Hi, Lee here! I’ve lived in NC most of my life, but Hazy, our rescue pup from Manteo, is the true Outer Banker in the family. Around here, summer plays nice when it comes with sandy paws, soundside strolls, local markets, live music and plenty of places where dogs are part of the plan.
Hazy helped me with this dog-friendly Insider, so expect a few Nags Head favorites, a couple of local surprises and even restaurant menus made just for pups. Grab your flip-flops, check the leash rules and let your dog lead a little. See you around town!
It’s a local favorite for a reason. When the temperature climbs, Sunburst Swimming Hole answers with cold, mountain-fed water and two refreshing swim areas. Other low-cost Haywood County experiences include elk watching in Cataloochee Valley, scenic hikes and cruising 46 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Yes, there’s a city and three island beaches. But there’s also SUP yoga, murals, film tours, Venus flytraps, fresh seafood and riverfront history. Here’s all the latest happenings across Wilmington and its island beaches, just in time for summer.
Explore mountain shops, eats & arts in Spruce Pine
Small-town gem alert! Park once and take your time exploring downtown Spruce Pine, where upper and lower streets connect local art, mountain-town shops and river views in the NC High Country.
North Carolina is for dogs … in the best way possible. NC is full of vast open spaces that welcome your furry friends, from sandy shores on the Atlantic to towering peaks in the mountains. This means you should absolutely bring Fido on your next NC adventure, along with their favorite leash. Not only will following local leash guidelines help keep your pup on trail and preserve the local flora and fauna, it will help you Share the Outdoors and Be Considerate of Others. A leashed dog also creates more comfortable interactions with fellow adventurers, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
Visit North Carolina is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina 150 Fayetteville St., Ste. 1200, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601, United States
