Pet Friendly Road Trip Adventures: Nashville, Tennessee

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Ammo

My week long pet friendly road trip has taken me some amazing places thus far; Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park, The Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN, and today I’m going to share my adventures from Nashville, Tennessee!

Nashville was my main destination during this trip as I would be spending several days attending the BlogPaws Conference. In fact I spent so much time in Nashville that I decided to break it up into two posts today! So make sure you check back later today to read all about my adventures at BlogPaws.

Dog Friendly Nashville Tennessee with Ammo the Dachshund

One of the first things I did when I hit Nashville was to hit up the main strip on Broadway.

Live music can be seen and heard every day and night of the week in Nashville. It has become a hub for pop, rock, bluegrass, Americana, jazz, classical, contemporary Christian, blues, and soul music. It’s long been known as the “Songwriting Capital of the World” and songwriters from all over the world come to Music City to learn the art of songwriting.

Dog Friendly Nashville Tennessee with Ammo the Dachshund

Being that I was in Nashville, I had to break out a little country of my own with my plaid bandana – had I owned cowboy boots I would have totally rocked those too!

Jacks Bar-B-Que in Nashville Tennessee

Nashville is known for not only it’s country music, but it’s delicious food too. Of course I’m never one to pass up a good piece of meat, so I popped into Jack’s Bar-B-Que as I had read they had a pet friendly patio in the back.

Jacks Bar-B-Que in Nashville Tennessee

I didn’t realize you could access the patio from the back of the building, so I actually waited in line to get my BBQ inside with everyone else. No one seemed to care, and most people probably didn’t even notice I was there (I am short if you haven’t noticed).

Jacks Bar-B-Que in Nashville Tennessee - Pet Friendly

Jack’s did not disappoint, and Mom and Dad seemed to be loving it too.

Jacks Bar-B-Que in Nashville Tennessee - Pet Friendly

And in case you’re wondering, yes I did get to sample a bite or two!

After dinner it was time to wander down Broadway and checkout what goes on in Nashville in the evening….

As you can see I’m quite the expert in navigating a crowd.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Selfie with Street Performer

As you saw I just HAD TO stop and take a few selfies with the street performers. This guy even wanted his own picture with me.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Selfie with Elvis

And you really can’t visit Nashville without getting a selfie with Elvis! I told him that he may be the King of Rock, but I was most certainly the King of Groundhogs. (he didn’t argue with that one bit)

Dachshund in Hotel

After all that excitement I was happy to check into my hotel for a much needed rest. As you can see I brought all the comforts from home (as in my favorite toys).

My adventures in Nashville didn’t end there though, because I spent the next 3 days mixing and mingling at the BlogPaws conference while I was there. So make sure you check back a little later today when I share how I faired at my very first pet blogging conference…..complete with a red carpet event and everything!

P.S. Don’t forget, for you local Pennsylvanians, I’ll be at the Ryerss Family Fun Day this Saturday from 12 – 4pm with my friend Minnow the famous Painting Pony. Hope you’ll stop by and meet me! I’ll be performing some of my favorite tricks too!

Pet Friendly Road Trip Adventures: Great Smoky Mountains

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Ammo

My week long road trip recap continues on the blog this week! Last week I shared my adventures in Washington, D.C. and the Shenandoah National Park and then headed on to today’s adventures, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pet Friendly Road Trip // The Great Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park // Pet Friendly Travel // Ammo the Dachshund

The Great Smoky Mountains straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and the drive is beautiful with an amazing view of the Smokies.

Skyline Drive // The Smokies // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

The Blue Ridge Parkway made my drive that much better, and I couldn’t get enough wind in my face!

The Great Smoky Mountains // Dog Selfie // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course I couldn’t help but stop along a few overlooks to take some selfies. Who doesn’t love a good selfie?

Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

My first stop in the Smokies was the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where I shared a picnic lunch and met up with my Uncle Taylor, who lives in North Carolina, for the day.

Oconaluftee Trail // Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

After lunch I set out to hike the Oconaluftee Trail, one of the two pet friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Oconaluftee Trail // Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

This 1.5 mile trail (one way) is relatively flat and follows along Oconaluftee River. I probably would have enjoyed a bit more challenging hike, but unfortunately most of the more scenic trails in the park are off limits to dogs. But I’m always one to follow the rules, because they are there to keep everyone safe.

Oconaluftee Trail // Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

I still had a blast taking dips in the river to cool off and despite the fact that this trail isn’t as tucked into the wilderness as I typically like, I got quite a fill of wildlife….

Elk // The Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

….I met Elk for the first time!

Elk // The Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

Although to me they just looked like smaller than average ponies!

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

After I reached the end of the Oconaluftee trail I was surprised to find myself in the outskirts of a small town, Cherokee, N.C.

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

It was quite the contrast from my nature filled hiking trail, and I found myself suddenly immersed in a touristy town.

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

I had a blast exploring the town, stopping for ice cream, watching other tourists ride the mechanical bull, and I even met some larger than life farm animals! It was a fun little surprise at the end of my trail that I very much enjoyed.

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

Eventually it was time to hit the road again, and I headed off to my accommodations for the night in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

I’ll be back to share more about my road trip adventures the rest of this week, so stay tuned!

Any other pups out there hiked in the Smoky Mountains before? I wish I had had time to check out the other pet friendly trail in the park, the Gatlinburg Trail, but perhaps next time!

P.S. for anyone wondering where my super comfy car travel bed comes from – check out my post about Pet Safe Travel.

Pet Friendly Road Trip Adventures: Shenandoah National Park

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Ammo

If you’ve been following along with me on Facebook then you know I went on a super fun road trip last week to some amazing pet friendly locations. Yesterday I shared my first stop along the way, the National Mall, and today I’m going to share my next pit stop, the Shenandoah National Park!

Shenandoah National Park with Ammo the Dachshund

The Shenandoah National Park is over 200,000 acres of protected lands that is home to deer, birds, black bears and more!

Within minutes of pulling into the park I had already seen a newborn deer cross the road in front of us with it’s mom, and if that weren’t exciting enough, you’ll never guess what I spotted next!

Black Bear in Shenandoah National Park with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh yes, that’s right, I spotted a Black Bear! And not just one black bear, but I saw two….one of which had bear cubs with it (unfortunately my camera crew missed that shot!).

And in case you were wondering what I did when I spotted the bear….I just took it all in. No barking, not one peep, because I may have been safely in my car, but there was no way I was going to give that bear any excuse to eat me! I’m no dummy!

Dinner on Skyline Drive with Ammo the Dachshund

After all that black bear excitement I took a breather to eat my dinner overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains on Skyline drive. Best dinner ever!

Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

After I finished up dinner I checked into my pet friendly accommodations at the Skyland Resort for the night.

Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

My room for the night was pretty basic, but the views were so breathtaking.

Skyland Resort Restaurant // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

Within walking distance of my accommodations was a nice little restaurant that had a pet friendly patio for “to-go” orders. I was lucky enough to eat dinner and breakfast overlooking the blue ridge mountains.

Sunset over the Blueridge Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

As a bonus there was a nice little bluff that was perfect for watching the sunset from.

Pet Friendly Road Trip // Ammo the Dachshund

After a restful nights sleep it was time to pack up and head out on my next adventure. But before I could hit the road, there was one last thing to do.

Millers Head Trail // Shenandoah National Park // Ammo the Dachshund

Hiking in Shenandoah! The Shenandoah National Park has several trails that pets are not allowed on, so I made sure to hit up one that was, Millers Head.

It had a few nice overlooks of the mountains, and was a relatively shady trail, which was nice on such a hot day.

Pet Friendly Road Trip // Ammo the Dachshund

As I headed out from Shenandoah I enjoyed taking in the scenery along Skyline Drive which runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. It’s the only public road through the park, and honestly makes a road trip that much better with it’s views!

Skyline Drive // Shenandoah National Park // Pet Friendly

And of course I had to stop to take a few selfies along the way!

Pet Safe Travel // Ammo the Dachshund

The journey ahead to my next destination was long…

Pet Safe Travel // Ammo the Dachshund

…but thankfully my meals came to me!

Make sure you check in on Monday where I’ll share my next big adventure in the Smoky Mountains and visiting the town of Gatlinberg!

What do you think your dog would have done had it spotted a black bear like I did?

Friday Fetch: American Beagle Outfitters

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Ammo

Who would of thought that big name clothing line, American Eagle, would start catering to the dogs too! They may have joked about it on April Fools day with a fake website dedicated to selling clothing for your furry friend, but this time it’s no joke! That’s right, my mom spotted a line of dog apparel in our local American Eagle store just the other day, and it looks like you can shop them online too!

Friday Fetch: American Beagle Outfitters // Ammo the Dachshund

Come on, you know your dog needs a selfie hat! *wink* You can fetch these fun items and more from American Beagle Outfitters brought to you by American Eagle.

P.S. Looks like American Eagle has a special coupon out for 20% off your order with code GOODNEWS right now.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, nor do I own any of these products – just simply wanted to share my latest find!