Why fight the traffic, parking, and lines of Asheville’s crowded brewery scene? Just a short drive to the west, the vibrant small town of Waynesville has discovered the best way to keep up with Asheville’s craft beer frenzy. They have placed two breweries, a taproom, and a bottle shop right off Main Street!
If you’re looking for a relaxing day of enjoying fine local beer, we know just the places. Here’s how to craft your perfect beer day in downtown Waynesville, NC.
Discover Your Happy Place @ Panacea Coffee Company
Since 2002, Panacea Coffee Co. has been a full-service espresso bar and coffee roastery that serves a wide variety of coffee and tea beverages. But don’t worry about getting there early. For late risers, breakfast is available all day. Choose a lox and bagel plate, quiche, fresh fruit and yogurt, or crunchy granola with steamed milk. Or grab a colorful smoothie! Find your panacea and find a meeting place, a celebrating place, and a sharing place.
66 Commerce Street, Waynesville | (828) 452-6200 | panaceacoffee.com
Wet Your Whistle @ Frog Level Brewing
Sip your coffee and sit by the creek until noon. Then, head next door to Frog Level Brewing for some of the smoothest craft beer to touch your tongue. From the bite of their IPA to the smokiness of the Scotch Ale, you can enjoy their menu in the tasting room or get it packaged to take home. If you are hungry again, stay inside and take advantage of the full kitchen. Or venture out onto the back deck overlooking the flowing creek and enjoy the sounds of nature.
56 Commerce Street, Waynesville | (828) 454-5664 | froglevelbrewing.com
Find a Legendary Ale @ Boojum Brewing Company
It’s time to head up the hill to Main Street! Located in the middle of Main Street, Boojum Brewing takes its name from a local mountain legend. You could spend all day in the taproom sampling their delicious beer and pub grub, including tasty burgers, shareables, and daily specials. Downstairs, the Gem Bar features Boojum beer, wine, and a full liquor bar. It’s the perfect hangout space, with bar games including pool, darts, shuffleboard, and foosball.
50 N Main Street, Waynesville | (828) 246-0350 | boojumbrewing.com
Shop for Treasures @ Main Street
If it’s a nice day, let those beers settle as you peruse the many shops lining Main Street! Downtown Waynesville is a pedestrian’s dream. Shoppers have much to choose from, including working art studios and galleries, fine restaurants, breweries, a local bookstore, coffee roastery, gift shops, a bakery, and more.
Take a left turn onto Pigeon Street for more treasures. Waynesville is home to the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, which is located in the historic Shelton House. The museum features 19th century crafts, including pottery, quilts, baskets, and woodworking.
Fill Your Belly @ Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant
At Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant, they have a passion for great beer, delicious food, and good company. You’ll find 50 craft beers and ciders on tap here at any one time. Plus, this casual bar serves a full menu of fries, wings, and specialty ‘zas from Dough Boys Pizza, located in house. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find something at Mad Anthony’s to satisfy your appetite. Stop in for dinner, take a load off, and relax among new and old friends in this fun, friendly, and relaxing atmosphere.
180 Legion Drive, Waynesville | (828) 246-9249 | madanthonys.bar
Take Some Beer to Go @ Blue Ridge Beer Hub
Before you end your day, double back and visit Blue Ridge Beer Hub. The locally-owned shop carries homebrew supplies, offers a large selection of craft beer to go, and serves regional and exclusive beers in their taproom. But they don’t just sell beer. They carry all of “the four major food groups,” as they say: beer, wine, cider, and mead. The business also supports the local community by leasing and purchasing from local businesses, contracting with local service providers, and donating to local nonprofits whose missions improve living conditions in WNC. Meet old and new friends over a pint in the taproom, or find a gift for the brewer or beer geek in your life.
21 East Street, Waynesville | (828) 246-9320 | blueridgebeerhub.com
Have a Perfect Day Every Day in Waynesville!
In Western North Carolina, it’s easy to spend all day enjoying the local breweries and natural wonders in your back yard! High peaks surround the town of Waynesville, once billed as the Gateway to the Smokies and now the seat of Haywood County. Plus, Waynesville’s proximity to Asheville offers residents the best amenities of a larger city while still holding on to its small-town atmosphere. The recently restored Frog Level train district has gained recognition as a National Historic District and is now home to a collection of small galleries, a coffee roastery, and a microbrewery. From outdoor adventures to cozy spots downtown, Waynesville welcomes people from many different backgrounds to visit and stay for life.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Waynesville now!
