Off the beaten path breweries...

We got in a rut, pre-COVID, going to the same breweries week after week and forgetting to explore on road trips. Now that we are vaccinated, and things are opening back up, and nice weather, combined with many places have expanded and improved outdoor spaces we have been venturing out again.

Every place we have been has done a great job of providing a safe space, under COVID guidelines, but after a break in routine from weekly visits, we realized we wanted to explore further afield.

We live in a county with 50+ breweries, and brewery tasting rooms, 90% of which are within 10 miles of my house. Been to virtually all of them, have some favorites, and can say none on our "we won't be back list".

But let's venture further off the beaten path, to a new brewery that is the only brewery in the that county. Visited such a brewery today, and was not disappointed, actually impressed. The beer was good, don't think we had any medal winners in a contest, but solid good beer. Sampled 8 of them with flights, then settled on a couple to have with our food. The food was also good, variety of offerings, and at very reasonable prices. The vibe and the service were exceptional!

The brewery is housed in a former prison that was built in the 1930s, and carries that theme in naming its beers. 11 house brews on tap, plus guest taps for cider and a sour, in addition to wine for the non-beer crowd.

Next week off to find another brewery off the beaten path, but if you find yourself along Interstate 26 near the NC/SC line check out "Iron Key Brewing" in Columbus, NC (I think they are up to having 3 stop lights now), only a mile or so from the interstate. We were presently surprised. They opened August 2020, a tough time to start any business.
https://ironkeybrewing.com/

I think next week will probably be a visit to Big Pillow Brewing (named after a rapid in the river) in Hot Springs, NC.

 

Tom, I did have a bit of advantage, we started exploring breweries when there were only 4 or 5 in Asheville. With an ear out for new ones, we visited a number on their opening day, or during their soft opening.

Still a work in progress, as the past year definitely hampered exploring new breweries, but working on that list also.

 

It seems that breweries, both existing and startups, are discovering there are opportunities off the beaten path.

Story on the Asheville TV news.
https://wlos.com/news/local/tourist...-businesses-outside-asheville-off-beaten-path.

For those not familiar, population of Hot Springs is 581, and Old Fort 938.
So much for someone that alluded to a brewery is foolish to open in a place below a million in another thread.

 

That article is over a year old, stating they hoped the next spring. Looking on Instagram, they are definitely coming along, building, tanks, etc., and like most target dates, things slip.
https://www.instagram.com/whaleyfarmbrewery/?hl=en

Old Fort may end up having the greatest number of breweries per capita, with 2 breweries and a population less than 1,000.

 

I wonder if your less than stellar food experience was an issue with staffing. It's so bad that they have closed temporarily due to kitchen staffing challenges. It is a growing problem effecting many businesses.

 

Another off the beaten path brewery visit. Actually, 2 in one day.

Big Pillow, Hot Springs, NC (pop 532). Almost an hour drive from Asheville, but a pleasant drive, without crazy traffic or road construction (thinking of I26). Cross the river and railroad track and take an immediate right. Nice facility, indoor and outdoor spaces. 12 taps, IPA dominate, but a variety including a seltzer and a sour. Tried a couple of flights and found to be very drinkable... some just aren't my style.
Didn't eat there, as not hungry yet, but food looked good, sold from a separate window. Dog and kid friendly.

On the way back we stopped at the second of three breweries in the county, MAD CO. in Marshall, NC (pop 782). Squeezed between the main street and the river and railroad tracks right next door to the fire department. Small deck overlooking the river was pleasant, and enjoyed a couple of IPAs. Indoor area, including indoor area that allows dogs (closest to the street).

Pizza made from scratch is an option. It's not a hot and ready thing, as it takes a while, but was very good. Besides, you are sitting there drinking a beer and watching the ducks and geese in the river.

 

Made it to another off the beaten path breweries. This one has been on my list for a while now, but since they are only open Fri - Sun, never worked out. And yes, you will need Google Maps to find it.

Sideways Farm & Brewery, Etowah NC (between Brevard and Hendersonville). Small brewery run by a husband and wife, in a very nice setting, and have rotating food trucks.

There will always be something new and different, as they number every recipe, so you might see something like "128 - Amarillo Summer IPA -NC" on the menu. If they repeat a recipe for a popular beer, it will be indicated with a decimal, such as "98.1 - Belgian Dubbel - NC". By the way, both were very good.

They also produce Hard Jun (kombuchs's cousin), plus you can purchase farm fresh eggs, both chicken and duck, and wildflower honey.