Asheville is known as a regional powerhouse for craft beer. However, if you travel just a little further into the mountains, you will discover an exciting assortment of innovative craft breweries. Whether you are a fan of sour beers, stouts, lagers or ales, there is something to delight every beer-lover’s palate. Here is our list of great breweries in Western North Carolina.
Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville)
One of Waynesville’s Main Street gems, Boojum is always hopping (pun intended). They have secured a coveted place in the local beer scene by winning “Best Brewery in Haywood County” 5 years in a row. Their wide assortment of beers include both perpetual favorites (like Hounds of Helles or Hop Fiend) and rotating seasonal taps. Be sure to check out their amazing food menu as well. INSIDER TIP: If you are looking for good eats, try their amazing bacon-infused Reuben, the “Breuben.”
Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville)
Tucked away in Waynesville’s Frog Level, this brewery boasts one of the best outdoor beer gardens around. Located alongside Richland Creek, their well-curated beer lineup features excellent dark and sour beers, like the very tasty Blood Orange Gose. As a dog-friendly venue, you can expect to see many furry friends hanging out in the taproom. INSIDER TIP: Check out their event calendar for musical acts to be featured in the beer garden.
BearWaters Brewing (Maggie Valley & Canton)
The family-owned BearWaters Brewing Company has been making wonderful beer since 2010. They have 2 great locations: Creekside in Maggie Valley and Riverside in Canton. Both locations feature scenic outdoor seating where you can enjoy one of the giant soft pretzels with your beer. INSIDER TIP: If you have to pick only one beer, try their award-winning Sliding Rock Amber Ale.
Innovation Brewing (Sylva & Dillsboro)
This delightful brewery features a crazy-fun beer lineup and is a local fan favorite. With 20+ beers on tap, there is sure to be something for everyone. Their satellite location, Innovation Station (located in Dillsboro), features a beautiful outdoor deck right on the creek. Both Sylva and Dillsboro locations post a schedule of food trucks to accompany your brews. INSIDER TIP: For something refreshing and different, grab a glass of their non-alcoholic house-made spicy Ginger Ale! Delicious!
Balsam Falls Brewing Co. (Sylva)
Run by expert brewers Corey and Laurie Bryson, Balsam Falls Brewing Co. in Sylva always features a stellar tap lineup. Here you can try innovative beers like Grandma’s Pickled Peaches Sour, Cherry Cordial Stout, or Mango Habanero Salt Rock Wit. They also offer a nice selection of mead and house-made hard ciders. The taps are accompanied by a wonderful food menu, making this an excellent spot to eat as well as drink. INSIDER TIP: Save room for the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich – it is legendary.
Lazy Hiker (Franklin & Sylva)
Based in Franklin, NC, Lazy Hiker has been serving up great beer since 2015. The wide variety of taps include Trail Candy Tropical IPA, Wesser Evil Porter, and their signature Trail Mate Golden Ale. Their brewery in Franklin includes a taproom, an outdoor patio, disc golf, and an outdoor event space. Their second location in Sylva features a fun outdoor space as well as event room. INSIDER TIP: Check out each taproom’s weekly event calendar for trivia, bingo, and more!
Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City & Sylva)
Nantahala Brewing has called Bryson City home since the brewery was founded in 2009. The brewery gets their water from the Great Smoky Mountains Park watershed, which they say heavily impacts their beer quality. Year-round flagship beers are served alongside taproom-only experimental brews at the Bryson City Taproom. Their taproom in Sylva also serves the same lineup of brews. INSIDER TIP: Take in a flight of their Trail Magic Ale Series, dedicated to those who traverse the Appalachian Trail each year.
Looking for a comfortable place to stay while you discover all these amazing breweries? The Yellow House makes a great home base for those exploring Western North Carolina. We are centrally located to all of these breweries, as well as Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Biltmore, and more. Take in the quintessential mountain views on the veranda or relax with a glass of wine in front of your in-room fireplace. Enjoy our signature 3-course breakfast each morning and partake in the freshly-baked afternoon treats. Our five beautiful, rolling acres offer two ponds, a stream, waterfall, walking paths, and many native plants for our guests to enjoy.