The Perfect Asheville Beer Weekend: Itineraries & Planning Tips

Asheville has earned its reputation as one of America’s top craft beer destinations, with over 30 breweries dotting the mountain landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply enjoy quality brews in great settings, planning an Asheville beer weekend requires some insider knowledge. At Hillman Beer, we love sharing our beautiful city with visitors seeking authentic craft beer experiences. Let us help you craft the perfect beer-centric getaway with local insights you won’t find in typical travel guides.

Getting Around: Transportation Options for Beer Explorers

Navigating Asheville’s brewery scene safely should be your top priority. Here are your best options: Consider joining a guided tour to fully experience the local flavors without the worry of transportation. Many tours include stops at popular establishments, and some even offer unique tasting experiences. Be sure to check out the Asheville brewery tour highlights to discover must-visit spots in the area. For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, a selfguided brewery tour in Asheville is a fantastic option. You can curate your own itinerary, sampling from a diverse range of local breweries and discovering hidden gems along the way. Whether you opt for a guided experience or venture out solo, you’ll surely enjoy the vibrant craft beer culture that Asheville has to offer.

Walking Tours: Downtown Asheville features a walkable South Slope Brewing District where you’ll find multiple breweries within steps of each other. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle – staying hydrated between tastings is essential!

Dedicated Drivers: Services like Asheville Brewery Tours, BREW-ed, and Asheville Brews Cruise offer guided experiences with transportation included. Their knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into brewing processes and local beer history.

Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Asheville and provide convenient point-to-point transportation. Pre-schedule evening pickups during busy weekends when wait times may increase.

Public Transit: Asheville’s ART bus system connects many brewery neighborhoods, though service ends earlier than most breweries close. Plan accordingly if using this budget-friendly option.

Where to Stay: Accommodations for Beer Enthusiasts

Choose accommodations strategically based on which breweries you want to visit most:

Downtown/South Slope: Hotels like Aloft Asheville Downtown and The Foundry Hotel put you within walking distance of numerous breweries. These central locations command premium rates but save on transportation costs.

Biltmore Village Area: Stay near our Hillman Beer Asheville taproom and enjoy a more relaxed pace while remaining just minutes from downtown. The Biltmore Village Inn and sweeter Creek Cottages offer charming options in this area.

West Asheville: For a local neighborhood vibe with excellent breweries and restaurants, consider vacation rentals in West Asheville. This area offers more affordable accommodations while still providing access to unique brewing experiences.

Old Fort Option: If your itinerary includes visiting our larger Hillman Beer Old Fort location (just 30 minutes from Asheville), consider splitting your stay between both areas to experience the contrast between city and small-town brewing cultures.

Weekend Itinerary Options: Craft Your Perfect Beer Adventure

Classic Asheville Beer Tour (2-Day Itinerary)

Day 1: South Slope & Downtown
Morning: Start with brunch at a local favorite like Sunny Point Café
Afternoon: Visit Highland Brewing (Asheville’s original brewery), Burial Beer Co, and Green Man Brewery
Evening: Enjoy dinner and brews at Wicked Weed Brewing Pub, followed by unique sours at their Funkatorium

Day 2: Beyond Downtown
Morning: Head to Hillman Beer’s Asheville location for our award-winning ESB and pub-style lunch
Afternoon: Visit Sierra Nevada’s spectacular facility in Mills River
Evening: Return downtown for dinner and final tastings at Asheville Brewing Company

Local Favorites Tour (For Return Visitors)

Day 1: Hidden Gems
Morning: Coffee at PennyCup Coffee before heading to DSSOLVR for creative small-batch brews
Afternoon: Zillicoah Beer Company for lagers and riverside relaxation
Evening: Dinner at Hillman Beer Asheville, enjoying our locally-sourced pub fare alongside our GABF medal-winning beers

Day 2: Destination Breweries
Morning: Breakfast at Hole Doughnuts in West Asheville
Afternoon: Take a scenic drive to Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location, experiencing our creekside setting and expanded tap selection
Evening: Return to Asheville via the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at Pisgah Brewing for organic beers and often live music

Seasonal Considerations for Your Beer Weekend

Asheville’s beer scene transforms with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year:

Spring/Summer: Prime time for outdoor seating and creek-side enjoyment at both Hillman Beer locations. Many breweries release fruit-forward and session beers perfect for warmer weather.

Fall: Oktoberfest celebrations abound, including special events at Hillman Beer. Fall seasonals like our Oktoberfest and pumpkin ales appear throughout the city while colorful foliage provides a stunning backdrop.

Winter: The perfect season for barrel-aged stouts and warming winter ales. Breweries become cozy retreats with hearty food pairings and less-crowded tasting rooms.

Make Hillman Beer Part of Your Asheville Beer Adventure

No Asheville beer weekend would be complete without experiencing the authentic, family-owned atmosphere at Hillman Beer. Whether you visit our original Asheville location near historic Biltmore Village or make the scenic drive to our larger Old Fort taproom, you’ll enjoy award-winning beers in comfortable, community-focused settings.

Our pub-style food made with locally sourced ingredients makes Hillman Beer the perfect lunch or dinner stop during your brewery tour. And with our creekside seating at both locations, you’ll experience the natural beauty that makes brewing in Western North Carolina so special.

Ready to start planning your perfect Asheville beer weekend? Contact us with any questions about visiting Hillman Beer or exploring the local brewing scene. We can’t wait to welcome you!