Bring Fido along for a dog-friendly weekend in West Virginia!
In the Mountain State, festivals, restaurants and adventures give a whole new meaning to family-friendly, Fido included.
These places are top dog:
1. Huntington
Casual and tasty, Huntington’s West Virginia Hot Dog Festival in July is an enormous picnic party. Top hot dog vendors and chefs cook, and you can compete in zany contests all day.
Cheer on dachshunds at the wiener dog race. Enjoy live music, a dog parade, car shows and crafts.
Ritter Park’s rose gardens, trails and dog park have lots of exciting new scents and sensations for canines, too. Teach Rover some agility with obstacles like a tire jump and stay table.
The Econo Lodge Hotel and Red Roof Inn welcome pets, so plan on extending your stay!
2. Charleston
Leash up Fido and marvel as Charleston “becomes a work of art” for 10 days in June with 100+ art exhibits, a chili cook-off, photography, bands and more.
Hang around and watch FestivALL’s Woofstock & Wieners race, a goofy competition for dachshunds. You can also enter your dog in sprints or show off his tricks and obedience skills.
Share a nature walk with Rover at Kanawha State Forest and look for vibrant warblers and burbling streams. For river views, walk along Kanawha River Trail. It’s especially attractive in the evening, when sunsets settle over the city.
For lunch, soak up beach-front ambience at Tricky Fish, which has a pet-friendly patio. Speaking of dogs, order a customized hot dog— grilled or deep fried. Plus, the dog park’s just down the block!
Then, book a stay with pet-friendly hotels like Red Roof Inn and Residence Inn.
4. New River Gorge
You and your dog can conquer the rapids together! The New River Gorge boasts some of the world’s best whitewater. Be gentle with your pet and try the mild (but still peppy) Upper New River.
For lunch, bring your pooch to Vandal’s Kitchen, which has an outdoor patio and picnic table. Or, sprawl on Mackie’s Biergarten’s deck and order some Asian fusion goodness.
Plenty of campgrounds and cabins are pet friendly, too! Check out Hemlock Haven Cabins, which has fenced-in backyards for pet owners— no need to get up early for a walk! You can also bring your dog to Country Road Cabins and New River Cabins.
5. Harpers Ferry
This atmospheric Antebellum town is the perfect backdrop for Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry, the oldest of its kind in America. Leash your dog and listen to its eerie stories.
Ready to hit the trails? Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has some of the most scenic paths in America. Centuries of history, lore and natural beauty guide you for miles along towpaths.
When you’re done exploring, grab some BBQ and fries at Hannah’s Train Depot, where pets are welcome outside.
The Clarion Inn Conference Center has pet-friendly rooms.
6. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston
If your pooch is small enough to fit in a stroller, he can join you for some ghost tours! Or, carry him in your arms as you stroll through this historic building.
7. Mountain State Brewing Co, Morgantown:
Unwind at one of West Virginia’s oldest breweries. Sit with your dog on the lower patio or upper deck and order flavorful brews that go from Cold Trail blonde to dark, creamy Miner’s Daughter stout.
Where are you going to take your dog?
You and your canine navigator can plot a journey together or find nearby attractions with WV’s “Best of Summer” map:
Get a free summer guide to West Virginia’s best for you and the whole family (Fido included).
