Ultimate Guide: Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Getaways In Asheville NC

Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains are a great place to bring your furry friend. With many outdoor activities and pet-friendly accommodations, your dog can join in on the fun. You’ll find plenty of pet-friendly rentals, hiking trails, dog parks, and other activities. Knowing your options will make your trip with your pet smooth and enjoyable. Here are our most recommended pet-friendly Thanksgiving getaways in Asheville.

The first stop

Start your Thanksgiving adventure in Asheville at the Dog Welcome Center, the first of its kind in the US! Located at The Dog Door on Battle Square, this center offers everything your furry friend needs: potty areas, water stations, free goodies, and information on dog-friendly spots. They even organize Dog Tours on Fridays at noon, exploring local shops, breweries, and canine-friendly dining options.

Pet-friendly hotels in Asheville

The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn offers a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, even for furry friends. The hotel staff is more than delighted to deliver in-room treats, water, and food bowls for your pet. You and your canine companion can explore the hotel’s historic grounds near the Blue Ridge Mountains or relax in the pet-friendly Vanderbilt Wing.

Aloft Hotel Downtown Asheville

Over here, dogs can enjoy cozy beds, fresh water, and a dedicated rooftop play area. Both cats and dogs are welcome without any additional fees, making it easy to bring your furry friend along. Additionally, Aloft has partnered with Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue to foster dogs. The adoptable pups wear a special vest and potential owners can meet and interact with them. It’s a great opportunity to find a furry companion.

Hotel Indigo Downtown Asheville

A stylish addition to the downtown scene, Hotel Indigo is a popular choice for trendy guests and their furry companions. Its convenient location makes exploring the area’s shops, restaurants, and attractions. This chic hotel welcomes well-behaved pets under 80 pounds for a small fee, offering them stylish and comfortable rooms.

DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville

If your furry friend prefers wide-open spaces to city streets, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville is the perfect place. Its adjacent field provides a safe, well-maintained area for dogs to run and play. A secluded garden, lined with mature trees, offers a tranquil spot for leashed walks. And just a short distance away, Biltmore Estate welcomes leashed dogs, providing a vast outdoor space to explore.

Pet-friendly things to do during Thanksgiving weekend in Asheville

☀ Kick off the festive season at the North Carolina Arboretum. Their outdoor winter lights display is a dazzling spectacle, perfect for a family outing.

🍺 Warm up with a hot cider at the Great Hall Bar in the Grove Park Inn.

🐶 Head downtown to Isa’s Bistro, Asheville’s favorite pet-friendly, street-level covered patio, perfect for outdoor dining and doggo-watching.

🔥 Bundle up and head to Antidote’s Rooftop Bar. With an outdoor fireplace and plenty of heat lamps, it’s a cozy spot to enjoy the winter views.

🌲 For a traditional Christmas experience, visit a “choose and cut” tree farm. Many farms offer additional activities like hayrides, making it a fun family day out.

🏠 Don’t miss the iconic Biltmore Estate. This sprawling estate offers a variety of attractions, including a magnificent house, art exhibits, a renowned winery, and numerous dining and shopping options. With over 20 miles of nature trails, there’s plenty to explore outdoors as well.

Enjoy a Thanksgiving hike with your pets around Asheville

🥾 Bent Creek: Escape the city bustle without going far. This nearby spot offers trails for all fitness levels, humans and animals included.

🥾 Wilma Dykeman Greenway: A popular local choice, this scenic path follows the French Broad River. Enjoy walking, biking, or skating while exploring breweries, wineries, and art galleries with your pets.

🥾 Riverside Cemetery: Discover local history at this historic cemetery in the Montford neighborhood. Guided walking tours are available.

🥾 For a more challenging adventure: Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway (weather permitting). Hike to stunning destinations like Frying Pan Mountain, Mt. Pisgah, Crabtree Falls, and Graveyard Fields. Dupont State Forest is another great option, boasting the impressive Triple Falls.

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