Mountain views, waterfalls, wine & wonderful food — a celebration she'll remember
Everything you need for a birthday weekend at Hanging Rock State Park — accommodations that welcome your dog, mountain hikes, sushi, Mexican, gin & tonics, plant nurseries, wineries, and live music. All recommendations are within 20–30 minutes of the park (Danbury, Pilot Mountain, King, Mount Airy).
All listings confirmed pet-friendly & available March 20–22. Prices include all fees. Links go directly to each listing.
$485 for 2 nights (all fees included) · 5.0 stars (40 reviews) · Guest Favorite, Top 5% of homes. Free cancellation before March 15. Pets welcome. Full kitchen, ready for meals at home. Right in downtown Danbury — walking distance to shops. Big enough for your whole family plus dog.
Sleeps 85.0 StarsDanburyTop 5%$376 for 2 nights (all fees included) · 4.97 stars (260 reviews) · Guest Favorite. Free cancellation before March 19. A truly exceptional property — 260 reviews and still nearly perfect. Private country setting with beautiful grounds.
4.97 Stars260 ReviewsDanburySleeps 6$395 for 2 nights (all fees included) · 4.92 stars (60 reviews) · Guest Favorite. Free cancellation before March 15. Cozy cabin right near the park. Only 2 bedrooms — could be tight for a family of 4, but the location and charm might make it worth it.
Closest to Park4.92 StarsSleeps 4$331 for 2 nights (all fees included) · 5.0 stars (33 reviews). Beautiful red-roofed log cabin. Free cancellation. The lowest price option that still has top reviews. Stokesdale is ~25 min from the park.
Best Price5.0 StarsLog CabinSleeps 4$361 for 2 nights (all fees included) · 4.97 stars (31 reviews). Near both Hanging Rock and the Dan River. Cozy and charming, though only 1 bedroom — better for a couple's getaway or if the girls don't mind a pull-out.
Near Dan River4.97 Stars1 BedroomCheck listing for pricing · 4.63 stars. Sits above the Dan River with views of the Sauratown Mountains. A/C, fire pit, porch, parking, full kitchen. 10 private acres — plenty of room for your dog to roam.
Mountain Views10 AcresFire PitSleeps 6$232/night · 10/10 rating (227 reviews!) · Loved by Guests, Top 10%. Renovated 2020 farmhouse in the foothills of Stokes County with mountain views. Pets allowed (dogs <50 lbs, max 3). Fireplace, kitchen, deck/patio, garden. Sister property next door if you need more room. Check-in after 2 PM, checkout 10 AM.
10/10 Rating4 Min from ParkMountain ViewsPets OKAll within 15–25 min of Hanging Rock. Call to confirm pet policies and pool status for March.
~$132/night · 4.5 stars (1,371 reviews). Pet-friendly, eco-certified. Free hot breakfast. Pool. Hilton Honors points. A reliable, well-reviewed option in the heart of Mount Airy — walking distance to Main Street and Mayberry attractions.
Free BreakfastPoolPet-FriendlyHilton Honors~$68–77/night · 4.1 stars (1,600+ reviews). Pet-friendly. Pool, hot tub. The budget-friendly option — great reviews for being very accommodating with dogs. Choice Hotels Rewards program.
Best Budget HotelPool + Hot TubPet-Friendly~$127–131/night · 4.4 stars (674 reviews). Pet-friendly. Free breakfast. Pool. IHG Rewards. A solid mid-range pick with reliable amenities.
Free BreakfastPoolPet-FriendlyIHG RewardsBudget pricing. Up to 3 pets per room (up to 100 lbs each!), $25/pet/night (max $75/stay). Closest hotel to the park. No frills, but great pet policy for a medium-sized dog and very easy access to both Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain.
Closest to ParkGreat Pet PolicyBudget20+ miles of trails, all dog-friendly (leashed). No park entry fee. Official trail guide →
Climbs to the iconic Hanging Rock overlook with panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views. This is the birthday photo spot. Keep the dog on a short leash near the summit — the rocks are exposed. Best done in the morning before it gets busy.
Best ViewsDogs on LeashRocky SummitTwo stunning waterfalls — Hidden Falls first, then Window Falls (seen through a rock window). Wide trails with great shelters at the trailhead. Kid- and dog-friendly. A beautiful sendoff hike for Sunday morning.
WaterfallsFamily-FriendlyDogs OKShort, mostly flat gravel walk to a pretty waterfall. Perfect warm-up or cool-down hike. Dogs handle it easily. Great for a quick stop when arriving Friday afternoon.
EasyWaterfallDog-FriendlyStone observation tower at the summit with 360° views. On clear days you can see Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain. The toughest hike in the park — best for you and the older daughters if you want a real challenge.
Strenuous360° ViewsObservation TowerGentle loop along the Dan River past a "matrimony point" rock formation. Dirt/sand surface. Perfect low-key walk with the dog — no sweat required.
EasyRiversideDog-FriendlyAll within 20–30 min of Hanging Rock. Focused on Danbury, Pilot Mountain, King, and Mount Airy.
Full bar with a wide variety of sushi rolls and poke bowls. 4.5 stars on Google. The best sushi option closest to the park — make this the birthday dinner spot.
Best Sushi Near ParkPoke BowlsFull BarSushi and hibachi. 4.2 stars (498 reviews). A solid backup sushi option with a fun hibachi experience that the girls might enjoy.
Sushi + Hibachi498 ReviewsFresh sushi with friendly staff. 4.3 stars (218 reviews). Dine-in, pickup, and delivery available.
Sushi + GrillDelivery Available4.8 stars (249 reviews). Highly-rated authentic Mexican with fun decor. Only 15 minutes from the park — the closest great Mexican restaurant. Birthday margaritas here.
4.8 StarsClosest MexicanGreat MargaritasFamily-owned. Famous for handcrafted Patron Jalapeño margaritas. Monday: house margs on the rocks. Fri–Sun: $19.99 pitcher margaritas. Open Mon–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat to 10:30pm, Sun to 9:30pm.
Patron Jalapeño MargsPitcher SpecialsFamily-Owned4.5 stars (715 reviews). New American / farm-to-table. Excellent salads and lighter fare. Dog-friendly patio. A great upscale birthday lunch option.
Farm-to-TableDog-Friendly PatioGreat Salads4.4 stars (700 reviews). Famous for fresh vegetables and salads — reviewers say the greens are outstanding. Delicious lighter options that aren't red-meat-heavy.
Amazing Salads/Greens700 ReviewsSandwiches, salads, seafood. Open from 8am for breakfast too. In Pilot Mountain, so very close to the park. A versatile menu that works for everyone in the family.
Pilot MountainBreakfast TooSeafood5.0 stars (30 reviews). Specialty sandwiches with high-quality ingredients. The perfect quick post-hike lunch stop in Pilot Mountain.
5.0 StarsPilot MountainQuick LunchThe go-to spot after a hike. Grilled sandwiches, homemade soup, fresh brownies. Closest food to the park trailheads.
Closest to ParkPost-Hike LunchLocal favorite for food and drinks near the park. Call ahead for hours — rural Stokes County tends to close early.
Local FavoriteNear Park4.7 stars (378 reviews). Craft brewery with hearth-fired pizza, pub grub, and vegan options. Live music on weekends. Trendy atmosphere the girls would enjoy.
Craft Beer + PizzaLive MusicVegan OptionsLocal brewery near the park. Relaxed atmosphere, great for a post-hike beer.
Near ParkCraft BeerHanging Rock sits in the heart of NC's Yadkin Valley — over 40 wineries within 30 min. Here are the best, with confirmed dog policies. Your wife likes white wine — the Yadkin Valley is known for excellent Rieslings, Chardonnays, and blended whites.
Leashed dogs welcome anywhere on the property, including the patio with long-range mountain and vineyard views. They even have a small fenced off-leash area for pups to stretch. Beautiful mountain setting. Hours vary seasonally — call ahead.
Dogs Welcome EverywhereMountain ViewsOff-Leash AreaBoutique winery on 9 acres with a spacious tasting room in a converted farmhouse. Dogs welcome both inside the tasting room and outside on the patio. Intimate, charming experience.
Dogs Inside + OutsideBoutiqueConverted FarmhouseWarm tasting room with wood accents plus an outside tasting area with multiple fire pits. Estate wines from Petit Manseng, Traminette, Merlot, and Tannat grapes. Dogs welcome inside and outside.
Dogs Inside + OutsideFire PitsEstate WinesPet-friendly with an expansive outdoor area and mountain views. Open Mon 1–5pm, Thu–Fri 12–5pm, Sat 12–6pm, Sun 12–5pm. Delicious selection of wines in a scenic setting.
Pet-FriendlyMountain ViewsOutdoor AreaNC's largest family-owned estate winery. Award-winning Rieslings and whites. Gorgeous manicured grounds, on-site restaurant (Harvest Grill). Call ahead about current dog policy — some recent reviewers report a policy change. If dogs are welcome, this is one of the best wineries in the valley.
Call About Dog PolicyAward-Winning WhitesRestaurant On-SiteVeteran-owned, family-operated. Absolutely stunning property with excellent wines and an on-site restaurant (book on OpenTable). Note: 21+ only, no pets allowed. Could be a special date-night experience if someone watches the dog and the girls do their own thing.
No Pets / 21+ OnlyOpenTable ReservationsDate Night OptionMid-March = spring inventory arriving. Perfect timing for plant lovers.
4.8 stars (144 reviews). The standout option. One of the largest selections of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and herbs in the Piedmont Triad. Family-owned for 43+ years. Delivery service available. Professional landscaping consultations and educational workshops. Opens 8 AM.
Huge Selection4.8 StarsFamily-Owned Since 19795.0 stars (28 reviews). Beautiful, affordable plants. Opens 8:30 AM. Could pair with a nearby winery visit in Dobson.
5.0 StarsAffordableNear Dobson Wineries5.0 stars. Specializes in native, hardy plants and well-grown specimens. A more niche option for native plant enthusiasts.
Native PlantsHardy SpecimensMount Airy has deep roots in old-time and bluegrass music. Check closer to March for updated calendars.
The local arts council hosts regular live music events. They've had Tommy Jarrell Birthday Celebrations, Andy Biningo comedy shows, and more. Check their website closer to March 2026 for the full schedule during your weekend.
Check March ScheduleLive MusicBeautifully restored 1937 art deco theater hosting live music, touring concerts, and the Saturday morning Merry-Go-Round bluegrass radio broadcast. If you're in Mount Airy on Saturday the 21st, the radio show is a cool, free experience. Also shows movies.
Sat Morning BluegrassHistoric VenueMovies TooLive music most weekends alongside craft beer and pizza. A fun, casual Saturday night option that's walking distance from Main Street Mount Airy.
Weekend Live MusicCraft BeerTake a Mayberry Squad Car Tour in a vintage Ford, visit the Andy Griffith Museum, grab a pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch, stroll past Floyd's Barber Shop and Opie's Candy Store. Fun for the whole family — even the teens will get a kick out of it. The Andy & Opie bronze statue is a great photo op.
Must-DoFamily FunUniqueThe unmistakable rocky peak ("Mount Pilot" from Andy Griffith) rises 2,000+ ft above the countryside. Hiking trails, picnic areas, rock climbing. A great second-day hiking option with a completely different landscape.
HikingIconic Views~20 Min AwayZipline through the trees near Hanging Rock. Fun for the older daughters. Check age/weight requirements and March availability.
AdventureTeens