Highland Brewing Company

North Carolina is a great state for a lot of things: Food, college basketball, Southern hospitality, and… beer. With 61 operating breweries and brewpubs in the state, North Carolina won my heart when I moved from Oklahoma. The names of the breweries range from A to Z. Well, maybe more accurately, from A to W. From Ass Clown Brewing (“Don’t be one, drink one!”) to Weeping Radish Brewery (the oldest microbrewery in the state) located on the Outer Banks. You will find flavors that involve sweet potato, basil, chocolate nibs and locally foraged persimmons. And that is only from my favorite NC brewery, Fullsteam. There are 60 others, with a laundry list of more in the works.

So, when Liz and I found ourselves in the city that brews her favorite beer we had to tour the brewery. Also, it didn’t hurt that there was a distillery right next door. Highland Brewing Company was great to visit. Rightfully set in Asheville, it sits at the top of a hill and at the end of a short winding road. It was nice to hear about their brewing process and to be informed of their seven state regional distribution. But, to be honest, the best part for me was to see the face of a girl light up while standing in the middle of a chilled warehouse full of her favorite beer.

If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach then I have found that maybe, just maybe, the way to m’lady’s heart is through a pint of Highland Gaelic Ale. Cheers.

Asheville

The past few months have been a welcomed whirlwind of activity. Road trip travels. Unexpected jet-setting. And visits from fellow Okies – James surprised me with a post birthday appearance in Durham. Jeremy and Kathleen joined us for a relaxing extended weekend.

Liz and I whipped up the whirlwind when we set off on a four hour drive to spend my birthday in Asheville, NC. The scene was set as we drove to the Smoky Mountains through red and yellow leaves that fell like large snowflakes. An unlikely North Carolina storm washed away any concerns that we may have had before we spent several nights and days balancing relaxation and exploration.

The Airbnb we stayed at was perfect and the host could not have had a better. The neighborhood (just across from the River District) was a pairing of homes that had been there for a while, as well as modern homes, that were all quaintly situated on the steep incline of the foothills. A chicken coop was located just outside of our door (a selling point actually). It was doubly enjoyable waking up to the sound of clucking hens (it has been too long) and having coffee with the sassy egg-laying ladies. Liz and I spent our time eating, drinking, and we were merry.

It was the conclusion of another year of my life well spent. Conversations were had of the accomplishments over the past year. The present was discussed, as was the way that the future should look. Planning life as I all too frequently call it. It deserves a toast…well, that and suiting up.