Discover how Hillman Beer’s dog-friendly approach creates a more welcoming atmosphere where pets and people can connect over great craft brews in Western North Carolina.
_______________________________

Pets & Pints: Why Dog-Friendly Breweries Create Better Communities

There’s something special about enjoying a well-crafted beer with your four-legged friend by your side. At Hillman Beer, we’ve seen firsthand how our dog-friendly policy transforms our taprooms into more than just places to drink—they become genuine community hubs where connections flourish. Both our Asheville and Old Fort locations welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs because we believe pets bring people together in ways few other things can. When strangers start chatting about their dogs, those conversations often lead to friendships that extend beyond brewery visits, creating the kind of community atmosphere we’ve always envisioned.

How Dogs Transform Brewery Spaces

Walk into either Hillman Beer location on a sunny afternoon, and you’ll notice something immediately: people are talking to each other. Not just to the friends they arrived with, but to strangers across communal tables or neighboring seats. Dogs serve as natural conversation starters, breaking down the social barriers that might otherwise keep us in our separate groups.

Our creekside seating in Asheville and spacious outdoor areas in Old Fort weren’t just designed for beautiful views—they create perfect environments where dogs can comfortably join their owners. We’ve witnessed countless moments where a simple “Can I pet your dog?” has blossomed into hour-long conversations between people who might never have spoken otherwise.

This isn’t just nice—it’s essential to our vision. When Brad, Greig, and Brandi Hillman started this family brewery, they wanted spaces that felt like extensions of their home garage where brewing began. Allowing dogs helps maintain that relaxed, familiar feeling that distinguishes Hillman Beer from more formal drinking establishments.

Creating Inclusive Community Spaces

Dog-friendly policies make breweries more accessible to a wider range of community members. Many dog owners feel torn between spending time with their pets and enjoying social outings. By removing this conflict, we’ve seen customers stay longer, visit more frequently, and form deeper connections with our brewery and each other.

The outdoor spaces at both our locations naturally complement this approach. In Old Fort especially, our expansive 10,000+ square foot space with views of Mill Creek and the mountains beyond creates a setting where both humans and canines can spread out and relax. The family-friendly environment means parents can bring both children and dogs, making Hillman truly welcoming to the entire family.

Our communal tables further encourage the spontaneous interactions that dogs so naturally facilitate. We’ve intentionally designed our spaces to promote conversation rather than isolation—a layout choice that reflects our belief that beer should bring people together, not just be consumed individually.

The Ripple Effect: How Pet-Friendly Policies Strengthen Communities

The benefits of our dog-friendly approach extend beyond our walls. Regular customers who met at Hillman often form walking groups, plan dog park meetups, or simply exchange pet-sitting favors. These connections strengthen not just our brewery community but the wider Asheville and Old Fort communities as well.

Local rescue organizations occasionally host events at our spaces, using the relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere to help adoptable dogs meet potential owners. These partnerships align perfectly with our community-minded approach and have helped numerous dogs find loving homes over the years.

Even from a business perspective, dog-friendly policies create authentic differentiation. While many breweries focus on experimental beers or Instagram-worthy interiors to stand out, we’ve found that creating genuinely welcoming spaces—for humans and canines alike—builds the kind of loyal customer base that sustains us through changing industry trends.

Visit With Your Four-Legged Friend Today

We’ve saved a seat for you and your pup at Hillman Beer. Whether you’re visiting our intimate Asheville location near Historic Biltmore Village or our spacious Old Fort brewery, you’ll find friendly faces (both human and canine), award-winning traditional beers, and the kind of authentic community atmosphere that can’t be manufactured.

Bring your leashed, well-behaved dog and discover why so many locals consider Hillman their second home. Enjoy a Gold medal-winning ESB or a refreshing seasonal brew while your furry friend makes new acquaintances. After all, community is best built one conversation—and one wagging tail—at a time.