Discover the perfect weekend brewery tour in Western North Carolina with our comprehensive guide to award-winning craft breweries like Hillman Beer and strategic accommodation options that maximize your beer exploration experience.
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Ultimate Western NC Brewery Tour Itinerary: Where to Stay & Sip
Planning a beer-focused getaway in Western North Carolina? You’ve chosen one of America’s most celebrated craft beer destinations. While Asheville rightfully earned its “Beer City USA” nickname, the surrounding mountain towns have developed their own unique brewing cultures worth exploring.
This guide will help you create the perfect weekend brewery tour itinerary with strategic accommodations that put you within easy reach of the region’s best craft beer experiences – from award-winning breweries in Asheville to hidden gems in charming mountain towns like Old Fort.
In this guide:
Asheville’s Beer City Experience
Asheville’s craft beer scene has evolved from a handful of pioneering breweries to over 30 unique establishments, each with its own personality and brewing philosophy. What makes this city special isn’t just the quantity of breweries but the quality and diversity of beer being produced.
When planning your Asheville brewery tour, consider these distinct brewing districts:
South Slope Brewing District
Often called the “Brewery District,” South Slope packs multiple breweries within walking distance. This former industrial area now houses some of Asheville’s most iconic beer destinations.
Biltmore Village Area
Just a short drive from downtown, the Biltmore Village area offers a more relaxed beer experience away from the downtown crowds. Hillman Beer’s original location sits at 25 Sweeten Creek Road, providing a perfect example of what makes this area special.
The family-owned Hillman Beer creates a neighborhood pub atmosphere that feels immediately welcoming. Their creek-side outdoor seating area along Sweeten Creek provides a peaceful setting to enjoy their award-winning beers, including their ESB (Extra Special Bitter) which earned GABF Silver in 2018 and Gold in 2019.
What sets Hillman apart is their commitment to balanced, approachable beers paired with elevated pub food made from locally-sourced ingredients. The Wednesday Burger Special has developed something of a cult following among locals.
West Asheville
Cross the French Broad River and you’ll discover West Asheville’s growing beer scene. This neighborhood offers a different vibe than downtown – slightly more laid-back but equally creative.
River Arts District
The River Arts District combines Asheville’s artistic culture with craft beverages. Several breweries have made their home among the studios and galleries along the French Broad River.
For your first day, consider starting at Hillman Beer in the afternoon, where you can enjoy their community-style seating and 16 rotating taps. Their commitment to quality, service, comfort, and community shines through in both their beer and food menus. After sampling their award-winning ESB and Four Fat Baby brown ale (GABF Bronze 2017), continue your tour to nearby breweries to experience the diversity of Asheville’s beer scene.
Mountain Town Brewing Escapes
While Asheville deserves its beer reputation, the surrounding mountain towns offer equally compelling brewery experiences with the added benefit of smaller crowds and distinctive local character.
Old Fort’s Emerging Brewery Scene
Just 25 minutes east of Asheville, the small town of Old Fort has become an exciting new frontier for craft beer in Western North Carolina. Hillman Beer recognized this potential, opening their second location at 78 Catawba Avenue in July 2020.
The Old Fort Hillman Beer location provides a different experience than their Asheville brewery. Spanning over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, it nestles against Mill Creek with mountain views creating a picturesque setting for enjoying their craft beers. The Old Fort Original (4.8% ABV gold lager) pays homage to their mountain town home.
What makes the Old Fort location special is how it serves as both a community gathering space for locals and a destination for visitors seeking authentic small-town brewing experiences. The expansive space accommodates families, outdoor enthusiasts, and beer aficionados alike.
Black Mountain
Just 15 minutes east of Asheville, Black Mountain offers several excellent breweries in a charming mountain town setting. The walkable downtown makes it easy to visit multiple breweries without moving your car.
Waynesville
About 30 minutes west of Asheville, Waynesville has developed a remarkable beer scene for a town its size. The mountain setting provides a scenic backdrop for brewery exploration.
Brevard
About 45 minutes south of Asheville, Brevard combines exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities with excellent brewing. The town’s proximity to Pisgah National Forest makes it ideal for combining hiking and biking with brewery visits.
For your second day, consider making Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location your central destination. Start with lunch from their full kitchen offering elevated pub-style comfort food, then enjoy their beers with views of Mill Creek. From there, you can explore other nearby mountain town breweries before returning to savor dinner at Hillman, where locally-sourced ingredients transform familiar pub favorites into something special.
Strategic Accommodation Planning
Choosing where to stay can significantly enhance your Western NC brewery tour experience. The right accommodation puts you within easy reach of multiple breweries while providing a comfortable place to rest between tastings.
Asheville Area Options
Staying in Asheville gives you access to the highest concentration of breweries, but consider these neighborhoods for different experiences:
Biltmore Village Area: Staying near Biltmore Village puts you close to Hillman Beer’s Asheville location and several other excellent breweries. This area offers a mix of hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals with easier parking than downtown but still convenient to all Asheville attractions.
Downtown Asheville: Maximum walkability to numerous breweries, restaurants, and shops, but comes with premium prices and parking challenges. Ideal if you want to minimize driving.
West Asheville: More residential feel with several excellent breweries and lower accommodation costs than downtown. Good option for experiencing local neighborhood character.
Mountain Town Stays
Staying in one of the smaller mountain towns provides a different experience:
Old Fort: Basing yourself near Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location gives you a quieter mountain experience while still being just 25 minutes from Asheville’s breweries. Limited but growing accommodation options include vacation rentals and nearby B&Bs.
Black Mountain: Just 15 minutes from both Asheville and Old Fort, Black Mountain offers a strategic middle ground with its own walkable brewery scene. Charming B&Bs and vacation rentals predominate.
Strategic Midpoint Options: Consider accommodations positioned between brewery destinations, allowing you to maximize your exploration. A rental cabin or B&B between Asheville and Old Fort provides easy access to both Hillman Beer locations and dozens of other breweries.
For the ideal weekend itinerary, consider staying near Biltmore Village on your first night to explore Asheville’s breweries, then relocating to Old Fort or Black Mountain for your second night to experience the mountain town brewing scene.
Transportation Solutions for Beer Enthusiasts
Responsible transportation is essential for enjoying a brewery tour. Western North Carolina offers several options for getting between breweries safely:
Dedicated Brewery Tour Services
Several companies offer guided brewery tours with transportation included. These tours provide insights into the brewing process, beer styles, and local beer history while handling all the driving.
Both public and private tours are available, with options ranging from walking tours of concentrated brewery districts to full-day excursions covering multiple towns. These services typically include transportation, guided tastings, behind-the-scenes access, and valuable local knowledge.
Rideshare and Taxi Options
Uber and Lyft operate throughout most of Western NC, with the highest availability in Asheville and decreasing coverage in smaller towns. Local taxi services provide an alternative where rideshare might be limited.
If planning to use rideshare in mountain towns like Old Fort, check availability in advance and have backup transportation plans, especially for later evening returns.
Walkable Brewery Districts
Several areas allow you to visit multiple breweries without needing transportation:
South Slope (Asheville): The highest concentration of walkable breweries in the region.
Downtown Asheville: Several breweries within walking distance.
Black Mountain: A handful of breweries in the walkable downtown area.
Biltmore Village Area: A few breweries, including Hillman Beer, within walking distance.
Designated Driver Planning
If your group includes someone willing to be a designated driver, consider these tips:
- Most breweries, including both Hillman Beer locations, offer non-alcoholic options.
- Many breweries provide free or reduced-price beverages for designated drivers.
- Plan routes that include interesting non-beer attractions for the driver to enjoy.
Complementary Experiences Beyond the Breweries
While beer might be your primary focus, Western North Carolina offers numerous complementary experiences to enhance your brewery tour weekend:
Pairing Culinary Experiences
Unlike many breweries that focus solely on beer, Hillman Beer operates full kitchens at both locations with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. Their elevated pub-style comfort food provides perfect pairings for their craft beers.
At the Asheville location, creek-side dining creates a peaceful setting to enjoy their grass-fed beef patty melts, Reuben sandwiches with house-made corned beef, and other specialties. The Old Fort kitchen maintains the same commitment to quality with a similar menu.
Beyond brewery food, consider exploring:
Local Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Western NC’s agricultural heritage supports a vibrant farm-to-table dining scene that pairs perfectly with local craft beer.
Asheville Food Tours: Several companies offer food tours that can complement your beer exploration, providing a broader taste of the region’s culinary offerings.
Outdoor Adventures
Western North Carolina’s mountain setting provides endless outdoor recreation opportunities:
Hiking: Numerous trails for all ability levels, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs.
Mountain Biking: World-class trails, particularly around Pisgah National Forest near Brevard.
River Activities: The French Broad River offers tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities.
Starting your day with outdoor activities before afternoon brewery visits creates a perfectly balanced mountain getaway.
Cultural Attractions
Between brewery visits, consider exploring:
River Arts District: Dozens of artist studios showcasing local creativity.
Biltmore Estate: America’s largest home offers tours, gardens, and its own winery.
Music Venues: Western NC has a rich musical heritage, with live performances available most nights.
These cultural experiences provide context for the creative spirit that fuels the region’s brewing innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Western NC’s beer scene unique?
Western North Carolina’s brewing scene stands out for its combination of innovative brewing techniques, commitment to traditional styles, use of local ingredients, and the stunning mountain settings of many breweries. The region’s pure water source from the surrounding mountains contributes to the quality of the beer produced here.
When is the best time to visit breweries in Western NC?
While breweries are enjoyable year-round, fall offers a special experience with seasonal Oktoberfest celebrations and beautiful foliage. Spring and summer provide perfect weather for enjoying outdoor seating areas like Hillman Beer’s creek-side spaces. Weekdays generally offer a more relaxed experience with better opportunities to talk with brewers.
Are breweries in Western NC family-friendly?
Many Western NC breweries, including both Hillman Beer locations, welcome families. Their community-focused approach, food offerings, and casual atmospheres make them appropriate for visitors of all ages. Both Hillman locations also welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs in their outdoor seating areas.
What Our Visitors Say
“We drove 2.5 hours to get to Asheville and after reading through all the options, we landed at Hillman’s to start our adventure. It was exactly what we wanted. Super good atmosphere, really good food and super good beer! We had the Octoberfest, Hazy IPA and the IPA and all three quinched the thirst! There is plenty of seating in the front, but the back with the picnic tables was were we chose to enjoy our food and drink. Dogs are allowed and many were with the human friends during our time there on a Wednesday afternoon. Will certainly return!”
“Hillman Beer on Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville is one of our favorite places to stop in whenever we’re visiting Western North Carolina. The atmosphere is casual and inviting (and dog friendly!), the staff are very friendly, the beer selection is great, and the food is fantastic. Our most recent visit was on a Wednesday. Hubby enjoyed the Wednesday Burger Special (burger, choice of side, choice of beer) and I had the Rice Bowl with grilled chicken. As usual, everything was great. So glad they were able to re-open after Hurricane Helene. Stop in and support this great local business!”
“Located in the Biltmore Village area of Asheville, Hillman Brewing proved to be a wonderful surprise in our 2025 brewery tour. Delicious food and tasty beers made our visit perfect. Well behaved dogs are always welcome and a welcoming atmosphere make you feel so comfortable. Outdoor seating along the creek is available as well as plenty of spots inside. The wings and pimento cheese dip were both delicious. A must visit while in Asheville. Enjoy!”
Plan Your Perfect Western NC Beer Weekend
Western North Carolina offers one of America’s most diverse and rewarding craft beer experiences. By strategically planning your brewery visits and accommodations, you can create a weekend itinerary that showcases the best of both Asheville’s established beer city credentials and the emerging brewing scenes in surrounding mountain towns.
Whether you’re drawn to award-winning beers like Hillman’s ESB and Four Fat Baby, locally-sourced pub food, or the simple pleasure of enjoying a well-crafted beer beside a mountain creek, Western NC’s brewing community welcomes you with authentic hospitality and exceptional craft beverages.
Begin your journey at Hillman Beer’s Asheville location to experience their neighborhood pub atmosphere and award-winning brews, then venture to their Old Fort brewery to see how the same family brewing philosophy adapts to a mountain town setting. Along the way, you’ll discover why Western North Carolina has become one of America’s most celebrated beer destinations.
