A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Spring is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for the return of longer days, warmer nights, and patio season. Whether you prefer a trendy downtown brewery or a small-town

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Spring is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for the return of longer days, warmer nights, and patio season. Whether you prefer a trendy downtown brewery or a small-town

15 Breweries Made for Spring Sippin’

Spring is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for the return of longer days, warmer nights, and patio season. Whether you prefer a trendy downtown brewery or a small-town taproom, North Carolina delivers when it comes to sharing a beer outdoors.

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Rooftop Hangout

In these three cities, you can enjoy great craft brews and equally satisfying views.

Highland Brewing CompanyAsheville
With its string lights and mountain vistas, Highland’s rooftop lounge captures visitors’ attention; it also helped the brewery nab the public’s vote for Impressive Outdoor Space in the 2018 Our State Readers’ Choice Brewery Awards.
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville, NC 28803 • (828) 299-3370

The Unknown Brewing Company Charlotte
This brand-new rooftop patio atop the renovated taproom is just as shiny as the view it offers of Charlotte’s skyline at night.
1327 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 • (980) 237-2628

Enjoy one of four beers on tap at The Unknown Brewing Company’s rooftop, which opened to the public in March 2018. photograph by Jeremy Deal

Trophy Brewing Tap + TableRaleigh
Reserve your seat online to take in the sights of our capital city from above.
225 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 • (919) 424-7817


Lush Lawn

Whether you’re looking to toss a Frisbee, play cornhole, or just lounge in the sun, these down-to-earth breweries welcome visitors for an afternoon of fun in the yard.

Andrews Brewing CompanyAndrews
Wander the vineyards or stop to smell the flowers as you walk the grounds of this winery-meets-brewery.
565 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901 • (828) 321-2006

Ponysaurus Brewing CompanyDurham
This expansive yard is good for running around or sunbathing. You can even grill here, too.
219 Hood Street, Durham, NC 27701 • (844) 369-7669

The Duck-Rabbit Craft BreweryFarmville
Run your feet through the cool grass while sitting at the picnic tables in this front yard. 
4519 West Pine Street, Farmville, NC 27828 • (252) 753-7745 

Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout is available on draft year-round for those who like to drink their dark beers on both cold days and warm. photograph by The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, Inc.


Riverside Retreat

These western North Carolina breweries have found that serving their beers by the water is a particularly pleasant pairing.

Currahee Brewing CompanyFranklin
Sitting on the banks of the Little Tennessee River, this brewery features a German-inspired biergarten, with scenic mountain views in the distance.
100 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC 28734 • (828) 634-0078

Frog Level Brewing Company Waynesville
This oasis of picnic tables and Adirondack chairs beside Richland Creek makes for a relaxing afternoon on the water. 
56 Commerce Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 • (828) 454-5664

Hickory Nut Gorge BreweryChimney Rock
Find a seat on one of the four decks facing the Broad River, or just plop down on a warm rock and dip your feet in the water.
461 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720 • (828) 436-7047


Plenty of Patio

No need to save seats: These breweries offer plenty of outdoor space.

Deep River Brewing CompanyClayton
Grass or patio, upper level or lower, sun or shade — take your pick from a variety of spaces to relax outside at this brewery.
700 West Main Street, Suite 102, Clayton, NC 27520 • (919) 585-2296 

Lost Colony Brewery and CafeManteo
Located downtown, this patio is ready to face the throngs of summer visitors looking for a pint.
208 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 473-6666

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Charlotte
This brewery’s biergarten is well-known for its eight acres of outdoor space, offering plenty of elbow room on a warm day.
4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217 • (704) 525-5644

Even Fido is welcome to enjoy the pecan, hickory, and oak trees spread out across The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Biergarten. photograph by The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery


Cozy and Homey

You’ll feel right at home on these breweries’ patios — probably because they remind you so much of your own backyard.

Brown Truck BreweryHigh Point
If your trendy, HGTV-loving friend designed an outdoor patio, it would look a lot like this homey spot, featuring comfortable couches, interesting wall art, a fire pit, and more.
1234 North Main Street, High Point, NC 27262 • (336) 886-1234

Ghost Harbor Brewing CompanyElizabeth City
Located in a narrow alley adorned with string lights, this patio exudes whimsy and charm.
606 B East Colonial Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 • (252) 599-1030

Mill Whistle BrewingBeaufort
Spend an afternoon sipping brews in this casual backyard.
1354 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, NC 28516 • (252) 342-6929

This story was published on Jun 06, 2018

K McKay

K McKay was the digital content writer at Our State. She is a graduate of Elon University, and was the spring 2017 digital intern at Our State.