Experience the ultimate Asheville adventure with our complete guide to combining French Broad River tubing with a visit to Hillman Beer. Discover local tips, timing suggestions, and everything needed for a perfect day of floating and craft beer.
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Tubing and Tasting: How to Plan the Perfect Lazy River and Hillman Beer Day

There’s something magical about floating down a lazy river on a sunny Asheville afternoon, knowing a cold, craft beer awaits at journey’s end. If you’re looking to combine two of Western North Carolina’s favorite pastimes—river tubing and quality brewing—we’ve created the perfect itinerary that pairs a refreshing float down the French Broad River with a visit to our family-owned Hillman Beer. This guide walks you through timing, logistics, and insider tips to create an unforgettable day of Asheville adventure.

Morning Preparations: Getting Ready for River Time

Start your day by gathering essential supplies for your tubing adventure. You’ll want sunscreen, secure water shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof bag for your phone and car keys. Most tubing outfitters provide the tubes, but you’ll want to arrive prepared for several hours on the water.

For the most convenient experience, we recommend using one of the established tubing companies along the French Broad River. Zen Tubing and French Broad Outfitters are popular choices, with locations that make for easy transitions to Hillman Beer afterward. Most outfitters open around 10:00 AM, making this the perfect morning activity.

Timing Your River Adventure

The French Broad float typically takes between 2-3 hours depending on water levels and which section you choose. For the perfect beer-after-tubing experience, we suggest starting your river journey between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM. This timeline allows you to work up a thirst on the river and arrive at Hillman Beer right around our lunch hour when you can pair our award-winning brews with delicious, locally-sourced food.

When planning, remember that summer weekends are peak times for both activities. If possible, aim for a weekday adventure when both the river and our brewery are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

The Perfect Float-to-Brewery Route

The most convenient tubing route for a Hillman Beer finish is the section of the French Broad River that flows near Biltmore Village. Zen Tubing’s south location is particularly well-positioned, as it’s just a short drive from our Asheville brewery at 25 Sweeten Creek Road.

After your tubing company shuttles you back to your starting point to retrieve your car, you’ll be just a few minutes’ drive from our taproom. The proximity means you can transition quickly from river relaxation to brewery enjoyment without losing that vacation vibe.

Transportation Considerations

Since you’ll be enjoying some of our craft beers after your river adventure, planning your transportation is essential. Consider designating a driver, arranging for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or looking into Asheville’s public transportation options. Safety first ensures your day remains carefree from start to finish.

Post-Float Refreshment at Hillman Beer

After hours on the water, you’ll have earned a proper brewery experience. Our Asheville location opens at 11:00 AM daily, with the kitchen serving until 9:00 PM. Arriving mid-afternoon after your tubing adventure puts you in the sweet spot for both food and beer service without the evening rush.

Once you arrive, we recommend starting with our ESB (Extra Special Bitter)—a gold medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival—or the Four Fat Baby Brown Ale, another award-winning option that pairs beautifully with our food menu. Both beers offer refreshing satisfaction after a day in the sun without overwhelming your sun-soaked senses.

Refueling With Local Fare

River adventures build serious appetites, and our kitchen delivers with house-made pub fare using locally sourced ingredients. The grass-fed patty melt and beer-battered fish and chips are particular favorites among our post-tubing guests. These hearty options help replace the energy spent on the river while complementing our traditional beer styles.

Our family-friendly atmosphere welcomes tubers of all ages, with non-alcoholic options available for those who prefer to skip the beer or for younger adventurers in your group.

Making the Most of Your Visit

To fully enjoy the tubing-to-taproom experience, consider these final tips:

Bring a change of clothes to stash in your car—while our brewery welcomes the casual river crowd, you might appreciate dry clothes after your float. We offer a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere where river-worn visitors fit right in, but personal comfort goes a long way in enhancing your experience.

Don’t rush either portion of your day. The beauty of this pairing lies in the leisurely nature of both activities. Our community-focused space is designed for conversation and gathering, making it the perfect complement to a day spent drifting down the river.

Ready for Your Perfect Asheville Adventure?

The combination of lazy river floating and craft beer enjoyment captures the essence of what makes Asheville special—natural beauty and artisanal craftsmanship coming together in perfect harmony. We look forward to being the refreshing finale to your river adventure, where our emphasis on quality, service, comfort, and community will make your day complete.

Next time the summer sun calls you to adventure, remember that the perfect day in Asheville might just be a tube, a river, and a pint at Hillman Beer waiting at journey’s end.