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A Pet-Friendly 36-Hour Adventure in Asheville, North Carolina
I’ve been to Asheville a couple of times before, but this was my first time really diving into the charm of Downtown Asheville. The best part? I was traveling with my dog, Kuma, and this was her first time experiencing all that Asheville has to offer. Known as “Dog City USA,” Asheville seemed like the perfect destination for both of us to enjoy.
The main reason for my trip was to see Interpol—my ultimate favorite band—perform live. I’ve been a fan for over 10 years, and whenever they’re on tour, I try to catch at least one of their shows. Typically, they perform in Florida, but this time they skipped the state. I started looking for nearby cities, and Asheville was the next stop on their tour. It’s about a 9.5-hour drive from Tampa, but I’ve done plenty of long road trips with Kuma, so I knew we could handle it.
Friday Evening in Asheville
5 PM – Checking In to Kimpton Hotel Arras
We arrived at Kimpton Hotel Arras around 5 PM and were immediately impressed by the friendly staff. Kimpton hotels are known for being extremely dog-friendly, and Kuma was showered with attention as soon as we walked in. The best part? Pets stay for free, regardless of their size or breed.
I chose Kimpton Hotel Arras for its prime downtown location, just a short walk away from the concert venue. It’s also close to many restaurants and attractions, which made it a perfect base for our adventure. Our room had a fantastic view of downtown Asheville with the mountains in the background, and Kuma loved looking out the window at the people below.
6 PM – Visit to Dog Door
After settling into the room, we took a short 10-minute walk to Dog Door, a local pet store and dog behavioral center. This place is a dog-friendly welcome center, offering lots of information on pet-friendly activities in Asheville. Kuma even got a little treat from the store clerk, which she happily accepted!
7 PM – Dinner at Twisted Laurel
We walked back towards the hotel and grabbed a bite at Twisted Laurel, a pet-friendly restaurant nearby. The place has a great vibe, but since there was a loud festival going on, we decided to eat quickly and head back to the hotel. I’d heard that they had a dog-friendly menu, but we didn’t receive it. That said, the food was still delicious, and we enjoyed our meal before heading back to our cozy hotel room.
Saturday: A Day of Exploring Asheville
9 AM – Breakfast at Bargello
I initially wanted to try Mayfel’s, but since it opened later, we opted for breakfast at Bargello instead, located right in the hotel. The food was tasty, though my omelet portion was a bit small for the price. Still, the outdoor seating area was quiet and peaceful, and it was the perfect spot to start the day.
10 AM – Patton Avenue Pet Company
After breakfast, we headed over to Patton Avenue Pet Company to buy more of the Brew-Yahs treats Kuma loved so much. This pet store was spacious and offered everything a pet could need. The staff was super friendly and even helped me figure out if they sold the treats online—score! We picked up some more treats for the road and Kuma got yet another treat before we left.
11 AM – Malaprop’s Bookstore
Next, we stopped by Malaprop’s Bookstore, a cozy independent bookstore in Asheville. One of the coolest things here was the Blind Date with a Book section, where all the books were wrapped in brown paper with just a brief description. It was like a mini mystery gift, and I couldn’t resist buying one!
Kuma was noticed by the store manager, who kindly offered her a “reward” (without using the word “treat,” which was smart since Kuma would’ve gone crazy). It was sweet to see how pet-friendly Asheville really is.
12 PM – Kress Emporium
The Kress Emporium was our next stop, and it did not disappoint. This large space houses various local stores selling regional art and crafts. It’s the perfect spot to pick up unique gifts or home decor items, and we had a great time browsing.
1 PM – Hazel Twenty Boutique
Next, we popped by Hazel Twenty, a trendy boutique with stylish clothing. The store also had a cute dog named Maisie, who was walking around greeting customers, including Kuma! She even got a treat from the staff, of course.
2 PM – Farm Burger
While I was hoping to eat outdoors at Farm Burger with Kuma, it was so busy that I ended up ordering through Uber Eats instead. The grass-fed burgers were delicious, and I can definitely see why this place is so popular. The food was tasty and served fresh, made with ingredients from local farms.
3:30 PM – Interpol Concert at Rabbit Rabbit
The main event of the trip was Interpol’s concert at Rabbit Rabbit. It was just a 10-minute walk from our hotel, and I was lucky enough to have purchased a special early entry pass, which gave me front-row access. It was an amazing show, and though I wish the front row was a little closer to the stage, it was still an unforgettable experience.
10 PM – District 42 at Kimpton Hotel Arras
After the concert, we returned to the hotel, and the lobby bar, District 42, was buzzing with energy. The music was great, and I lingered around the bar with Kuma for a bit, enjoying the lively atmosphere before we called it a night.
Sunday: Wrapping Up in Asheville
8 AM – Early Girl Eatery
I wasn’t able to find many places open early, but Early Girl Eatery opened at 8 AM, so we made our way over. I had a delicious breakfast of pancakes, grits, and bacon. By the time I left, the place had a long line out the door, which is always a good sign!
10 AM – Downtown Asheville Murals
Asheville is known for its artsy vibe, and we couldn’t leave without checking out some of the famous murals around town. One of my favorites was the Daydreamer mural at the Aloft parking garage. Right next to it was a cute red double-decker bus selling coffee and desserts, which looked like a perfect spot to grab a quick treat, but we had already eaten breakfast.
Final Thoughts on Our Asheville Trip
Our 36-hour stay in Asheville was filled with fun, pet-friendly activities, and I’m so glad we stayed at Kimpton Hotel Arras. The hotel was comfortable, the staff was amazing, and the location was perfect for exploring downtown with Kuma. From the concert to local boutiques to dog-friendly restaurants, Asheville proved to be a great getaway for both me and my pup.
FAQs
1. Is Asheville really pet-friendly?
Yes! Asheville is known as “Dog City USA”, and there are plenty of pet-friendly places to visit, including restaurants, shops, and even local attractions.
2. Where did you stay in Asheville?
I stayed at the Kimpton Hotel Arras, a dog-friendly hotel in downtown Asheville. It’s in a great location with lots of shops and restaurants nearby.
3. What did you do in Asheville with your dog?
We visited pet-friendly places like Dog Door, Patton Avenue Pet Company, and Hazel Twenty Boutique, and we also walked around enjoying the downtown murals and local art.
4. Was there anything special about your stay at Kimpton?
Yes! Kimpton is known for being extremely pet-friendly. Kuma got a special goodie bag and plenty of attention from the staff. They even provided a dog bed for her, and pets stay for free!
5. What was the highlight of your trip?
The highlight was definitely seeing Interpol live at Rabbit Rabbit. It was a great venue, and I got a front-row spot, which made the experience even better.
Conclusion
Asheville is an incredible destination, especially for pet owners. With its friendly locals, vibrant arts scene, and dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a quick getaway with your pet. From great food to live music and local shopping, we packed a lot into just 36 hours. I can’t wait to return to Asheville—next time, I’ll be sure to bring Kuma along for the ride!