Ashville visit

Go in the dead of winter. Less tourists.

 

As a local I can't say there is a "best time" to visit, unless your tastes lean toward specific styles that are seasonal.
Sure summer, fall colors, do increase the traffic, but I suspect less and less as many come for the beer and food scene here. It's a personal preference but we really prefer the venues with outdoor space. Seems friendlier, plus the dogs and kids (we take our dog) but with a high of 21 today, that ain't happening.

If you appreciate good beer, there is no wrong time to visit.

There are 55 - 60 breweries and cidery/meadery in and within 25 miles of Asheville, even a ginger beer brewery.

 

It's not so much the crowds at the breweries per say, its the hotel prices and huge waits at restaurants. The breweries are always busy no matter what time of year (but not a problem). I'm still partial to early May. Cooler evenings for the many awesome patios and warm days to hike around Pisgah.

 

We're going in a few weeks to knock out some wedding stuff. Can anyone recommend the 12 Bones that is now at The Wedge? I've been wanting to check that out.

 

I would recommend it. It is the same restaurant and I would say the food hasn't changed at all with he move.. They were forced to move because the DOT decided to put a road through their old building.

 

I’d say April-Oct if you want weather to be the best. It is also the busiest time of the year there as well. Crowded in Asheville is just “busy” in other large cities, IMO.

Beer week is usually around Memorial Day. Probably one of the busiest weekends in AVL honestly. Always a good time but prepare to park and walk, and lots of lines for things like food and beer in the popular spots.

 

I've actually never been to 12 Bones due to the line. Might try to swing that this trip.

 

Try and get there before 12 or hit them up right at closing time.

 

There is a reason there is a line

 

And it goes quick too. Looks daunting when it was wrapped around the building but it goes quick and food comes out fast.

 

Very good ribs and sides. If you want to venture out side os down town Asheville. Boo Jum in Waynesville has great beer and the food is also very good.

 

Boojum does make some very good beer. My problem with Boojum is their tasting room is their restaurant located a mile or so from the actual brewery. I like sitting in tasting rooms where I can see the tanks, or at least see the brewhouse if you walk around.

If you are going west from Asheville, go to Innovation Brewing in Sylva, 20 minutes further west from Waynesville.

 

I visited in November (2014); nice weather, few tourists and plenty of great beers to be had.