Enjoying North Carolina's Cheers! Trail

 About 30 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina is the small town of Hendersonville. Sitting in the midst of waterfall country and home to the North Carolina Apple Festival, Hendersonville now has a new claim to fame - the Cheers! Trail. Spillover from Asheville and its Beer City USA title, Hendersonville is now home to some 30 breweries, wineries and cideries (and one meadery)and they have developed the Cheers! Trail. It's the only trail in North Carolina showcasing four different types of craft beverages.  My brother and sister-in law gifted me with a Cheers!Trail Passport for my birthday so we set a weekend to meet and enjoy all that Hendersonville has to offer. (Lest you worry, we were responsible trail followers and set a designated driver for each day) 

Our first day was to be a day of breweries (and one cidery) We met at Mills River Brewing - a craft brewery that has walking trails and a food truck. After enjoying lunch and a beverage at the picnic tables we then made our way to Burning Blush's outdoor biergarten - this Renaissance/Gothic themed brewery serves all beers in the appropriate glassware it's meant to be served in.

Mimi bringing the fun

The Frying Pan Tower burger including: chicken tenders, fries and an egg!

 Next up was Bold Rock Mills River Cidery, the largest craft cider producer in the US, with its large outdoor space with views of the surrounding farmland. And then Sideways Farm and Brewery, a brewery on a working farm that specializes in creating beers that are brewed with "local wildflower honey that are unfiltered, unpastureized,and naturally carbonated." My sister -in-law and I tried the jun kombucha - it was delicious!

After checking in to our lodging and a short break we headed to three more breweries located in the revitalized Seventh Avenue district of Hendersonville -  Dry Falls Brewing Company, a father/son duo created brewery housed in an old body shop, Guidon Brewing Company, a veteran, American, German and family owned and operated company brewing craft beer. (Along with our beer we had nachos and tacos for dinner here) and the busiest brewery of the night, Southern Appalachian who was celebrating their 10th anniversary with a live band and dancing.

Photo credit: M Chapman

We had perfect weather for our weekend getaway so the next morning we decided to do a short walk around the property we were staying at. There were walking trails, a pond, a gravel road and a waterfall. Perfect for a morning jaunt.

It was time for sustenance. We headed to Flat Rock Bakery located in the tiny hamlet of Flat Rock, home of Carl Sandberg's National Historic Home Site, Connemara, and the Flat Rock Playhouse. We had delicious breakfast sandwiches on an outdoor patio and then took a gander at a few of the shops while we were waiting for the wineries to open.

Photo Credit: M Chapman

Then we were off to our first winery of the day, Burntshirt Vineyards. Voted North Carolina's Winery of the Year several years running, Burntshirt offers indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy your wine with the outdoor patio overlooking the vines. Three of us did a tasting with Mr. UR opting for enjoying a glass on the patio. Our wine expert was great with explaining their wines, their awards and the legend that came with the name - ask about it when you go.

A little ways down the road we pulled into Appalachian Ridge Cidery. What a cute place! They specialize in Normandy style artisan ciders (think Calvados in France) served in an old barn with outdoor seating in colorful retro patio chairs- with views of the mountains. Definitely one of my faves!!

Next up was St. Paul Mountain Vineyards  -which was so close we could have walked. This winery is quite popular and I can see why. They offer tastings in test tubes, yes, test tubes and you can sit at tables in the vineyard. Which we did. Add live music to the mix and table service with a food menu and you've got a fun afternoon at St. Paul Mountain. Another one of my faves!

We saved the best for last, though. After a short drive up a mountain we arrived at Point Lookout Vineyards and Edge of the World Meadery. Wow. Just wow. What an incredible spot for a winery/meadery. Parking is down below with a free shuttle to take you up to the top and the winery. Incredible views, outdoor and indoor seating along with food options - quite a place. 

We all opted for tastings which included mead, if you would like, and my brother-in-law ordered a charcuterie plate for us to enjoy while looking at those views. The wine was good but the verdict is still out on the mead for me. It might be an acquired taste. I'm game to try again though!

 Oh, and I've forgotten  to tell you about our prize. If you visit 12 of the 30 establishments on the trail,  you can receive a free gift from the Visitor Center. We both chose the stone coaster set - you could also get a wine opener, wine stopper or travel mug. (They're very nice and high quality) A little bonus!

So there you have it. I think we all had a blast and we plan to try some other Winery/Brewery/Cidery Trails in the future. If you get a chance to enjoy the North Carolina Cheers!Trail, I highly recommend you go. You'll be glad you did!

Read about our trip on the Bend Ale Trail in Oregon Here

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!