Fun Fact
Asheville has more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the United States.
What is Asheville known for?
Asheville is known for the the Blue Ridge Parkway and America's largest home, George Vanderbilt's Baltimore Estate. However, if you ask us, Asheville is known for craft beer. Asheville has 26 craft breweries within the city (and counting!) with several larger craft breweries setting up satellite locations in Asheville. These breweries include Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, and Oskar Blues.
So why are so many breweries popping up in Asheville? Not only for the growing population, southern hospitality, and proximity to the great outdoors, but for the natural water source these breweries can tap into. Thanks to the protected water shed right outside of town in the Smoky Mountains, small breweries do not need to pay the high cost of purifying water to the optimal level for creating craft beer. This has attracted microbreweries and macro-breweries alike.
Also Read: Smoky Mountain National Park Complete Guide
1. Start your day at Biscuit Head
As they advertise, "put some south in your mount" with a Biscuit Head sandwich! These sandwiches are huge and delicious, loaded up with meats, cheeses, gravies, jellies, and sides. If you are looking for a delicious local brunch place, be sure to stop here and try the Filthy Animal or Biscuit donuts.
Tip: We recommend getting here at 8am to avoid the crowds and allow time for a full day of activities in Asheville.
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2. Head to the Blue Ridge Parkway for epic views and a morning hike
Several mild hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are the Craggy Gardens Trail (1.9 miles; 574 feet elevation; out & back) and the Craggy Pinnacle Hike (1 mile; 242 feet elevation; out & back). Both are roughly 40 minutes from Biscuit Head in Asheville with half of the time driving being on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering spectacular views and overlooks.
For a more moderate hike, you may consider the Rattlesnake Lodge Trail (3.7 miles; 882 feel elevation gain; loop), which is only a 26 minute drive from Biscuit Head. Whether you choose to hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway or simply stop to admire nature at the breathtaking overlooks, be sure to add a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to your Asheville itinerary.
J&L Top Choice: Rattlesnake Lodge Trail
3. Refuel after a morning of hiking at White Duck Taco
Almost every local we came across on our journey through the Smoky Mountains recommended White Duck Taco. This was the first place we stopped for food once we arrived and we have to say, it did not disappoint! From their funky décor to their exotic tacos, it is evident how this became such a crowd favorite.
J&L Favorites: Jerk Chicken, Spicy Buffalo Chicken, Korean Beef Bulgogi, and the Duck w/Mole.
4. Grab a Fat Tire at New Belgium Brewing Company
Recommended Brew: Fat Tire (American Amber Red Ale- 5.2% ABV)
Fat Tire is an easy-drinking amber that is a crowd favorite. You may recognize this brewery giant, originally based out of Colorado. They have a nice patio that overlooks the river and a big lawn to stretch out on.
Tip: Check out and sign up for a brewery tour to learn more about their beers and history (its free!).
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5. Explore local art at the Woolworth Walk
When walking around Asheville, it is evident that this is a very artsy city, proud and inspired by their local artists. The Woolworth Walk is free to walk around to view the work of 175 local artists. We love walking into museums such as these as a way to appreciate local culture, however, we have never bought a piece of art throughout our travels. That changed at Woolworth Walk. The art here is diverse enough to appeal to all audiences and at a reasonable price. We couldn't help but walk out with a beautiful piece of artwork from a local Asheville artist.
6. Admire a unique form of artwork at Lexington Glass Company
Have you ever seen a live blown-glass demonstration? Head over to Lexington Glass Company and you will be able to see a free demonstration on how these talented artists are able to make beautiful glass art. We found this to be an complex and awe-inspiring process requiring a true talent to mix colors and shape designs.
Tip: Their completed works on display throughout the shop are available for purchase and for your viewing pleasure.
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7. Grab dinner and a brewery tour at Wicked Weed Brewing
Recommended Brew: Pernicious (American IPA- 7.3% ABV)
Wicked Weed Brewing quickly expanded to a macrobrewry with four locations (3 taprooms and a fine dining restaurant) . If you love sour beers Wicked Weed has the south's first sour beer-dedicated taproom called the Funkatorium. Their flagship IPA Pernicious has plenty of hops to satisfy all with its juicy, tropical West Coast flavor.
Tip: When at the restaurant, ask to do a brewery tour. Not only will you get a free brewery tour, souvenir glass, and beverage, but you will also be able to skip the line and get seated right after the tour ends! This will save you a lot of time on your Asheville brew tour as it is usually a 1-2 hour wait to be seated at Wicked Weed.
8. Continue your brew tour and end your day at Green Man Brewery
Recommended Brew: Tart Berry (Berliner Weisse Sour- 4.2%)
Downtown Asheville's oldest brewery and tasting room that developed the first sour program in the area. This brewery veteran started in 1997 and has been pioneering the way since the beginning. Tart Berry is a fruity and satisfying delight to the taste buds. Make sure to stop by!
Also Read: Best Craft Breweries of Michigan
Happy Adventuring!
J&L
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