Asheville for a day

I could see it. I've spent 3-4 hours there in the past, especially if I was eating there. I actually haven't been to the restaurant in a little while as I keep ending up at the Funkatorium.

 

The Asheville airport is about half an hour south of downtown (20 minutes anyway), out of the way of Lake Lure. You'll add about 30 minutes to your trip, though that isn't that bad for good beer.

Appalachian Vintner is a little south of downtown. Bruisin Ales and Tasty Beverage are right in downtown. I'd suggest Tasty, though if you want to stay a bit south, App Vintner is very good as well. Bruisin Ales is a tiny little shop that they manage to pack a lot of beer into, but I'd say its my third favorite in Asheville.

 

I want to say App Vintner makes weekly trips to Charlotte and for HDnR. Either way, App Vintner is the best beer store in town run and by some great folks!!! I'm not sure if you are aware but Sierra Nevada is right by the airport and worth the stop.