Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: New Belgium Brewing: 21 Craven Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Cost: Free
Embark on a journey that flows like the French Broad River itself—starting in the heart of the brewery and winding through thoughtfully restored creek corridors. Begin with an insider’s look at New Belgium’s brewing operations: see grain-to-glass in action as you pass mash tuns, fermenters, and the high-speed bottling line. Learn about the company’s employee-owned ethos and commitment to sustainability over a sample of their world-class beer.
Then, step outside to Craven Street and Penland Creek—where New Belgium partnered with the City of Asheville and RiverLink to transform a former brownfield into a thriving riparian habitat. You’ll visit bio-swales, rain gardens, constructed wetlands, and newly contoured creek banks planted with native vegetation—all designed to treat stormwater, stabilize stream banks, and enhance water quality before it reaches the French Broad River.
Your guide will share the story of uncovering and daylighting Penland Creek—restoring an underground waterway to support wildlife and community resilience—while also pointing out educational signage and sustainable site features like porous parking and rainwater harvesting.
This tour blends craft brewing culture with real-world environmental stewardship—ideal for beer lovers, landscape enthusiasts, and sustainability advocates alike.
Highlights: Brewing process • Penland Creek restoration • Sustainable site design • Possible tasting