Mills River (Sierra Nevada Brewing) is a food day trips in Biltmore Village, Asheville.
Sierra Nevada's Mills River brewery campus, 15 miles south of Asheville, is the East Coast production brewery for the California-based Pale Ale icon.
Tip: Free 45-minute tours need a reservation. Weekend afternoons add free regional bluegrass at the amphitheater.
Cherokee, NC, 50 miles west of Asheville, is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Cherokee food traditions live at the Oconaluftee Indian.
Tip: The Oconaluftee Indian Village runs May through October. Combine with a Great Smoky Mountains National Park drive.
Biltmore Estate runs the most-visited US winery and three restaurants in Antler Hill Village (Cedric's Tavern, the Bistro, Village Social). Estate admission.
Tip: Buy estate tickets in advance. The winery tour is included; Cedric's Tavern lunch needs a 1-week reservation.
Hendersonville's pedestrian-friendly Main Street, 25 miles south of Asheville, runs a deep downtown restaurant scene. Editor pick on TableJourney with drive.
Tip: Labor Day weekend's North Carolina Apple Festival is the busiest visit. The Henderson County strawberry fields open you-pick May-June.
Brevard, 35 miles southwest of Asheville at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, runs a five-brewery downtown anchored by Oskar Blues. Editor pick.
Tip: Combine with a Pisgah waterfall drive (Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock).
Cherokee, NC, 50 miles west of Asheville, is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Cherokee food traditions live at the Oconaluftee Indian.
Tip: The Oconaluftee Indian Village runs May through October. Combine with a Great Smoky Mountains National Park drive.
Weaverville, 10 miles north of Asheville, is the quiet downtown alternative with a tight food scene anchored by Blue Mountain Pizza. Editor pick.
Tip: Blue Mountain Pizza pours small-batch craft beer with wood-fired pies and live music. Pair with a North Asheville Tailgate Market morning on Edgewood Road.
Biltmore Estate runs the most-visited US winery and three restaurants in Antler Hill Village (Cedric's Tavern, the Bistro, Village Social). Estate admission.
Tip: Buy estate tickets in advance. The winery tour is included; Cedric's Tavern lunch needs a 1-week reservation.
Black Mountain, 15 miles east of Asheville, is a walkable downtown with 40+ restaurants and bars. The Pure and Proper, Trailhead and Foothills Grange anchor.
Tip: The Sourwood Festival the second weekend of August is the time to visit. Park downtown and walk.
Hendersonville's pedestrian-friendly Main Street, 25 miles south of Asheville, runs a deep downtown restaurant scene. Editor pick on TableJourney with drive.
Tip: Labor Day weekend's North Carolina Apple Festival is the busiest visit. The Henderson County strawberry fields open you-pick May-June.
Brevard, 35 miles southwest of Asheville at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, runs a five-brewery downtown anchored by Oskar Blues. Editor pick.
Tip: Combine with a Pisgah waterfall drive (Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock).