Blue Ridge Parkway

Hit the scenic byway for breathtaking views and stop at overlooks for short walks with your dog.
The parkway is nearby, easily accessible from downtown.
Free, 3 hours of driving, with stops

12:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at Craggy Gardens

Pack a picnic from a local deli, such as Greenlife Grocery, and enjoy a scenic lunch at Craggy Gardens in the midst of blooming wildflowers.
Craggy Gardens is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway; easy access.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Hiking at Craggy Gardens Trail

Take a leisurely hike on the Craggy Gardens Trail, where your furry friend can enjoy the great outdoors.
Trailhead is located at Craggy Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Linn Cove Viaduct

Head to Linn Cove Viaduct for another stunning viewpoint and a quick stroll for you and your dog.
Short drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Local

Finish the day with dinner at The Local, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients and offers dogs outdoor seating.
Drive back to Asheville, approximately 30 minutes.
USD60, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Visit Brevard

Brevard, North Carolina

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Start your day with coffee and breakfast sandwiches at The Coffee Shop, which provides a cozy atmosphere for dog lovers.
A brief 30-minute drive to Brevard.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Brevard's Downtown

Take a stroll through Brevard's charming downtown, where you can explore shops and perhaps bring home a souvenir for your dog.
Walkable downtown area.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Pisgah National Forest Visitor Center

Stop by the visitor center to gather maps and tips on hikes that are pet friendly.
Just a quick drive from downtown Brevard.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Square Root

Enjoy a casual lunch at The Square Root, which welcomes dogs and features a lovely outdoor garden.
Located in Brevard; a short distance from the visitor center.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Hiking at Looking Glass Falls

Head out for a hike at Looking Glass Falls, where you can enjoy the majestic views of the waterfall along with your dog.
Located about 20 minutes from Brevard.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Sliding Rock

Stop by the iconic Sliding Rock and watch the fun, or take a short trail walk to enjoy the scenery; dogs are welcome on leashes.
Close to Looking Glass Falls.
USD3 (for parking), 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Oskar Blues

Finish the day with craft beer and burgers at Oskar Blues, a dog-friendly brewpub with a fun and lively atmosphere.
Return to downtown Brevard; only a 15-minute drive.
USD60, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Pisgah National Forest Fun

Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dolly's Dog House

Start your day at Dolly's Dog House, which offers a great breakfast menu for humans and delicious treats for your dog!
Located in Brevard, a short drive away.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Select a Hike in Pisgah National Forest

Explore one of the many dog-friendly trails in Pisgah National Forest; the Cradle of Forestry offers a great introduction.
Drive to the Cradle of Forestry, about 30 minutes.
USD5 (for parking), 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Cradle of Forestry

Pack a lunch to enjoy at the Cradle of Forestry, or buy snacks at their visitor center.
Conveniently on site.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Forest History Center

After lunch, visit the Forest History Center to learn about the region's history and ecology.
Located at the Cradle of Forestry.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Scenic Drive in Pisgah National Forest

Hit the road again for a scenic drive through Pisgah—look out for more opportunities to stop and hike with your dog.
Follow the forest roads.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Flat Rock Wood Room

Enjoy a casual dinner at Flat Rock Wood Room, a dog-friendly restaurant with a relaxed vibe.
About a 30-minute drive back to Brevard.
USD60, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax and Unwind

Asheville, North Carolina

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Green Sage Cafe

End your trip with a healthy breakfast at Green Sage Cafe, known for their organic menu and welcoming space for dogs.
A return to Asheville, about a 20-minute drive.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit North Carolina Arboretum

Explore the stunning gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum where well-behaved dogs are welcomed outdoors.
About 10 minutes from downtown Asheville.
USD16 (for vehicle entry), 2 hours

11:30 AM

Take a Scenic Walk

Take a relaxing walk around the arboretum grounds—this is a perfect time for your dog to enjoy the more spacious areas.
On-site at the arboretum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Hop Ice Cream Cafe

Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at The Hop Ice Cream Cafe—a fun spot with great flavor and dog-friendly seating.
Close by, back towards downtown Asheville.
USD40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Relax at Carrier Park

Spend your last afternoon relaxing at Carrier Park, with large green spaces and trails where your pup can roam and play.
Only a 10-minute drive from The Hop.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Final Dinner at Cúrate

Wrap up your Asheville adventure with a memorable dinner at Cúrate, which offers delicious Spanish tapas and a welcoming pet-friendly patio.
Easy drive back to the city center.
USD100, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability