Boone and Brews: Tapping into NC’s High Country Beer Scene

GraystoneLodge / June 23, 2025 /Experiences

Boone’s Beer Scene is Worth the Trip

If you’re headed to Boone, NC, bring your love for fresh air and fresh pours. Our mountain town isn’t just about scenic overlooks and winding trails—it’s also pouring some of the best craft beer in the country. In fact, Boone was ranked the #3 Best Small Town Beer Scene in the U.S. by USA Today.

Here at Graystone Lodge, we see guests planning their trip around hiking trails, football games, and now—brewery stops. We get it. Cold beer, good food, and a mountain breeze? That’s a High Country combo worth showing up for.

Graystone Lodge is a 101-room boutique hotel located in Boone, NC, that captures the spirit of the High Country in a warm, welcoming ambiance of a mountain lodge with an enhanced modern design and upscale amenities. Book your stay or learn more about our rooms. Subscribe to our email list to “stay in the know” about local tips, events, and promotions: Join the list! Don’t miss our Summer Special: Stay 3 Nights and Save 15% offer! Valid June 20th, 2025 through September 21st, 2025. Book now and save.

The Local Breweries That Put Boone on the Map

Boone may be small, but its tap list is mighty. Every brewery in town brings something different—creative flavor profiles, mountain-inspired labels, and spaces that feel more like community hubs than tourist stops. Here’s a local’s guide to the must-sips:

Lost Province Brewing Co.

Located right in downtown Boone, Lost Province brings together wood-fired food and small-batch brews in a cozy setting. This family-owned brewpub champions local community spirit with generous hospitality and a focus on local and organic ingredients. Enjoy a lively dinner or drinks with favorites like Fire on the Mountain ale or Lost Trail Pale Ale! With three locations in Boone including Coyote Kitchen & Lost Province Taproom, your special experience awaits. Plus, show your Graystone Lodge room key for 10% off food at both locations as part of the Graystone Lodge local discount program.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB)

Nestled in the heart of Boone, Appalachian Mountain Brewery is the OG in town. Their Long Leaf IPA and Boone Creek Blonde are local staples, but it’s the laid-back beer garden and Farm to Flame food truck that keep people coming back. AMB is well known for their sustainability and dedication to teaming up with local nonprofits to give back to organizations in the mountain community so make sure to check out their Monthly Brewin’ Good Partners where they raise funds and awareness for great causes. Plus, it’s one of the most family-friendly and dog-friendly spots around!

Booneshine Brewing Co.

Booneshine is all about good beer and great vibes. Indulge in mouthwatering beer selections and a menu filled with savory snacks, salads, flatbreads, and burgers that hit the spot. Don’t miss their Tropicpale and East Boone Pilsner! Located in East Boone, they’re just a short walk from the Boone Greenway and the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex—home to Appalachian FC (the Squatchiest soccer team in America). In addition, they have the largest outdoor beer garden in the High Country which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a beer.

SouthEnd Brewing Co. – Boone

One of the newer additions to the Boone beer scene is SouthEnd’s Brewing Company located in downtown. With a stunning rooftop patio and an outdoor container bar, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Savor unique pours like their hazy IPAs and seasonal rotations. They are worth the stop, and their downtown location makes it an easy add to your afternoon walk. Plus, the pet-friendly outdoor space welcomes your furry companions!

Parallel Brewing Co.

Parallel Brewing‘s tasting room and wine bar offers a unique, intimate beverage experience. As an experimental craft beer project, they maintain a rotating selection of innovative beers. Partnering with Freestyle Hops for premium SubZero Hop Kief from New Zealand, they ensure every sip bursts with flavor and aroma. Quality brewing is their passion, from seed to can!

What Makes Boone’s Brewery Culture Stand Out

Sure, the beers are good. But it’s more than that. The people behind the taps are rooted in this community. From local ingredients to recycled water systems, Boone’s breweries reflect the care and creativity of the High Country itself. There’s a true sense of place here, one pint at a time.

This is also a town that makes it easy to relax. Most taprooms have outdoor seating, live music, food options, and friendly faces—so even if you don’t know anyone, you’ll feel like you do.

High Country Beer Fest

The 18th Annual High Country Beer Fest is on August 23rd, 2025! Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this festival is a celebration of quality craft beer, ciders, and other brews with an emphasis on education as a fundraising event for the Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences program at Appalachian State University. Sample craft beverages from over 40 unique breweries, enjoy live music from 3 bands, and learn about fermented foods from around the world in the free fermentation seminars.

Catch a shuttle from Appalachian State’s Peacock parking lot (416 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607) to the fairgrounds between 1:15 and 3:30 PM. Shuttles will return to the parking lot from 6:30 PM until the festival ends. Overnight parking is allowed, but plan ahead as there are limited Uber and taxi services. Enjoy discounts and free shuttle service at our sister hotels, La Quinta Inn & Suites Boone University and Sleep Inn Boone University Area.

Build Your Own Brew Tour

With everything so close together, you can create your own self-guided beer tour. Here’s a sample plan that hits all the Boone local spots:

Suggested Itinerary:

  • Start with an early lunch and a pint at Booneshine
  • Swing by Parallel Brewing for a refreshing drink and pick up an intriguing read at Huzzah Books
  • Head over to AMB for a flight and a snack from their food truck Farm to Flame
  • Walk through downtown Boone and catch a late-afternoon drink at SouthEnd’s roof top
  • Cap the night off with wood-fired pizza and a Fire on the Mountain ale at Lost Province Brewing

You don’t have to squeeze it all in—space it out over your stay. Boone’s beer scene is best enjoyed without a rush.

Staying Close to the Taps at Graystone Lodge

There’s a reason we’re one of the best places to stay in Boone, NC—especially for folks who want to see (and sip) the best of town in just a few days. At Graystone Lodge, we’ve got the comfort and convenience to round out your stay.

Here’s what guests love about us:

  • Cozy, updated rooms to relax in after a day around town
  • Pet-friendly options so your dog doesn’t miss the trip
  • Family-friendly accommodations with space for everyone
  • Complimentary hot breakfast before your next hike or tasting
  • Convenient location near breweries, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and App State University

When it comes to finding a conveniently located hotel in Boone, NC, it helps to stay somewhere that understands your plans might include trails and taprooms. Graystone Lodge is just minutes from Downtown Boone and every local brewery, making it an ideal base for all your High Country adventures.

Final Sip: Why Beer Tastes Better in the Mountains

There’s just something about a cold beer after a day in the mountain air. Boone’s craft beer scene is casual, creative, and full of locals who care about what they’re making. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a few days of hiking, add a brewery (or two) to your list.

Planning your trip now? Book your stay at Graystone Lodge and ask our staff for brewery tips, directions, or even what pairs well with your trail snack of choice. We’re always happy to help make your stay one to remember.

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