Asheville is as cool as a Summer day is long. The awkward dance of Asheville is that it has been developed in pockets like a quadrant. My synopsis on describing these quadrants will likely annoy everyone that has lived in Asheville as long as I have (40+ years), but here is a general shot:

South Asheville is full of good schools, chain fast-food, big neighborhoods, big box stores, and feels like the suburbs.

North Asheville is utterly gorgeous. It’s full of old homes, old money, and prestige. It is full of neighborhood restauarants, small tap rooms, and a historic feel.

East Asheville feels more rural. People are racing to gobble up rolling hills, green grass, and gorgeous valley land. New neighborhoods are popping up everywhere. East Asheville is pushing hard towards Black Mountain in a race for a land grab.

West Asheville is eclectic, hip, and trendy. It’s very transient. Everything is walkable, it feels blue collar, and the murals are second to none. West Asheville is loaded with artists, local small businesses, great brunch spots, great restaurants, good people watching and great beer!

Let’s take a little brewery tour in West Asheville…

Start at Zillicoah Beer Co. for an early lunch. Grab a pint of the Appalachian Pils (Pilsner) and some amazing Filipino food from Master BBQ. Hang out by the river for a bit ‘til you’re ready to move onto Archetype Brewing West (7 min drive). For a little bit of a summer refresher, try their Commitment Phobia (Session IPA). If you’re in need of an afternoon snack, you can order Gan Shan or Pizza Mind straight from your table at the brewery.

TIP: Walk up the street for less than .4 of a mile (7 minutes) and sneak a beer in at one of the coolest spots on Haywood Road called Cellarest Beer Project.

It’s about that time for a little night music so make your way to New Belgium Brewing (2 min drive or 10 min walk). Live music starts at 6pm. They have plenty of seating on the patio, or on the lawn or at the bar with a beautiful river view. Order a flight to try a variety of their brews. Our favorites, to name a few, are Dominga Mimosa Sour, Mountain Time Lager, Juicy Haze IPA and Trippel Belgian Style Ale. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, there are pre-curated flights made by the staff there. The “beertenders” are also eager to help you find a beer that you’ll enjoy. And of course…more food. You can’t go wrong with any of the food trucks that park outside of the brewery. There’s a rotating schedule for you to see what you’ll be ordering that night for dinner. Everything closes down at 8pm, so leave room for one nightcap at the new rooftop bar above The Radical. It provides an amazing view, ambiance, and good drinks. At this point I think you’ll be ready for a good night sleep and make sure you get a ride safely home.

See you tomorrow at Provisions Mercantile for some retail therapy!