National Geographic Traveler blog notes Asheville’s title as Beer City USA

From the Intelligent Traveler blog at nationalgeographic.com. The piece is written by Emily Chaplin Krug, an Asheville-based freelancer:

In Provence it’s pastis, in Morocco mint tea, and in Asheville, North Carolina the inevitable answer to the question “What would you like to drink?” is beer. A hoppy pale ale perhaps, or a chocolate porter, but preferably something on draft that has been handcrafted and brewed locally.

In this artsy, laid-back mountain town of 75,000 people, beer has become an integral part of the culture, not to mention a leisure activity in its own right. And with nine breweries (plus more in the vicinity), Asheville has firmly established itself as a mecca for beer enthusiasts.

Thanks to loyal reader Brad for the heads-up on this.