Out of Office: Tips for Work Trips in Asheville
A professional in one of the city’s biggest industries (craft beer!) shares tips on how to blend business and leisure in the Smoky Mountains
Cheers to your week’s accomplishments at Highland Brewing Company. Credit: Highland Brewing Company
Asheville is the jewel of the North Carolina mountains—a hub of art, music and culture. It’s also just a short drive from world-class hiking, biking and rafting. But as the marketing manager at Highland Brewing Company, Molly McQuillan is immersed in another of the city’s most popular attractions (and notable industries): beer!
Molly McQuillan at work
We asked McQuillan about working and playing in Asheville, and her tips will keep you on the right trail next time you’re in town for work.
You’re only working a half day today. How do you spend the rest of it?
I’d probably spend some time at the Highland tasting room hanging out with my co-workers, and then I’d go around to some of the other breweries in Asheville. Zillicoah, one of the newest breweries in town, has been my go-to recently.
What’s the coolest thing you can see or do within an hour of town?
When you’re in Asheville, you have to go for at least one hike. There are so many incredible trails around here that it’s hard to narrow down to just one, but whatever your skill level, there will be a beautiful hike waiting for you.
Where’s the best place to reenergize your mind during your lunch break?
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is just a few minutes away from Highland, and I find nothing more relaxing than to drop by and watch the otters, wolves and black bears.
You want to impress a new client, boss or colleague. Where do you meet him or her?
At Highland, of course! Our brewery is impressive—the tasting room has 20+ taps, small-batch beers only available here, an expansive outdoor space and a rooftop bar that showcases our large solar array.
- Molly McQuillan
You have a free evening and an expense account! Where do you and your team or client go for fun—whether you’re in the mood for sports, music, film or something completely unique to Asheville?
I’d go out to see the Asheville Tourists, our minor league baseball team. The crowd is always a mix of anybody and everybody. Plus, they serve a great selection of Highland beer!
Business is going great. Where do you and your colleagues meet for happy hour to celebrate, and what do you order?
Wine and charcuterie at Curate. There’s a reason Curate is the most talked-about restaurant in town, even years after they opened. They just expanded the restaurant to include a larger bar and an expanded charcuterie menu. The jamon iberico de bellota is to die for!
You have a free hour or two and a camera. Where do you go to capture the best side of Asheville?
I’m spoiled by living here in the mountains. A quick drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway provides some of the most beautiful sights possible.
Refresh your palate at tapas bar Curate with one of its signature cocktails. Credit: Evan Sung
You’ve been wearing the same cardigan once a week every week, and you know it. Where do you go to revive and reboot your business casual wardrobe?
First of all, I love this cardigan. But if I want another one, I’m always headed to Minx downtown. My favorite dresses (and cardigan) are from there, and their staff is super friendly.
You’ll find Mexican flavors with a modern take, like this beef tenderloin with goat cheese-potato puree, at Limones. Credit: Limones
You have three meals—and only three—to get a taste of Asheville. Where do you go for breakfast, a quick lunch and dinner?
This is a hard one. For breakfast, I would go to Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville. They make some classic feel-good food that just hits the spot every time. Buxton Hall would be my lunch pick; it’s the best barbecue! Plus, Bourbon Cheerwine Slushies—am I right? Dinner…dinner is tough! I’d have to say Limones. They’re slightly off the beaten path and offer some of the best (and least talked-about) entrees in Asheville. Think upscale Mexican cuisine with a twist.
What’s the one attraction in Asheville you take all of your out-of-town visitors to see?
Biltmore is the easiest answer, but there really is no place else like it in America. It’s crazy to think that such an estate was meant for just one family. A tour of the gardens and the house makes for a full day.
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