April Asheville visit

Not sure where in Morganton fonta is but you're looking at about a 45-60 min drive from Asheville. Hitting black Mtn on the he way back is most certainly possible. As for hiking/trails and such, I go to the Asheville Arboreetum. That place has an endless amount of mtn hike and hiking trails. Some pretty sites out there too.

 

Fonta Flora is certainly worth a visit, but at the same time there's so much to explore in and around Asheville. There's the Asheville Brews Cruise, which you could look into.

Grandfather Mountain is awesome. It's about 1.5 hours away from Asheville though, and closer to Boone and Blowing Rock (which are home to Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Blowing Rock Inn and Alehouse, respectively).

 

If your in the area of Grandfather there is a little treasure trove tucked away in the hills called Peabody's, that will satisfy whatever thirst you have, I would think if you are within shouting distance it's worth your time! Fonta Flora is right in between (time wise) Grandfather Mtn. and Asheville, and yes, most definitely worth a stop.

 

I would hit up Pisgah Brewing if you're in Black Mountain for sure. Also, if you find yourself in Brevard, bout 45 min to an hour away, which has a great state park, Chimney Rock, for hiking, including the falls from the movie, The last of the Mohican's, you could hit up Oskar Blue or Brevard Brewing on the way back, Dale's is up there as well.

Highland brewing is outside of Asheville a bit, and has a "whiskey/moonshine" distillery located next door for some additional possible tastings, but they don't sell it there. Most Beer cruises can/do hit up Highland, they have some real nice brews there as well, though most of your craft guys like the smaller breweries. I like Highland, Pisgah, Wicked Weed and Burial, my second tier would be Wedge, Hi Wire, Greenman (which is like 150' from Burial front door to front door), and Asheville Brewing.

But that's my opinion.

 

As far as the tour thing goes, I know that there's the Brews Cruise company that'll take you to Wicked Weed, Highland, French Broad and I think Altamont all in a day but, if you're staying for multiple days and aren't against doing flights rather than full pints of different beers, you can do it all on your own for cheaper and still be good to drive. You just don't get the tour at every brewery unless of course you plan it out so that you're at each one during tour hours.

 

If you're going to Fonta Flora, might as well stop by Catawba Brewing Company, too. They're like a mile down the road. Both worthy of the visit!

 

I didn't hit any breweries, I worked on the bars that had good food for lunches, and dinners, or food places that also serve good beer. Most are dual threats here, 12 bones is Fantastic, but I can get a Shiva IPA too, I love Barley's build your own pizza's with a nice French Broad IPA, and so on.

 

Theres also Jack of the Wood/Green Man Brewing which is great. Across the street from that is The Thirsty Monk which is awesome. One place that I consider a definite that I was referred to by some friends that live in Asheville now is Appalachian Vinter bottle store. They have some things I haven't seen anywhere else and if you get in good with the bartenders they might let you in on some things they have in the back (scored some Bourbon County). All in downtown Asheville.

 

Not meant to hijack this thread, but I can't wait for Catawba Brewing to hit Asheville, they're building a brewery here, or so it was announced locally. Not sure on time frame. Sorry again for hijack.

 

Yep! The brewery plans got delayed a bit, but they should be setting up a temporary tasting room next month: http://www.mountainx.com/article/55858/BEER-SCOUT-Catawbas-plan-B

 

Anyone heard that Wicked Weed doesn't sell flights on the weekends?

 

Pretty sure that's the case.

 

I think Wicked Weed is the only one to restrict the flights on the weekends, simply due to how busy they get.

 

I know (at least this summer) that WW did half pours on the weekend.

 

They will still do 10oz pours on all beers. All of their Funkatorium and Wood Series are 10oz pours best I recall from my visit a few months back.

 

dont forget green man.