Dog-Friendly Activities in Penrose, 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.

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.

Triple Falls and High Falls Trails in Pisgah Forest, NC, is dog friendly. It's a moderately easy, 2.6-mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. Although this trail may be short, it will certainly take you past some of the most beautiful areas on the way to the waterfalls. Color is plentiful in spring when the flowers are blooming and fall when the leaves are changing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash and under control of the owner. Hunting allowed by permit on certain days.

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.

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.

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.

Oklawaha Brewing Company is a dog-friendly nano brewery in Hendersonville, NC, committed to brewing high quality beer while maintaining a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility. Fido can join you on the sidewalk patio. Their taps are dedicated to seasonally-inspired flavors and will at times incorporate produce from local farms. Check their social media for special events.

Burntshirt Vineyards is a pet-friendly winery in Hendersonville, NC. Dogs are welcome on Burntshirt’s walking trails, gardens, and in the tasting room but not on tours or in the vineyard. All of their wine is made from local, Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountain fruit and the high elevation produces grapes perfect for varietals not typically grown in the United States, like Gruner Veltliner. Enjoy a wine tasting, glass or bottle of wine on their verandah overlooking the vineyards. The Vintner’s Table next to the tasting room. features specialty menus for lunch and dinner.

Southern Appalachian Brewery is a pet-friendly brewery in Hendersonville, NC. You and Fido are welcome to sit inside the tasting room or outside on the patio or courtyard. Enjoy a delicious house-brewed beer, including styles like Blonde Ales, Pale Ales, IPAs Stouts, and more. Be sure to check the food truck and live music calendar!

Guidon Brewing Company is a dog-friendly, American/German ex-military, family-owned brewery and taproom in Hendersonville, NC. Their goal is to provide guests with good beer, good food, and Gemütlichkeit. Food and live entertainment available throughout the week; check their website for current schedule. Dogs are welcome both inside and in their outdoor courtyard.

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.

Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the Western North Carolina Air Museum, the state's first air museum in Hendersonville, NC. This dog-friendly attraction features an impressive collection of restored, replica, and vintage airplanes, models, engines, and aviation memorabilia. Housed in two large hangars, visitors can explore aircraft such as the E-2 Cub and J-3 Cub, and even view cockpits up close. The museum is staffed by passionate volunteer pilots, and provides free admission and parking. Operating hours vary seasonally, with extended hours from April to October.

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.

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.

Dogs are welcome to join you at Lakeview Putt & Play in Arden, NC. This pet-friendly attraction features 18 holes of challenging mini golf in a beautiful lakefront setting. You and your dog can also enjoy the outside patio area with shaded seating and snacks from the snack bar.

Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile stretch of scenic byway extending from Waynesboro, VA to Cherokee, NC. This popular dog-friendly route connects Shenandoah National Park (Milepost 0) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Milepost 469). Blue Ridge Parkway is broken down into four regions; Ridge, Plateau, Highlands, and Pisgah. Visitors to Pisgah, the southern most region beginning at milepost 340, will encounter numerous stopping points offering expansive valley and mountain views. Photograph seasonal foliage at the shaded Chestnut Cove Overlook or admire the ever-changing terrain from Bad Fork Valley Overlook. You will see a gradual elevation gain the farther south you venture along Blue Ridge Parkway so pull into Devil's Courthouse and take in the sights at 5,720ft above sea level.

Fido is welcome to join you on the covered, outdoor patio at the pet-friendly Wellborn Winery in Travelers Rest, SC. Enjoy a variety of small-scale craft wines with your furry friend by your side. Sip their award-winning wines by the glass or in a tasting while you take in the beautiful garden view.

Mast General Store is a pet-friendly store in Hendersonville, NC. This old-fashioned spot is stocked with country gourmet foods, cast-iron cookware, old-fashioned toys, footwear, candy by the pound, souvenirs, and more. They even have a pet section! Bring Fido along while you shop their selection of collars/leashes, water bowls, toys, locally-made treats, and more.