So July 13-16, my girlfriend is dragging me to a wedding I don't want to go to that's going to be in Sunset Beach, NC. (I'm coming from Indianapolis.) In order to prevent me from a sourpuss the whole time, she agreed to stop at a brewery or two on the way. I think we're taking 74, so I'm planning on Foothills in Winston-Salem. Other than that, I'm totally open to suggestions. And since we'll be in Sunset Beach, if there's anything down that way, that would be good to know too. That said, if anyone wants to set up a trade at any place I (we) might be stopping, I might be able to do something along those lines too (BM me on those, please). (I should also note: my not wanting to go to this wedding has nothing to do with the trip--I love North Carolina. It's the people who are getting married...)
What's up Cy? That will be a nice long trip for you. What route are you taking through NC? That will help folks out in directing you.
Ha, yes. Definitely anticipating a long time in the car. We don't have a set route yet, so I'd be open to hearing suggestions. Looks like the two main routes Google Maps lists are taking 74 straight south through the middle of the state, and that would whip us near Winston-Salem and Greensboro, or for another 20 minutes (what's 20 minutes in a 13 hour drive?) we could take 40 to 26 to 74, which would run us by Asheville, Gastonia, and Charlotte. I suppose we even have the option of coming down one way and heading back the other. So any visits along either route anyone would recommend?
You will be just a few minutes (20-30) up the road from Myrtle and North Myrtle Beach. The Damon's Grill in NMB has some decent taps. And if you feel like travelling a bit further south, you've got For What It's Worth, Liberty, Mellow Mushroom, the Piggly Wiggly at Market Common, Gordon Biersch to name a few. If you are interested in COAST and Westbrook, the Piggly Wiggly is your place to go! Sunset Beach is gorgeous - so you'll have plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy.
I just got home from sunset beach this morning. 16 hour drive for us. Piggly is a solid 45-1hr drive from sunset. Get ahold of the mananger, maybe work out a trade with him at a minimum. The pig is a must stop. I loaded up.
Thanks for the suggestions so far, guys. It look like we'll be going via Asheville and staying there for the night effort continuing on, if that's any more help.
If you can I would suggest stopping at Amos Howards Brew Pub. Good food and they carry all the Olde Hickory beers (my favorite NC brewery) on tap. It will be just off of I-40 in Hickory, NC when you are heading east. Wilmington has Front Street Brewery but I am not too familiar with them.
I will be heading down to Sunset Beach next week from the DC area. Anything interesting in NC along that route? I have been to Front Street in Wilmington and there is a pretty good bottle shop near there that I don't remember the name of. The Piggly Wiggly in Myrtle Beach sounds good but don't know if I will be able to make it down there.
I don't know your exact route but Mother Earth Brewery could be a point to hit on that trip. They don't open until later afternoon though.
The bottle shop is Cape Fear Wine & Beer. A very good bottle shop/bar. I haven't been up there in awhile, but last time I went they had a nice selection of bottles and drafts. They also have a beer engine for on-site consumption. Lighthouse Beverages on Wrightsville Beach is also supposed to have an amazing selection.
