North Carolina Spot Named Best for Its Small Town Beer Scene
The only thing better than a thriving big city beer scene is a great North Carolina small town beer scene. Well, both big city and small town beer scenes are equally awesome, but it’s time to put the spotlight on some great small town beer scenes for once. After all, there’s something special and unique about a small town beer scene that’s packed with local culture, community and heart. Now, one North Carolina small town beer scene has been named one of the best in the country.
North Carolina Small Town Gets Honored
The experts at USA Today have released their roster of the best small town beer scenes in America, as part of their 10 Best series. This series has experts picking spots for which to vote, and then readers voting for their favorites. “These 10 U.S. small towns, each with a population of fewer than 30,000, have been nominated by an expert panel and voted as the best by our readers for having the most outstanding beer scenes in the nation,” they state in the feature. “These spots offer plenty of festivals, great breweries, brewpubs, and beer bars to enjoy — all accompanied by small-town hospitality.”
Coming in at No. 10 on the tally is Bryson City, North Carolina, with USA Today raving about the spot. “There’s plenty of hiking, whitewater rafting, tubing, and exploring to fill your days and several popular breweries within walking distance of each other,” they state. “In addition to Mountain Layers Brewing Company, beer lovers should be sure to visit Bryson City Outdoors, where they’ll likely find a food truck to pair with the BCO taproom’s well-curated selection of local and regional craft beers.” How great is that?
Now is an important time to support your local craft brewery. “Craft has been going through a painful period of rationalization as demand growth has slowed and retailers and distributors look to simplify their offerings or add options for flavor and variety outside of the craft category,” said Bart Watson, vice president of strategy and membership, Brewers Association, as 2024 closed out. “That said, breweries have reacted to these changes by focusing on distribution, continuing to innovate in their taprooms and brewpubs, creating groups and partnerships, and offering a wider range of beverages in their portfolios.”
So, that’s all the more reason to enjoy some local brews. Think of it as also helping out the local craft brewer industry.
