Pet Friendly Historic Small Towns: Perfect Destinations for You and Your Furry Friend
Traveling with pets has become increasingly popular as more people consider their furry companions part of the family. Historic small towns across America are embracing this trend, offering unique charm and pet-friendly accommodations that make for memorable getaways. These destinations combine rich history with welcoming atmospheres for both two-legged and four-legged visitors. Let’s explore some of the most delightful pet-friendly historic small towns that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Wake Forest, North Carolina
Just north of Raleigh, Wake Forest offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and cosmopolitan amenities that both you and your pet will enjoy. This historic town has embraced pet-friendly policies throughout its charming downtown area.
The town features numerous pet-friendly outdoor dining options where your furry friend can join you for a meal. Local establishments like White Street Brewing Company welcome pets on their patios, allowing you to sample craft beers while your dog relaxes by your side.
Wake Forest’s historic district features beautiful tree-lined streets perfect for leisurely walks with your pet. The town’s numerous parks, including E. Carroll Joyner Park with its 117 acres of open space, provide ample room for your dog to stretch their legs after a long car ride.
Many of the town’s boutique shops also welcome well-behaved pets, making it easy to explore the local businesses without leaving your companion behind.
2. St. Augustine, Florida
Known as Florida’s Dog Friendly Historic Coast, St. Augustine combines beautiful beaches with centuries of history, all while welcoming your four-legged friends. As America’s oldest city, St. Augustine offers a unique experience for history buffs and their pets.
While finding pet-friendly accommodations in the historic downtown’s bed and breakfasts can be challenging, numerous pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals are available just a short distance from the historic district. Many offer special amenities for pets, including treats at check-in and designated pet relief areas.
The city’s historic downtown streets are perfect for walking tours with your pet. While most indoor historic sites don’t allow pets, you can still appreciate the Spanish colonial architecture from the outside with your dog in tow.
St. Augustine Beach welcomes leashed dogs during specific hours, giving your pet a chance to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. After a beach day, head to one of the many pet-friendly restaurant patios in town, where water bowls are often provided for four-legged guests.
3. Franklin, Tennessee
This small historic town just south of Nashville is “paws down” one of the most welcoming destinations for dog owners. Franklin’s historic downtown area features beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and a vibrant Main Street that’s perfect for strolling with your pet.
Franklin offers numerous pet-friendly accommodations, including boutique hotels that provide special welcome packages for dogs. The town’s commitment to pet-friendly policies extends to many of its restaurants, with establishments like Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant offering dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Harlinsdale Farm, a historic horse farm turned public park, provides beautiful grounds for walking your dog, while the town’s regular festivals often welcome leashed pets. Franklin’s historic sites, including Civil War battlefields, can be explored with your pet at your side in the outdoor areas.
Local pet boutiques in downtown Franklin offer special treats and souvenirs for your furry travel companion, making it a truly inclusive destination for the whole family.
4. Detroit, Michigan
While not a small town, Detroit deserves mention for its surprising pet-friendliness combined with rich history. The city has undergone a remarkable revitalization that includes welcoming policies for pets at some of its most iconic historic locations.
What makes Detroit stand out is the opportunity to stay with your pet at some of the city’s most historic and immaculately restored hotels. The Element Detroit at the Metropolitan, housed in a neo-Gothic building from 1925, welcomes pets and provides easy access to downtown attractions.
Detroit’s riverfront and numerous parks provide beautiful spaces for walking your pet while taking in views of this historic city. Many of the outdoor historic sites, including the grounds of the Motown Museum, can be enjoyed with your leashed companion.
The city’s growing food scene includes numerous restaurants with pet-friendly patios, particularly in historic neighborhoods like Corktown, where you can dine with your dog while enjoying views of Michigan Central Station.
5. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s moss-draped live oaks and historic squares create a magical setting for a pet-friendly vacation. This beautifully preserved city offers numerous ways to explore with your four-legged friend.
Savannah’s historic district features 22 park-like squares where you and your pet can stroll while admiring antebellum architecture. The city’s pet-friendly policies extend to transportation options, with Savannah Pedicabs welcoming small dogs to join their tours through the historic streets.
Tours begin at the Savannah Visitor Center, where you can get information on pet-friendly activities. While some historic homes don’t allow pets inside, you can still appreciate their beauty from the outside while walking your dog through the historic district.
Forsyth Park, the city’s largest green space, is perfect for pet exercise, while nearby Tybee Island offers pet-friendly beaches during specific hours. Many of Savannah’s famous restaurants with outdoor seating, like The Olde Pink House, welcome well-behaved dogs on their patios.
Pet-Friendly Historic Towns Comparison
| Town | Pet-Friendly Accommodations | Outdoor Activities | Restaurant Options | Special Pet Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest, NC | Multiple options | Parks, historic walking tours | Many outdoor dining options | Pet-friendly shops downtown |
| St. Augustine, FL | Limited in historic center, many nearby | Beaches, historic streets | Numerous patios welcome pets | Beach access for dogs |
| Franklin, TN | Excellent options including boutique hotels | Historic parks, battlefields | Many pet-friendly patios | Pet boutiques, special welcome packages |
| Detroit, MI | Historic hotels welcome pets | Riverfront, city parks | Growing number of pet-friendly patios | Access to historic hotel properties |
| Savannah, GA | Multiple options | Historic squares, Forsyth Park | Famous restaurants with pet patios | Pet-friendly transportation options |
Planning Your Pet-Friendly Historic Town Getaway
When planning your visit to these pet-friendly historic towns, keep these tips in mind:
1. Always call ahead to confirm pet policies, as they may change seasonally or with new management.
2. Pack essentials for your pet including portable water bowls, waste bags, and familiar bedding.
3. Research pet-friendly activities in advance to maximize your experience.
4. Consider your pet’s temperament and energy level when planning your itinerary.
5. Look for accommodations that offer specific pet amenities rather than just allowing pets.
Conclusion
These pet-friendly historic small towns offer the perfect combination of charm, history, and welcoming atmospheres for travelers with furry companions. From Wake Forest’s cosmopolitan small-town vibe to Savannah’s moss-draped historic district, these destinations prove that experiencing America’s rich history doesn’t mean leaving your pet behind. Each town offers unique experiences and amenities that make traveling with pets not just possible, but truly enjoyable. By choosing destinations that embrace four-legged visitors, you can create memorable experiences that include every member of your family.