Tennessee has gone to the dogs. The state is known for its southern hospitality to humans and four-legged friends alike and there’s no better place to explore than along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Here’s a pet-friendly guide to Tails on the Trail, local restaurants, patios, where to stay and where to sniff.
Middle Tennessee
Clarksville
Old Glory Distilling Co. unveiled a new state-of-the-art restaurant, custom bar experience, outdoor seating and entertainment spaces in early 2024. The back patio is perfect for pets, while humans can enjoy curated cocktails and dishes crafted from Old Glory’s signature spirits. If your pup needs to release some energy, Clarksville is full of parks, rivers and outdoor spaces like Rotary Park, Dunbar Cave State Park and King Run’s Bark Park inside Liberty Park. To get a jump start on the morning, Atlas Coffee and Co. takes pet-friendly to the next level. This woman-owned coffee shop has an off-leash dog park. The Thirsty Goat is a local favorite. Grab some pizza and local brews in the craft beer garden at the picnic table. Treat your sweet tooth at Golly G’s Ice Cream and make sure to grab a complimentary pup cup. There’s no shortage of pet-friendly activities, outdoor dining venues or pet-friendly places to stay for a pawsitively awesome trip to Clarksville. Check out Clarksville’s pet-friendly guide.
Photo op: Clarkville’s Starry Night mural depicts some of the city’s iconic landmarks in Van Gogh’s Starry Night style. Local painter Olasubomi Aka-Bashorum created the impressive display. You also explore trails and snap a selfie at Dunbar Cave State Park.
Nashville
Music City welcomes four-legged friends of all sizes. Tails wag for the dog-friendly outdoor spaces at Tennessee Whiskey Trail distilleries in Nashville, including Corsair, Nashville Craft, Nashville Barrel Co., Ole Smoky, Tennessee Legend and Big Machine. Restaurants and outdoor patios across the city welcome dogs, like Edley’s BBQ, Marsh House and Nicky’s Coal Fired. Take your four-legged friend for a walk and some exercise at one of Nashville’s bountiful lakes and parks like Shelby, Warner and Centennial Park. Treat your dog to a trip to the Music City Shop for fun accessories and dog gifts. Nashville has plenty of dog-friendly events, including Sip of History at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage (a dog-friendly whiskey, wine and beer tasting spring event) and outings like Nights of Summer and Halloween Pooch Party at Cheekwood Estate and Botanical Garden. Choose one of many dog-friendly hotels, vacation rentals or campgrounds that accommodate dogs, like the Bobby Hotel downtown, where the dog-in-residence will greet guests in the lobby. Pup bowls and beds can be delivered to guests upon request. Check out Nashville’s complete dog-friendly guide.
Photo op: Explore Centennial Park’s walking trails, shimmering lake and the Parthenon in the background with plenty of scenic Instagrammable spots.
Franklin, Leiper’s Fork and Thompson’s Station
Franklin takes pet-friendly to the next level. As part of the Mars PetCare Better Cities for Pets program, businesses, beautiful hotels that pamper both pets and humans, bakeries that cater to cookie-loving canines all welcome pets. Franklin has plenty of outdoor patio and seating options to satisfy your appetite. Scout’s Pub, named after the founder’s beloved dog, has a patio and Yappy Hour. Listen to live music, enjoy burgers and craft brews outside at Puckett’s. Stop by Triple Crown Bakery with the dog-friendly porch and front yard for a sweet treat. Take a beautiful, scenic hike along the Natchez Trace Parkway on the dog-friendly trails at Timberland Park. The Harpeth Hotel downtown greets dogs with a bag of dog treats, custom-made bowls and dog beds upon request. Outdoor brunch on the patio is a must. Another popular dog-friendly hotel is Aloft in Cool Springs. There are also Airbnb options in Williamson County. Just outside of Franklin in Thomson’s Station, take in picturesque views and whiskey cocktails at Company Distilling. Be sure to explore Sarah Benson Park, which developed a dog sensory garden where pups can sniff. Nearby, Leiper’s Fork Distillery creates high-end premium whiskeys with local ingredients and has plenty of outdoor space for pups. The village of Leiper’ Fork is walkable, with lots of outdoor spaces.
Photo op: Take a scenic drive and stop at a beautiful overlook, waterfall or historic site for a selfie along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Some of the most Insta-worthy spots in Williamson County are at amazing murals by local artists. Sign up for the free Murals Trail digital passport.
Cookeville
Cozy up to a two-sided bar perfect for cocktails and tastings at Tennessee Legend’s Cookeville location. Whether you’re craving soup, salad, homemade white cheddar mac & cheese or hot chicken, local favorite Father Tom’s Pub can satisfy your appetite, with plenty of space on the outdoor patio for pups. Stretch legs and paws at the dog-friendly Cane Creek Park with dog-friendly trails, disc golf, paddleboarding and kayaking. Burgess Falls State Park also has dog-friendly trails along the water with cascading waterfalls and outdoor activities. Rest your head at cabins, Airbnb’s, campgrounds, pet-friendly hotels and places to stay.
Photo op: The iconic Cream City sign in the background while walking in Cookeville. Be sure to scoop up some ice cream.
South Central Tennessee
Additionally in Middle Tennessee, Prichard’s Distillery in Kelso is dog-friendly with whiskey cocktails and award-winning aged American rum. Get some exercise along the Machine Falls Loop Trail at Short Springs Natural Area in Tullahoma. South Central Tennessee is packed with outdoor adventure, wineries, unique boutiques, farm tours, local restaurants, hidden gems and events. Be sure to check out the complete guide to plan your visit and stay.
Photo op: Chase waterfalls at Machine Falls at Short Springs Natural Area
Woodbury
In Woodbury, Short Mountain Distillery is a small-batch craft distillery with authentic Tennessee Whiskey, moonshine and spirits. The distillery sits on 300 acres where guests can discover winding nature trails, a disc-golf course, music festivals, fairs and activities.
Photo op: There are plenty of photogenic outdoor scenic shots on the acres of the distillery.
East Tennessee
Knoxville
PostModern Spirits brings together the traditional and modern for unique and seasonal spirits. Dogs are welcome both indoors and outdoors. While in the Old City, don’t miss Knoxville’s first legal distillery, Knox Whiskey Works, where you can enjoy their spirits alongside your furry friends. For a nice walk, look for the Sunsphere and head toward World’s Fair Park – this beautiful space hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, parties and special events, OR head towards the Tennessee River and stroll the Neyland Greenway all the way to UT Gardens. Along the way, stop for patio dining at Calhoun’s.
Photo op: The ball in the sky at the famous Sunsphere.
The staff at Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown knows how to make pups feel welcome. The hotel is within walking distance of Market Square, home to dog-friendly boutiques, shops and outdoor patios, as well the Pet Safe Downtown Dog Park. Throughout Knoxville, you’ll find welcoming signs for your dog like fresh bowls of water, dog-friendly events, plenty of area parks, trails, dining patios, and local breweries with dog-friendly spaces you and your pal can enjoy together.
Chattanooga
Take a sip and enjoy cocktails in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex at Gate 11 Distillery. Chattanooga Whiskey also features outdoor options for humans and pups alike to savor spirits. Chattanooga crafts experiences just for pups, including plenty of dog-friendly restaurants like Play. Wash. Pint., featuring a doggie playground, treats and craft beer. After a day in the park, head over to State of Confusion or kick back on the patio at Universal Joint – and don’t forget to grab Fido a treat while you’re there. After checking out the views at Lookout Mountain at Rock City, grab a bite at Café 7 before heading out on your next paw-fect adventure.
Photo op: The Great Dane High-Four Statue at Renaissance Park
Gatlinburg
The back porch cocktail bar is perfect for dogs and their humans at Sugarlands Distilling Co., tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. Just wait until you try the Maple Bacon Moonshine Bloody Mary. Go paws to the pavement on the Parkway, where you’ll find Paws n’ Claws Pet Fashion and Bonediggity Barkery & Gifts. The Gatlinburg Skylift allows pets to ride with their owners up to the mountaintop. Be sure to check out Holly & Willow’s Pet Barn in the historic Arts & Crafts Community. From hotels to cabins to campgrounds, dogs have plenty of places to curl up. Check out the lodging page and look for the pet-friendly mark. Here’s a complete pet-friendly guide to Gatlinburg.
Photo op: Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
up for the free Murals Trail digital passport.
Pigeon Forge/Sevierville
Enjoy signature dishes from the restaurant and handcrafted cocktails outside at Junction 35 Spirits. Junction 35 Spirits is located near The Island in Pigeon Forge, where friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Take a seat around the fountains and enjoy the live sounds of bluegrass music. Known for its heritage and innovation, Old Forge Distillery, next to the historic Old Mill, has plenty of outdoor patio space for pups and humans. Stretch your legs (and wag your tails) at Sevierville’s PetSafe Unleashed Dog Park before venturing to historic downtown Sevierville to snap photos with the bronze statues of Birdie the Bird Dog and Dolly Parton. Book an afternoon of pampering and grooming for your pup at The Wag Social then settle down for the night at The Ridge Outdoor Resort, a premier RV resort featuring dog-friendly glamping tents.
Photo op: The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and fountains at The Island at Pigeon Forge
Townsend
Head to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies to enjoy Company Distilling, located on 13.5 acres on the Little River in Townsend. Friendly pets are welcome outside in the patio area where guests can enjoy ample seating, corn hole boards and activities. Grab a bite to eat and sip on whiskey cocktails while enjoying the sound of nature. The Townsend greenway is also nearby for a scenic stroll. Get outside and soak up history and nature driving the Cades Cove Loop, with hiking trails for every type of adventurer. Local favorites include Abrams Falls and Chimney Tops. Pack a picnic or stop at local favorite Peaceful Side Social Brewery and Craft Kitchen for lunch on the outdoor patio. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, rustic charm meets culinary excellence and a perfect family and pet getaway at Dancing Bear Lodge. Also in the Smoky Mountains, Old Tennessee Distilling Co. in Kodak offers plenty of outdoor-friendly spaces for pets.
Photo op: Take a scenic drive on the Cades Cove Loop for outdoor beauty shots with your pup
Bristol
Voted America’s Best New Craft Distillery by USA Today in 2020, humans and pups alike can enjoy the family-owned craft distillery Lost State Distilling in downtown Bristol, producing small batch gin, rum, Tennessee Whiskey and canned cocktails. Bring your pup to stay in style at The Sessions Hotel. Reserve one of the pet-friendly rooms and treat your pet to dog treats, a water bowl and special welcome note at check-in. A one-time pet deposit of $75 is applied to your reservation. If you want to pamper your pup with a little extra care, visit Kut and Fluff for grooming and/or daycare services.Two popular pet-friendly parks nearby include Bark Park and Sugar Hollow Park. Experience downtown Bristol’s music-inspired experiences, parks and nature trails. Looking for more adventure? Stretch your legs and paws at Holston River Weir Dam, also known as South Holston Tailwater Trails, a pet-friendly recreation area home to multiple trail loops along the water.
Photo op: Grab an outdoor patio seat with your pup and capture the famous Bristol sign in the background.
Jonesborough
Tennessee Hills Distillery’s motto is “Embracing Heritage” and the pet-friendly distillery delivers authentic, hand-crafted spirits unique to the Tennessee Hills. Tennessee Hills’ beloved Jack the dog gives the distillery a pup-approved paws up. Guests can sit outside with their pup, savor snacks from The Whiskey Kitchen and taste spirits. Jonesborough is Tennessee’s oldest town. The Historic Downtown Main Street is the perfect place for a pet-friendly stroll. Be sure to stop by the Tennessee Tails Pet Boutique for unique clothing, toys and merchandise. Jonesborough has plenty of hiking and outdoor activities, parks and seasonal events. Plan your trip here.
Photo op: Grab a self-guided walking tour guide at the visitor’s center with more than 25 spots and picture opportunities exploring Tennessee’s oldest town.
