Its the Location!

Best of the Best

This a fun list for us and we encourage you to chime in with things that maybe we haven’t tried yet. Most of these are close by, as we think that if there’s something good to see or do, why drive a long distance if you don’t have to. Join in on the fun and send us a note if you want to nominate a place for us to include!

Best Breweries to visit

1. Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House

Right in Downtown Blowing Rock, so if you can’t keep up with the hard-core shoppers in your family, it’s only a block away from Main Street where you can “reenergize” with a cold brew. Good beer, food is pretty good too and as already mentioned, great location. Downside is it’s a small place and fills up fast. In nice weather you can grab a seat outside and or in the courtyard out back (with corn hole). Off-peak times would be better, but you can always get a good beer and maybe even a table if you’re lucky.

Pro-Tip: Seating in the back at the long hightop (in the middle of the room) is first-come, so if there’s a wait for a table you might be able to score a seat quicker back there.

More info: Blowing Rock Brewery

2. Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Found this review and seems to sum it up…It’s a brewery... they serve the beer that they brew - A glorified garage/barn with a country feel and a food truck parked out front. There is also live local music and a hip country vibe. Check it out - you'll be glad you did. My favorite is the Long Leaf IPA. Yep, ‘bout right…

More info: Appalachian Mountain Brewery (Boone)

3. Booneshine Brewery

Great place to visit. Open seating, great atmosphere and outside fire pit make seating easy with many options. The flights of beer and a growlers for taking home combined with excellent finger food and more make this a must see place for your brewery tour of Boone.

More Info: Booneshine Brewery (Boone)

Bonus Pick (shh its a winery!):

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery

A really nice setting overlooking Grandfather Mountain and the gorgeous vineyard. Great way to spend the afternoon on a beautiful day. Sit by the river and enjoy some wine with lunch at the picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.

More info: Grandfather Vineyard (Foscoe, btwn Boone and Banner Elk)

Even more beer: Other Area Breweries