Pack your pup’s bags and get ready for a trip to dog-friendly Charlotte, NC. From watersports to watering holes, there are so many fun activities, restaurants and bars to check out with your pooch. Get ready to experience true Southern hospitality during a weekend getaway with Fido in the Queen City.
A Weekend in Dog-Friendly Charlotte
Posted by Erin Ballinger
Friday
Photo by
Facebook.com/ACHotelCharlotte
3 p.m. AC Hotel by Marriott Charlotte City Center
Check in with your pup at the AC Hotel by Marriott Charlotte City Center. Once you’ve settled into your room, take Fido to the 8th-floor pet relief area with turf and waste stations. While your pooch is sniffing out a spot, you can take in the city skyline. More views await from the on-site fitness center and patio or the outdoor seating of the AC Kitchen. If you find yourself with some free time, swing by the AC Library and borrow a good book. Two dogs of any size are welcome for an additional fee of $100 per stay.
4 p.m. Wooden Robot Brewery
Once you’ve checked in, head a few minutes south to Wooden Robot Brewery and order a pint of a hoppy IPA or crisp lager. Your dog can join you in the outdoor seating area as you unwind after your journey and settle in to vacation time.
“Am I drooling? Those Korean-style wings look paw-licking delicious!” Photo by @seoulfoodmeatco
5 p.m. Dinner at Seoul Food Meat Co.
After your drink, walk a block to Seoul Food Meat Co., where your dog is welcome to join you at the outdoor bar and patio while you dine on Southern-style BBQ with a Korean twist. But it gets even better! The restaurant has a large, fenced dog park on site, complete with an obstacle course, sanitized turf and separate areas for large and small dogs. Fido will love playing off leash while smelling all of the aromas of smoked meats.
7 p.m. Carolina History and Haunts Tour
Start your exploration of Uptown Charlotte with your canine companion on a Carolina History and Haunts Tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. You’ll be guided by lantern light through the city streets and hear stories of departed inhabitants and see famous landmarks. The Beyond the Grave Tour starts at the Truist Tower Outdoor Plaza and tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for children ages 7-12, and free for children under seven and dogs.
That face you make when Fido orders popcorn for all his new friends on your tab. Photo by @303andie
8:30 p.m. Lucky Dog Bark and Brew
Continue the off-leash fun at Lucky Dog Bark and Brew, an indoor/outdoor sports bar and dog park. Your pup is free to mix and mingle with other mutts and can even get a bath from a professional groomer while you watch a game and sip an ice-cold beverage. If your dog is a real party animal, the bar stays open until midnight.
Saturday
Your pup can sip water and beg for your omelet at Zada Jane’s.
Photo by
@pip_perry14
8 a.m. Breakfast at Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe
Wake up and smell the locally roasted coffee at Zada Jane's Corner Cafe. Sit on the pet-friendly patio and dine on eclectic dishes like Bunny Rancheros: two eggs cooked over easy on top of black beans, home fries, and your choice of meat, topped with sauces and served over warm tortillas. Treat your dog to a side of free-range eggs, soysage or turkey bacon and play one of the yard games while you wait on your meal.
"When do we get to do this on the water?" Photo by @lizs_lovely_noodles
10 a.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center
Spend the day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a 400-acre playground along the Catawba River. Leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds, at the outdoor restaurant, and on more than 40 miles of hiking trails. Water-loving pups will be in dog heaven here, but start off the day with a nature hike to whet your appetite.
Fido will be greeted with an all-you-can-drink water bucket buffet. Photo by @nswruns
1 p.m. River’s Edge Bar & Grill and Fun in the River
Take a rest and refuel at River’s Edge Bar & Grill, located on site at the USNWC. Dogs are allowed on the patio and will be given water to drink. Watch kayakers as they paddle by, listen to live bands and relax next to the river. Opt for healthy fare like roasted red pepper hummus with veggies and a tuna poke bowl, or something more indulgent like fried pickles and the Pimento Cheeseburger. After lunch, spend the afternoon on the river, where you can kayak or learn to SUP with your pup. Day passes to USNWC cost $75 for adults and $65 for children. There is no additional charge for your pet.
Gold(en Retriever) at the end of the rainbow at VGBG Beer Hall & Garden. Photo by @thegrumpygolden
6 p.m. Dinner at VGBG Beer Hall & Garden
Make your way to the Third Ward to VGBG Beer Hall & Garden, home of Charlotte’s largest dog-friendly patio which is heated and open year-round. Choose from one of the many local draft beers on tap and try the nitrate-free brats, chicken wings, chicken and beef kabobs, or crisp salads. Order your pup a side of sweet potato fries, a kid’s meal with grilled chicken bites or a hot dog for a special treat.
Membership has its privileges. Photo by @dogbarcharlotte
8 p.m. The Dog Bar
If you feel like a nightcap, head to The Dog Bar. This “pupular” watering hole requires proof of vaccinations and a membership fee of $10 per dog that can be purchased like a cover charge. Once he’s a member, Fido is welcome to join you inside the bar, at the covered, turf-clad outdoor play area with obstacles, or in one of the kiddie pools that are set up when it’s hot outside. If your pup wants to rest his weary paws, there are dog beds where he can lounge, too.
Sunday
Stop to smell the fresh morning air at Frazier Park.
Photo by
@puppychuck1
8 a.m. Frazier Dog Park
Start the day at Frazier Dog Park in the Third Ward. Fido can stretch his legs off leash and meet new friends his own size in the grassy fenced-in 1.3-acre park with separate areas for little and big dogs. Water stations are available in case your furry friend gets thirsty.
Sun’s out, tongue’s out! Photo by @henry_boy_9
10 a.m. Brunch at Leroy Fox South End
Bring your dog to the covered patio at Leroy Fox South End, where he can lap up water and chomp down on free treats while you eat brunch. Try the restaurant’s signature fried chicken in a variety of dishes like chicken and waffles, chicken biscuits and sausage gravy, a loaded breakfast burrito, or fried chicken sandwich topped with pimento cheese, bacon and an over-easy egg. If chicken isn’t your thing, Leroy Fox also serves up French toast, shrimp and grits, and crab cake eggs Benedict. Wash it all down with a strong cup of coffee, mimosa or bloody mary.
The staff at Sleepy Poet loves dogs. Photo by @wallythewide_retriever
12 p.m. Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
Spend Sunday afternoon antiquing with your dog at Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. Snag a bag of free popcorn from the store’s snack corner before you set off exploring the massive 55,000-square-foot antique mall for vintage clothing, jewelry, home decor and other cool old stuff. This is a great spot to hit up on a rainy day, too. If you’re looking for vinyl records, retro t-shirts or comics, head next door to The Poet’s Vault.
The pawsome patio at OMB is a perfect Sunday hangout. Photo by @lunathegoldenclt
1 p.m. #SundayFunday at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is extremely popular with dog owners, so expect to see a lot of other pups out in the Biergarten enjoying the last bit of the weekend. Sample OMB’s brews while munching on a fresh-baked German soft pretzel. Water is available for Fido.
“I’m going to need a bigger suitcase.” Photo by @queencitygary
3 p.m. Canine Cafe and Depart Charlotte With a Dog-Tired (and Treat-Filled) Fido
Before you head out of town, visit Canine Cafe to pick up some fresh treats for your dog. The store also sells collars, leashes and clothing if you want to buy a souvenir for your pup to remember his epic weekend trip in the Queen City. When it’s time to go back home, you’ll have a dog-tired Fido who has paddled down the Catawba River, toured haunted Uptown, sniffed out new parks and done some good old-fashioned dog bar-hopping.