Pawsitively Cool Escapes for the Dog Days of Summer 

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Hazel Mountain Overlook, Shenandoah National Park. Photo by Samantha Brooke, IG account: @samanthabrookephoto; courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Traveling with your pup should be easy peasy, but often it’s anything but. Don’t fret. Consider this your go-to guide for friendly spaces for your fur baby in the Shenandoah Valley.

Places to Stay with Your Pet

Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park offers pet-friendly rooms and even packages. Simply add $30 per night per pet (no more than two) to your room night for the comfort of having them with you. The Pampered Pooch Package includes the daily pet fee, a treat, a Shenandoah leash and dog bowl, and a bottle of water.

Within walking distance from downtown Staunton is The Blackburn Inn, a luxury hotel with a storied past and beautiful grounds. Your pooch will love a leashed stroll around, plus outdoor dining at Second Draft Bar & Bistro is tops.

They’re steadily booked but well worth the wait and pet-friendly, too. Shenandoah Yurt in Stanley is a luxury retreat with every amenity you can think of, including EV charger. The views are astounding. Tack on $50 and gain pre-approval for your well-trained pet to get the deal done.

Just around the corner from Blackfriars Playhouse is Hotel 24 South, an historic 1924 hotel with indoor pool, on-site dining, and pet-friendly rooms. Inquire about special savings in honor of their 100th birthday.

In the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley sits Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast Suites in Fairfield. Rolling fields with mountains in the distance offer a quiet reprieve and breath of fresh air. Plus, their dog Obie likes to welcome yours with a special gift bag upon your arrival. Included are clean-up bags, paw wipes, and towels.

Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg is at James Madison University. Keep that in mind when you visit your kid at college this fall; your pupper is welcome to tag along. Dogs must weigh 80 lbs. or less and are limited to two. Pet fees apply.

Montfair Resort Farm in Crozet is a quiet, natural space beloved by families and welcoming toward weddings. A fee applies, of course, but a pet futon cover is provided, as is an outdoor hose to wash off little dirty paws.

When you’re up for a hike with your four-legged friend, consider the trails of Peaks of Otter. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is dog-friendly, and they, too, offer a Pampered Pooch Package. Included is the room fee, treat, bowl, and bandana.

A pet-friendly bed and breakfast? Yep! The Bowman House Bed and Breakfast in Waynesboro was built in 1910 and features three suites, two rooms, and Hiker’s Haven, a dedicated room where Appalachian Trail hikers can rest, clean up, and have their laundry done.

More Places to Stay with Your Pet:

Places to Sip and Snack with Your Pet

What’s the fun of enjoying nourishment and refreshment outside if your pet can’t come along? These are among the top spots in the Shenandoah Valley where your pup is as welcome as you are.

Places to Explore with Your Pet

 

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Not all places are completely pet-friendly, but many offer accommodation for your traveling pet, which is a win. Here are a few that are at the top of our list for their friendliness.

  • Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton – covered kennels available for rent; leashed pets allowed on the courtyard and in the picnic area
  • Luray Caverns, Luray – small pets may be carried on tours; leashed pets are allowed on the grounds
  • Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge – must be leashed and are not allowed in public facilities
  • Seven Bends State Park, Woodstock – must be leashed and are not allowed in public facilities
  • Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville – must be leashed and are not allowed in public facilities
  • Shenandoah River Outfitters, Luray – your pet is welcome to float the river with you, just give advance notice
  • Shenandoah National Park – as long as your pup is leashed and you’re picking up after him, he’s welcome at Shenandoah. Note that there are trails where dogs are not permitted, but they account for only 20 of the more than 500 miles of trails.

Let us see how you travel with your pup! Tag us @VisitShenandoahValley on Instagram.

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