For many dog owners, an outdoor adventure just isn’t complete without their canine companion. Looking at those wishful eyes while backing out the front door as you’re all set for a day outdoors is tough enough. And once you’re out there, it’s hard not to imagine how much more fun you’d be having with your furry friend along for the fun, too.

But there’s good news for you both: More and more cities with active-minded populations are making it easier to travel with our faithful friends. Here we’ve curated a list of offerings from five dog-friendly Carolina cities: where to sleep, play, eat, and drink with your pup in tow. So next time you head out for an adventure around Charlotte, you’ll be able to pack up your pooch, too. (Wherever you go, however, be sure to abide by leash laws and local regulations.)

Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina’s center of education, business, and the legislature has a playful side and an obvious love of its canine companions. Whether you’re in the capital for a day trip or overnight, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly options.

The Dog House: The Aloft Columbia Downtown is the place for visitors and their pooches to hang their hat (and collar) for the night. This pet-friendly hotel is a short walk to the riverfront and the Five Points entertainment district. Plus, the property’s regular adoption events allow guests to interact with rescue pups during their stay.

Where to Play: Just a few blocks from Aloft, the wide trail at Columbia’s Riverfront Park meanders in and out of shade trees as it follows a scenic canal. The dog-friendly trail has ample space for exploration of the area, which encompasses the city’s original waterworks and its oldest (and still operating) hydroelectric plant. A little farther out of town, Saluda Shoals Park offers several dog-friendly experiences. More than 10 miles of trail wind through the facility, and a 2-acre dog park, the Barking Lot, allows your pal to run free without a leash (an annual fee of $40, which covers two dogs per household, applies, plus a parking fee.)

Best for Kibble: Publico Kitchen & Tap doesn’t just offer a space for dogs; they offer a whole menu. Designed with your dog’s size in mind, the Puppy Plate has several proteins, snacks, and even dog-friendly desserts. Of course, there’s a fantastic human food menu as well, featuring creative tacos and an extensive beer list. The nearby Jake’s Bar & Grill is home to a local favorite Yappy Hour. After an active day romping around, take your pup here for a relaxed afternoon on Jake’s back deck.

Hair of the Dog: A brewery with its own backyard seems like a dream come true, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at River Rat Brewery. Grab one of their creative brews and have a game of fetch in River Rat’s fenced-in, grassy outdoor space.

Beaufort, S.C.

This laid-back seaside town is full of all sorts of water-based adventures catered to you and your pup.

The Dog House: A stone’s throw from the Harbor River and within an easy walking distance of the easygoing heart of Beaufort, The City Loft Hotel is a modern, comfortable base camp, with thoughtfully designed rooms complete with walk-in showers and memory foam-topped beds. Five rooms are set aside for pets and their humans.

Where To Play: For three miles, the soft sand of Hunting Island State Park stretches along the Atlantic, which is the perfect setting for a brisk morning walk as the sky ignites in the brilliant shades of sunrise. The park is also well equipped with showers, bathrooms, and fresh water.

Best for Kibble: At Plums, you can expect to find the simple pleasures of a Low Country feast. Of course, that means starting things off with a plate of oysters fresh from the boat and pile of wild-caught shrimp. Grab a seat on the porch or open-air patio for a view of the water and a breeze from the coast.

Hair of the Dog: Though named for its burgers—and rightfully so; they’re huge and delicious—Fat Patties is also a beer lover’s destination. A huge list of craft brews, including their own from Salt Marsh Brewing, is well organized to make trying a new style easy. Ice cream is equally awesome, with housemade, small-batch flavors available year round. The outdoor patio is one of the best in town, and best of all, there’s plenty of room for your canine companion, too.

Hendersonville, N.C.

This low-key but upscale mountain town knows how to treat visitors of both the two and four-legged persuasion.

The Dog House: The Cascades Mountain Resort recently underwent an amazing renovation, with beautiful stonework, a giant fireplace, and heavy wood accents that sync seamlessly with its mountainous setting. And pet-friendly rooms mean your pup can join for the adventure.

Where to Play: With so many incredible nearby waterfalls to discover, you’ll want to plan a full day of exploration at DuPont State Recreational Forest. High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls are all accessible on a moderate hike from the main parking lot on Staton Road. The trails are open to dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet.

Best for Kibble: The aroma of slow-smoked brisket emanating from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse is sure to lure you in. Tucked behind the colorful “rainbow row” of shops in nearby Flat Rock, N.C., Hubba Hubba plates up hearty helpings of pulled pork, brisket, and chicken. You and your pup will find plenty of room to enjoy the carnivorous feast on the spacious stone patio.

Hair of the Dog: Sitting among the patchwork of grapevines, green spaces, and wooded plots, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards offers a total immersion into the beautiful countryside of western N.C. From the cozy confines of the dog-friendly tasting room, they poor a range of varietals. If cider is more your thing, travel 20 minutes west to the edge of the Pisgah National Forest and the newest Bold Rock Cidery location. The cidery serves products made from local Henderson County apples in their huge taproom and outdoor patio. Both are welcoming to guests of the four- and two-legged persuasion.

Greenville, S.C

The Dog House: The Aloft Greenville is ideally situated to explore downtown Greenville. The clean, modern design is energetic but welcoming, and the Aloft team go above and beyond for their canine guests. Each stay includes an optional puppy package which includes a bowl, treats, toys, and even a bed for your four-legged buddy.

Where to Play: The Greenville Healthcare Systems Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is nearly 20 miles of multi-use trail built on a former railway line, is becoming famous around the Southeast as a destination for recreational cyclists. It conveniently travels through downtown and is very welcoming for dogs. For a little more “get lost in the woods” experience, head for the dozen miles of trail at Paris Mountain State Park. Paths here connect several small lakes and often run adjacent to streams, making for a convenient spot for Spot to cool off on a hot day. Many of these trails are also used by mountain bikers, so the 6-foot leash rule is a good one to follow. There is a $5 day-use fee at Paris Mountain.

Best for Kibble: One of the most surprising aspects of Greenville to first-time visitors is the alfresco dining culture. Eclectic cafes, ranging from pub grub to Thai to pizza, line downtown’s Main Street. Street-side tables are all welcoming spots for you and your pup to refuel. For hearty plates of well-crafted fare that straddles the line between fine dining and comfort food, The Green Room is a recommended choice.

Hair of the Dog: With a spacious taproom and plenty of outdoor space, Brewery 85 just outside of downtown Greenville has enough room to spread out while sampling their range of brews. The brewery is especially welcoming to dogs and hosts occasional Yappy Hours.

Asheville, N.C.

Last but definitely not least, our beloved mountain town Asheville, NC, where a trusty four-legged companion is almost as requisite as a Subaru and Chacos.

The Dog House: The Omni Grove Park Inn exists at the intersection of mountain-cozy and ultra-luxe. Close to Asheville and its mecca of mountain adventures, the sprawling property is an ideal launch pad for a weekend of exploration. The resort shows its affinity for pups with dog-friendly accommodations complete with canine-centric room services like treats, water, and food bowls.

Where to Play: The mountains surrounding Asheville hold a cornucopia of outdoor experiences, and almost all of them are suitable for you and your favorite canine. For a great payoff with relatively minimal effort, take a hike up to Craggy Gardens. After just a 15-minute drive and 1.5-mile hike, you’ll be taking in 360-degree views that seem to stretch forever.

Best for Kibble: Yes, it’s a brewery. But Asheville Brewing Company is also home to some of the highest quality pub grub in town (try the fries, you won’t be disappointed). And after a long day of exploring, the dog-friendly outdoor patio is the perfect spot to savor a beer.

Hair of the Dog: If your pal enjoys the finer things in life, then a visit to the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar might be in order. Dogs are well taken care of in this used bookstore/wine bar as are their humans, with a full espresso bar and a wine list that includes 80+ selections of wines and Champagne.

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When you live near a city it can be easy to forget just how many stars are in the night sky. But if you take the time to get away from the light pollution, spread out a blanket, and look up, there are more to see than you can imagine. It’s relatively easy to find a dark sky out west—what about in the southeast? Where can you escape the city lights and find a truly dark sky for stargazing? Here are six of the best places in the southeast to take in the majesty of the night sky.

Before you head out, read this quick guide so you know what to expect and what to look for up there.

1. Staunton River State Park in Scottsburg, Virginia

Designated a Dark Sky Park in 2015, Staunton River State Park is just 25 miles from the North Carolina border and sits between the Dan River and the John H. Kerr Reservoir. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and hiking, but the real draw is once the sun goes down. The park rangers host interpretive programs and there are telescopes available to rent—or you can just show up with your blanket. Bring a tent and spend the night at the park’s campground or rent one of the historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

2. Blue Ridge Observatory and Star Park in North Carolina

If you’ve ever driven along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you know it’s some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. But if you haven’t seen it at night, you’re missing out on the real magic! The Star Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains in Burnsville, North Carolina, and is managed by Maryland Community College. Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Note: there is no camping allowed in this park.

3. Portsmouth Island, North Carolina

The Outer Banks in North Carolina is already a decent spot for stargazing, but if you’re serious about checking out the Big Dipper, head to Portsmouth Island. The 13-mile-long island is just south of Ocracoke Island, making it the southernmost in the chain of barrier islands. The only way to get there is by boat and there is plenty of fishing, shelling, and exploring to keep you busy during the day. Set up camp pretty much anywhere you want, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of one of the wildest islands in the Outer Banks. Facilities and amenities are very limited so make sure you are prepared before taking a trip out to Portsmouth.

4. Obed Wild & Scenic River in Wartburg, Tennessee

You might be familiar with the Obed Wild & Scenic River because of all the outdoor adventures to be had here, but what you may not know is that it’s also a newly-designated (2017) Dark Sky Park. The National Park Service regularly hosts night sky outings and the Knoxville Observers and ORION Astronomy Clubs also host astronomy programs in the area. The park service offers a Junior Ranger Night Explorer program, making this spot particularly family-friendly.

The park staff is also working to keep the sky around the Obed dark by prohibiting any permanent outdoor lighting.

5. Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, Georgia

This 80-acre park might not cover a large space, but it does offer the unique opportunity to go stargazing in the Okefenokee Swamp, the country’s largest blackwater swamp. Stephen C. Foster State Park is part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, so you can’t stay overnight, but the park is open until 10 p.m., which gives you plenty of time to get your stargazing fix. Sign up for the Swamper’s Guide to the Galaxy, a Constellation Cruise, or a Paddle Under the Stars to learn more about what you can see in the sky—and in the swamp!

6. Pickett CCC State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area in Jamestown, Tennessee

This state park lies within the Pickett State Forest in the Cumberland Mountains and is very close to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This means there’s a whole lot of nature and not a lot of light pollution. The area earned its Dark Sky Park designation in 2015, and the staff host several night sky programs in the summer. The park has regular campsites, group campsites, and cabins you can rent and stay for a whole weekend of stargazing.

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It’s no secret that the wilderness of Western North Carolina is brimming with swimming holes, staggering mountain views, and thousands of miles of trails. But there is also a wealth of fascinating places that lie far off the beaten path—the sites of abandoned infrastructure, forgotten art, and the crumbling ruins of old towns—where human history and the natural world have become enmeshed. For those of us craving an unusual outdoor experience, here are four strange and obscure destinations to check out this summer in Asheville.

1. The Abandoned Runways of DuPont

Mountain bikers in DuPont State Forest are accustomed to the land’s unusual offerings, from plunging torrents of water around every turn, to a bald ridge of rare eastern Slickrock. But riders on the Airstrip Trail may be surprised to come across a bizarre and unexpected feature within the 10,000-acre tract of wilderness: an abandoned and overgrown runway.

Although the airstrip, a relic from the days when the land was owned by the DuPont Chemical Company, is slowly being reclaimed by grass and shrubs around the edges, the enormous slab of concrete, still brightly painted with directionals, certainly makes for a startling and somewhat eerie site.

To be gliding through a cool, shaded forest and suddenly find yourself bumping across a band of exposed pavement, empty and long abandoned, is a unique experience, to say the least. Photographers will be delighted—not only with the unusual scene but also the long-range views of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah National Forest afforded from the runway. As an added bonus, the trail continues with a rolling descent of hairpin turns and dead-ends at the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls.

2. The Back Alley Murals of the River Arts District

The River Arts District is the epicenter of Asheville’s quirky and artistic culture. Pottery studios, art galleries, and outdoor breweries inhabit the shabby brick buildings and slick new facilities that border an active railroad track and the French Broad River. Between the Greenway, the shady paths of Carrier park, and the community initiatives of the  Asheville Running Company, its no wonder that this neighborhood is a popular place to explore on foot or by bike.

While there are plenty of colorful walls and art displays to be found on the main streets of the River Arts District, many people are surprised to learn that there is an entire block of murals and street art, painted on the sides of several old warehouses- secluded, mostly abandoned, and hidden away like a brilliantly colorful ghost town.

This lurid alleyway is located on Old Lyman Street, behind Riverview Station, a multi-use building of art studios and community spaces. You’ll also find a hand-built skate park, created by local skateboard enthusiasts. Pay a visit to this bizarre and forgotten urban art space to spice up your after-work running route.

3. The Lost Society of Hazel Creek

Intrepid visitors to the  Great Smoky Mountain National Park can get a taste of the area’s deep-seated and somewhat sordid social history by traveling to a virtually deserted section of the park, known as The Lost Society of Hazel Creek. The area is home to the fascinating ruins of what was once the bustling mill town of Proctor, and its few small neighboring townships.

The communities were settled on the banks of Hazel Creek, which flows down from Thunderhead Mountain and Silers Bald in the southernmost corner of the park. At the beginning of the 20th century, Proctor was a booming valley town, complete with a post office, train depot, cafe, barber shop, and even a movie theater. Its heyday ended abruptly in 1928 when the logging mill shut down after depleting the resources in surrounding mountains, and residents began to drain from the town in search of livelihood.

What remains today is acres of creek-side wilderness, strewn with the crumbling remains of cabins and mill facilities. Only one structure still stands, the ghostly and condemned Calhoun House, built in the same year that the mill shut down. The ruins are accessible only by hiring a boat ride across Fontana Lake, or via a rugged, twelve-mile trek. A number of local outfitters can help arrange transportation.

Every year, a handful of backpackers and fly fishermen are drawn to this remote section of America’s most visited national park, either by the promise of seclusion, the historical ruins, or the trout that are found in abundance in Hazel Creek.

 4. The Road to Nowhere

Another history-steeped obscurity in the Smoky Mountain National Park is North Shore Drive and tunnel, best known as “The Road to Nowhere.” This short but scenic route offers a view of the Smoky Mountains, Little Tennessee River, and Fontana Lake as it heads Northwest out of Bryson City, North Carolina. But the road dead ends inside the park boundaries, evidence of a federal promise to local residents that was never fulfilled.

The creation of Fontana Lake and the Fontana Dam in the 1940s displaced homes, farms, and entire townships, including one of the main roads at the time, North Carolina Highway 288. The former residents of these now deserted communities demanded that a new route is built on the north side of the new lake, connecting them with their old homesteads and cemeteries. Construction began on a two-lane road, but because of environmental concerns and funding that quickly dissolved, it ground to a halt in 1972, after a mere 7.2 miles of road had been completed. After a few starts and stops in the years that followed, the project was permanently put to rest in 2010, and Swain County accepted 52 million dollars from the federal government as a settlement.

Today, a dark, looming, 600-foot tunnel marks the terminus of Long Shore Drive. Crumbling and colorful with graffiti, it makes for a fascinating ‘off the beaten path’ adventure. The road peters out just a few hundred meters after the tunnel, but it does offer access to one of Fontana’s beautiful finger lakes and a particularly secluded section of the park. Locals warn against passing through the tunnel at night, as it is haunted by the ghosts of those laid to rest in the old burial grounds within the park’s boundaries, still searching for their displaced relatives.

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Written by Melina Coogan for RootsRated.