Dine + Wine
On Tap
by Michele Huggins | photography courtesy of Highland Brewing Co.
Brews and Views
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO HIGHLAND BREWING CO. IN ASHEVILLE
AUGUST 2020
Highland Brewing Co. recently opened walking trails that can be found steps away from the brewery’s original taproom.
56 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS
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f you love a crisp, hoppy IPA with a mountain view, put Highland Brewing Co. in Asheville on your vision board for a daytrip escape. Highland Brewing Co., independently and familyowned, has a reputation for its Gaelic Ale, an American amber ale brewed on site since the brewery opened in Asheville in 1994. Seasonal releases like Wanderlush—a “hazy adventure ale”— Clawhammer Oktoberfest that comes out each August, as well as limited release brews like Cold Mountain winter ale out just before Thanksgiving have garnered the brewery regional and national awards and accolades in brewing. In addition to well-known IPAs and pilsners found at the
brewery and on shelves at stores throughout the country, there are small batch beers from the Pilot Brewhouse that are only available at the brewery to give folks a taste of what’s next.
Safety protocols The brewery sits on 40 acres, giving guests ample space to safely social distance. In response to COVID-19, and a sense of responsibility to patrons and employees, the brewery has implemented a long list of safety measures and practices, including properly distanced tables and seating, intentionally limited seating arrangements, digital menus and single-use paper menus, reduced hours
to accommodate increased cleaning and sterilization shifts, plexiglass shields at bars, contactless payment options, handwashing stations, and hands-free bathroom door openers.
Get on the trails Highland’s Meadow reopened in July as a familyfriendly space that features social-distanced seating circles on the grass that define space for different sized parties. There are picnic tables and campsite-like seating circles for guests to bring their own chairs and blankets. The Meadow’s summer season is highlighted by long-running musical acts on the outdoor stage, smallbatch and seasonal beers
at the shipping container bar, plus local food trucks. While the Meadow is open to families, the taproom remains 21 and older. Take a walk along the recently opened trails that offer a wooded retreat with sections along a creek and an old railroad just steps outside the brewery’s original taproom. While you can’t bring beer onto the trails, it’s a good way to stretch your legs before or after a brew while away from your pandemic digs. Highland Brewing Co. in Asheville is located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway, and is just under a 2.5 hour drive from the Lake Norman area. The Taproom and Meadow are open afternoons and evenings seven days a week throughout summer 2020.