One adventurist's weekend on the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail
- Melissa McCauley
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path, the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail is the perfect destination. Featuring twelve unique craft beverage producers—including three wineries, two distilleries, and several breweries—this trail winds through the scenic ridgeline of Crowders Mountain and the Catawba River Basin.
Here are the details of one adventurist’s weekend along the trail
FRIDAY
Arriving in Gastonia a little after 3:00 PM, my partner and I checked into The Esquire, a boutique-style hotel in historic downtown. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel blends modern comfort with rich historical details. The Esquire provided us with all the amenities we needed for the weekend: southern hospitality, a well-appointed guest room, complimentary high-speed WiFi, an onsite restaurant and bar, and a 24-hour front desk.
After a quick check-in, we headed to Veronét Vineyards for a glass of wine. The estate is breathtaking, with a front patio overlooking the treetops and Crowders Mountain. We opted for a wine flight, then relaxed in Adirondack chairs to watch the sunset.
Next, we made our way to Southern Artisan Spirits in Kings Mountain, which boasts another stunning view. We enjoyed their signature Paloma cocktail alongside their delicious meatballs and bologna bites while chatting with the bartender about their award-winning Cardinal Gin.
As the evening set in, we continued to Newgrass Brewing in Shelby. Our mouths were watering for both the beer and the food. We couldn’t resist ordering the Beer Brat from Suzie Q Farm, cooked in Newgrass Beer, served in a warm bun with Lusty Monk mustard, and accompanied by crispy beer-battered fries.
Back in Gastonia, we ended the night at Cavendish Brewing, conveniently within walking distance of our hotel. A live band was setting up as we grabbed a seat in the beer garden, enjoying the lively atmosphere. We also learned that they frequently host trivia nights and yoga sessions. Our first day on the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail was a success, and we couldn’t wait for what was next.
We had a great time on the first day of our weekend getaway along the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail. We can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow.
SATURDAY
After a restful night, we grabbed lattes from The Wandering Cup, located just across the street from The Esquire, before heading to Crowders Mountain for a morning hike. The crisp air made for an enjoyable trek to the summit, where we were rewarded with panoramic views, including a glimpse of the Charlotte skyline.
Post-hike, we freshened up at the hotel and took an Uber to Belmont, which boasts four locations along the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail. Our first stop was Jekyll & Hyde, a steampunk-inspired taphouse, grill, brewery, and distillery. I opted for a burger branded with their logo, crispy onion rings, and an ice-cold craft beer from their extensive selection of 50+ taps.
Next, we visited Primal Brewery, known for its excellent customer experience and inviting atmosphere. With regular food trucks, live music, and community events, there’s always something happening here. Be sure to check their event calendar for upcoming performances and activities.
Back in Gastonia, we enjoyed dinner at Barrister’s, The Esquire Hotel’s lobby restaurant. Their menu, rooted in Southern Appalachian history, features thoughtfully sourced, ingredient-driven cuisine. We dined at a butcher block table beneath soaring 20-foot ceilings, savoring delicious Southern-inspired comfort food.
SUNDAY
Our final day on the trail began with brunch at Traust Brewing in Mount Holly, which offers a fantastic brunch menu. I indulged in fried green tomatoes paired with a mimosa.
A short drive away, we arrived at Muddy River Distillery, the oldest legal rum distillery in the Carolinas where we sampled their award-winning rum and made a note to return another time for the full tour experience and to enjoy live music on a future trip.
A short country drive took us to in Lincolnton. Next, a 25-minute country drive to Brick Tree Brewing Company in Lincolnton where we enjoyed live music in the outdoor beer garden, making for a perfect end to our journey.
To complete the experience, we recommend adding WoodMill Winery to your itinerary. Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Vale, North Carolina, this destination specializes in Muscadine, Scuppernong, Blackberry, and Blueberry wines—heart-healthy options packed with antioxidants and rich flavors.
Plan before you go
The locations stretch between three counties, so plan accordingly. We stayed in Gastonia, but our travels throughout the weekend took us through all three counties. This itinerary is just a suggestion.
Designated Driver. It’s crucial that you drink responsibly and plan to have a designated driver. We can’t stress this enough. Uber and Lyft are always options, but given the distance between some establishments, a DD may be the choice for some travel budgets.
