Asheville, North Carolina has become a bit of a hotspot when it comes to trendy craft breweries. The Western North Carolina city is very up-and-coming, with a bustling downtown and a thriving arts scene. Fun fact: their motto is #KeepAshevilleWeird.

I spent a few weeks in Asheville with my family recently. We found no shortage of brewing companies to visit. Luckily for us, we were able to take the pup along to most places as well. Here’s a list of some Asheville breweries that we checked out and would certainly visit again:

Green Man Brewery

This South Slope brewing company is a full three stories tall, with a packaging hall and an indoor and outdoor taproom. In their spacious upstairs bar, we perused a collection of board games while sipping our brews. I tried the “Green Man and the Chocolate Factory,” a rich chocolate stout unlike any beer I’ve tasted before.

New Belgium Brewing Co.

New Belgium Brewing is located right along the gorgeous French Broad River, and was definitely one of our favorite Asheville breweries. It’s the perfect place to drink in some views while drinking some excellent Belgian beer. They have a food truck on-site daily, so you won’t have to plan your brewery outing around mealtimes. 

Highland Brewing

Dubbed “Asheville’s original brewery,” Highland Brewing was the first legal brewery in Asheville since the prohibition and has remained a popular fixture in the craft beer scene. The space itself is quite impressive, with a rooftop bar and indoor event center with a stage and two bars.

Wicked Weed Funkatorium

Probably one of the most popular Asheville breweries to visit, the Wicked Weed Funkatorium just one branch of the Wicked Weed company. They have four locations total – the Funkatorium is smaller and devoted to more sour and unique beers. We tried one of their flights to get a taste of a few kinds of drinks, and it definitely did not disappoint.

Asheville Brewing Co.

With three locations in Downtown, North and South Asheville, this brewery has something for everyone – including a wine list if beer isn’t your thing. They also have an extensive menu of delicious pub food. Visit on Wet Nose Wednesdays if you want your pup to come along for the day, or sit outside in the covered patio to people watch while you drink.

Wedge Brewing Co.

After exploring the vibrant River Arts District, head to the Wedge for a drink, and maybe a game of cornhole or two. We went to the Wedge Studios location of the brewery, founded by a metal artist and housing more than 20 artist studios. The artistic feel will be immediately apparent, with a number of mixed metal sculptures and an overall industrial look.

Catawba Brewing Co.

Simple and sleek, Catawba’s South Slope location is a great choice if you want to duck inside a cozy tap room for a drink. You can choose from their impressive selection of beers, ciders, seltzers and more. Their Biltmore Village location recently added axe throwing – head over there if you’re feeling brave!

If drinking isn’t your thing, don’t fret – there is still a lot to do in Asheville, North Carolina. We spent a lot of our time there hiking and shopping when we weren’t exploring the Asheville breweries. The North Carolina Arboretum is well worth a visit, with gorgeous gardens and trails. In the winter, they have a holiday light show that makes for a great family outing. 

Downtown Asheville has a number of unique storefronts and art galleries in its Grove Arcade and beyond. Of course, you’ll also find hip coffee shops like Trade & Lore Coffee, a board game cafe called Well Played Board Game Cafe and more – definitely not a dull area! 

And if you want to drink something other than beer, you’re in luck. Some awesome wine bars, like Santé Wine Bar and Taproom in the heart of downtown, or Bottle Riot right next door to the Wedge.

Is Asheville, North Carolina on your travel bucket list? What’s the best brewery you’ve been to? Do you prefer wine or beer?