Dog-Friendly Road Trip from Virginia to Alabama via Georgia & North Carolina, Packed with Adventure!
For a Thanksgiving visit to Alabama, we decided against flying in favor of a dog-friendly road trip with Rummy and I’m so happy we did! It took quite a bit more planning, but our dog-friendly road trip from Virginia to Alabama was a blast for all of us. We found plenty of dog-friendly places to visit along our routes in Virginia, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.
After studying the map to find the right combination of scenery and length of drive, we decided on I-66 W to I-81 S to I-40 W to I-59 S, roughly 750 miles. Planning the stops took extra time as traveling with a dog requires more than just quick bathroom breaks. I wanted to find places where she could run around and burn energy, as well as places where I could relax. I also didn’t want to spend more than 10 minutes driving from and to the Interstate for any of them. The plan for the drive down worked out even better than I had hoped.
First Leg: Alexandria to Staunton – Dog Park
We started our trip in Alexandria, VA, and our first stop was Staunton, VA, roughly 3 hours away. Gypsy Hill Park was about five minutes off of I-81. There’s a gas station across the street and a clean bathroom at the park – score for humans. I intended to go to the dog park, but we didn’t make it because we had too much fun on the people side. There’s a large loop around a grassy area, which had Christmas decorations up. I stopped for the requisite photo op for Rummy and ended up talking to a woman who was walking her dog. She warned me that the dog park can be really muddy, so we decided to avoid the mess and continue the loop. There were several tables for picnics, plenty of grass for Rummy to explore, and a handful of runners and people walking their dogs. I enjoyed checking out the decorations and Rummy enjoyed stretching her legs. Total detour was about 1 hour, including to and from the Interstate, gas/bathroom stop, and park time.
Second Leg: Staunton to Abindgdon – Winery
Then it was on to Abingdon, VA, where, after another three-ish hours, we arrived at Abingdon Vineyards. This was about a 10-minute drive from I-81 and one of the highlights of the trip. You can read all about it in my separate review here. Dogs are not only welcome, they are part of the family here. There are two dog beds in front of the tasting room fireplace that belong to the winery dogs and Rummy was encouraged to make herself at home. She gladly did, which was a nice break for me during my tasting.
Afterward, we explored the grounds outside. There are tables on the patio and lawn, and stairs down to the South Holston River. Rummy ran around the riverbed and up and down the stairs with one of the winery dogs while I enjoyed my break from behind the wheel. This really was the perfect stop for both of us — Virginia wine/scenery for me, complete freedom for Rummy, and only a short drive from the Interstate. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect stop.
Total detour was around 1.5 hours. This was longer than planned, but more than worth it – relaxation, wine tasting, gas, and a bathroom stop.
On to Alabama
The other stops were normal gas and bathroom breaks as we were making up for extra time spent in Abingdon. I planned to spend the night and continue the drive to Alabama in the morning, but we were making great time so I decided to push through.
I had mapped out a few Red Roof Inn locations along the way. We haven’t stayed at a Red Roof Inn yet, but I chose it for a few reasons. First, they are all dog friendly. Second, they don’t charge a pet fee (score!). Third, and the most important on a road trip – there are many locations along the interstate, all within a mile or so.
If you’re planning to drive as far as you can go without a known stopping point for the night, you need to have several options along the route that will allow your pup. Red Roof Inn provides this. We’ll keep these in mind on our next road trip.
Sweet Home Alabama
Home to Beneful Dream Dog Park
Once in Alabama, we combined parks and breweries for our field trips. Rummy is a sweetheart and will hang with us anywhere, but we like to give her time to run and play before we ask her to mind her manners indoors.
Our first stop was Alabaster, a suburb of Birmingham. Alabaster is the second city in the nation to be awarded funds to host a Beneful Dream Dog Park. This $500,000 dog park, located in the larger Veterans Park, features separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs and is packed with extras like synthetic turf, a walking course around the fence, tunnels, hoops, a mini fetch football field, and more.
People can relax on tables and benches in the shade while their pups play. This is by far the nicest dog park we’ve visited.
After checking out the hoops and other toys, we left the dog park to walk the 2-mile loop in Veterans Park. Believe it or not, Rummy seemed to enjoy this even more than the dog park. She enjoys meeting other pups and playing chase, but after a bit just wants to roam and explore on her own. This loop in the park gave her much to explore with a bridge over a pond, plenty of tree line, and a huge grassy area. There’s much more for people to explore as well, so an afternoon here will be enjoyed by the entire family, both two- and four-legged.
History, Community & Beer
Then it was on to Siluria Brewing Company. As Alabaster’s first craft brewery it pays tribute to the area in several ways–taking its name from the city’s history, opening in the city’s old post office building, and providing a place for its residents to enjoy food from local food trucks while listening to music from local musicians. It’s also Veteran-owned. Gotta love that!
The brewery has plenty of seating inside with the bar, tables, and sofas, so there are many options to sit inside with your pup. In the winter when outdoor seating isn’t offered, and summers when it isn’t comfortable, there are limited options for indoor entertainment with your dog. Places like this are truly a gem! The staff was super friendly and welcoming to Rummy. They even introduced us to their own Wheaten Terrier, gorgeous Grace! Great beer also!
Another Day, Another Outing
On to Birmingham for more parks and local beer! Railroad Park is 19 acres of green space in downtown Birmingham. It has several trails for runners/walkers, multiple water features, a playground, climbing dome, designated skate area with various sizes of skate bowls, and a covered pavilion with a dining car and tables. We saw a number of dogs enjoying all the park has to offer and, of course, Rummy was in heaven. And as an added bonus, it’s perfectly situated for our plans that afternoon–just one block from a brewery!
After Rummy burned some energy, we walked across the street to relax at Good People Brewing Company. We’ve visited here with Rummy a few times and have never had problems finding a seat. There are at least a dozen bar stools, several very large tables, and a few sofas. There was no food truck on this day, so we called in an order to Tortugas Pizza next door and walked over to pick it up once ready. If I remember correctly, Tortugas does have a few outdoor tables out front. Super convenient, super comfortable. A great way to include your pup in a day out and about.
The Journey Home
On the way home we decided on a different route in order to make stops in Georgia, North Carolina, and central Virginia. We took I-20 E to Dahlonega, GA, for our first leg. Dahlonega is incredibly dog friendly and also on several magazine/website lists of top Christmas destinations. We ate dinner on the patio of Shenanigans Restaurant & Irish Pub where Rummy had her own specially prepared meal. They were were super welcoming to Rummy and we can only imagine how fun this patio is in warmer weather! Then we walked around town where she was welcome to shop with us in many of the shops. We even stopped for a photo at the Holly Theater, which was featured in the Hallmark movie “Christmas in Homestead”!
Georgia Wine
The next day, we slowly made our way north via local highways in order to try a few Georgia wineries. Dahlonega obtained an AVA designation last summer, putting Georgia on the map as a wine destination. And our introductory visit to the “Dahlonega Plateau,” Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery, did not disappoint! We chose this winery as our first for two reasons. First, it came highly recommended by locals. Second, just a few miles outside of town, it was right along our route heading north. Locally recommended and no detour required is a score. And we’re so glad we stopped here!
The setting is so peaceful – a long drive down to the tasting room showcases beautiful countryside, vines, farm animals, an 1820s log cabin for rent, an indoor tasting room, and an outdoor tasting pavilion (construction in progress during our visit). Dogs aren’t allowed indoors, but luckily it was a beautiful day outside and a quiet one at the winery so Rummy was able to sit on the porch during our tasting and make friends with the winery dogs, Tinkerbell and Tucker.
We were really impressed with the wine and purchased a few bottles to take home. My favorite was the Donkey Hotie, named after one of the vineyard donkeys, Hotie (say the name out loud, you’ll get the literary reference…). So not only is the location and wine impressive, the owners clearly have a sense of humor. If we’re back in the area, we’ll surely return.
Our next stop was Currahee Vineyard and Winery. We chose this one as we would pass right by it on the way to I-85 N. A 1/4-mile detour is probably our record on this trip! Dogs are allowed in the tasting room, so after our tasting we sat at one of the tables and enjoyed the live music. The owners and staff were so welcoming to Rummy and kept our popcorn basket full.
Overnight in Charlotte, In Style
From Currahee, we continued on to Charlotte, NC, which was just under three hours on I-85 N. We had planned in advance to stay at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. Kimpton is by far our favorite hotel brand when traveling with Rummy. No fees (!!), no breed restrictions, no weight restrictions, complimentary wine hour (which pups are invited to attend), and great dining. We love being able to stay in unique and stylish hotels and not worry a bit about how Rummy will fit in.
As soon as we pulled up to the valet, we were greeted enthusiastically (I like to think it’s for me, but I’m pretty sure Rummy increases my cool factor). Check in was seamless and we walked in the room to find a bed and dog bowls set for Rummy.
It’s always fun for people to walk in to a hotel room and find the amenities that will make them comfortable. It’s the same with dogs! When Rummy walks in to an unfamiliar place, it’s so nice for her to have something familiar – a dog bed and bowls- waiting to help put her at ease. A bonus is that they were right in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, which is the ultimate for Rummy. That look on her face staring down at the city, priceless.
We arrived in Charlotte a little later than anticipated, so we just wanted to take Rummy for a walk then get dinner and crash. One of the reasons we chose this hotel (aside from the many perks within it) is the location–right across the street from Romare Bearden Park. We had to keep Rummy on the leash, but we had a nice path to walk in a green space with a fountain and artwork to admire. So convenient and way better than finding a tiny patch of grass outside of the hotel, which is the norm in cities.
Once back in the hotel, we wanted food and for Rummy to hang with us while we ate. We had the restaurant serve dinner in the lobby, where dogs are allowed. We’ve done this at several Kimpton properties and it’s never been a problem. But keep this in mind when it’s time to tip: they’re not only accommodating a special request, they’re throwing in a logistical change as well. After eating on the road, this Italian-inspired modern American meal from Angeline’s was such a treat. The lobby was empty at the time, so it was quiet and peaceful. We could take our time and enjoy the meal without feeling bad because Rummy was right there hanging out with us. It was exactly what we wanted.
The next morning, we hit Romare Bearden Park one more time then it was back to Virginia via Charlottesville, one of our favorite wine destinations!
Charlottesville
A Familiar Winery
Charlottesville is one of our favorite wine destinations. We’ve been a few times, visited many wineries, and have many more on our list. But we were limited in that it was a Monday (when many are closed) and we didn’t want to drive more than a few minutes off of our route, so we revisited First Colony Winery.
They were undergoing renovations in the tasting room so we had our tasting in a private room. And it was awesome! We were the only patrons at the time so Maggie took her time with us. She talked about the history of the winery, the winemaking process, and answered our questions. She was really personable and Rummy napped comfortably next to us the whole time.
And a New One
Then it was on to the newly opened Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard at Mount Ida Reserve, which has one of the most stunning views of any Virginia winery we’ve visited. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, and this was a really chilly day, but they had heat lamps on the covered patio. The views were so amazing that we decided to stay and experience the tasting outside. The food was incredible as well. Unfortunately, I didn’t take notes of the food we ordered but you can get an idea by looking at their current menu. This is one we will certainly revisit. Seriously–that view. Amazing.
Home Again
From Charlottesville, it was just over 2.5 hours back home with only a quick roadside gas and bathroom break. Overall, a really wonderful trip. It took quite a bit more planning to include Rummy, but because more and more businesses are opening their doors to dogs, I was able to put together a pretty great itinerary for Rummy to experience with us.
Don’t forget safety for your pup during travels. We tried out the Pet Ninja Adjustable Seat Belt, and it worked quite well. Rummy hated others we’d tried but didn’t mind this one. It buckles into your back seat belt and hooks onto your dog’s harness. Do NOT hook this onto your dog’s collar, as it can choke her. We did hit the breaks really hard once and Rummy stayed right in place. So, we’ve been pleased thus far. And now we’re ready for our next adventure!
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