A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Lynchburg, Virginia
Before you pack your bags — and the leash — check out How to Get Around Lynchburg for parking, walking, and biking info that’ll make your trip with Fido smooth and easy.
Lynchburg isn’t just for people who love the outdoors — it’s a paradise for pups, too. With pet-friendly hotels, open-air dining, scenic trails, and welcoming locals, you and your four-legged travel companion will both feel right at home.
Day One – Check In & Settle Into LYH
Located downtown at 1312 Commerce Street, The Craddock Terry Hotel is one of Virginia’s most dog-friendly stays. Once a historic shoe factory, the hotel now offers boutique comfort with a playful nod to its roots — including continental breakfast delivered to your room in a vintage shoeshine box.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by the hotel’s famous wire-haired fox terrier, Penny Loafer, who serves as the official four-legged ambassador of the property.
Upgrade your stay with Penny Loafer’s Pampered Pet Package, which includes:
- Pet-friendly accommodations (up to 50 lbs)
- Grooming at Fur Kidz Pet Boutique
- Two bike rentals with pet carriers
(Available Wednesday–Saturday; must be booked 72 hours in advance.)
📍 1312 Commerce Street | 📞 (434) 455-1500
The Craddock Terry features two excellent onsite restaurants, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. Enjoy fine dining at Shoemakers American Grille or casual fare at Waterstone Pizza, both offering exceptional service and local flavor.
Day Two – Walk, Eat & Explore
Start your day with a short walk or bike ride to My Dog Duke’s Diner, just five minutes from the hotel. With a name like that, you know dogs are more than welcome! The patio offers plenty of space for you and your pup to enjoy breakfast in the fresh air.
Favorites include The Lynchburg — country-fried sausage, scrambled eggs, and pimento cheese on a toasted English muffin — or the Cuban Press, a pulled pork and shaved ham sandwich with Swiss and horseradish aioli. Pair your meal with a cappuccino, chai latte, or a brunch cocktail (try the Peach Bellini).
📍 1007 Commerce Street | Open daily 7 AM–3 PM
After brunch, leash up and stroll over to Percival’s Island Natural Area, just minutes from downtown. This 1.5-mile island trail follows the old railway line and offers riverside views, shade, and plenty of space to stretch those legs. It’s perfect for both walkers and bikers — and a favorite among local dog owners.
📍 Trail Access: Washington Street at 9th Street
Cool off with a treat from MayLynn’s Creamery — their food truck location on Boonsboro Road gives dogs a free ice cream! (Check their website for seasonal hours.)
For dinner, return downtown and grab a patio table at Depot Grille, Bootleggers, or The Water Dog — all dog-friendly restaurants offering outdoor seating with beautiful sunset views over the James River.
📍 The Water Dog – 1016 Jefferson Street
Day Three – A Little History & Playtime
Start your day with a drive out to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s private retreat home. While pets aren’t allowed inside the buildings, they’re welcome on the grounds — and temporary kennels are available while you tour indoors. Explore the walking paths and gardens for a dose of history and serenity.
📍 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, VA
Before heading home, let your pup run free at Lynchburg Dog Park, located at 515 Monticello Avenue. This fenced park offers plenty of space for dogs to play safely off-leash, with shaded benches and water stations for humans, too.
If you want to bring home a souvenir (for yourself or your furry friend), stop by Fur Kidz Pet Boutique for gourmet treats and accessories, or visit The Hip Tulip downtown for locally made gifts and home goods.
Leash up and explore—Lynchburg’s parks, patios, and pet-friendly spots are ready to welcome you both.
Before you pack your bags — and the leash — check out How to Get Around Lynchburg for parking, walking, and biking info that’ll make your trip with Fido smooth and easy.
Lynchburg isn’t just for people who love the outdoors — it’s a paradise for pups, too. With pet-friendly hotels, open-air dining, scenic trails, and welcoming locals, you and your four-legged travel companion will both feel right at home.
Located downtown at 1312 Commerce Street, The Craddock Terry Hotel is one of Virginia’s most dog-friendly stays. Once a historic shoe factory, the hotel now offers boutique comfort with a playful nod to its roots — including continental breakfast delivered to your room in a vintage shoeshine box.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by the hotel’s famous wire-haired fox terrier, Penny Loafer, who serves as the official four-legged ambassador of the property.
Upgrade your stay with Penny Loafer’s Pampered Pet Package, which includes:
- Pet-friendly accommodations (up to 50 lbs)
- Grooming at Fur Kidz Pet Boutique
- Two bike rentals with pet carriers
(Available Wednesday–Saturday; must be booked 72 hours in advance.)
📍 1312 Commerce Street | 📞 (434) 455-1500
The Craddock Terry features two excellent onsite restaurants, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. Enjoy fine dining at Shoemakers American Grille or casual fare at Waterstone Pizza, both offering exceptional service and local flavor.
Start your day with a short walk or bike ride to My Dog Duke’s Diner, just five minutes from the hotel. With a name like that, you know dogs are more than welcome! The patio offers plenty of space for you and your pup to enjoy breakfast in the fresh air.
Favorites include The Lynchburg — country-fried sausage, scrambled eggs, and pimento cheese on a toasted English muffin — or the Cuban Press, a pulled pork and shaved ham sandwich with Swiss and horseradish aioli. Pair your meal with a cappuccino, chai latte, or a brunch cocktail (try the Peach Bellini).
📍 1007 Commerce Street | Open daily 7 AM–3 PM
After brunch, leash up and stroll over to Percival’s Island Natural Area, just minutes from downtown. This 1.5-mile island trail follows the old railway line and offers riverside views, shade, and plenty of space to stretch those legs. It’s perfect for both walkers and bikers — and a favorite among local dog owners.
📍 Trail Access: Washington Street at 9th Street
Cool off with a treat from MayLynn’s Creamery — their food truck location on Boonsboro Road gives dogs a free ice cream! (Check their website for seasonal hours.)
For dinner, return downtown and grab a patio table at Depot Grille, Bootleggers, or The Water Dog — all dog-friendly restaurants offering outdoor seating with beautiful sunset views over the James River.
📍 The Water Dog – 1016 Jefferson Street
Start your day with a drive out to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s private retreat home. While pets aren’t allowed inside the buildings, they’re welcome on the grounds — and temporary kennels are available while you tour indoors. Explore the walking paths and gardens for a dose of history and serenity.
📍 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, VA
Before heading home, let your pup run free at Lynchburg Dog Park, located at 515 Monticello Avenue. This fenced park offers plenty of space for dogs to play safely off-leash, with shaded benches and water stations for humans, too.
If you want to bring home a souvenir (for yourself or your furry friend), stop by Fur Kidz Pet Boutique for gourmet treats and accessories, or visit The Hip Tulip downtown for locally made gifts and home goods.
