Puppy Love….Planning a Pet Friendly Road Trip
Every year, thousands of families hit the highways on epic road trips with their dogs. The great American road trip becomes even greater with your furry, best friend along for the ride. When traveling by car, the journey can be as much fun as the destination. There’s so much excitement thinking about your trip. You can almost see the miles of open road, feel the wind in your hair, and imagine all the new sights along the way. It’s going to be fantastic! But it will take some preparation to make sure your pet friendly vacation comes off without a hitch.
Reserving pet friendly accommodations can be a tricky proposition. Every vacation situation is unique. The following questions will help you narrow down the place that best suits your family’s travel plans.
Once your accommodations are booked and your car is packed, it’s time to hit the road! Be sure to allow extra travel time for bathroom and walking/running/playing breaks for your dog. It’s generally recommended to stop every three hours. If Fido gets restless in the car, a long walk or a bit of playtime, can do wonders to let off some steam and aid in relaxation. when back in the car.
Since you are bringing your furry pet with you, we’re going to guess that you want to spend some quality time together on your trip. Whether it’s a morning walk, a trip down river in a kayak, or a sunset hike, you’ll have more fun with your dog in tow. When it’s time to refuel, stop for a bite to eat with your canine companion at one of our dog friendly restaurants, or visit a local dog friendly brewery or distillery. Just make sure to follow the posted rules and be courteous of others when you have your four legged friend with you.
Skyline Drive may be the most famous attraction at pet friendly Shenandoah National Park, and you’ll definitely want to stop the car and get out for a hike. Of the more than 500 miles of trails in the park, only 20 miles are off limits to dogs, because of rock climbs or difficult passages. The stunning views, peaceful wilderness and cascading waterfalls are all accessible to your pup. Big Meadow’s Lodge in SNP welcomes pets and offers outdoor terrace seating, featuring pet friendly dining with a special “Yappy Menu.” Skyland Resort in SNP is also a pet friendly resort.
The award winning, pet friendly, Hawksbill Greenway features 2 miles of paved walking and biking trails in downtown Luray. Anglers can fly-fish in the creek for trout, smallmouth bass and bluegill. Cliffside Pocket Park is located along the Hawksbill Greenway Trail and features shaded picnic areas and a pet friendly drinking fountain. Ruffner Plaza, on the Greenway is the center of many music events.
Luray Caverns, an underground marvel, allows small pets in the caverns as long as they are carried for the duration of the tour. Leashed pets of all sizes are allowed on the Luray Caverns grounds.
Lake Arrowhead is pet friendly and features a 134 acre lake for fishing, boating and swimming, and a 1 mile hiking trail circling the lake. Facilities include picnic shelters, grills, and playground equipment. Pets are not allowed in the beach area.
Included below is a list of some local pet friendly businesses to help you plan your next getaway in the Shenandoah Valley!
Happy Tails Trails!
Pet Friendly Businesses
*(Please check pet policies with the property owners)
Arts & Culture
The Warehouse Art Gallery
Trackside Theatre
Attractions
Bird Song Pleasure Garden
Downriver Canoe Company
Fort Valley Ranch
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah River Adventures, LLC
Shenandoah River Outfitters
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Copper Fox Distillery/Sperryville
Hawksbill Brewing Company
Cabins & Country Homes
#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
1850’s Massanutten Springs Retreat
1947 Rock Tavern Retreat
A Buck’s Peak
A Buck’s View
A Mountain Mist
A Mountain Star
Absolute Perfect Escape
Adventures Await
Allstar Lodging
Appalachian Adventures
B & A Lake Cottage
Barn at Evermore
Blue Ridge GetAway Cabins
Brenwood Cabin Rentals
Buck’s Peak
Burner’s Mountain Lodge
Cabins at Deer Run
Cardinal Cottage
Christopher’s Riverside Cabins
Country Place, Inc.
Crestview Cottage
Edensview Cabin, LLC
Foggy River Cabins
Fort Valley Ranch
Gander Island Cabins, LLC
Garnerland
Jewell Hollow Mountain Homestead
JNV Properties
Lazy Bear Lodge, LLC
Lazy River Cabins
Lewis Mountain Cabins
Luray Country Cabins
Luray KOA
Old Mine Cottage
Pass Mountain Rentals
River- Cabins.com
Shenandoah River Outfitters, Inc.
Skyline Hideaway, LLC.
SmileInn Cabins
The Barn at Evermore
The Brubaker House
Virginia Vacation Rentals
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Cabins
Campgrounds
Camp Outback
Luray KOA
River Run Campground
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground
Churches & Cemeteries
Luray Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Hotels, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts
Big Meadows Lodge
Days Inn at Shenandoah National Park
Hillside Motel
Quality Inn of Luray
Skyland
Pet Care
Blue Mountain Animal Clinic (540) 743-7387. This is an important phone number to keep on hand. Pets tend to get sick or injured at the most inopportune times.
Restaurants, Cafes & Bakeries
Flotzie’s Soft Serve Ice Cream
Gathering Grounds and Patisserie & Cafe
Main Street Bakery
Moonshadows Restaurant
Triple Crown BBQ
Retail & Shops
Appalachian Trail Outfitters
Compass Tea Room
Hunt & Peck
River and Peak Outfitter
Wedding Services & Supplies
Barn at Evermore
