Great mountain towns deserve to be thoroughly explored, one foot (or paw) in front of the other. And by picking the right places beforehand, it’s easy to bring your dog along. Even though its full-time residents number less than 700, Saluda, NC is one such town, full of paw-some spots that both you and your furry friend will not soon fur-get.
No need to hound us for more information. Here is your complete list of dog-friendly places in Saluda, NC.
Dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, and bakeries in Saluda, NC
Back Alley Barn
If you’re looking for a truly local experience, your first stop should be Back Alley Barn. Fresh ingredients and expert preparation come together in a diverse menu of delicious options. Their good food and drinks pair with live music for a memorable experience. And Fido is welcome to join you on their covered patio.
24 E Main Street, Saluda | (828)-521-1169 | Website
Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill
Located on site at Saluda Outfitters, Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill is open six days a week. Stop by for shareables, or enjoy a sandwich, burger, salad, or basket as your meal. As the name implies, they also offer a rotating selection of local craft beers. From the expansive deck, you and your pet can enjoy live musical entertainment.435 E Main Street, Saluda | (828)-848-4060 | Website
Green River BBQ
Bone appetite! This folksy barbecue hot spot serves smoked meats by the pound and platter in down-home surroundings. Enjoy everything from beef and ribs to BBQ chicken and smoked turkey. Dogs are welcome in the “barking” lot dining area.
131 Highway 176, Saluda | (828) 749-9892 | Website
Green River Brew Depot
Locally owned and operated, Green River Brew Depot offers a taste of the countryside in the heart of small town. The pub offers a carefully chosen selection of fine beers and wines, along with delicious snacks, in a great atmosphere. Two- and four-legged friends can unwind together both inside the taproom and outside on the patio.
26 Church Street, Saluda | (828) 769-9033 | Website
The Purple Onion
Don’t miss this restaurant located in Historic Saluda, with outdoor dog-friendly dining available and live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthful cuisine.
16 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-1179 | Website
The S.P.O.T.
The owners of the Purple Onion welcome you to The S.P.O.T.—the best spot in town for tacos and margaritas. Their menu features a globally inspired selection of tacos, burritos, rice and bean bowls, quesadillas, and craft cocktails and margaritas. Your pup can join you at an outdoor table on the covered patio.
101 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 769-9100 | Website
Ward’s Grill
Ward’s Grill has been slinging hearty breakfasts and classic lunches since the 1950s. The location would be worth a visit even if you weren’t enticed by the homemade sausage biscuits, chili cheeseburgers, and seasonal pies. Bring Fido and have a seat at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables.
24 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 769-9051 | Website
Wildflour Bakery
At Wildflour Bakery, breakfast is served all day! The bakery also has a full selection of lunch items, including sandwiches on their famous breads, and delicious desserts. No wonder they’ve been a local favorite since 1981! Your leashed pup can tag along to one of the outdoor tables on their covered patio.
173 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-3356 | Website
Best Saluda-area parks and hiking for dogs
Bradley Nature Preserve
This nine-acre parcel of land, mostly within Saluda’s City limits, features the Lazy Girl Loop, an easy trail that runs through the woods of the preserve. There is a Connector Trail that links the Lazy Girl Loop to Laurel Drive. However, dogs are not allowed on the lower loop sections of the trail. The Bradley Nature Preserve is maintained by the Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT).
Esseola Drive, Saluda | Website
McCreery Park
Located in downtown Saluda, McCreery Park is a great central location for fun and recreation with your dog. The park features playground equipment and a covered picnic area. Restrooms are available year round for the humans in your group. In the summer, come out on a Friday night for the Top of the Grade Concert Series.
Main Street, Saluda
Pulliam Creek Trail
Pulliam Creek Trail is a moderately difficult, 4.7-mile out-and-back hike that will take about two and a half hours to complete with your dog. Visit in spring to see the wildflowers in full bloom. Please note that dogs must always be on a leash.
Big Hungry Road & English Heifer Cove Road, Saluda | Website
Saluda Nature Park
The SCLT and the City of Saluda partnered to transform this once 18-acre dumpsite into a nature park. More than a mile of trails run down into a valley where you can walk along the creek or go to a small spring. The Summit Trail takes you to a cleared area with great views.
Chestnut Street, Saluda
Groomers, trainers, and doggie day cares in Saluda, NC
Gentle Hands Groomers
Every creature has a unique spirit, and Gentle Hands Groomers considers both the needs of each animal and that of their caretaker. Special needs dogs and cats (elderly, arthritic, or emotionally “delicate”) enjoy pet massage options in addition to standard grooming. For special occasions, finish the appointment with decorative feathers, glitter, and paint.
156 W Highway 176, Saluda | (828) 749-3280 | Facebook Page
A Well-Mannered Pup
Strengthen the understanding and bond between yourself and your dog through positive reinforcement training. A Well-Mannered Pup creates training plans that are individually tailored to address both the strengths and challenges in your dog and its owner.
188 Sienna Road, Saluda | (828) 233-5489 | Website
Coon Dog Day in Saluda, NC
Saluda’s population balloons every July from visitors excited about the Coon Dog Day Festival. The festival traces back to the late 1950s as a way to celebrate the hunting dogs known for their unique bark and amazing sense of smell. Now, more than 65 years later, the all-day event is still held on the Saturday following July 4th. The dog-friendly street festival includes a parade, music, street fair with art and food, and a dog judging competition. Dogs are welcome to join in the fun as long as they are leashed. No dog? No problem. Many great dogs are also available for adoption.
Have more questions? Here’s more information about dog-friendly Saluda, NC.
Make Saluda your year-round home!
Saluda, NC is an historic Victorian mountain village at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since the turn of the 20th century, Saluda has been a favorite mountain destination to escape the sweltering summer heat of lower latitudes. Since the 1960s, Saluda has experienced a steady growth of people seeking simpler, more peaceful lives. Saluda is now home to many artists and craftspeople. The town is famous for sitting at the top of the Norfolk Southern Railway’s Saluda Grade, the steepest mainline standard gauge railroad line in the country. Today, downtown Saluda is recognized as a National Historic District. A museum is now housed in the 1903 train depot.
