Let’s be clear: this is for the ‘if my dog isn’t invited, I’m not coming’ crowd. And Waynesboro hears you. We roll out the red carpet, the swag, and the treats for your fur baby. Are you guys into hiking the trails? Breweries? Shopping? Culture? Perfect. Soft launch your dog’s Instagram right here in Waynesboro, Virginia. I’m going to argue, pretty convincingly I think, that Waynesboro is the friendliest dog town in the entire Blue Ridge.
**All businesses and attractions in this article welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs unless otherwise noted.
Sit. Stay. Sleep.
First things first, you’re going to be dog tired (do you know how many dog puns there are? Get ready to read all of them.) after a day of exploring, and you both deserve somewhere nice to crash. Luckily, Waynesboro’s got plenty of spots where you can kick off your shoes, your pup can kick up their paws, and everyone can dream about tomorrow’s adventures.
The Bowman House 611 S Wayne Avenue
This historical bed and breakfast is pet-friendly and within easy walking distance of downtown. Plus, it’s located on one of the prettiest streets in Waynesboro and is super pedestrian friendly.
The Iris Inn 191 Chinquapin Drive
The Iris Inn has opulent dedicated pet-friendly accommodations. If you’re into fabulous views and your dog is accustomed to living in the lap of luxury this is definitely the spot for you.
Big-Brand Hotels
If you’re more of a continental breakfast and points kind of traveler, Waynesboro has tons of pet-friendly options all over the city.
The Waynesboro Visitors Center: The Leash You Can Do on Your Vacay
Please stop in Monday – Friday from 9am – 4pm for info on self-guided walking tours, challenges where you earn Waynesboro swag (actually cool swag, no pencils or jiffi slitters here), and anything else you could possibly want to know about Waynesboro. PLEASE bring your pup to see us, we’ll give them treats and a free Waynesboro logo bandana! It really doesn’t take much to make our day.
Waynesboro’s Ulti-mutt Scene
Rockfish Gateway, Waynesboro’s trendiest district, is giving main character energy for dogs in their social era. You can visit all kinds of cool spots…with your favorite weekend companion.
The Matriarchists 1461 E Main Street
Grab a mocktail and play some board games inside, or chill with your pup on the iconic deck. Sara’s (owner of The Matriarchists), puppies are her children – for real (which, honestly, I get). You’ll be right at home.
Common Wealth Crush 1010 E Main Street Suite 110
Shenandoah Valley’s only urban winery and co-op. Great wine, gorgeous tasting room, dogs welcome. Yes, your dog will be living their best life here. Pro-tip: make a reservation at Lightwell Survey, a member of Common Wealth’s co-op family, on Saturdays in their refined-industrial tasting room. I could say something about their dog policy, but I’m just going to copy what’s on their website for obvious reasons: Can I bring my dog? Yes! Fido and friends are welcome. We are very dog-friendly. Cat suits are encouraged. Please, no more chickens. (Lightwell is also having a Dawg Dayz Summer Bash Saturday, August 16 so bring your doggies and PAWTY!)
Basic City Beer Co. 1010 E Main Street Suite 114
Honestly? This is a dog’s absolute dream. Huge open spaces, indoor and outdoor, with pool tables (I know dogs can’t play pool, but I’m pretty sure if you’re reading this you’re human and I want you to have fun too), an old-school arcade, great beer and food, and they LOVE dogs. My dog feels like an actual A-list celebrity there.
Paws Out, Music Up
Is your dog a fan of live music? Of course they are, you’re planning the most hipster vacation a dog has ever been on right now. And since that’s the case, there’s plenty of places to choose from.
The Fishin’ Pig 117 Apple Tree Lane
Most Fridays and Saturdays during Spring, Summer, and Fall, you can head to the Pig Pen (aka outdoor music venue) for live music, excellent service, and delicious barbecue and drinks. There has to be a pig and dog joke in here somewhere, but we have so many dog-friendly places I need to pace myself.
Seven Arrows Brewing 2508 Jefferson Highway #1
Saturdays are for live music, but Seven Arrows also has pup-friendly fun through the week like open mic nights, trivia, and stand-up nights. Check their schedule and make your plans!
Downtown: Your Dog Will Be on a First Name Basis with Everyone
Do You Have a Culture Hound?
Have you ever noticed if your dog has expressed a passion for art? Surprise! Waynesboro has just the spots to let them explore new hobbies. Nothing says culture like a dog cocking their head at a mixed media piece and just somehow getting it.
Shenandoah Valley Art Center 126 S Wayne Avenue & 416 W Main Street
Art galleries don’t generally scream ‘please, come in and also bring your dog’ but SVAC (you read the heading right, there are two centers downtown) does, and they aren’t just saying it to be polite. Take a seat and look at rotating galleries full of amazing art while contemplating who, exactly, rescued who. (Don’t forget to hit the gift shop before you leave.)
The Russell Museum 518 W Main Street
First of all, for those of you who didn’t bring your dog on vacation: Snickers the miniature dachshund is usually at the museum, ask the staff and you might just get to see the cutest little dog ever. And that’s about all there is to say – just kidding. This colossal museum is dedicated to Walter and Lao Russell with a rotating gallery of local art. Part art, part science and philosophy, and 100% dog friendly.
Take a Paws to Make a Purchase
Dog-friendly shopping is a real thing here in Waynesboro. They can sniff out all the good sales, show off their free bandanas, or just support you as you make some impulse buys. Whatever you’re shopping for, they’re totally welcome.
Boutique in the Boro 317 W Main Street
This cute-as-a button boutique offers a little bit of everything from bedazzled cowboy boots to the latest TikTok trends to permanent jewelry and tons of stuff in between. Peggy, the owner, won’t blink twice if you ask for an outfit that pairs well with your dog’s accessories.
Initial Inspiration 412 W Main Street
Custom gifts, adorable finds, and personalized everything. You’ll come in for an engraved tumbler and leave with a personalized dog bowl, custom dog collar charm, and a tote bag that says ‘I work hard so my dog can have nice things’. It’s retail therapy for you both.
Stone Soup Books 402 W Main Street
Now, if you’re a dog and you’re reading this: I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is we have a dog-friendly bookstore right downtown! The bad news is you should probably see some kind of professional immediately. Anyway, stop in and see owners MK and Janie, talk some literature and rescue some new (to you) books. Just watch out for the tail level sticker display (ask me how I know that).
Rusticae 326 W Main Street
A super cute boutique with so many fun things like curated and private label clothing, home décor that makes you say out loud to your dog ‘okay, but we need this,’ and some awesome Waynesboro merch to help you commemorate this unforgettable getaway.
Bone Appétit
After a full day of tail-wagging, treat-snatching, and people-watching like it’s their job, your dog’s earned a front-row seat to dinner (and so have you). Grab an outdoor table at one of these downtown spots so your pup can flop dramatically at your feet and soak up the attention of every passerby (that can’t just be a thing my dog does? Right?). Bonus: all the shopping, museums, and galleries are in easy walking distance of each other.
The River Burger Bar 137 N Wayne Avenue
Because they have amazing burgers. And cocktails. And sandwiches. And don’t even get me started on the Davy Knot pretzel. And if one of their delicious fries or homemade chips ‘accidentally’ drops on the sidewalk, I’m sure your travel companion wouldn’t mind taking care of that for you.
Delly Up 421 W Main Street
Neighborhood pub vibes, excellent sandwiches, and a prime spot at the corner of Main and Wayne for the best people watching spot in Waynesboro. Your pup can keep tabs on every pedestrian, stroller, and fellow dog that strolls by while you sip something cold and make some new friends.
Benny Stivale’s 328 W Main Street
Giant slices of pizza (and I mean GIANT. Like a whole pizza won’t fit in a compact car, but it’s really fun to watch people try) and a beer garden around back with picnic tables, some shade, and entertainment for the (human) kids. Perfect spot to take a break, sip a craft beer, and come to the realization there’s no way you can finish an entire piece of pizza (maybe your puppy can have a bite of crust??).
The French Press 134 N Wayne Avenue
Need a caffeine fix? This is the downtown spot for a seriously good coffee drink plus a delicious breakfast of lunch (Biscuits and gravy. Trust me.) They just opened a huge patio, perfect for lounging with your pup. Bonus: if you spot a gigantic dog that’s straight out of The Sandlot, it’s Primo! The French Press owners’ gentle giant of a pup.
Dessert? Fur Sure.
Kline’s Dairy & Espresso Bars 1235 W Main Street & 1234 W Broad Street
They’re both celebrating the Dog Days of Summer with a free tie-dye bandana (it’s also cool enough for you to wear) and a $1 donation to a local animal shelter for every pup cup. You get dessert (or a specialty coffee). Your dog gets dessert. Local animals in need get help. 10/10. No notes.
Willy’s Ice Cream 2800 W Main Street
A walk-up ice cream shop perfect for a post-adventure treat. Grab an ice cream for you and your dog, claim a pup-friendly picnic table, and enjoy.
Strut Your Mutt
After all the food and drinks, someone might need a walk – and I’m not pointing any fingers, but it might not be your dog… Either way, Waynesboro’s got lots of options for outdoor adventures.
Waynesboro’s City Parks
Waynesboro has seven city parks that are all pet friendly as long as your dog is leashed. Except one: Coyner Springs. And that doesn’t mean your dog isn’t allowed, it means yank that leash off and let your dog run free through 145 acres of trails and meadow. Keep in mind, this park is not fenced, so only bring your dog if they’re the come when called type (my dogs have never been there if that tells you anything).
The Greenway
Waynesboro Parks and Rec also maintains a two-mile paved trail along the South River in downtown Waynesboro if you’re not super into hiking or grass. It’s perfect for a serious stroll or serious sniffing mission; there are lots of dog smells so don’t expect to set any speed records.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
Spooky, cool, total photo op, and just the right length to justify a nap later. The 2.85-mile trail is a historic train tunnel turned recreational trail that is dog and bicycle friendly. It’s always around 50 degrees and pitch dark in parts so bring your headlamp and please, if you can manage to get your dog to wear one, send me a picture. Seriously. Here’s my email.
Shenandoah National Park
You’ve read this entire thing and I haven’t mentioned once that Waynesboro is only two miles from one of the only national parks that actually welcomes dogs on most of its trails. That’s my bad. Anyway, as long as your pup is leashed, vaccinated, and generally a good citizen, you guys can explore nearly 500 miles of trails. Yes. FIVE. HUNDRED. MILES. Make sure to pack it allll out (you know what I mean) and enjoy whatever adventures your find yourself on.
So, Who’s a Good Traveler? Are You a Good Traveler? Yes, You Are!
If I haven’t convinced you by now to plan a vacation for you and your bestie, then I honestly don’t know what will. Your dog deserves to experience all the stuff you get to enjoy like live music, art galleries, mountain trails, breweries, retail therapy, and sweet treats – not just another lap around the same old block at home. Start planning your visit now and we’ll see you all soon!
