THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKIES

WINE
In the early 20th century, North Carolina was the leading wine-producing region in the nation. Prohibition shifted the focus from the patient production of wine to the more faster, more lucrative production of moonshine.

Today wineries are flourishing again all across North Carolina; and Western North Carolina's climate has the perfect combination of warm days (not too hot) and cool nights to enhance the color, flavor and acidity of a variety of wines.

WNC grapes Seyval, Chambourcin, Norton (the oldest cultivated American grape), Catawba, Chancellor and Vidal are gaining nationwide attention; as well as sweet wines from blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and other fruits.

BEER
Western North Carolina has developed quite a reputation for its craft beers. And it's not just Asheville that folks are talking about. Tourists and locals alike are enjoying the unique tastes of craft beers from breweries in Sylva and Bryson City. Micro-brews are the hottest segment of the beer market and you can enjoy locally-crafted beer from these local breweries in many restaurants in the area.