Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Mills River

Sierra Nevada's Mills River brewery is the biggest single beer destination in a region famous for beer, and it is worth the 25-minute drive south of Asheville even for people who never visit breweries. The California craft pioneer chose the Asheville area for its East Coast production home, and built it on a scale that surprises first-timers: a cathedral-like brewhouse of gleaming copper, landscaped grounds along the river, a large taproom and restaurant, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts bluegrass and touring acts. The tours are the reason to plan ahead. The Hoppy Hour Tour is a one-hour introduction to the company's history, the brewing process and its sustainability work, with hands-on time with the raw ingredients. The Beyond the Pale Tour is the one most beer lovers should book: about ninety minutes through the brewery, ending in a tasting of nine samples. Beyond that, specialty experiences (a long, in-depth Beer Geek tour, a barleywine vertical tasting, beer-and-dessert pairings) run on select dates. Tours operate daily and advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Two honest caveats: nobody under 12 is allowed on guided tours (infants included), and the packaging lines may be idle on weekends, so weekday tours see more action. The taproom itself needs no ticket and serves a full menu alongside a long draft list, which makes it a fine lunch stop on the way to Pisgah Forest or the Cradle of Forestry. Fit: beer travelers first, couples wanting an easy afternoon, and groups — with a designated driver, since it is not walkable from town.

Mills River is the anchor of the so-called Brewgrass corridor south of Asheville, and its arrival helped cement the region's reputation as one of the country's great beer destinations. The facility is built to show off: visitors can see the brewhouse from public areas, and the grounds, gardens and amphitheater make it feel more like a destination resort than a factory.