Going Places With Dogs: Hendersonville, NC

If you like going places with dogs, check out Hendersonville! This small western North Carolina town is about 30 minutes south of Asheville. It’s an excellent choice for a dog friendly get away!

I fully admit, this trip was pre-COVID. But after the past year+ we’ve all had, I’m itching to get out of town again with my dog cohorts. And Hendersonville, NC is definitely on my list for another visit. From hikes and waterfalls, to restaurants, breweries, and shops along Main Street, I took Lemon literally everywhere I went on this trip.

Dog friendly accommodations

For accommodations, I browsed Airbnb and filtered by Pet Friendly accommodations. Be sure to read each rentals details and house rules, as some have limitations on size, or number of pets. I chose an adorable apartment a short distance from downtown. It provided a quiet, comfortable place to recharge after an afternoon of hiking. And, it was only a short distance to many dog friendly restaurants and shops downtown.

Dog Friendly Things to do

• Visit the scenic overlook at Jump Off Rock. With expansive views of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset with your pup.
• Stroll along Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. I found that many shops were dog friendly, and they allowed Lemon to browse along with me. Be sure to check out Vessel, and of course, Wag Pet Boutique.
• Drive out to DuPont State Forest for miles of dog friendly trails and waterfall views. During our visit, we hit Triple Lakes Trail, Lake Dense, Lake Julia, Bridal Veil Falls, Pitch Pine Trail, and the High Falls Covered Bridge. Next time, we will definitely check out the High, Hooker and Triple Falls trio.
• Hike up to Glassy Mountain from the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. It’s an exceptionally well maintained trail, but know it’s a bit of a steep climb.
• Take a dog friendly trail through Green River Game Land and get your paws wet!
• After all this hiking, may I suggest a visit to Pet Source. Their DIY dog wash was a lifesaver for this dog mom, as Lemon was far too muddy to take back to our rental property.

Dog friendly places to drink and dine

If you’re like me, dining out is a big part of what makes vacation….well, a vacation! Hendersonville, NC has a an abundance of dining options that will welcome you, and your 4 footed traveling partner.

• Appalachian Coffee was located just around the corner from our accommodations. Roasting their coffee beans on-site, it was the go-to spot for morning coffee. There’s a large, dog friendly deck where you can enjoy a selection of baked goods, sandwiches, and salads, or even a glass of beer or wine.
• Enjoy a donut breakfast sandwich on the dog friendly porch at HenDough Chicken & Donuts, or one of their 5 mouthwatering chicken sandwiches for lunch. Take a dozen donuts to go.
• Dine with your dog pal on the porch at Flat Rock Wood Room. Offering both BBQ and neapolitan pizza, there is something delicious for everyone.
• Fill up with a triple decker club and an ice cream soda at Mikes on Main, an old fashioned ‘50s style soda fountain, offering dog friendly sidewalk dining.
• As you make your way along Main Street, settle in at a dog friendly sidewalk table at Champa for happy hour cocktails, and appetizers. I would definitely return to try their Pad Thai and sushi.
• Speaking of sushi, I love it! And I was thrilled to find that Umi Japanese Fine Dining has a spacious outdoor patio that is dog friendly!
• Keep it craft with a pint at Dry Falls Brewing Company! This dog friendly brewery is at the “Busy Bend” in a former paint and body shop that severed the Hendersonville community for over 70 years.
• When choosing your dog friendly dining, do not miss Mezzaluna! Over wine, we devoured everything that came to our table. The Pancetta & Fig pizza is a must! Lemon particularly enjoyed because she was treated a piece of crust. That never happens, but hey, it’s vacation.

Other dog friendly places to check out:

I’m a planner and I like options, so I had a list of dog friendly places to visit while in Hendersonville. I’m also an eater (no shame), so the list was full of dog-friendly dining options. I did not make it through the list during my first visit, but it’s a great excuse to go back!

• Oklawaha Brewing is now in the spot that was Sanctuary Brewing Company during my visit, but they appear to have a similar cool vibe, great beer reviews, and best of all, they remain dog friendly!
• Have you had Detroit style pizza? If you haven’t, you need to visit Pi-Squared Pizza. They have plenty of dog friendly, outdoor tables, and it will be at the top of my list next trip!
• Fuel up before a day of hiking with breakfast at a dog friendly outdoor table at Honey & Salt, but be sure to treat yo’ self to a fresh baked pop tart, or even a homemade ice cream sandwich before you go.
• Dog friendly hikes recommended to me by friends include Pink Beds Trail, Looking Glass Rock Trail, and John Rock Loop Trail.
• Also recommended by friends is Burntshirt Vineyards, where you can drink wine and enjoy the gorgeous vineyard views with your pup in tow.
• Dogs are welcome to join you at Burlington Gardens. Tour this gorgeous arboretum for free, but please donate if you are able.

Other tips for going places with dogs

• When going places with dogs, always be prepared with water, and a pop up bowl. Most dog friendly restaurants will offer water, but do not count on that. And with activities like hiking, it’s important for your dog (and you) to stay hydrated.
• Follow the leash rules, and by all means, pick up after your dog, even if you’re “in the woods.” Dog friendly places will only remain dog friendly if everyone respects the space.
• Don’t forget basic essentials: food, treats, dishes for food and water, toys, a bed or blanket for sleeping, and a dog first aid kit.
• Be sure your dog’s chip information is up to date, and that your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag. Have a copy of your dog’s vaccination records on hand.

Now pack your pup, and go!

You might also enjoy:

• At Home Dog Washing Station
• Summer Safety Tips For Your Dog