Things To Do in The Smoky Mountains
Micro Breweries
In North Carolina's Smoky Mountains you’re never far from fresh local beer whether you go East, West, North or South. If you enjoy tasting and talking about ales, lagers, porters, stouts and whatever seasonal experiment the resident micro brewmaster has on tap, you will find plenty of opportunities. The heady aroma of malted barley, bitter hops and fermenting yeast wafts from the brew-rooms, and many a brewery has added food and entertainment. Here are some of our favorites…
Heinzelmännchen Brewery – Microbrewery operated by German-born brewmaster Dieter Kuhn. His passion is creating light and refreshing German beer made with wholesome grains, fresh hops & no preservatives. All beers are keg conditioned and non-filtered, making them smooth and lighter in body. Stop by the brewery for a tasting, a glass and a tour. Then take home one of their unique German 2-liter growlers or a keg. You can also enjoy their ales at area restaurants within walking distance, or bring your own food into their taproom. 545 Mill Street, Sylva. 828-631-4466.
The Sneak E Squirrel – Beers including IPC, stouts, porters and more. Sandwiches, burgers, sliders, salads, bar food, desserts. 1315 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828-586-6440.
Nantahala Brewing Company – This microbrewery is in the heart of downtown Bryson City and features its own tasting room. On certain nights they host music acts and have new brew release parties. Try one of their “Year Rounds” such as Noon Day IPA, Bryson City Brown or Appalachian Trail Extra just to name a few. Other offerings include seasonals, barrel-aged beers and high gravities. Order a meal from Anthony's Restaurant and enjoy it at the brewery. 61 Depot Street. 828-488-2337.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Company – Brewery and taproom with food truck in downtown Franklin. Beers include IPAs, golden ale, porters, bourbon barrel aged ales and stouts produced on a 2 vessel 15 barrel system. 188 W. Main Street. 828-349-2337.
Andrews Brewing Company – Cherokee County's first brewery located at Calaboose Cellars winery. Hoppy, light, amber, malty and dark beers on tap at all times. Beer is sold by the pint as well in take-home half gallon growlers. 565 Aquone Road. 828-321-2006.
Hoppy Trout Brewing Company – A small brewery with three beers on tap in the brewpub – a pale ale, an amber ale and a graham cracker stout with chocolate and vanilla. The pub serves brick oven pizzas, salads and appetizers. 911 Main Street. 828-835-2111.
Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company – Located at Sapphire National Golf Club, this brewpub offers over 80 micros, Imports, Belgiums and domestic beers in addition to their signature red ale, pilsner or stout. For the significant others that do not drink beer there is a selection of wines to enjoy with the scenic views of the mountains and lake. Their Award-Winning piping hot wood-fired pizza goes perfect with a cold one. They also offer a full menu including rustic pub and casual food, chef specials and daily specials. Live music on select nights. 50 Slicers Ave. 828-743-0220.
Frog Level Brewing Company – Come out and be a “Level Head” at this brewery in Waynesville. Their beers are made with wholesome grains, fresh hops and proudly served. Beers on tap include Lily’s Cream Boy, Catcher in the Rye and Tadpole Porter, Salamander Slam IPA and more. They do not serve food at this brewery but don’t hesitate to bring your own. Enjoy live music on select nights. 56 Commerce Street. 828-454-5664.
Highland Brewing Company – From their flagship Gaelic Ale to a one-off Barrel Aged Smoked Cherry Wood Chocolate Cherry Stout, there is something for every beer lover. Choose between one of their signature year round brews or a seasonal. No matter what (George’s favorite is St. Teresa), all beers are made with the finest ingredients and crafted with care for the product. Tours are also available. 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Suite H. 828-299-7223.
Green Man Brewing – Brewing award-winning ales since 1997, Green Man was founded in downtown Asheville. It has evolved into a respected and well-known brewery, known for consistent, traditional ales with a constant eye on quality. They are now crafting seasonals and specialty brews like The Rainmaker Double IPA, and The Dweller Imperial Stout. 23 Buxton Ave. 828-252-5502.
French Broad Brewing Company – Since opening their doors in 2001, their goal has been to create traditional European style beers while maintaining the unique flavor that is Asheville. Their tasty creations can be found all over North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Stop by their tasting room for live music acts and a pint. They are most famous for their Wee-Heavy-Er Scotch Ale, but don’t forget to sample the Ryehopper Rye Pale Ale or the 13 Rebels ESB (extra special bitter). 101 Fairview Road. 828-277-0222.
Thirsty Monk – This is Asheville’s Premier Beer Bar. They serve American Craft beers upstairs and an assortment of Belgian beers downstairs at their Patton St. location. They boast 62 rotating tap lines and tapped 1075+ beers in 2011. The Monk has a second bar and a brewery at their Gerber Village location. There are always unique seasonals offered and traditional favorites. You will not find any Bud Light at this bar. Enjoy their “Food for Beer” menu with a nice selection of appetizers and entrees. Enjoy daily specials. 92 Patton Ave., 828-254-5470. 20 Gala Drive (Gerber Village), 828-505-4564.