Introduction
Nashville is known as the “Music City,” but did you know that it’s also a great city for dogs? There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, parks and dog-friendly activities to be found here. If you’re planning a road trip with your pup, consider taking them on this fun route through Nashville and Chattanooga before heading north to Asheville!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Nashville
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Nashville.
- Dozen Bakery.
- Five Points Public House.
- Mellow Mushroom.
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
- Hank’s Hot Chicken.
- Maggiano’s Little Italy.
- Honey Honey (Nashville).
Taco Mama and Mama’s Hot Chicken are two family-friendly restaurants that offer both vegetarian and meat options. Taco Mama is known for their tortilla chip nachos, while Mama’s Hot Chicken is famous for their fried chicken tossed in a spicy sauce.
First stop: Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a great place to take your dog because it has a lot of things for you and your pup to do.
The Tennessee Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Chattanooga, so if you’re looking for something fun to do with Fido, this should be at the top of your list. It’s also great if you want to learn more about aquatic life, in general, the aquarium is home to sea otters, penguins, and sharks as well. Chattanooga also offers plenty of other ways for dogs and their owners alike to enjoy themselves outdoors without straining too much on either end: there are parks where both you and Fido can play fetch; hiking trails where he’ll sniff out new smells while being safe away from traffic. These kinds of places are hard enough to find within city limits but here there are plenty available within walking distance from downtown Chattanooga itself.
Things to do in Chattanooga
- Visit Lookout Mountain. As you make your way down the mountain, you’ll find an overlook park, which is a great place to stop and enjoy the views of Chattanooga.
- Go to Rock City Gardens. This is another must-visit attraction in Chattanooga, located on top of Signal Mountain (the highest point in Tennessee). The gardens are huge and have several hiking trails to explore as well as stairs that lead from one side of the mountain to where you parked on Signal Point Road. It’s worth spending some time here if it’s not too hot outside!
- Petting Zoo at Ruby Falls Adventure Park & Cave Tours: This fun petting zoo will let your dog interact with other dogs while also keeping him close enough so he doesn’t get lost or run off somewhere by himself!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Chattanooga
- All the restaurants on this list are dog-friendly. Some places even have bowls of water for your pup and other amenities, such as doggy treats or a dog bed.
- Dog-friendly restaurants in Chattanooga with patios: The Flying Squirrel Bar & Grill, Mac’s Speed Shop (the name does not lie), Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Restaurant Cucina Cucina Italiana.
- Places that allow dogs inside: Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe (of course), Humes Poag Mahone Law Firm LLP
Next stop: Franklin and Pigeon Forge
- Franklin, TN is a great place to visit. Whether you’re interested in the quaint town of Franklin or the natural beauty of Pigeon Forge, there are plenty of things for you to do with your dog.
- There are numerous dog-friendly restaurants in Franklin and Pigeon Forge. You and your pup won’t be hungry on this road trip!
- There are also many activities that can be enjoyed by both humans and their canine companions in these towns. And if you’re looking for someplace cozy to sleep at night.
South Carolina Stops
- Columbia, South Carolina.
- Charleston, South Carolina (a little further).
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- Savannah, Georgia.
The Final Destination – Asheville!
What’s the best part about visiting Asheville? How about all of them?
- It’s dog-friendly. The city’s restaurants and attractions are known for being pet friendly, meaning you can enjoy some quality time with your pup. A few notable places to stop include Atomic Dog Bar & Pizza, which has an outside patio where pups are welcome, as well as Top of the Monk, which serves up pub grub with a view of downtown Asheville.
- There are plenty of outdoor activities to do with your pooch! You can take him hiking on one of many trails in the area (think: Maggie Valley), or visit one of Asheville’s many nature preserves (like Biltmore Forest). Or if you’re feeling adventurous this fall season, try going camping in Pisgah National Forest (just make sure he has shoe tags!).
Fun places for both Dogs and their People
- Nashville.
- Murfreesboro.
- Franklin.
- Columbia.
- Clarksville.
- Shelbyville.
In Nashville, you can find:
- A lively downtown with great restaurants and bars (try the hot chicken!)
- A great place to shop at Opry Mills Mall & The Factory Shopping Outlets. It’s also dog friendly! Just make sure your pup wears his or her leash when inside stores. There are plenty of outdoor music venues nearby if you want live music on your trip as well the Grand Ole Opry is just across the street from Opry Mills Mall, and the Ryman Auditorium is nearby as well.
- Murfreesboro offers many opportunities for outdoor activities like biking, hiking in nature preserves, or horseback riding through trails along creeks and rivers that feed into Percy Priest Lake. If you prefer indoor activities there are museums such as Discovery Center Children’s Museum (which includes an activity area specifically designed for kids ages 2-5) or even something simple like visiting Target where they have everything from groceries to clothes to toys all within reach so that everyone can enjoy this family outing together!
Conclusion
All in all, this road trip is one that you and your pup will not want to miss. The sights are beautiful, the food is delicious, and there are plenty of fun things for both people and their pets. Plus, it’s an easy drive on mostly scenic highways! So what are you waiting for? Grab your best friend and get out there now before summer fades away!
