Plan the ultimate craft beer adventure with this complete itinerary for visiting both Hillman Beer locations in Asheville and Old Fort in a single day.
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The Perfect Brewery Day Trip: From Asheville to Old Fort

Two Hillman Locations, One Unforgettable Day

Calling all craft beer lovers! If you’re planning a visit to Western North Carolina, we’ve crafted the perfect day trip that showcases both of our family-owned Hillman Beer locations. This journey takes you from our original Asheville brewery to our newer Old Fort location, combining great beer, delicious food, and stunning mountain scenery. This itinerary lets you experience the full spectrum of what makes Hillman Beer special – from our award-winning brews to our locally-sourced pub fare, all while taking in the beauty of Western North Carolina.

Morning: Start in Asheville

Begin your Hillman adventure at our original location near Biltmore Village. We recommend arriving around 11:30 am when we open our doors and the lunch crowd hasn’t yet arrived.

11:30 AM – Asheville Brewery Visit

Our Asheville brewery at 25 Sweeten Creek Rd offers a cozy, intimate setting where you can watch our brewing process up close. Grab a seat at the bar and chat with our knowledgeable staff about our brewing philosophy. This is where Brad, Greig, and Brandi first brought their garage brewing dreams to life, and you can feel that family history in every corner.

12:00 PM – Lunch and Flight Sampling

Order one of our grass-fed beef burgers or signature Reubens for lunch. Pair it with a flight of our core beers, including our GABF gold medal-winning ESB. Our Asheville location sits creekside, so if weather permits, enjoy your meal on our patio where you can hear the gentle sounds of the creek while you dine.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Old Fort

2:00 PM – Hit the Road

After lunch, take the scenic 30-minute drive from Asheville to Old Fort. The route along I-40 East offers stunning mountain vistas as you descend from Asheville through the Swannanoa Gap. This drive itself is worth the trip, as you watch the landscape change while anticipating your next Hillman stop.

Optional Detour: Downtown Old Fort

If you have time, take a quick detour through historic downtown Old Fort. This charming mountain town has seen a revival partly thanks to businesses like ours setting up shop here. You’ll find the town’s railroad history on display at the depot museum, and several small shops worth exploring.

Late Afternoon: Old Fort Brewery

3:00 PM – Arrive at Old Fort Location

Our Old Fort brewery at 78 Catawba Ave offers a completely different vibe from our Asheville spot. Opened during the pandemic in 2020, this location features more space, expansive mountain views, and a larger outdoor seating area. Take your time exploring this newer facility, which represents our growth while maintaining our commitment to quality and community.

3:30 PM – Afternoon Flight and Snacks

Try a second flight focusing on any seasonal or location-specific beers you couldn’t find in Asheville. Our Old Fort menu includes some unique offerings that complement our core beers. Pair your samples with our famous kale salad or a shareable appetizer if you’re still full from lunch.

Evening: Dinner and Sunset

5:30 PM – Dinner at Old Fort

Stay for dinner and watch the sunset over the mountains from our outdoor seating area. Try one of our scratch-made pub favorites you didn’t have at lunch – maybe our falafel wrap or buffalo chicken option. The relaxed pace of Old Fort makes this the perfect place to wind down your day.

7:00 PM – One Last Round

Cap off your day with a pint of your favorite Hillman beer discovered during your journey. This is the perfect time to fill a growler with something special to take home, preserving the memory of your Hillman day trip.

Tips For Your Hillman Brewery Day Trip

Transportation Options

Since this itinerary involves beer tasting, plan your transportation wisely. Consider:

• Designating a driver who can enjoy non-alcoholic options (we have those too!)

• Using a rideshare service for one or both legs of the journey

• Booking a local brewery tour service that includes both locations

What to Bring

• A jacket or layer for cool mountain evenings, especially at our Old Fort location

• Your camera for the beautiful views and brewery shots

• A growler or two if you want to take some Hillman beer home

• Your well-behaved, leashed dog – both locations are dog-friendly!

Come Join Our Family

We’ve saved a seat for you at both our Hillman locations. This day trip isn’t just about trying great beer – it’s about experiencing the heart and soul of our family brewery in two unique settings. We can’t wait to welcome you to both our homes.