Carolina Summer Fun Ideas with Your Fur Baby

Summer vacation season is here and we don’t have to leave our beloved fur babies behind. Sure there are dog parks, walking trails and dog bars, but the Carolinas are packed with lots of other great places to visit with your dog for a road trip or a Charlotte-area staycation. Carry poop bags, water and vaccination records just in case.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES:

1. Camp North End

There is plenty of ground to cover with your pooch on the 76-acre site just north of uptown Charlotte. Foodies and Fido can enjoy the public art and food stalls. Make sure you keep your fur kid on a leash.

Source: Ivan Posavec / Getty

2.Masonboro Island Reserve

Before you take your furry best friend to the beach, do your research. Some NC and SC beaches only allow dogs during off-peak season or at certain times of the day. At Masonboro Island Reserve, about 5 miles south of Wilmington, enjoy beaches, fishing, camping and trails. You can only get to the island by boat so contact Entropy Boat Rentals to explore the barrier island and coastline with your canine.

3.Charleston Beaches

Dogs are allowed off-leash certain times of day at Isle of Palms. They must always be leashed at Kiawah. Sullivan’s Island requires a dog permit.

4.Crowders Mountain

Pets are not allowed in the swimming area at Crowders Mountain, but you can hike with your dog on a 6 foot leash. Make sure you pick up the poop and keep your dog out of the restroom and changing areas meant for humans only.

5.U.S. National Whitewater Center

You can kayak with your favorite canine at U.S. National Whitewater Center and your dog can relax on the patio while you enjoy drinks and/or outdoor dining.

6.Tryon International Equestrian Center

Not only are dogs welcome at Tryon International Equestrian Center, but several of the shops have doggie ambassadors to welcome you.

7.Gold City Gem Mine

Head to the Western NC Smoky Mountains for gem mining and gold panning with your pup in tow.

FOOD AND DRINK:

1.Seoul Food Meat Co.

Enjoy Korean-inspired BBQ, Asian craft beers & custom cocktails at the South End Charlotte restaurant. The rustic hangout even has a covered dog park onsite. Your dog can frolic next to the outdoor bar and/or join you while you dine at an outdoor table.

2.Hawthorne’s New York Pizza and Bar

One of the most fido-friendly pizza joints in Charlotte is Hawthorne’s across the street from Independence Park. Chow down on NY style pizza on one of the two dog-friendly patios.

3.The String Bean

Downtown Belmont, NC is the setting for delicious outdoor dining with your fur kid at The String Bean.

4.Wineries

Hendersonville has two dog-friendly wineries. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards and Burntshirt Vineyards both allow dogs to hang in the tasting room with their humans.

Carolina Breweries

If sipping craft beers is more your style then there are a lot of spots to sip a brew on the patio with your pup. Stop by Vaulted Oak Brewing in Charlotte. Curb your 4-legged friend outdoors so that no legs are lifted on the huge vault door, a nod to the old bank that used to occupy the spot. Canines can chill while humans enjoy a cold one in the outdoor dining area of Charlotte’s Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Sycamore Brewing’s outside seating is a great place to enjoy music, magic and a pint with with friends. Queen City magician and mentalist, Hayden, hosts a dog-tastic ‘Close up Magic and Craft Beer’ Airbnb Experience at Sycamore. The performance, for up to 10 guests, lasts about 2 hours. Slow Play Brewing in Rock Hill is dog friendly. If you’re looking for a day trip? Check out Yee-Haw Brewing and Thomas Creek Brewery in Greenville.

SHOPPING:

1.Charlotte Premium Outlets

Attention shoppers, your dog can accompany you to Charlotte Premium Outlets. Some stores even welcome pets inside.

2.BlackLion

Your dog can proudly ride in the cart at BlackLion in South Charlotte while you shop for gifts, home decor, furniture and one-of-a-kind goods from local artists and local estates. Keep an eye out for Watson, the tiny Yorkie who often greets 2 and 4-legged customers.

3.Park Road Books

Want to cuddle up with your pup to do some comfort reading? Charlotte’s only independent book store, Park Road Books, allows your fur baby to tag along.

-Ramona Holloway