Visit our Mobile Visitor Centers for maps, recommendations, and more!
The Mobile Visitor Centers will not be at the Dairy Market on Thurs., May 7. Visitors looking for information can visit our other location at Michie Tavern (683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy) or call our office at (434) 293-6789.
Let’s face it, nobody likes leaving their dog behind when they travel!
Our furry friends are more than just pets; they’re part of the family, and a trip can feel incomplete without them. Luckily, Charlottesville and Albemarle County are filled with plenty of dog-friendly spots to explore! We've compiled some great options on the maps below -- we hope you have a wonderful trip!
Restaurants with Dog-Friendly Outdoor Patios
Whether you’re in the mood for casual dining or gourmet meals, there are plenty of spots in the area that are perfect for enjoying a bite with your dog by your side.
Tonic is a casual neighborhood café for everyone, located in the heart of historic downtown Charlottesville in the Michie Building. We focus on the very best ingredients that Central Virginia has to offer and make our food and cocktails with…
Located on the downtown mall, right across from the Paramount Theater. At Citizen Burger Bar, we believe kicking back with a tasty burger and a beer is one of life’s essential liberties. To secure that sacred right for the people…
Kardinal Hall is a modern take on an Alpine-inspired beer hall & garden. Located in the historic art-deco Coca-Cola building built in 1939, the repurposed warehouse & bottling plant is situated in the Midtown area of Charlottesville, Virginia. Kardinal Hall…
HOURS OF OPERATION Sunday: 11AM - 9PM Monday - Saturday: 11AM - 10PMHAPPY HOUR: MON. - FRI. 3PM - 5PM ($2 off apps, beers, and cocktails) BRUNCH: SAT. - SUN. 11AM -2PM (https://s3.us-east-2.wasabisys.com/cville-menus/Brunch-Menu-Cville.pdf)Located in the IX Art Park, our…
Located just off of the Downtown Mall, Tonic offers a cozy, covered patio that’s equipped with in-roof gas heaters and ceiling fans to keep you comfortable no matter the weather! Enjoy seasonal, farm-to-table food sourced from local producers. Tonic is a great choice for a relaxed atmosphere where both you and your dog will feel right at home!
For a delightful taste of Italy, Sal’s Caffe Italia’s patio is located right in the heart of Downtown. Enjoy classic Italian dishes while people watching, with the Paramount Theater’s iconic sign glowing nearby. The patio is heated in the winter, making it a perfect spot for any season!
Located right next to Sal’s is Citizen Burger, another fantastic spot in the heart of Downtown. Enjoy delicious burgers made with local, fresh ingredients – this spot is perfect for those craving a casual, yet tasty bite! Plus, Sal’s and Citizen Burger are conveniently close to Pawprints Boutique, so you can grab some treats for your pup before or after your meal.
Located between Downtown and the University of Virginia (UVA), Kardinal Hall serves craft beer, cider, and an alpine-inspired menu, including homemade sausages. Their bier garden-covered patio is heated in the colder months.
Head over to IX Art Park to visit this local brewpub, which specializes in beer-infused dishes designed to complement what’s on tap! Their outdoor patio is covered year-round and heated in the winter. They also host “Pups on the Patio” every Sunday afternoon from 4PM-close, which offers dog owners a discount on select menu items! Don’t forget to visit nearby Animal Connections, a pet supply shop that specializes in homemade dog treats!
Although Decipher doesn’t have a kitchen on-site, they more often than not host local food trucks and invite customers to bring in their own food, making this an excellent laidback option. In addition to their outdoor seating, dogs are also allowed inside the building, perfect for hot summer months or cold winter days!
Dog-Friendly Wineries with Stunning Views
Charlottesville and Albemarle County are renowned for their award-wining wineries, and many of them welcome dogs to join you as you enjoy their wines and beautiful outdoor spaces. There are a ton of vineyards to choose from, but here are a few of our favorites.
Remember: it's always good to call ahead and double-check that your dog is welcome and that their outdoor spaces are open!
Keswick Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery and vineyard situated on the historic Edgewood Estate in Keswick, VA, about 15 minutes east of Charlottesville along historic route 231 and proud members of the acclaimed Monticello Wine Trail. We…
King Family Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard and boutique winery located in Crozet, Virginia, 15 minutes west of Charlottesville, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are conveniently located to Rt. 250, the Blue Ridge…
Cunningham Creek Winery & Brewery is a family owned & operated small lot winery and brewery. We specialize in small lot finely crafted French varietals and Bordeaux blend wines and craft beers on tap. We're located on the Monticello Wine…
Escape to Eastwood, a food and wine destination on the Monticello Wine Trail.Located in the heart of Virginia’s Wine Country, and only five miles from downtown Charlottesville, Eastwood Farm & Winery offers award-winning wines, along with beers and ciders, in…
Sitting at the top of our list and located just east of Charlottesville is Keswick Vineyards. Their expansive lawns and shady picnic spots are perfect for relaxing with your pup. With gorgeous mountain views and award-winning wines, you’ll want to make a day of it!
Known for its stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its beloved polo matches in warmer months, King Family Vineyards in Crozet is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The outdoor areas are pet-friendly (with firepits available in the winter), and there's ample space for your dog to lounge while you enjoy a glass of their award-winning wine.
Located just 20-30 minutes southeast of Charlottesville is beautiful Cunningham Creek Winery, a favorite among local dog owners. Pups are allowed outside and inside (except during special events). They even have a fenced dog park where dogs may play off-leash. Please note, there are three winery dogs that freely roam the grounds (Crush, Corky, and Brix are friendly to other dogs and will be happy to greet your pup)!
A trip to Charlottesville isn’t complete without a stop at Eastwood! Open seven days a week, this gorgeous winery offers a relaxed atmosphere with casual food menus and an extensive selection of wine. Dogs are welcome outside as well as on their covered patio.
Pup-Free Plans? Where to Park Your Pup
Headed out for some two-legged fun? These local spots will treat your four-legged friend like royalty while you're away:
Dogtopia offers cage-free fun for your pup with fun and open play in supervised playgroups. They offer daycare, overnight boarding, and spa services to keep your pup pampered. The best part? Check in on the fun via live webcams!
The newly remodeled Pet Paradise offers climate-controlled suites, synthetic grass play areas and shaded yards with misting fans for plenty of space to romp around in, and a pet pool! Don’t need overnight care? Try their day camp!
Wakefield Kennel, aka “the country club for pets”, is a unique dog boarding facility located on 15+ acres of private country club, which includes walking trails, large grass exercise areas, and individual temperature-controlled kennels. Perfect for pampering your pup!
Dogtopia offers cage-free fun for your pup with fun and open play in supervised playgroups. They offer daycare, overnight boarding, and spa services to keep your pup pampered. The best part? Their play areas have live webcams, so owners can sneak a peek at their pup’s fun anytime!
Treat your furry friend to a stay at the newly remodeled Pet Paradise! With climate-controlled suites, several amenities, and plenty of space to romp around, your pup will be in good hands. Pet Paradise also offers day camp for pet parents that don’t need overnight care. Perks include synthetic grass play areas, shaded yards with misting fans, and a pet pool!
Looking to pamper your pup? Be sure to check out the Wakefield Kennel aka “the country club for pets.” This unique dog boarding facility is located on over 15 acres of private country club, including walking trails, large grass exercise areas, and individual temperature-controlled kennels.
Don’t Forget the Souvenirs: Treat Your Traveling Pup
Your pup deserves a little something special too! Check out these local spots for the best treats and toys to bring home.
Animal Connection is a must-stop for pet lovers and their pups for a large, curated selection of treats, food, and toys, and dog treats baked in-house. With a little notice, you can even request a personalized cake!
This locally owned pet supply store offers a curated mix of premium pet food, toys, treats, gifts, and even pet-themed apparel. Pets are welcome to shop alongside you, and staff are always ready to hear the latest pet story.
Fluffy’s proudly stocks treats, food, and toys made with only the highest quality ingredients. They also largely focus on product sustainability (like baking treats with sustainable energy) and do a lot of outreach with local charities.
Owned and operated by a local veterinarian, Pet Supplies Plus has a carefully selected variety of food, treats, toys, and healthcare products for your pups. The store also has a self-pet wash station and a visiting pet care clinic.
Tucked away in IX Art Park, this shop is a must-stop for pet lovers and their pups. They have a large, curated selection of treats, food, and toys, as well as dog treats baked in-house. With a little notice, you can even request a personalized cake that’s as special as your furry friend!
This locally owned pet supply store is located right on the Downtown Mall and offers a curated mix of premium pet food, toys, treats, gifts, and even pet-themed apparel. Pets are welcome to shop alongside you, and the staff is always ready to hear the latest pet story.
Conveniently located at the Barracks Road Shopping Center, Fluffy’s proudly stocks treats, food, and toys made with only the highest quality ingredients. They also largely focus on product sustainability (like baking treats with sustainable energy) and do a lot of outreach with local charities.
Owned and operated by a local veterinarian, Pet Supplies Plus has a carefully selected variety of food, treats, toys, and healthcare products for your pups. The store also has a self-pet wash station and a visiting pet care clinic.
