When you’re staying at one of Yonder’s luxury vacation rentals in Asheville, you’re not just booking accommodation – you’re placing yourself at the heart of one of America’s most celebrated craft beer scenes. And at the center of that story stands Highland Brewing Company, the pioneering brewery that started it all just minutes from many of our mountain retreats.
The Birth of Asheville’s Beer Culture
Highland Brewing Company holds the distinction of being Asheville’s first brewery since Prohibition, opening its doors in April 1994 in the basement of what is now Barley’s Taproom on Biltmore Avenue. From those humble underground beginnings, Highland has grown into a regional powerhouse with two Asheville locations and distribution across the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia.
What makes Highland’s location particularly special for Yonder guests is its accessibility. Whether you’re staying in one of our downtown properties or mountain retreats in the surrounding areas, Highland’s East Asheville facility and original Biltmore Avenue location are easily reachable, making it the perfect stop for an afternoon tasting or evening gathering.
More Than Just Great Beer
Highland Brewing represents everything that makes Asheville special – authentic craftsmanship, community connection, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The brewery offers regular tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process while sampling their award-winning beers, from their flagship Highland Gaelic Ale (see first photo) to seasonal specialties that capture the essence of Appalachian ingredients. Enjoy some of the best food trucks in the mountains with your beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage!
For guests staying at Yonder properties, Highland provides the perfect complement to your mountain experience. After a day hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway or exploring downtown Asheville’s River Arts District, there’s something magical about settling in with a locally crafted beer that embodies the spirit of the mountains you’ve been exploring.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Highland’s impact extends far beyond great beer. The craft brewing industry that Highland pioneered has become the second-largest manufacturing employer in the four-county Asheville metro region, generating a billion-dollar economic impact across Western North Carolina. This growth has transformed Asheville into a destination that attracts visitors from around the world – many of whom choose Yonder properties as their base for exploring the beer scene.
When you stay with Yonder, you’re experiencing the fruits of Highland’s vision. The vibrant food scene, the thriving arts community, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines modern Asheville all trace back to the risk taken by one man in a basement nearly three decades ago.
The Perfect Pairing
Highland Brewing and Yonder Luxury Vacation Rentals represent the same commitment to authentic mountain hospitality. While we provide the luxury accommodations that make your stay memorable, Highland offers the taste of place that connects you to Asheville’s unique character. Together, we create the complete mountain experience – exceptional comfort paired with genuine local flavor.
Whether you’re planning a guys’ weekend focused on brewery tours, a family gathering that includes parents who appreciate craft beer, or a romantic getaway with tastings at sunset, Highland Brewing provides the perfect complement to your Yonder stay. In addition to some of the best craft beer in the country, Highland Brewing also offers state-of-the-art sand volleyball courts and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course that meanders through the gorgeous woods on the property.
Honoring a Legend
Recently, Asheville lost a true pioneer with the passing of Oscar Wong at age 84. Oscar wasn’t just Highland’s founder – he was the godfather of Asheville’s entire craft beer movement. His infectious positivity, generous spirit, and love for people transformed not just an industry, but an entire community.
Oscar’s legacy lives on in every pint poured, every job created, and every visitor who falls in love with Asheville’s mountain culture. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and all employees of Highland Brewing Company. Thank you, Oscar, for showing us what’s possible when vision meets community spirit.
For more information or recommendations from our local team, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. Our Guest Experience Team is available from 7A to 9P, every day. The toll-free number to reach them is 888-699-2987. For emails, our contact info can be found on this link. We’d love to help you plan your next mountain vacation.
