Asheville, NC
All Photography by April, from MyFurBabyLove.com, unless otherwise noted.
Biltmore, An Estate For All Seasons
The Biltmore Estate, in the idyllic setting of Asheville, North Carolina, encompasses approximately 8,000 acres, including informal and formal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of landscape architecture in America. While Biltmore House is the focal point of the Estate, it is clear that when gazing into the gardens, Olmsted's genius is an integral part of Biltmore. His sweeping landscape provided a fitting backdrop for this magnificent château. Rare Franklinia and Persian ironwood trees grow side by side with mountain laurel, rhododendron, native azaleas and white pines. A four-acre Walled Garden features 50,000 tulips each spring, summer annuals in warmer months and chrysanthemums in the autumn, as well as an All-American Rose Garden. The formal gardens are a spectacular collection, covering 75 acres, including Italian, rose, azalea, shrub, spring, and walled gardens, plus a conservatory with rooms for palms and orchids.
Biltmore's unique horticultural environment creates a blooming season that begins in early spring and continues until the first frost: in other words, something is blooming at Biltmore from March through November. Even during winter months, the conservatory is full of colorful tropical plants such as poinsettias, orchids, lilies, cacti and bougainvillea.
Antler Hill Village includes the Historic Horse Barn, designed in 1900 by architect Richard Howland Hunt, originally the hub of agricultural operations on Biltmore Estate and is once again with crafters, music, displays of original farm equipment and more.
The Biltmore house, a 1895 French Renaissance castle, is an architectural wonder, with 250 rooms and covering more than four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. It’s still owned by Vanderbilt’s descendants and remains the largest privately-owned home in the United States.
The Biltmore Estate's vast park like setting is pet friendly and a wonderful place to spend the day exploring with your precious pooch! Roam the extensive grounds and check out the more than 250 acres of landscaped gardens with your favorite furbaby. Pets are also welcome to join their humans at restaurants with outdoor seating in Antler Hill Village.
Biltmore's Pet Policy from the website states:
* Please keep pets securely leashed at all times while enjoying the grounds.
* Pets (except service dogs) are not allowed in any building.
* Pets are allowed on the outdoor patios of Bistro and Cedric's Tavern, but patio seating should be requested from the host or hostess inside first.
* All pets must be leashed on estate grounds for their own safety as well as the comfort of our other guests.
* Please be courteous of others and pick up after your pet.
Biltmore Ticket Price:
Daytime ticket prices range from around $70-$90, depending on time of year and the day you choose to go. To be honest, if traveling with your furbaby, that's a fairly hefty per person/ticket cost since you can't take your pet inside the Biltmore House or any of the buildings; especially if you've never visited the Biltmore Estate before and never had the opportunity to actually tour the home, which is really the highlight of a first visit.
Since MyFurBabyLove.com is a pet centered travel website, I have a few suggestions to make your visit to Biltmore Estate an enjoyable experience for both you and your furbaby and to justify the cost of admission.
First off, if you live within a 2-3 hour drive from the Biltmore Estate, I highly recommend purchasing an annual season pass. The initial cost for a season pass is a little over $200 but you can upgrade your first visit and the daytime price you paid is deducted from the cost of the season pass. Then, it is only $109 to renew each year, which is actually less than the cost of 2 daytime visits and totally worth it since there's always something gorgeous blooming on the grounds of the Biltmore. Every season is beautiful in it's own way and is such a lovely setting to spend time in the great outdoors with your furbaby. For me personally, I've seen the inside of the Biltmore House many, many times so it's not a problem if I don't get to tour the House. If there's a special event happening that I really want to see (like the Downton Abbey costume exhibit!), I usually leave Sophi at home or we go and take turns sitting outside with her. For us, as people who've been visiting for years, the grounds of the Biltmore Estate are the main event and the big attraction! A season pass also comes with perks and benefits including unlimited daytime visits for 365 days, estate and dining discounts plus many other benefits listed on the website.
Now, for those of you that don't live close enough to justify the purchase of a season pass, I have some suggestions too. If you stay overnight and have a hotel room, I suggest going early in the morning to tour the Biltmore House while leaving your pooch in the room to rest. After you're done touring the inside of the Biltmore House and the shops, you can go back to your room to pick up your dog and enjoy exploring the Biltmore Estate grounds in the afternoon. A daytime ticket for the Biltmore Estate is good for the entire day so you are free to come and go as you please. (EXPERT TIP: the gate to the Biltmore House closes around 4:15 pm so if you want to explore the gardens around the Biltmore House area, then you need to come back with your pet before that gate is closed. After the gate is closed, you will only have access to the Antler Hill Village area). Another option, if you don't have a place to safely leave your furbaby, is to take turns doing tours through the House. There's a lot to see around the House and some very nice areas to just hang out and chill with your furbaby while you're waiting.
No matter which option you choose, the Biltmore Estate never disappoints and remains one of my favorite pet friendly vacation destinations for a day, a weekend, or even a week of outdoor adventure with your furbaby!
Chattanooga, TN
All Photography by April, from MyFurBabyLove.com, unless otherwise noted.
BRIDGE AT WALNUT STREET
Sophi makes a new friend!
Erected in 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge was the first to connect Chattanooga's downtown with the North Shore. Structural modifications have been made to turn the bridge into what is now a pedestrian walkway. The 1/2-mile span is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and very popular among local residents and tourists alike. Providing spectacular views of Coolidge Park, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Riverfront, the Walnut Street Bridge is a wonderful place to go for an evening stroll with your furbaby and take in a gorgeous sunset as well as the beautiful panoramic views of the Tennessee river. Information courtesy of TN Vacation.com.
The Walnut Street Bridge is located between the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Tennessee Aquarium on the south side. The north side offers access to Coolidge and Renaissance Park as well as to a variety of shopping, dining, and recreation venues. Dogs must be kept on a leash and please be sure to always clean up after your pet. Information from DogFriendly.com
CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO
First a brief history of the The Chattanooga Choo Choo, which has spent less than fifty years as a hotel. It was a fully operational train station named Terminal Station that originally opened in 1909. In 1941, the famous Glenn Miller song, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” hit radios and made Terminal Station famous. In 1970, after the last train left Terminal Station, a group of businessmen bought the station and surrounding property in 1972, renaming it, “The Chattanooga Choo Choo,” after the Glenn Miller song. Today the property is a fun place to hang out with your furbaby and is pet friendly, both in the standard rooms of the hotel and also throughout the property's grounds.
We decided to check out The Glenn Miller Gardens which, as the Chattanooga Choo Choo website claims, actually is "an oasis among the bustle of the city". The Glenn Miller Gardens sits on where the 14 tracks and 7 platforms served millions of train passengers for over 60 years. The 2 acre area offers a beautiful setting and is named after the world famous musician who recorded the Chattanooga Choo Choo song in 1941. There's lots of fun photo opportunities and a wonderful gift shop named Sweetly Southern, the largest and oldest gift shop in downtown Chattanooga. You can find keepsakes, collectibles, clothes, toys, and more plus the shop welcomes dogs as long as they are on a leash. The Glenn Miller Gardens are definitely worth checking out, even if you're not staying at the hotel, and is a nice place to relax and unwind. Also, parking is very reasonable if you use the public garage adjacent to the complex. We paid $2 for an hour which was plenty enough time for us to explore the place, snap some photos, and do some shopping. As always, please be sure to clean up after your pets!
POINT PARK, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TN
Point Park is a ten acre memorial park that overlooks the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and the city of Chattanooga. There is a paved walking path around the park that takes visitors by several historic tablets, monuments. Confederate artillery positions, and scenic overlook. The largest monuments in Point Park is the New York Peace Memorial, which was erected by the state of New York as a tribute to peace and reconciliation between Union and Confederate veterans after the war. Inside Point Park, at the point of the mountain, is the Ochs Memorial Observatory. Inside are exhibits on Civil War signaling, photography, and Moccasin Bend, which is visible below the point. Built by the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers, the castle-like entrance structure is a replica of the Corps insignia. (nps.gov website)
Point Park is part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park and the grounds commemorate the "Battle Above the Clouds" that was fought on Lookout Mountain in 1863. It is pet friendly as long as you keep dogs on a leash and, as always, please clean up after your pets. Dogs are allowed anywhere on the grounds but not allowed in the Visitor Center or any public building; service dogs only.
Point Park hours of operation (Eastern Standard Time): Open daily 8:30 a.m. - sunset. Park Admission Price: Adults (16 and over) $7.00, children 15 and under enter free. Admission to the Point Park Visitor Center is free. Visitor center hours of operation (Eastern Standard Time): Year Round - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This was a great stop on our Chattanooga trip and well worth the effort! In addition to the spectacular panoramic views of Chattanooga, Point Park was a wonderful place to take a leisurely stroll with my furbaby and read about the interesting history of the "Battle Above the Clouds". There's plenty of benches to rest and also an abundance of shade which is ideal on a hot summer day.
TIP: The views are truly awe inspiring but there are no safety rails on most of the lookout spots, so always be sure to keep a tight rein on your furbaby while enjoying the sweeping vistas.
SCULPTURE FIELDS AT MONTAGUE PARK
The Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is an interesting attraction that we came across which is also pet friendly. This 33 acre public park doubles as an outdoor art museum and is populated with larger than life sculptures from all over the world. Located on Chattanooga’s Southside, it is also the largest sculpture park in the Southeast United States and beckons visitors, of the 2 legged and 4 legged variety, from near and far. Currently, it features 35 plus large sculptures and sprawling walking paths for strolling throughout the park.
According to the website, The Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is:
* Located at 1800 Polk Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
* Open 7 days a week from dawn until dusk
* Free to the public, so there's no need to make reservations or call ahead, just show up and enjoy!
* Dog-friendly, so bring your well-behaved fur friend. (For the safety of everyone, the City requires your pet to be leashed at all times. If you forget to bring a bag to clean up after Rover, no problem, we have stations throughout the park.)
* Plenty of free parking on the premises.
* Be sure to download the free Otocast, LLC app, so you'll be able to hear the artists speak about their work.
* If it's near closing time, don't worry about getting locked in, our friendly park ranger will locate you before the gates are locked each night.
Also, on the website, there is a map of the park including the name and artist of each of the sculptures, which can be found here : MAP
TIP: There's no shade around the sculptures so if your furbaby is prone to getting overheated in the sun, like my Sophi is, I would recommend going in the early evening closer to dusk. We went right before sunset and had a very pleasant evening stroll, with milder temperatures and softer lighting to accentuate this cool artwork in the form of massive sculptures.
ROCK CITY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA
Located atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia, Rock City is just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rock City Gardens is an enchanted 4,100-foot walking trail showcasing soaring rock formations, caves, and lush gardens. Nearly a half million people from all over the world visit this natural attraction annually and Rock City remains one of our favorite pet friendly, year round destinations.
Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. You can take an unforgettable journey, with your furbaby, along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path and experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
Rock City is proud to be a pet-friendly attraction and they welcome you to stop by, while in the Chattanooga area, with your dog or cat. Even goats and parrots have visited! This is actually the only major attraction that we've ever even heard about that boasts such a welcoming policy to all varieties of pets! According to their website, any leashed pets are welcome to walk the Enchanted Trail or to dine on the terrace at Café 7 with you. Please remember that PETS MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES and to always clean up after your pets.
We decided to visit Rock City a few years ago when we were vacationing in Chattanooga on a hot summer weekend in July. This was before MyFurBabyLove.com had become a reality and, luckily for us, Rock City was one of the few pet friendly actvities I could find that sounded like a fun outing with my furbaby. Rock City certainly delivered and, we enjoyed it so much, we upgraded to season passes that same day.
Rock City reminds me of our experiences at the Biltmore Estate, in that it truly is an attraction for all seasons. During that first visit in July, temperatures were easily in the 90s but we could hardly tell since the caves and caverns provide shade and relief from the heat. Typically, Sophi would not be able to stay out in such high temperatures but she was able to walk the Enchanted Trail with no problems and actually had a little pep in her step.
Fall is an absolutely beautiful time to visit Rock City; the views, the fall colors, and the crisp air make for a very pleasant day with your furbaby at Rock City.
Christmas is a magical time too at Rock City; thousands of twinkling lights, Santa's village, special events, and protection from the cold by those same caves that helped with the heat. Our Christmas visit was my favorite experience, to date, at Rock City. I love Christmas and this far exceeded my expectations with how special it was to be able to share it with my furbaby. We went during the week so it was not crowded and it felt like we had the place all to ourselves; just like walking in an enchanted winter wonderland!
Spring ... coming soon! Unfortunately, time got away from us, at the first part of the year, and we have not yet been able to visit Rock City in the spring when the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is coming alive. Check back for an update!
Ticket Prices for Rock City:
Daytime Admission:
Adults $21.95
Children 3-12 $12.95
Annual Pass:
Adults $39
Children 3-12 $24
TIP: An annual pass is the way to go if you are within driving distance of Rock City! It's relatively inexpensive compared to season passes for other attractions and an annual pass pays for itself after only 2 visits.
Parking is always free at Rock City! Operating hours vary by time of year. Please check website for specifics.
VINTEREST ANTIQUES
Vinterest Antiques is located in the Chattanooga neighborhood of Hixson and was voted as the "Best Antique Store" in the Chattanooga area (2015, 2016, 2017.) It's massive 16,000 sq. ft. warehouse features "mini stores" from different vendors offering antiques, vintage, vintage inspired items, locally made artisan products and so much more!
I absolutely love vintage/antique stores so, when I read that Vinterest Antiques was pet friendly, it was at the top of my "must see" list during our trip to Chattanooga. Vinterest Antiques did not disappoint; this place was amazing! I found so many unique items to purchase ... vintage/antique collectibles, beatiful handmade items, dog mom merchandise, Chattanooga themed mementoes, and more. I had a cart full of awesome finds that I was able to purchase, in full, because the prices were so reasonable too!
Aside from the unique treasures I found, I want to give a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Vinterest Antiques! They made Sophi and I feel so welcome and they made our shopping trip a special, one of a kind experience. In our travels, we've been lucky enough to visit a lot of very pet friendly shops but Vinterest Antiques was above and beyond what we've experienced before and ranks as our favorite shopping destination to date.
Historic Triangle, VA
Jamestown, VA
Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first successful permanent English settlement in what would become the United States. The settlement thrived for nearly 100 years as the capital of the Virginia colony; it was abandoned after the capital moved to Williamsburg in 1699. A preservationist group took over the site in the late 1800s, and today, it is part of a national historic park with tours, museums and ongoing archaeological digs that continue to reveal new findings. (Information provided by LiveScience.com )
According to information from LiveScience.com, the well-known story of how Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, saved Captain John Smith's life is part of Jamestown's interesting history but very likely did not happen the way it has been portrayed and most certainly not the way the Disney animated movie told it. Be sure to check out the information, provided by researchers associated with Jamestown Rediscovery, to get the real story behind the popular myth. Lots of signs with interesting tidbits are scattered throughout the site. TIP: It's well worth taking a few moments to read the various signs or, as I like to do, just snap a photo of the sign with your phone so you can go back and read at your leisure. This is a great idea I came up with so I don't miss out on interesting history/facts/information when traveling and exploring with my furbaby who likes to "keep it moving", lol!
The Jamestown Rediscovery is an archaeological project has been bringing to vivid life the stories of early James Fort since 1994. According to their website, "as their work continues, thousands of new questions are forming. How did these Europeans adapt to the North American environment? What can we learn about the people whose lives at Jamestown were undocumented? How can material culture describe the relations between the English and the native peoples? What can the archaeological remains tell us about how experiments in industry, trade, and agriculture came to include the first English experiment in representative democracy in North America in 1619? The Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological project is an independent non-profit effort, with no ongoing financial support from state or federal tax dollars. Join them as they piece together the lives of Jamestown’s first colonists using the fragments they left behind at the first successful English colony in North America".
The Jamestown experience begins at the Visitor Center, located one mile past the entrance gate and across the causeway connecting the mainland to the island. An introductory exhibit and movie tell the history of Jamestown Island, a multi-cultural story involving the Powhatan Indians, English settlers living inside James Fort, and the arrival of the first Africans. (Information provided by HistoricJamestowne.org)
The original fort site and New Towne are accessible from the Visitor Center by crossing the footbridge over the pitch and tar swamp, where turtles, herons, and other wildlife may be seen along the way. The bridge ends at the Tercentennial Monument where you can join a walking tour or stroll the island at your leisure. (Information provided by HistoricJamestowne.org)
According to HistoricJamestowne.org website, all visitors are asked to stop at the Visitor Center to check in, and the ticketing desk will explain the sites, programs, and ticketing options. Water fountains, restrooms, and a museum gift shop are also available in the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed in the Visitor Center; service animals only.
The Visitor Center is open 9:00am–5:00pm daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. The island or some sites may also close for inclement weather.
Enjoy one of the most treasured and historic attractions along the beautiful James River. Their exhibits, programs, and interpretive experiences convey the history of America's Birthplace on the exact land where it occurred.
Just resting and taking in the beautiful views; please note, picnicking and coolers are not permitted in the historical area, including around the Fort Site and New Towne. Picnic tables are available in the parking area adjacent to the Visitor Center.
General admission:
All tickets are good for seven consecutive days and include admission to Yorktown Battlefield.
Adults (16 & older): $20
Children (15 & under): Free
Colonial National Historical Park – Historic Jamestowne does allow pets in the park. However, there are a few rules to go by. (NPS.org, National Park Service website)
● Pets are welcome but must be maintained on a leash
● Pets are allowed on the Historic Site and Island Loop Drive but not allowed in the Visitor Center/museums (seeing eye dogs/service animals excepted).
● You are expected to clean up after your pet. Remember to bring the “poop scooper.”
● Do not allow your pet to chase or annoy any of the natural wildlife. Keep in mind that the natural wildlife is indeed wild and an encounter can lead to serious injury of your pet.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Jamestown, VA includes 2 very different historical areas and, because of this, there is a lot of confusing, conflicting information on the internet relating to what the pet friendly part actually is and where it is located. Here's what you need to know:
** First, what you don't want: Jamestown Settlement is NOT pet friendly. It is a privately owned recreation of the Jamestown settlement and fort; it does not allow dogs onto the site; service dogs only. I have been to Jamestown Settlement many times in my childhood and then I returned, years later, as an adult. I love it because of the nostalgia, the wonderful memories, and the unique experience of having the recreation of the Fort and the Settlement. It's a great place for kids, of the human variety, because there's a lot of interactive exhibits and it's like literally stepping back in time to the very early days of our American history. I wish I could have taken Sophi here, if for nothing else than to recreate the memories of my childhood with her. Alas, it was not meant to be but I was super excited to learn that the actual archaeological site, called Historic Jamestown or Jamestown Rediscovery, was pet friendly.
** If you DO want to take your pet exploring with you, this is where you need to go: Historic Jamestowne/Jamestown Rediscovery IS pet friendly! Historic Jamestowne is part of the Colonial National Historic Park in Virginia and, as such, is also a part of the National Park Service (NPS). Like a lot of the parks in the NPS, dogs are allowed on the grounds, as long as they and their owners follow the listed rules. Dogs are usually not allowed inside any buildings and Historic Jamestowne is no exception. Service dogs only are allowed in the museums and Visitor Center.
We absolutely loved everything about our visit to Historic Jamestowne. Breathtaking views of the James River, interesting history with structures and ruins that have been unearthed, and lots of area for leisurely strolling while taking in the sights ... the list goes on and on. We had gorgeous weather and, for just $20 each, definitely got our money's worth with our visit. I highly recommend Historic Jamestowne if you're looking for a fun outing with your furbaby and it will definitely now be at the top of our list now for our annual fall trip to the Williamsburg, VA area.
Williamsburg, VA
Yorktown, VA
Louisville, KY
Myrtle Beach, SC
Savannah, GA
All Photography by April, from MyFurBabyLove.com, unless otherwise noted.
Savannah Historic District
The Savannah Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, is significant for its distinctive grid plan as well as its 18th and 19th century architecture. Known as the Hostess City of the South, Savannah is a fabulous pet friendly travel destination and remains one of my favorite furbaby vacation spots.
The Historic District encompasses the original town plan laid out in 1733 by Gen. James E. Oglethorpe, founder of the British colony of Georgia. Today Savannah retains much of this plan based on divisions also called squares. Most of these original squares remain and are surrounded by fine examples of buildings in the Georgian, Greek Revival, and Gothic styles.
A leisurely stroll checking out the gorgeous homes of Savannah's Historic District
One of the many beautiful squares in the Historic District
According to Visit-Historic-Savannah.com, Savannah's historic district is the heart and soul of the city. Rich in history, architecture and Southern charm, you'll love Savannah's historic district. Stroll down cobblestone streets, visit historic squares filled with old live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, discover grand mansions and amazing ironwork. See why Savannah residents say there is no other city quite like Savannah. A little quirky, but always captivating, a visit to Savannah is an experience you will always treasure.
Officially designated a Historic Landmark District in 1966, the 2.2 square mile area runs from E. Broad Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., and from the Savannah River to Gaston Street. Lovingly and painstakingly preserved, Savannah’s historic district is one of the largest in the U.S. with more than 1100 historically and architecturally significant buildings, including examples of Federal, Victorian Regency, Greek and Gothic Revival, and Italianate architecture. More than 800 of these buildings were restored using the original paint colors; Savannah blues, greens, reds and pinks.
River Street
River Street is a glittering, multi-faceted gem along the broad Savannah River. The century old buildings, once cotton warehouses, have been converted to unique shops, restaurants, and hotels. Bustling with welcoming hospitality, it’s also the place to see Savannah from the river that made her by watching ships from around the globe sail into one of the busiest ports in America.
The famous Waving Girl statue on River Street
Some of River Street's gorgeous sunsets. Photography by April, MyFurBabyLove.com
The end of another wonderful day in Savannah is always best enjoyed with my furbaby, Sophi!
Fort Pulaski
Sophi with her custom bandana, "Hold down the Fort", at Fort Pulaski near Savannah, GA.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island between Savannah Island and Tybee Island, Georgia. It preserves Fort Pulaski, where in 1862 during the American Civil War, the Union Army successfully tested rifled cannon in combat, the success of which rendered brick fortifications obsolete. The fort was also used as a prisoner-of-war camp. The National Monument includes most of Cockspur Island (containing the fort) and all of adjacent McQueens Island.
Aerial view of Fort Pulaski
All photography by April, MyFurBabyLove.com
Keyhole view from inside Fort Pulaski
The Third System, at Fort Pulaski, refers to the 19th century military architecture style used at that time in the United States. This type of defense system was an attempt to protect critical United States shorelines. Fort Pulaski National Monument exists as one of the best preserved forts in this defense system.
Mama and Sophi checking out the architecture and beautiful interior arches at Fort Pulaski
Bringing in the big guns!
Be sure to explore the trails around the Fort Pulaski Monument -- you never know what gorgeous scenery you'll stumble upon!
A hidden gem at Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski National Monument is open year round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Visitor Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Eastern National Bookstore (located inside Fort Pulaski) is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fort Pulaski Entrance Fee - Per Person (16 years and older) - $10.00
Admission fee per person aged 16 years and older, valid for 7 consecutive days.
Pets are welcome at Fort Pulaski National Monument. As a unit in the National Park Service, there are several regulations regarding pets that are enforced within the park. Pets are allowed within the fort and along hiking trails within the monument, however they are not allowed inside the Visitor Center or Gift shop.
Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer then 6 feet long and may not be left unattended. Service dogs are allowed, as granted by law. Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Please be responsible and courteous of others when bringing your pet into the park.
Guilty of Stealing Hearts!
Smoky Mountains, TN
Sophi, The Mountains are Calling. Bandana available at MyFurBabyLove's Etsy shop!
Foothills Parkway, Missing Link
As temperatures soar to the upper 90's this summer, we've found ourselves wanting to stay closer to home but still do fun things. We're very fortunate to live near the Great Smoky Mountains so recently we decided to take a nice air conditioned drive through the mountains and explore a little gem called the "Missing Link" of the Foothills Parkway.
According to VisitMySmokies.com, The National Park Service recently announced the final phase of construction on the 16-mile stretch of the Foothills Parkway between Walland, TN and Wears Valley, TN. Now that this section of the Parkway is paved, motorists will be able to enjoy a gorgeous 33-mile drive from Chilhowee Lake to Sevier County. New technological advances have allowed the National Park Service crews to fill in the “missing link” by building a bridge that “floats” around the edge of the mountain rather than plowing through the foothills.
The Missing Link of the Foothills Parkway opened to the public on Nov. 10, 2018. It is connected by a series of 9 bridges, and it is the first time the public can drive all 16 miles of the road since construction of the project started in 1966. Visit the Smoky Mountains to experience the “prettiest drive in America” on the Foothills Parkway!
This was such a beautiful, leisurely drive with tons of pull off areas and scenic overlooks. The great thing about this kind of drive is that you can easily keep your vehicle running while you pop out and get tons of photos and pop back in to the comfort of your air conditioner that's still running. TIP: As with a lot of scenic overlooks, there is no safety railing so please always remember to keep a tight rein on your furbaby!
On the Wears Valley end, near Pigeon Forge, there were lots of interesting little stores that I can't wait to go back and check out on our next trip on the Missing Link. Seems like a lot of places to shop, stretch your legs and get a bite to eat too. **this section will be updated as more information becomes available on our next visit**
With dangerous temperatures for humans and dogs alike, this was a wonderful way to "beat the heat" and still have a day filled with breathtaking scenery, spectacular views, and wonderful memories. TIP: If you are a nervous driver/rider or have a fear of heights while driving "high up" in the mountains, it's best to enter the Missing Link from the Wears Valley side in Pigeon Forge. We entered from the Walland side and, coming from that direction, your vehicle is precariously close to the "drop off" side of the mountain. Beautiful but definitely more than a little nerve racking.
I highly recommend the Missing Link on the Foothills Parkway if you're looking for a beautiful, scenic drive to share with your furbaby and we look forward to going back to see the gorgeous fall colors of the Great Smoky Mountains!
Gatlinburg, TN
Pigeon Forge, TN
VA Beach, VA
VA Beach Oceanfront
All Photography by April, from MyFurBabyLove.com, unless otherwise noted.
First, the rules on bringing your fur baby to these areas: From Labor Day to Memorial Day, dogs are welcomed for a walk at any time on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk or encouraged to get a little sandy on any of the area beaches. During the summer months, pooches are still welcome to frolic along the beaches of the Oceanfront North End (above 42nd street), Sandbridge, and the Chesapeake Bay beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. During the summer season, dogs are also allowed on the boardwalk from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. only. Remember to be polite and always clean up after your pets!
We always visit VA Beach during the off season when the weather is cooler and the oceanfront is typically not as crowded. By choosing a vacation during the non summer months, I also don't have to worry about any restrictions on where Sophi can go. The weather in the spring and fall/winter can be surprisingly cool so be sure to check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. The sunrises at Va Beach's oceanfront are truly gorgeous and definitely worth getting up early for.
With temperatures sometimes 20 degrees cooler at that time of morning, packing appropriately is crucial to having a wonderful sunrise experience.
After watching a beautiful VA Beach sunrise, it's the perfect time for an energetic run on the beach!
VA Beach Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, at the Oceanfront, is a 28-feet wide "dog walk"!
On the Dogwalk!
Rocking my custom bandana from mama's Etsy shop!
The VA Beach boardwalk stretches three miles from 2nd to 40th Street and is ideal for strolling, day or night, with your fur baby. While there, be sure to check out some of the interesting outdoor artwork.
Also, don't forget to swing by and see King Neptune – a 24 foot, 12 ton bronze statue that stands majestically on the Boardwalk at 31st Street. Be sure to snap a photo of your pooch at one of the most popular selfie spots on the VA Beach Boardwalk.
Mt Trashmore
Mount Trashmore Park, also known simply as Mount Trashmore, is a city park located in Virginia Beach, Virginia which opened in 1974 and is an example of landfill reuse, as its creation consisted of the conversion of an abandoned landfill into a park. The park spans 165 acres, with the main mountain, Mt Trashmore, measuring 60 feet high and 800 feet long. Facilities include three large, two medium, and six small picnic shelters, playground areas, four volleyball areas, parking, vending machines and restrooms. Mount Trashmore Park also has multiple walking trails - a Perimeter Trail that measures 1.95 miles, a Lake Trail that measures 1.45 miles, and a Mountain Trail that measures 1.30 miles. Since its opening in the 1970s, it ranks as the most popular park in Virginia Beach, with attendance of over one million visitors a year.
Park opens daily at 7:30 am with closing times varying seasonally between 5pm-8pm. Please refer to website for specific times.
Leashed dogs are allowed to explore the park as long as their owner cleans up after them. There are plenty of dog waste stations scattered throughout Mount Trashmore.
Fort Monroe
Fort Monroe is a decommissioned military installation in Hampton, Virginia at Old Point Comfort, the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula. It's 565 acres includes parks, Outlook Beach, Engineer Wharf fishing pier, and the boardwalk which are open for public enjoyment from sunrise to sunset. There are no fees for entry to Fort Monroe and pets are welcome in nearly all areas of Fort Monroe but must be on leash.
Aerial photo of Fort Monroe, courtesy of NPS
Construction began in 1819 and took over 15 years to complete. The seven sided star fort covers an area of 63 acres and is the largest stone fort ever built in America. The fort is encircled by a tidal moat that is fed by Miller Creek. While there, you can experience the scale of the fort and understand it's strategic location defending Hampton Roads Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay by walking the 1.3 mile loop atop the ramparts encircling the top of the fort.
Also, be sure to check out the Casemate Museum, which is located within the fort. The museum features the cell of captured Confederate President Jefferson Davis and many other exhibits about Fort Monroe and it's rich history. The museum is open daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is free and self guided. Pets, unless service animals, are not allowed in buildings.
The Casemate Museum at 20 Bernard Rd.
Fort Monroe features 259 buildings and structures, 169 of which are historic, and is home to some of the finest military architecture including; Romanesque, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Gothic Revival, Beaux Arts, Classical Revival, Art Deco, International Style.
The scenic streets and historic homes at the fort are reminders of American domestic and civic life the fort was established to defend. Today the fort is a home and workplace just as it was during its military service. Please respect the occupants’ privacy as you enjoy touring the fort. For a safe visit, please use caution when walking the rampart that circles the top of the fort. Do not venture too close to the edge of the fort walls and stay clear of the moat. Pets and children should be closely supervised, especially when exploring the fort’s features. Be alert for traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists on Fort Monroe’s thoroughfares.
Fort Monroe also features a waterfront boardwalk that stretches over 3 miles along the Chesapeake Bay and a walking tour is also available that features Fort Monroe’s historic sites. Pets are welcome on the beaches from September 15 to May 15. Please be courteous and clean up after your dog.
