There are many things we love about Johnson City, but one that often goes unnoticed is just how pet-friendly our city is! When you’re planning on traveling with your pup, we know it can be hard to know where to go and what to do to make sure your pup enjoys their stay as well. We welcome visitors of all kinds – even those four-legged travelers – so we found the best pet-friendly places in the area, and the best things to do with your dog while visiting.
Places to Drink
Yee-Haw Brewing Co. – Another local favorite for some great Tennessee-brewed beer, Yee
Haw Brewing Company has a large patio with plenty of tables and chairs, and welcomes your
furry friend, too! If you get hungry, the building is attached to White Duck Taco – a delicious taco
joint with a number of unique menu items. Plus, you may let your pup steal a bite!
- Tip: Make sure you enter from the patio side with your dog – the White Duck Taco
restaurant interior is not pet-friendly.
- Tip: The brewery has bowls for the dogs and a water station at the end of the bar inside
where you are able to fill up water for your dog!
Atlantic Ale House – Offering a rotating tap of craft brews and an expansive back gravel patio –
Atlantic Ale House in Downtown Johnson City is a go-to spot for local pet owners. The location
also sits right along King Commons park which also has a walking path to stroll around with
your pup should you want a break from the crowd (it’s a pretty pup-ular spot!).
Places to Play
Founders Park – As you enter Downtown Johnson City, you won’t miss the large manicured
green space that is Founders Park. On any given day, you’re sure to see dogs of all shapes and
sizes soaking up the sun with their owners! This is a great location for walking around with your
pup, or meeting the locals!
- Tip: On a hot day, pups are welcome to enjoy the man-made stream that flows through
the park. If you’re just passing through, make sure to bring a towel to dry them off after
the fun!
Tweetsie Trail – Another great spot for not only pets, but any outdoor enthusiast, Tweetsie Trail
is a beautiful way to enjoy a nice long walk, run or bike! This newly completed 9.5-mile trail
features a compacted stone surface that is easy for both you and Fido.
Willow Springs Park – Just a couple miles of Downtown Johnson City, you’ll find the perfect
location to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain views with your pup! The park has a huge amount of
green space, plus a walking trail and playground for all sorts of fun.
- Tip: If you plan to move to Johnson City, or are a current resident, the Johnson City Dog
Park is located within Willow Springs Park and is a great place to meet other dog owners
and exercise your pup! It is private, so you will need to visit the website to join.
* Bonus! Watauga Lake – About an hour outside Johnson City towards the North Carolina
border, Watauga Lake is truly a sight you must see. Completely surrounded by the Blue Ridge
Mountains on every side, the lake is a major attraction and is a perfect way to experience the
great outdoors in the area. The marina offers pontoon and speed boat rentals for around $250
for an 8 hour day, so it’s a pricier activity (but soooo worth it!). And, here’s the kicker: Your dogs
can join you! Spend a day soaking up the gorgeous mountain views alongside your favorite best
mate.
Places to Eat
Go Burrito – A new addition to Downtown Johnson City, Go Burrito has a great covered patio
where you can snack on some amazing burritos, plus a ton of tropical drink offerings from the
Go Burrito Rum Bar. There’s even a glass window that often opens so people can order directly
from the patio!
Holy Taco Cantina – If you want to enjoy some of the best Mexican food in Johnson City, Holy
Taco is your spot. Nestled in the center of Downtown, Holy Taco Cantina has a back patio
perfectly suited for a dinner date or quick bite for lunch.
Mona Lisa Café and Gelato – A few miles from Downtown Johnson City, this hole-in-the-wall
spot is a great place for a quick lunch. Mona Lisa Café and Gelato has some of your
quintessential lunch favorites like soup, sandwiches and salad – plus nice patio area where pups
are welcome to join you! And we’ve heard their gelato is too doggone delicious!
Places to Stay
Hotels – Best Western Johnson City – If you’d prefer a hotel stay, Best Western Johnson City is
only a few miles from Johnson City center and is an easygoing place to lodge with your dog.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and close to restaurants and shopping! The Carnegie Hotel is also a
beautiful local hotel right down the street from all the Downtown fun, and they welcome dogs!
Places to Shop
PetSmart – Forget anything important for your trip, or need some essentials? PetSmart is
located at Johnson City Crossing shopping center and has everything from dog food to leashes
and harnesses!
Natural Pet Store – Just down the strip from PetSmart, Johnson City has a Natural Pet Store
with holistic treatments, gifts and treats for your pups (and other animals). It’s worth a stop to
check out some of their unique offerings – You can even get homemade, natural birthday bones
for your dog!
Whether you’re just passing through or you plan to move here, Johnson City is a great place to
enjoy with your best friend! In addition to this list, there are also a few closeby National Parks,
tons of hiking trails and more to experience with your pup. Make sure to browse our website for
other ways to explore Johnson City, and if you bring your pet – make sure to tag us on social
media @VisitJohnsonCity so we can share!