Planning a Vacation in the Asheville Area? Don't Forget Your Pet!

When it comes to vacation planning, a lot of time and consideration goes into the process. On behalf of your four-legged friends, we request that you don't overlook this important part of your family when it comes to vacation time.

An increasing number of vacationers are choosing to bring their pets with them on vacation, and so it should be. While it's easy to overlook the daily sacrifices your pet makes as constant companion, avid protector, and giver of unconditional love—we think pets deserve vacations, too. What about the constant pressure of maintaining the title as man's best friend? That can't be easy.

Now that we've got you thinking about it, we'd like to suggest that you and your pet come to Asheville and the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina for your vacation this year. Load up the car, roll down the windows, and let your pet inhale the fresh cool mountain air, take in the glorious mountain views, and feel the breeze rustling through his (or her) fur. 

According to DogFriendly.com, Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway recently ranked number two in their list of Top U.S. Vacation and Resort Regions for dog-friendly travel! Now you're really considering it, right? Allow us to convince you further.

In addition to a wide selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals to choose from and lots of land to roam, there are also some great activities both you and your pet will enjoy while vacationing here. We wish we had the time and space to tell you about all of them (but we don't), so here are a few of our favorites.

Pet-Friendly Activities To Do While Vacationing in the Asheville Area:

• Walk the Urban Trail. Leash your pet and stroll the 1.7-mile walk through downtown Asheville. Take in the historical and architectural highlights on a self-guided tour or with a guide.
• Roam the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Although pets are not allowed in the buildings, leashed pets are allowed to explore the grounds of the great estate. Be aware that  if you don't hold a season pass, a day charge will be assessed.
• Behold the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You and your pet are welcome throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway as long as your pet is leashed (leash can't exceed six feet) and you clean up after your pet.
• Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and roadside of the park. Two trails are dog-friendly: the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee trails (leash mandatory and cannot exceed six feet).
• Do the dog parks. Your pet will thank you for the exercise and socialization found in the local dog parks. The French Broad River Park meanders along the river and is one of west Asheville's most beautiful parks. Azalea Park is located along the Swannanoa River in east Asheville and offers 155 acres of park pleasure. The fenced dog park has areas for small and large dogs.

Well, we hope you have taken paws (sorry, had to say it) to consider us and are now convinced that Asheville is the ideal vacation destination for you and your pet. We hope to see you here in the very near future!

Have you and your pet already vacationed in the Asheville area? Tell us what you did while you were here!

We always love hearing from you, so please share with us in our comment section.