Summer is just around the corner, and you’re probably already planning your vacation. If you’re like most pet parents, it’s hard to imagine going on vacation without your pet. So don’t dwell on that thought for a moment. With so many pet-friendly accommodations available, it’s easy to plan a trip that includes your pet. After all, your pet is part of the family and deserves a vacation, too.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous trip to the mountains, North Carolina offers a wide range of experiences for you and your furry companion. Not only do many pet-friendly accommodations provide all the comforts you’d expect when away from home, but they also provide special comforts for your pet. Although North Carolina has many pet-friendly lodging options, the following is just a small sampling of the pet-friendly accommodations in this beautiful state.
- Barkwells Vacation Retreat Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Mills River, Parkwells features seven luxury, pet-friendly rental cabins on over eight acres of fenced lawns. You and your dog can play in the lawns or simply relax on the porch, which overlooks a pond. Don’t worry: your dog is welcome to roam the pool, swim, and play to his heart’s content. Each cabin has a walled porch, doggie door, and fenced yard, so your dog can play or nap in a safe environment if you’re away for the day.
- Brindley Beach Vacations Conveniently located in Corolla on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Brindley Beach offers more than 130 pet-friendly vacation homes that welcome dogs. Play with your dog on the beach and watch him splash in the sand, surf the waves, swim in the ocean or chase crabs. After a day at the beach, unwind with a relaxing walk on one of the nearby biking/jogging trails that are ideal for walking the dogs.
- Fire Mountain Inn – This secluded mountaintop retreat, just a few miles outside the Highlands, features luxury, pet-friendly cabins with incredible views. You and your dog can run and play on over 50 acres of open pastures and meadows. If you’re feeling more adventurous, explore the hiking trails, located atop Fire Mountain at over 4,000 feet.
- Hidden Creek Cabin – These pet friendly cabins, located in the Great Smoky Mountains in Bryson City, offer wonderful experiences for you and your pet. It’s no secret that dogs love to walk, so put on your walking shoes and explore the designated pet walking and hiking trails. Or visit Island Park, located in the heart of downtown, and have a picnic. Hidden Creek Cabins also welcome cats.
- William & Garland Motel This small, family-owned, pet-friendly motel is located in the Salter Bath Dunes Natural Area in Salter Bath, in downtown Bogue on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Enjoy a fun day at the beach, play with your four-legged friend, or take a walk in one of the motel’s pet-friendly areas. Cats are also welcome at the motel.
- Duke Tower Hotel & Condominiums This pet-friendly Durham hotel is minutes from Duke University. Enjoy the scenery in this beautiful area, and after a day of fun-filled activities, take your dog for a walk across the street from the hotel on the American Tobacco Trail. You can also explore the walking trail on Duke University’s East Campus, which allows dogs. Cats are also welcome at the hotel.
Planning a vacation with your pet takes some preparation, so do your homework to make sure the pet-friendly accommodation you want to stay at is right for you and your pet. To learn more about these and other pet-friendly hotels and accommodations in North Carolina, visit TripsWith Pets.com. Doing a little research will ensure that you and your pet have a fun and safe vacation, and you will create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
