Mountainside Microbreweries: Western NC's Craft Beer Trail

Hey y'all! The Girls Go South crew here with another adventure that perfectly captures why we fell head-over-heels for North Carolina life. If you've been following our podcast, you know we're always on the hunt for uniquely Southern experiences that our Northern friends back home are missing out on. This weekend's adventure? Western North Carolina's incredible craft beer scene!

As Northern transplants who came South for college, we've discovered that these Blue Ridge Mountain towns offer some of the most gorgeous brewery experiences in the country. So grab your cutest flannel, round up your girlfriends, and let's explore this perfect weekend getaway that combines mountain views, college-budget friendly fun, and Instagram-worthy moments!

The Western NC Craft Beer Trail: College Girl Edition

Route: Asheville → Black Mountain → Waynesville → Sylva → BrevardPerfect For: Weekend road trips with your roomies, fall break adventures, or showing your Northern besties why Southern living rocks

Stop 1: Asheville — Beer City, USA

If we had to pick one spot that convinced us the South has serious craft beer game, it's Asheville. With more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else in America, this artsy mountain city is where Southern hospitality meets craft beer innovation.

Our Girl Squad Picks:

• Sierra Nevada — Trust us, the massive outdoor space is perfect for group pics, and they often have live music on weekends

• Burial Beer Co. — The aesthetic is immaculate (think moody art and fairy lights), and their beer flights are totally shareable

• Wicked Weed — Downtown location means you can brewery hop and boutique shop in the same afternoon

Girls Go South Tip: South Slope Brewing District is where you'll find all the other college students! You can walk between multiple breweries, and many have patios perfect for soaking up that Carolina sunshine.

Stop 2: Black Mountain — Cozy Vibes & Mountain Views

Just 20 minutes from Asheville, Black Mountain feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. The perfect small-town charm with seriously good beer!

Don't Miss:

• Lookout Brewing — Their outdoor seating has mountain views that'll make your TikToks pop

• Black Mountain Brewing — Super cute downtown spot where locals hang

Pro Tip: Pack a picnic blanket and grab beer to-go for an impromptu mountain sunset picnic!

Stop 3: Waynesville — Southern Charm & Bluegrass

As Northern girls discovering Southern culture, Waynesville stole our hearts with its perfect blend of charming downtown, live music, and welcoming locals.

Must Visit:

• Frog Level Brewing — Their creekside patio is everything, and they're super welcoming to college students

• Boojum Brewing — Fun fact: it's named after a local mountain legend (ask the bartenders for the story!)

Stop 4: Sylva — Hidden Gem Alert!

If you're looking for that authentic small-town experience that'll make your friends back home jealous, Sylva is it! This picturesque mountain town feels like discovering a secret.

Our Favorites:

• Innovation Brewing — Their riverside patio is perfect for that golden hour lighting

• Lazy Hiker Brewing — Their beer names are all hiking-themed and make for great conversation starters

Final Stop: Brevard — Waterfalls & White Squirrels

Home to Pisgah National Forest and some of the best waterfalls in NC, Brevard combines outdoor adventure with craft beer perfection.

Can't Miss:

• Oskar Blues — They frequently host events perfect for college students

• Brevard Brewing — Their lighter beers are perfect for girls just getting into the craft beer scene

Girls Go South Trail Tips

As Northern girls who've navigated this trail ourselves, here's our best advice:

• Safety first! Always designate a driver or book accommodations within walking distance

• Save that coin — Many breweries offer discounted flights or happy hours (perfect for the college budget!)

• Dress in layers — Mountain weather changes quickly, and brewery patios can get chilly after sunset

• Bring your student ID — Some places offer student discounts!

• Try the food — Southern brewery food is NEXT LEVEL compared to what we had up North

Why We Love Southern Brewery Culture

One major difference we've noticed since moving South? Breweries here aren't just places to drink—they're community spaces where people of all ages gather, dogs are welcome, and strangers quickly become friends. The laid-back Southern hospitality extends to every taproom, making even us former city girls feel right at home.

Plus, there's something magical about sipping a locally-made IPA while watching the sun set behind the Blue Ridge Mountains that just can't be matched back home!

So whether you're fellow Northern transplants like us or Southern belles looking for your next weekend adventure, Western NC's craft beer trail should be at the top of your college bucket list!

Have you visited any of these breweries? Drop a comment on our latest podcast episode or tag us in your brewery pics @GirlsGoSouth.pod! We're always looking for new spots to feature.

Follow along on Instagram @GirlsGoSouth.Pod, New posts every week!

Girls Go South is a podcast created by friends who relocated to North Carolina for college, sharing our journey of discovering Southern culture, food, fashion, and adventures!