One of the best ways to enjoy Asheville’s crisp fall weather with your furry friend is to spend the day walking through the orchard at Grandad’s Apples. Whether you choose to pick your own apples from the orchard or select your favorite variety of pre-picked apples, your dog is welcome to join in on the fun. Other pooch-friendly activities include a pumpkin patch, painted farm backdrops for fun photos, and a 5-acre corn maze that offers a challenge for the whole family. Kids will love riding the Cow Train Ride and petting the Barnyard Corral of animals. Be sure to stop by the country store and bakery before you leave to sample and purchase items to take home including local honey, apple ice cream, apple cider, and even apple cider doughnuts. From August through November, the orchard and store are open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Take a short drive to Hendersonville from Asheville with your pup in tow for a wine tasting at Burntshirt Vineyards. All of Burntshirt’s wine is made from local, Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountain fruit and the high elevation produces grapes perfect for varietals not typically grown in the United States, like Gruner Veltliner. Your dog is welcome to join you in the tasting room while you taste Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, a red wine blend called Altitude 3400, and two Chardonnays. After discovering a new favorite, order a glass to enjoy on their verandah overlooking the vineyards. Note that dogs are welcome on Burntshirt’s walking trails, gardens, and in the tasting room but not on tours or in the vineyard. The tasting room is open daily and the fee of $7 - $10 includes a sampling of several wines and a souvenir glass.

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard is dog friendly! The first commercial vineyard in Henderson County, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a family owned winery located on acreage that has been farmed by their family for more than nine generations. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room with both indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular views of the vines. Be sure to try the hard apple cider named after the vineyard dog, Wallace. SPMV frequently has live music and food trucks, too!

Dogs up to 25 lbs are welcome for no additional fee on Historic Gray Line Trolley Tours. Dogs must have up to date vaccinations and tags.