My wife, two year old, and I will be in Asheville this weekend (not sure yet exactly where we are staying, but it probably won't be downtown) and have a few questions. She has most of the weekend planned already, but there are a couple of holes that I can fill with beer-related activities. First, does anyone have recommendations for kid friendly restaurants or breweries for a meal? It sounds like Asheville Pizza and Brewing may fit the bill and the taproom at Sierra Nevada has a kids menu, but didn't know if either Wicked Weed or Burial might work. Second, because the little guy is in bed by 8pm...and I suppose we shouldn't abandon him, I plan on going to a bottle shop and picking up a couple bottles to drink at the hotel after he goes to sleep. Are Appalachian Vintner and/or Bruisan Ales my best bets to buy bombers, 750s, or a few single bottles from some of the local breweries? Third, if you had a couple of hours to get away while the toddler and wife took a mid-day nap one day, where would you go?
Wicked weed is fine with kids. We took ours there and had no problem. I think they gave her some drawings to color if I recollect. It does get packed! M so expect a long wait for dinner. Burial is just a brewery. Shouldn't be a problem to bring a kid but they might get bored. Asheville pizza might be a good choice for you. But if you're not set on eating at a brewery, check out Barleys. They are right across from wicked weed, have a good food selection and a better beer selection. You're spot on with bottle shop selections. Can't go wrong there. Regarding hotels, I would research downtown to see what they have. That way you can leave and access a plethora of breweries after 8pm. Lastly, I recommend Pisgah as a place to visit. Mostly because I love their beers but you can stop by this small restaurant on the way up and bring some lunch. Don't recall the name but it's right next to dynamite roasters. Hell, get some coffee too. Then go spend some time outside as Pisgah. Bring a soccer ball, chairs, other sporty stuff for the kid. Or just have a picnic there.
I second the Dynamite Coffee Roasters... but be warned, you take home some of their coffee you may be hooked for life. Pisgah is a bit out and while yes, technically they're my second favorite brewery in the area, if your going to WW and Burial, then there are others near Asheville without adding a 30min drive. WW not a problem and actually, Burial ownership has kids including a very young child that is there from time to time... So not an issue other than boredom.
You're fucking kidding right? Several dozen breweries in the immediate area, a request for kid-friendly venues, and you're going to claim 2 beers from 1 brewery as the only thing OP needs to know?
It's actually 2 breweries, 1 beer from each and both are highly sought after and neither will make distro. And yes, @jmw I understand I didn't help answer his question but OP may not have known about the special releases. Simma downa
Man, everyone going to Asheville this weekend. I'll be there as well sans toddler though leaving him with the grandparents.
Thanks everyone for the replies. Will definitely keep everything in mind. While I would like to make it to Wicked Weed for Golden Angel on Sunday, since I will have the little guy with me, if it is a mob scene (and I assume it will be) it probably isn't in the cards.
In case anyone in the future is looking for info about toddler-friendly establishments, here is my report: Wicked Weed was great and the highlight of the trip. In addition to me enjoying the outstanding beer, it was particularly good for the little guy because of the large outdoor area, it is fairly loud so no one notices if your kid makes a bit of noise (but no so loud that it scares little ones), despite the fact that it was packed once you get seated and order you are served pretty quickly, and there were good food options for kids. The wait staff was friendly and jokes around with the little guy. Sierra Nevada was nice, but we ended up at the bar in the taproom and not eating a meal because he had had such a large breakfast. We arrived a few minutes before noon on Sunday (when they open) and it was so busy so quickly that the bartenders didn't have time for much discussion due to the number of tasters/glasses they had to fill. Had hoped to go on a little hike, but apparently the trails won't open until later in the summer. The size and sustainability efforts are really impressive, but there were only a couple of beers that were offered that aren't fairly readily available elsewhere. Didn't make it to any other breweries, but highly recommend King Daddy's for chicken and waffles for anyone with kid. Pretty small but solid beer list too.
If you were at Wicked Weed on Sunday for the release and saw a Dad with a cute, blonde-headed 2-yr old boy in line, that was me. Similar to what @cbbjr said, no prob with the kiddos. In fact, there were several there with kids. That happens when you mix family vacation with beer release. Great release and great beers. Cheers!
All I can say personally to this is that as a 23 year old going to a brewery with a group of my former college friends I will not censor anything I say. So parents no looks please..It wont worry me one bit.
As a 30 year old, who has two kids, and used to think the same- your opinion will change when you grow up and have children one day. Trust me, I don't look at people funny, as my kids are young enough to not know whats being said- but I've found myself out and being childish in my antics and verbiage, and it's more embarrassing for me than it is for the parents who's children heard me.
As for the original topic- Most places in Asheville, breweries included, are very child friendly, much like they are dog friendly in more places than you'd be used too. I wouldn't be worried about your kids in most places, outside of them being bored, or you being worried about them in large crowds.
