Appalachian Mountain Brewing
Appalachian Mountain Brewing is a bona fide Boone landmark. This 10-barrel outfit boasts a 120-foot bar, a heated patio and the acclaimed Farm 2 Flame food truck. Flagship brews like Boone Creek Blonde Ale and Long Leaf India Pale Ale are augmented by seasonal saisons, imperial stouts and ciders.
Fullsteam Brewery
Fullsteam Brewery prides itself on brewing “distinctly Southern beer” utilizing local malt and hops. Mainstays like Paycheck Pilsner, Rocket Science IPA and Working Man’s Lunch Brown Ale have made this brewery a must-see for beer trail pilgrims.
Highland Brewing Co.
Highland Brewing Company puts out up to 200 barrels of premium suds per day. Perennial favorites like their Gaelic Ale and AVL IPA are often joined by delicious seasonal brews such as Stargazer White and Clawhammer Märzen. Thanks to a live music stage, a mezzanine and a roof-top bar, Highland is always hopping.
Foothills Brewing Co.
Foothills Brewing Co. has a year-round offerings like Hoppyum IPA, People’s Porter, Carolina Blonde Cream Ale and Torch Pilsner have put this landmark on the map. While their in-house kitchen produces plenty of hearty fare, a slew of next-level local food trucks make regular nightly visits.
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of North Carolina’s premier craft beer destinations. Their pub location boasts a tasting bar, a cozy patio, a full kitchen and their original 15-barrel brewing installation. Draft options include high-octane American ales like Pernicious and Freak of Nature as well as saisons and hard ciders.
Mother Earth Brewing
Mother Earth Brewing takes an environmentally friendly approach to craft beer. Their Kinston location is notable for being the first brewery in the country to achieve LEED Gold Certification. Year-round draft options like Weeping Willow Wit, Sisters of the Moon IPA and Endless River Kolsch have made Mother Earth a mecca for local beer fanatics.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co is nestled deep in the Great Smoky Mountains just off the Appalachian Trail, this laid-back Franklin hot spot is worth the drive. Popular drafts include Slack Pack IPA, Red Marble Rye Imperial Red Ale, Wesser Evil Porter and Springer Fever Pilsner to name just a few.
D9 Brewing Company
D9 Brewing Company places an emphasis on educating and engaging with rabid beer fans. While they offer tons of great IPAs like Swell Rider and Hakuna Matata, their unique sours are what really set them apart from the crowd. D9 is equally famous for hosting local events like regular yoga sessions and summer concerts.
Flytrap Brewing
Flytrap specializes in small, artisanal batches of American and Belgian beers. If you especially enjoy Dubbels and Trippels, Flytrap is the brewpub for you. Regular visits from a rotating cast of food trucks make up for the lack of a dedicated kitchen.
Free Range Brewing
Free Range has a great blend of indoor and outdoor seating, it has plenty of room for you to enjoy one of its small-batch brews. What’s on tap changes frequently, but you can’t go wrong with the Sea of Companions Oyster Stout or My Fair Lady, a rotating high-gravity IPA.