Dog-Friendly Activities in Alexander, NC

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville, NC. The trails are rated easy to difficult, and leashed dogs are allowed on all of them. Dogs are not, however, allowed in any of the buildings and some of the gardens. An entry fee does apply to visitors.

Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such is a family-owned apple orchard and farm in Hendersonville, NC, offering seasonal apple picking and lavender farm, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, apple cannon, bakery, and country store on more than 120 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Open seasonally spring through fall (and special holiday hours), leashed dogs and visitors can enjoy fresh-picked apples, hot cider donuts, pies, cookies, fresh cider, and apple cider slushies while taking part in family-friendly farm activities. Whether you choose to pick your own apples from the orchard or select your favorite variety of pre-picked apples, your dog is welcome to join in on the fun! There's a bakery on site and a farm store that also welcome Fido inside.

Historic Gray Line Asheville Trolley Tours is a pet-friendly transportation service and attraction in Asheville, NC. Dogs up to 25 lbs are welcome on the tours provided they remain in the owner’s lap. Please note that passengers with pet dogs can only get off at the Omni Grove Park Inn stop (Stop 2) if they are overnight guests at the Inn.

Justus Orchard in Hendersonville, NC, is pet friendly. It's been a great spot for picking apples for over 100 years. The orchard offers you and Fido the chance to meet the owner's dog, too, while you're picking your own fruit. They're not only known for their apples, but blackberries Asian pears and blueberries, too! There's also a bakery and taproom on site. Keep in mind, they operate seasonally; check their website for hours of operation.

Saint Paul Mountain Farms in Hendersonville, NC is dog friendly! It's a family-owned winery located on acreage that has been farmed by their family for more than nine generations. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room with both indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular views of the vines. Be sure to try the hard apple cider named after the vineyard dog, Wallace.

Walk around outside with Fido at the pet-friendly Tanger Outlets in Asheville, NC. This open-air lifestyle destination includes nearly 75 stores and eateries, featuring some of the most popular brand names. This location also hosts Asheville’s first Pet Way Station. In a grassy area located near the West Elm entrance, pet owners can take their dogs for a cool drink of water and to enjoy the facilities. Bags and a receptacle are provided, along with their very own “fire hydrant.” Keep in mind that each store will have their own dog-entry policy.

Discover a broad selection of goods at Mast General Store, a dog-friendly retailer in Asheville, NC. Fido is welcome inside as long as they remain leashed. This quintessential store sells a variety of food and candy, apparel, outdoor gear, gifts, decorative pieces, and seasonal items. They even have a pet section with collars/leashes, dog bowls, toys, locally-made treats, and more.

Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC is dog-friendly. This 12 acre horticultural education center and public botanical garden provides hands-on education to students, youth clubs & adults. It's also a place where visitors can stroll the grounds, enjoy the gardens and find a peaceful spot to relax. Leashed dogs are welcome on the property and water is provided beside the gift shop.

Located adjacent to the Grove Park Inn, Grovewood Village is a wonderland of creativity and history in Asheville, NC. Bring Fido along as you stroll through the pet-friendly sculpture gardens, visit a working artist's studio, learn more about Asheville's early history, explore a collection of rare automobiles, and browse an expansive collection of American craft. Grovewood features arts and crafts from over 500 artists located throughout the United States. Just keep Fido on a leash at all times.

Leashed dogs allowed to explore the extensive grounds and roam through the more than 250 acres of landscaped gardens at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Fido is also welcome to join you at several restaurants with dog-friendly, outdoor seating in Antler Hill Village. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside any buildings. Open daily throughout the year. Hours vary by season and admission rates vary by month; visit website or call for specific information.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC. This popular brewery is a pretty spot to take Fido for a cold one. Situated next to the river, Fido can sit beside you on the outdoor patio or around the fire pit. There's no food on site, but you may bring your own or order from one of the visiting food trucks.

Bold Rock Mills River Cidery in Mills River, NC, is a pet-friendly cidery located just outside of Asheville. The high-quality apples grown in the area help to create award winning ciders. Dogs are welcome outside in the expansive yard area and deck, as well as inside the tasting room. Guests can enjoy tastings, pints and flights! They have live music throughout the week and food truck on site. Check their website for current event schedule.

Montford Park Players in Asheville, NC is pet friendly. Enjoy the works of Shakespeare in the company of your furry best friend at the Hazel Robinson Ampitheatre. This is North Carolina's longest-running Shakespeare Festival, free for the public to enjoy. Throughout the summer, dogs are welcome to join humans for the performances. In the winter, performances are held at the Asheville Masonic Temple where dogs are not permitted.

The region's largest locally-owned independent bookstore, Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, NC is dog-friendly. Malaprop's welcomes leashed dogs in the book section of its store; however, they are not allowed in its cafe. Malaprop's Bookstore sells a carefully selected array of books, gifts, and educational items for customers of all ages and backgrounds.

Ginger's Revenge is a dog-friendly craft brewery and taproom serving locals and visitors to Asheville, NC. Fido is welcome to accompany you beside an outdoor table which is the perfect place to hang out while enjoying a variety of delicious ginger beers. The team at Ginger's Revenge is dedicated to producing exciting and creative craft beverages from sustainably sourced ingredients. All of the ginger beers are made with 95% organic ingredients. Leashed, well-behaved dogs can join you inside the brewery as well as the outdoor seating space.

Burning Blush Brewery is a dog-friendly brewery in Mills River, NC. Their focus is on highly crafted beer integrated with genuine customer service. A place where traditional beer treads on experimental. You're welcome to bring your family and your pups to the taproom where you can enjoy a large, climate-controlled indoor area or a spacious, outdoor biergarten. They do not serve food, but food trucks can sometimes be found onsite. Check their website for current schedule.

Whistle Hop Brewing Company is a dog-friendly, train themed destination brewery and playground for all ages in the beautiful mountain setting of Fairview, NC. Drink outside the box with flavorfully hand-crafted ales and lagers. Their taproom and outdoor grounds are family and pet friendly.. They also offer a full wine, cider, craft soda and snack selection.

Stone Ashe Vineyards is a dog-friendly winery in Hendersonville, NC, where Fido can join you in the expansive, outdoor area. The estate is surrounded by the beautiful North Carolina mountains and offers flights, glasses, and bottles of wine. Outside food and alcohol is not permitted, but they do offer a small selection of snacks to pair with your wine. Guests must be 21+ years of age to visit.

Craggy Gardens is a pet-friendly stop off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC. There's plenty of natural wonder to enjoy including violets, blackberries, Turkscap lilies, May Apples, along with a variety of birds and other fauna. One of the popular hiking trails, Craggy Pinnacle, winds through a tunnel of rhododendrons and leads the hiker to gorgeous 360-degree views at the summit. This hike is only a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, making it a relatively easy walk for you and your pup. Visitors to Craggy Gardens can also enjoy the Visitors Center where books, souvenirs, and CDs are available for purchase.

Pink Beds Trail in Pisgah Forest, NC, is dog-friendly. It's an easy, 3.4 mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. This loop trail is nice for all levels and ages, with its little elevation gain and foot-bridges for water crossing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash between April 1 and August 15, but must be under voice control at all times.