Boone, North Carolina. A craft beer haven in the High Country.

Boone, North Carolina: A Craft Beer Haven in the High Country

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of over 3,300 feet, Boone, North Carolina, is a picturesque college town that’s become a surprising hub for craft beer enthusiasts. Named after the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, this charming destination blends Appalachian heritage with a youthful vibe, thanks to Appalachian State University. While Boone is renowned for its outdoor adventures—hiking, tubing, and skiing—it’s also carved out a niche as a top small-town beer scene, even earning a spot on USA Today’s 2023 list of the “Best Small Town Beer Scenes.” With a population of just over 19,000, Boone punches above its weight, boasting a handful of exceptional breweries in its immediate vicinity. In this post we’ll dive into Boone’s brewery landscape, uncovering their histories, specialties, and food options that make them must-visit spots for locals and travelers alike.

Boone’s Brewing Boom: A Brief Backstory

Boone’s craft beer renaissance owes much to Appalachian State University’s unique Fermentation Sciences Program, launched in 2012. This academic gem has fueled a wave of brewing talent, inspiring graduates to stay local and craft beers that reflect the High Country’s rugged spirit. The town’s cool climate, pristine mountain water, and a community eager for artisanal experiences have further nurtured this growth. From the first modern brewery opening its doors in 2013 to the vibrant scene today, Boone’s breweries have become a cornerstone of its identity, blending innovation with tradition. Let’s raise a glass and explore each one.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB)

Location: 163 Boone Creek Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Distance from Downtown Boone: Less than 1 mile

History

Appalachian Mountain Brewery, affectionately known as “AMB,” holds the title of Boone’s pioneering modern brewery. Founded by cousins Nathan Kelischek and Chris Bly in 2013, AMB opened its doors on Valentine’s Day, marking the town’s first brewpub in over a decade. What began as a passion project in a small facility has grown into a regional craft beer leader, earning accolades like medals from the Great American Beer Festival. Sustainability is at AMB’s core—its founders partner with local nonprofits like MountainTrue and divert spent grain to farmers, reducing waste while supporting the community.

Specialties

AMB’s beer lineup is as diverse as the High Country itself, with no single style dominating. Their flagship Boone Creek Blonde, a crisp ale with a hint of orange zest and honey, is a local favorite, perfect for sipping on a warm spring day. For hop lovers, Daniel’s Double IPA delivers a bold, citrusy punch, while the Long Leaf IPA—named after the region’s iconic pine—earned national recognition. Dark beer fans gravitate toward the Black Gold Porter, a rich, roasty brew. AMB also shines with its hard ciders, like the Southern Apple Cider, a sweet yet balanced option crafted from local apples. Seasonal releases, such as the Thunder Cloud Pleaser, keep the tap list exciting year-round.

Food Options

AMB doesn’t have an in-house kitchen, but it hosts the Farm 2 Flame food truck, a staple at the brewery. This mobile eatery serves wood-fired pizzas with thin, crispy crusts, made from sustainably sourced local ingredients. Options range from classic margherita to gourmet pies topped with regional produce. On weekends, the truck might offer specials like salads or sliders, ensuring there’s something to pair with your pint. The brewery’s spacious outdoor area—featuring a 120-foot-long bar along Boone Creek and a covered, heated porch—makes it a prime spot to enjoy a meal and a brew, especially during live music events like the summer Boone Creek Concert Series.

Booneshine Brewing Company

Location: 465 Industrial Park Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Distance from Downtown Boone: About 2 miles

History

Booneshine Brewing Company emerged in 2015, founded by Carson Coatney and Tim Herdklotz with a mission to “make the High Country a better place.” Coatney, a local entrepreneur behind Stick Boy Bread Company and other Boone staples, brought his knack for community-focused ventures to the brewery. Starting as a production facility, Booneshine expanded to include a full-service tasting room, restaurant, and the High Country’s largest outdoor beer garden. Its name—a playful nod to Boone and moonshine—reflects its roots in Appalachian ingenuity.

Specialties

Booneshine’s beers lean into local flavors and creative twists. The Tropicpale Ale, a juicy, tropical pale ale, is a crowd-pleaser with its bright hop profile. Darker offerings like the Molasses Porter bring a sweet, robust depth, while the seasonal Long Winter Mocha Stout, infused with Hatchett Coffee from nearby Boone, warms up chilly mountain nights. The brewery also dabbles in Belgians and ciders, ensuring variety. Their commitment to using regional ingredients—sometimes even bread from Stick Boy—sets them apart, infusing each brew with High Country character.

Food Options

Booneshine offers two distinct dining experiences. Inside the tasting room, a full-service restaurant serves elevated American fare, from snacks like beer cheese pretzels to hearty entrees like burgers topped with caramelized onions and candied bacon. The menu highlights local farms, with vegetarian options like the warm grain bowl (quinoa, rice, and pickled veggies). Outside, the beer garden hosts a food truck slinging barbecue and lighter bites, perfect for casual picnicking. With ample seating—indoors and out—plus a dog-friendly policy, it’s a family- and pet-friendly spot to refuel after a day of mountain adventures.

Lost Province Brewing Company

Location: 130 N Depot Street, Boone, NC 28607
Distance from Downtown Boone: Right in the heart of downtown

History

Lost Province Brewing Company opened in 2014, staking its claim as Boone’s first downtown brewery. Founded by brothers Andy and Lynne Mason, it’s named after the “Lost Province,” a historical nickname for Watauga, Ashe, and Allegheny counties due to their isolation before modern roads. Housed in a historic building once home to a Chevrolet dealership, Lost Province combines a microbrewery with a gastropub, quickly becoming a local hangout. Its focus on community, sustainability, and craft has made it a beloved fixture.

Specialties

Lost Province’s tap list is a flavorful journey, blending traditional styles with playful innovation. The Hipster Juice IPA, a hazy New England-style brew bursting with pineapple, mango, and passion fruit, is a standout. German influences shine in the Pilsner, crisp and clean, while the Tyrannosaurus Mex, a Mexican-style lager, adds a zesty twist. Seasonal beers like Just Bee Nice (a honey ale) keep things fresh. The brewery’s on-site brewing vats, visible from the dining area, let you peek at the magic behind each pour.

Food Options

Lost Province doubles as a gastropub with a wood-fired kitchen, churning out gourmet bar food. Their wood-fired pizzas—think pepperoni or margherita with organic, local toppings—are a highlight, cooked to perfection in a blazing oven. Sandwiches, like the smoked brisket on a house roll, pair beautifully with a cold pint. The menu also features shareables like beer-battered fries and seasonal specials using High Country produce. With indoor seating, a two-story back porch, and frequent live music, it’s a lively spot to eat and drink right on King Street.

Lost Province at Hardin Creek

Location: 289 Daniel Boone Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Distance from Downtown Boone: About 2.5 miles

History

In 2022, Lost Province expanded with a second location, Lost Province at Hardin Creek, dubbed a “cozy neighborhood taproom.” This offshoot focuses purely on beverages, stripping away the gastropub element of its downtown sibling to emphasize craft beer, wine, and cider in a laid-back setting. The Hardin Creek spot caters to locals and visitors seeking a quieter vibe, building on the Mason brothers’ success while keeping the Lost Province ethos alive.

Specialties

The tap list mirrors downtown’s creativity, with staples like Hipster Juice IPA and Dave’s Not Here, Man!—a nod to stoner humor with a dank, hoppy profile. You’ll also find German-style lagers and seasonal experiments, plus a curated selection of wines and ciders for non-beer drinkers. Without a kitchen, the focus is squarely on the drinks, making it a purist’s paradise.

Food Options

Unlike its downtown counterpart, Hardin Creek doesn’t serve food, but it welcomes guests to bring their own. Occasionally, a food truck parks nearby, offering pizza or barbecue, though availability varies. The taproom provides games and a projector for big games, creating a relaxed, bring-your-own-picnic atmosphere. It’s dog-friendly, too, so you can sip with your pup by your side.

SouthEnd Brewing Co.

Location: 747 W King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Distance from Downtown Boone: Less than 1 mile

History

SouthEnd Brewing Co. is Boone’s newest brewery, opening its doors in 2023. A family-owned venture, it brings a fresh perspective to the scene, drawing inspiration from the South End neighborhood of Charlotte while rooting itself in Boone’s mountain charm. Located just off King Street, SouthEnd aims for balance—offering a tight, curated beer list alongside a full restaurant and liquor bar, appealing to a broad crowd.

Specialties

SouthEnd keeps it simple with five core beers, focusing on quality over quantity. Their Pumpkin Draft with a spiced, brown sugar rim is a fall favorite, while the IPA and Pale Ale deliver classic hoppy goodness. Seasonal rotations add variety, and their small-batch approach ensures freshness. Beyond beer, SouthEnd offers hard ciders and a full liquor bar, making it a versatile stop for mixed groups.

Food Options

SouthEnd’s full restaurant sets it apart, serving elevated pub fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Standouts include Fish and Chips with “boss-level” fries, a Caesar with Trout featuring perfectly cooked local fish, and appetizers like Poke Nachos and BBQ Flatbread. The menu caters to diverse tastes, from hearty entrees to shareable bites. With a back patio, two-story deck, and dog-friendly outdoor spaces, it’s a welcoming spot to pair a meal with your brew.

Nearby Bonus: Blowing Rock Brewing Company

Location: 152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Distance from Downtown Boone: About 8 miles

History

While not in Boone proper, Blowing Rock Brewing Company is a short 15-minute drive south and a High Country essential. Founded in 2013 by Jeff Walker and Todd Rice, it started as a small operation to capture the region’s essence through beer. Today, it’s a full-fledged brewery, restaurant, and inn, housed in the former Maple Lodge in historic Blowing Rock. Its growth reflects the area’s booming craft scene.

Specialties

Blowing Rock’s beers emphasize mountain water and unique ingredients. The High Country Ale is a smooth, approachable flagship, while the Cloud Rise Hazy IPA bursts with tropical notes. Their Oktoberfest Lager shines in fall, and small-batch releases keep the taps rotating. The brewery’s artisan approach has earned it a loyal following across North Carolina.

Food Options

The Ale House restaurant offers a robust menu of locally sourced dishes. Favorites include Brisket Tacos and the Carolina Bison Burger, both hearty enough to fuel a day on the trails. Starters like fried green tomatoes and entrees with organic veggies round out the options. The attached inn makes it a perfect overnight stop, blending beer, food, and lodging in one historic package.

Boone’s Brewery Scene: Why It Shines

Boone’s breweries thrive on a mix of innovation, community, and the High Country’s natural bounty. Spring and summer bring mild days perfect for beer gardens, while fall’s crisp air and winter’s cozy taprooms keep the scene alive year-round. The Fermentation Sciences Program at App State continues to churn out talent, ensuring Boone’s beer legacy grows. Each brewery offers a distinct vibe—AMB’s rustic charm, Booneshine’s family-friendly sprawl, Lost Province’s downtown buzz, Hardin Creek’s chill retreat, SouthEnd’s modern flair, and Blowing Rock’s historic allure.

Planning Your Boone Beer Tour

Boone’s compact size makes brewery-hopping a breeze. Start downtown at Lost Province, stroll to SouthEnd, then head to AMB or Booneshine (a quick drive or shuttle). Hardin Creek is a scenic detour, and Blowing Rock is an easy day trip. Local tours like Boone Brewery Tour offer guided experiences with transportation, history, and tastings. Most spots are dog- and family-friendly, with outdoor spaces galore. Pair your visit with Boone’s outdoor attractions—hike Grandfather Mountain, tube the Watauga River, or chase waterfalls—then unwind with a pint.

Final Sip

Boone, North Carolina, is a craft beer lover’s dream, where mountain air meets masterful brews. From AMB’s sustainable ethos to SouthEnd’s fresh debut, each brewery tells a story of passion and place. With stellar beers, tasty food, and High Country hospitality, Boone’s brewery scene is a reason to visit—and a reason to stay. So grab a flight, savor the flavors, and toast to this Appalachian gem.

Hewitt

Tour Boone Concierge

www.tourboone.com