Fido knows a thing or two about tails and gates (at the dog park), so he should fit right in with the canine crowd at TailGate Brewery in Nashville. Tennessee’s finest pet-friendly brewery captures the electric vibe of Music City and, as the name suggests, always keeps the “pawty” going strong. Located on seven acres in West Nashville, TailGate welcomes tail-waggers to beat the heat with a bowl of ice water on the huge shaded patio or sunbathe in the open section of their main building. The facility is home to an outdoor bar serving sought-after gems like Orange Wheat, Lime Lager and more, plus a craft pizza kitchen, slice shop and ice cream shop. Sign your pup up to become part of the TailGate Brewery Mutt Club and get a doggy bandana to wear with pride. When you’re done, hit the 3-mile loop at Richland Creek Greenway.

For an affordable stay nearby, check in to the dog-friendly Comfort Inn Nashville West.

Take Fido’s photo with one of the highest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River at Fall Creek Falls State Park on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. The nearly 30,000 acres at Tennessee’s most dog-friendly state park also include three other waterfalls: Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. Leashed dogs are allowed on most of the 56 miles of trails, including long-distance overnight trails, and in canoes and kayaks on beautiful Fall Creek Falls Lake.

Snag a quiet, wooded spot at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. If a dog-friendly vacation rental is more to your taste, book a stay at Autumn Breeze in nearby Spencer, TN.

Heading to the Great Smoky Mountains? Put Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing in Townsend on Fido’s to-do list. Located near Pigeon Forge, this most dog-friendly attraction in the Volunteer State invites you to spend a couple of hours on the Little River with your best friend. Shuttle up the river together and tube back down on the calm, shaded waters, with a stretch of mini rapids along the way to add a little excitement to the trip. Dogs are welcome to float in their own tube or on your lap. Back on dry land, find a spot to park at Burger Master Drive-In and enjoy a juicy handheld at one of the country’s best-loved dog-friendly drive-ins.

Vacationers who are searching for seclusion should reserve a stay at the Tremont Lodge & Resort. Treats and bowls are provided at check-in, and there’s room to roam outside.

Load up your favorite road trip playlist and make your way to Music City USA in Nashville! At the Grand Ole RV Resort just off Interstate 65 in nearby Goodlettsville, you’ll hear music every night during the summer. Best of all, Fido is welcome to join you for a listen at Tennessee’s most dog-friendly campground. Cast a line at two creekside fishing docks, let the kids burn energy at the playground, and be sure to pick up a home-cooked breakfast or dinner to share with your pup from the on-site restaurant. Camping supplies and souvenirs can be purchased at the resort’s general store, but you’re also just minutes away from all the fun of Nashville. Pets are permitted at all RV sites for no additional fee.

The Outback at Shelby Farms Park on the outskirts of Memphis lives up to its name by providing visitors with 100 acres of backcountry to explore off leash. This incredibly diverse farm boasts huge fields, winding trails, and ponds. Pups who are prone to muddy paws can clean up at the wash station and rehydrate at the water fountain. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the rest of the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, too. Frequent visitors to the attraction can honor best friends with dog tags or paver stones that are placed permanently in the park.

This modern home near Shelby Farms has a fenced backyard and hardwood floors, which makes it “pawfect” for packs with more in the tank for round two.

The Trails at Fontanel in Nashville invite dogs and their owners to share a break away from the hustle and bustle of Music City. Join more “city lickers” on a pathway that takes in Whites Creek and leads to nice views of Fontanel Mansion, a huge log home built by Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell. This loop trail is just over two miles and is rated moderately difficult due to a rocky section of terrain.

Virgin Hotels Nashville is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the U.S., and a welcome break for cool canines in the heart of Nashville.

Soak up views of the Smoky Mountain foothills every morning at Nolichuckey Bluffs Bed and Breakfast Cabins in Greeneville. The best pet-friendly B&B in Tennessee’s handsome Huskies welcome guests to share their personal playground for a few days and enjoy views of the Nolichuckey River from the front porch of a spacious pet-friendly cabin. Be sure to grab a homemade breakfast featuring jams and jellies made from homegrown berries before you head out for the day. While you’re there, cruise through Cherokee National Forest and find a woodland trail to explore with Fido.

Nolichuckey Bluffs Bed and Breakfast Cabins welcomes dogs for an additional fee of $100 per pet, per stay.

Support homeless and adoptable pets while enjoying a unique rave party and a plant-based dinner with your two- and four-legged friends at Unleashed: Dinner With Your Dog. Tennessee’s can’t miss dog event includes fantastic entertainment by a runway of lovable NHA shelter dogs guided by Nashville celebrities, friends and supporters. In addition to the dinner and celebrity dog walk, Unleashed includes a silent and live auction with some of the finest Nashville-themed gifts and services benefiting homeless and adoptable animals all throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

After a 5-star gala, continue to pamper your pooch with a stay at Loews Vanderbilt Nashville.

If our Best of Tennessee preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!