Hiking For the Love of Animals

May 1, 2021

A Dog’s Blog: Hiking for the love of animals

Hi y’all, Oreo the Shih Tzu here.

My pawrents and my little brother, Ozzy, love helping a good cause, especially one that involves animals. Unfortunately the Asheville Humane Society won’t be having their annual fundraiser so the opportunity to win a free stay at The Lion and the Rose is postponed for now.

In the meantime, my pawrents have been baking homemade dog biscuits. They enjoy visiting with the shelter dogs and donating the biscuits to the Asheville Humane Society. I must say I am jealous that they don’t let me and Ozzy have all of them. But we are happy to know that other dogs get to enjoy them while they are waiting to find their furever home. Those biscuits are so yummy and they are made with the spent grains from the beer our Dad brews for our guests.

These homemade biscuits will be included on our Bed and Biscuit dog weeks. Be sure to keep that in mind if you want to bring your pupper along  while staying at our inn. My pawrents are also thinking of selling these gourmet treats. Keep an eye for more details on that later this year. Didn’t mean to get off on a tangent but I can’t help it when treats are involved.  Food is a big motivator for me.

What I really want to talk about today is hiking to support two great non-profit organizations.

My Mom found the Tails and Trails event on the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website. She signed us up to participate. Ozzy and I were excited and couldn’t wait to see where we would be going. And of course, we were happy to help such a great cause. The registration fee proceeds support Conserving Carolina and the programs of Blue Ridge Humane Society that provide new homes for pets in need, support services for local pets and their owners, and more! Sometimes being an inn dog is a ruff job but someone needs to do it.

What a fun day exploring trails and helping two wonderful local organizations, Conserving Carolina and the Blue Ridge Humane Society. There were three hiking options to choose from for this event. We have hiked Bearwallow Mountain a few times and as much as we love that trail, we decided to try a new one. The Oklawaha Greenway was our choice. It is approximately 3.25 miles of Greenway,  a paved pathway through vital wetland areas with little elevation changes. Conserving Carolina is a founding member of the Friends of Oklawaha Greenway, an organization that stewards the existing greenway path as well as advocates for extending its length with new greenway segments and connector routes.

We hiked most of the Greenway and finished at Pet’s Own Place Dog Park, an off-leash area for sociable dogs to romp and play, which is adjacent to the Greenway. What a pawfect day! We had a nice walk on the Greenway, Ozzy and I took a few dips in the creek and then we both got to make some new furry friends at the dog park.

We all can’t wait until next April to participate again!

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By odysys_admin December 15, 2025
Biltmore Estate There is never a bad time to visit the iconic Biltmore Estate but winter brings a yuletide oasis. Now through January 4, 2026, you can experience the beauty of thousands of lights, over 100 Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and sparkling garland. The winter season of January through March also brings lower prices and less crowds. Explore Beer City USA The local craft brewing scene has exploded and Asheville has been voted Beer City USA four years in a row, Asheville takes extreme pride in being home to over 20 local craft brewers. Whether you take a Brews cruise or a DIY tour on the Asheville Ale Trail, a brewery hopping exploration is the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a cold, winter weekend. Foodie Experiences Find out why Asheville ranks first in the South Atlantic region in the RewardExpert’s Best American Foodie Towns . With hundreds of restaurants and farm fresh eateries, you will not be disappointed by the choices of restaurants. Take a guided eating tour with a professional foodie to sample and taste some of Asheville’s best restaurants. Asheville Restaurant Weeks (January 20-26, 2026 and February 17-23, 2026) Try some new restaurants or revisit favorites. Get the lowest prices of the year, with a prix fix menu at $15-$35/person. With dozens of choices, there’s something for all appetites! Asheville has been touted by many as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in America. Hiking Less crowds means quieter hikes. It is a great time to hit the trails! Discover peace and solitude with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a cool, clear day. Dupont State Forest offers several hikes from easy to difficult. It is famous for being one of “The Hunger Games” film locations. Chimney Rock offers breathtaking views of the gorge after climbing up the chimney. Pisgah National Forest offers the opportunity of seeing a frozen waterfall at Daniel Ridge Falls. Sharpen your photography skills Choose a half-day or full-day photo tours with our friends, Chris & Bonnie at Asheville Photo Tours. Explore some of the most photogenic but lesser-known locations in the Blue Ridge and Asheville areas. Take an art class Tap into your creative side with some of the talented, local artists. Day and weekend workshops include oil painting, acrylics, watercolor, inks, bookbinding, and pottery. Live music Asheville has been called “One of America’s Greatest Music Cities”. There is a vibrant music scene with live music of all genres from bluegrass to rock. Experience some of the very best in live music and find out why The Orange Peel has been called the country’s premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue. The Orange Peel offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment rarely found in a club of its size. Other fun venues include The Grey Eagle and Asheville Music Hall. Pamper yourself There is nothing quite like a luxurious foot soak in a hand-hammered copper bowl. Enjoy a fragrant, rejuvenating, and moisturizing sole to soul experience at Wake Foot Sanctuary. A signature massage can be added on for an extra splurge. Indulge in a romantic getaway Snuggle up with your loved one next to one of our cozy fireplaces with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine at The Lion and the Rose
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By odysys_admin October 30, 2025
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