Destinations Editor, Erin, has grown up trekking in the Smokies and continues the family tradition this summer with her boys and Poodle pup, Teddy. In the summer, the 161 stairs to climb are worth the view of Mingo Falls, a short but intense hike in Cherokee, NC. One of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, this spectacular cascade tumbles down a dramatic rock face into Mingo Creek below. Another hiking hotspot nearby is the Oconaluftee Trail, one of the only two dog-friendly trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stroll the 1.5-mile wilderness path to see wildlife like elk and deer alongside the river, where you and your dog can make a splash to beat the Appalachian heat. Erin and her kids love to go on a “bear hunt” drive around the Cades Cove Loop Road in Townsend, TN, before stopping for milkshakes and onion rings at Burger Master Drive-In. This classic drive-in, serving tourists and locals since 1967, has an item on the menu which Teddy loves–a scoop of ice cream topped with a dog treat!

Erin and Teddy are going to “ruff” it in style when they glamp in one of Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains’ luxury safari-style tents, which are outfitted with cozy beds and plush linens, private bathrooms, and camp stoves. Best of all, they’re pet-friendly.

Senior Content Editor Lauren and her four-legged crewmates, Murphy and Auggie, are taking a few spontaneous road trips this summer. They are well-practiced at road-tripping to National and State Parks across the country, and typically camp along the way or book a hotel on BringFido when the weather is poor. One of their favorite road trips in the past took them to White Sands National Park, where they slid down the dunes in New Mexico on waxed snow saucers purchased in the park’s gift shop.

Lauren and her pups always appreciate staying at pet-friendly campgrounds, like the Alamogordo White Sands KOA Journey. Nestled in the Tularosa Basin, this KOA is the perfect location to use as a base camp while exploring the beauty and attractions of southern New Mexico. There’s even a dog park on site where Fido can stretch his legs and meet other canine campers.

Samantha, BringFido’s longtime Office Manager, is planning a multi-generational family summer beach vacation with her Basador, Hank, to Ocean Isle Beach, NC. He loves playing fetch at the Dog Park at Ocean Isle Beach Park. When they're not reeling in their own seafood supper, Sam’s fam likes dining out on the seaside patio at Pelican's Perch, where Hank laps up water from his own bowl. They also plan to make their yearly pilgrimage to nearby Calabash to The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood for fried seafood platters and fellowship.

Stay on the sand with the whole fam and Fido when you book this oceanfront cottage, which sleeps 11, where Grandma and Grandpa can watch from the rocking chairs while the rest of the clan frolics on the beach.

Lead Category Manager Jessica and her pups, Abbey and Xavier, are frequent visitors to Savannah. They always look forward to summer vacations in this historic town, one of the most dog-friendly cities in the South. Although they vary activities each year, the trip typically includes stops at Service Brewing Company, which allows dogs inside, iconic Forsyth Park for photos and a walk, and breakfast at J. Christopher’s for a treat off the dog menu. One of the most memorable adventures for the pups and humans is Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure on nearby Tybee Island. Jessica and her canine crew are looking forward to another sunset tour this summer!

Jessica’s family loves staying at the historic Foley House Inn. Four-legged guests at the inn enjoy Southern hospitality with treats and bottled water at check-in. They’re also welcome to join their owners for the included full breakfast in the courtyard, complimentary afternoon tea, and evening gatherings for wine and cheese.

Project Manager Pam plans to take her Frenchie, Boulton, on weekend day trips around their home state of Idaho. In Boise, Boulton is looking forward to adventures in his bike cart on the greenbelt, which follows the Boise River. During their journey, they’ll hit up some of their favorite summer spots with pet-friendly patios right off the path. They plan to stop at Telaya Wine Co. for wine and live music, and at Push & Pour to grab a coffee and watch the surfers at Whitewater Park. They’ll also head an hour north of Boise to Horseshoe Bend, where they plan to enjoy the outdoor patio and live music at Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant along the Payette River, and then to Garden Valley for soft pretzels, beer and German fare in the beer garden with mountain views at Tante Emma.

Pam and Boulton won’t have to travel far, but a night at Twin Pines Retreat, located between Horseshoe Bend and Garden Valley, will make for the “pawfect” quick getaway.

Canine Concierge Kathy and her rescue beagle, Maple, and tabby cat, Jasper, will escape the desert heat in their home city of Las Vegas and head north to Canada this summer. Together, they’ll embark upon a 20+ hour road trip, making stops along the way in Utah, Idaho and Montana, before crossing the border into Alberta. Maple and Jasper are excited to stay with their grandparents in Calgary, and are looking forward to weekend getaways to explore. They’ll spend time visiting family ranches south of Calgary and in the Foothills mountains, and also at their family cabin at Sylvan Lake, where Maple hopes to meet (from a distance) porcupines, skunks, deer, beavers and fish galore! While Jasper will likely stay behind to rest, Kathy and Maple plan to hike, canoe and swim while exploring. They’ll also make day trips to exciting areas like Cochrane, Canmore, Banff, Kananaskis country, Bragg Creek, and Jasper.

While Kathy, Maple and Jasper get to stay with family, Calgary is home to many pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals for those wanting to escape to a cooler summer destination.

Category Manager Kayla and her sidekick, Smokey, are planning to take a few day trips around Pennsylvania throughout the summer. Topping their list of exciting places are Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, where pups are welcome on Sundays and Mondays for Dog Days, and Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, where Smokey can ride the train, antique cars, motor boats and carousel. They’ll also venture to a few drive-in movie theaters like Shankweiler Drive-In and Becky's Drive-In to catch the summer’s biggest Blockbusters.

There are many vacation rentals near Norristown, and Knoebels Campground welcomes pups to stay within walking distance of the pet-friendly amusement park.

Lead Category Manager Shonda is heading to St. Simons Island, GA, this summer with her four-legged co-pilots, Lucy and Barnaby, for a laid-back Golden Isles getaway. First, they’ll cruise around in a pet-friendly rental from High Tide Golf Carts, for a breezy island tour. Then, they’ll leash up for a stroll through Fort Frederica National Monument, where pups are welcome to explore the historic grounds outside the visitor center while learning about the 1736 British fort. For even more tail-wagging fun, Shonda and her dogs can hop aboard a pet-friendly outing with Anchor Excursions to sniff out scenic waterways, wildlife and local history. With golf cart rides, coastal views and plenty of pup-approved exploring, this summer trip is sure to be one for the bark books.

The Inn by Sea Island offers a relaxing place to rest weary paws after a day on St. Simons Island’s beautiful beaches, located within walking distance.