Mountain Brews: Exploring Breweries in Cashiers & Highlands, North Carolina
A Taste of the Mountains
What makes beer in these mountains special? It's the water—clean, cold, and mineral-rich. It's also the people—independent-minded and creative. Breweries here tend to embrace their natural surroundings, often brewing in small batches with locally sourced ingredients and naming beers after local landmarks, legends, or wildlife.
🥾 Breweries Worth the Climb
🍺 Whiteside Brewing Company – Cashiers, NC
Family-Friendly | Dog Friendly | Full Kitchen | Beer Garden Vibes | Live Music
In the picturesque town of Cashiers, Whiteside Brewing Co. is a must-stop for beer lovers. Housed in a spacious, lodge-style building with both indoor and outdoor seating, this place is equally loved for its scratch-made food and mountain-brewed beer. There is an adjacent field for dogs and kids to run around. Head into the weekend with some live local bluegrass music, country blues and other mountain music.
Whiteside Brewing routinely changes out its seasonal selection of brews. Try the Chocolate Coconut Milk Stout if you’re into darker beers, Cackalacky Lite for a lighter American lager, or the Space Wizard Hazy IPA if you’re craving something juicy and hoppy. If you're more adventurous as, I am, try the Pickin' Wildflowers farmhouse ale (Saison). They also serve up burgers, salads, and wood-fired apps that hit the spot. It’s casual, fun, and dog-friendly outside — perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
HOURS: Monday & Tuesday (11:00 am - 9:00 pm), Wednesday (closed), Thursday (11:00 am - 9:00 pm), Friday & Saturday (11:00 am - 10:00 pm), Sunday (11:00 am - 8:00 pm)
🛍️ Bonus: Take your draft beer to go with a growler back to Cattail Cottage for a picnic at Camp Cattail or sitting on the dock, or High Ridge Haven while overlooking Whiteside Mountain on the observation deck.
🍻 Western Carolina Brew and Wine – Highlands, NC
Craft Beer & Wine Lounge | Local & Regional Favorites | Relaxed Vibe
Taking over the space once occupied by Satulah Mountain Brewing, Western Carolina Brew & Wine is now Highlands’ go-to spot for craft beer and wine lovers. This cozy, welcoming taproom offers a curated selection of local North Carolina brews, regional wines, and rotating guest taps — perfect for both beer explorers and wine sippers.
Located just off Main Street, the space retains a rustic charm but with updated, laid-back lounge seating and a patio perfect for warm-weather hangouts. There’s no in-house brewing, but the variety and quality of selections more than make up for it. Think small-batch IPAs from Asheville, crisp lagers from Sylva, and refreshing rosés from local vineyards.
HOURS: Monday (4:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Wednesday - Sunday (12:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
🗺️ Location tip: It’s just a short walk from the heart of town — perfect for a post-shopping pint.
🍂 Breweries Worth the Short Drive
Looking to make it a beer-themed day trip? Expand your brewery tour with a scenic drive to nearby towns:- Innovation Brewing – Sylva, NC: About an hour away, this popular brewery is known for experimental and creative brews. Try their Spaceman Pale Ale!
- Balsam Fall Brewing - Sylva, NC: A nano brewing operation focuses on classic styles while exploring their craft to create unique and adventurous creations.
- Lazy Hiker Brewing - Sylva, NC: Lazy Hiker expanded and opened a taproom with Mad Batter Kitchen in beautiful downtown Sylva
- Lazy Hiker Brewing – Franklin, NC: Set in a former gear store, this brewery pays homage to Appalachian Trail hikers with sessionable, refreshing beers.
- Brevard Brewing - Brevard, NC: A family-owned business in the heart of Brevard, specialiing in creating hand-crafted lagers.
- Ecusta Brewing - Brevard, NC: By definition, “Ecusta” means, “Get Distant.” No two words better represent our beer. Ecusta Brewing Company is the starting point for those seeking adventure, and the final destination for those who sought it.
- Noblebräu Brewing - Brevard, NC: While you will always find the German Pilsner on the draft list, the rest of the menu is dynamic.
- Oscar Blues Brewery - Brevard, NC: Also located in Colorado, Oscar Blues delivers the freshest craft beer across the country and creates a wide variety of amazing small batch beers only found at their taprooms.
- Griffon & Sphynx - Brevard, NC: Located in the Lumberyard District, it is ia hidden gem with a cozy atmosphere making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the area.
🥾 Beer + Mountains = Perfect Combo
There’s something about mountain air, crisp craft beer, and a relaxing view that just works. The breweries in Highlands and Cashiers not only serve up great drinks but also embody the community spirit of these small towns. Expect friendly faces, dog-friendly patios, and menus inspired by Southern flavors.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during fall foliage season for a double treat — peak colors and seasonal beers like pumpkin ales, brown ales, and more.
🗺️ Plan Your Brew Crawl
Make it a long weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a brewery tour that includes hikes, live music, and unforgettable local flavor. These small-town breweries in Highlands and Cashiers, NC, may be off the beaten path — but once you find them, you’ll want to come back again and again.