Two of A-LINE’s crew now call Asheville home, and one is just down the road in Hendersonville. Like many Western North Carolinians, they’re quick to brag about all that Asheville has to offer. Drew, Jenn and Toby have been keeping the team posted on the inspiring businesses and brands making an impact around them. Not surprisingly, they all brag particularly about companies in the Outdoor Lifestyle and Beer industries that are making waves in Asheville and around the web.
So all of us at A-LINE thought we’d take a minute to offer a virtual >High Five!< to some companies whose marketing and branding efforts are helping them make a big impact in Western North Carolina and around the country.
Get Outdoors
Folks in Asheville really love to enjoy the outdoors, and usually not passively. Astral is designing high-performance, environmentally friendly shoes and lifejackets for kayakers and explorers – and now selling them online around the country while keeping their small-production ethos. ENO (a.k.a. Eagles Nest Outfitters) has become a household term among high school kids and hardcore explorers alike with their comfortable hammocks that can go up just about anywhere, spreading the outdoor lifestyle into the suburbs. For serious riders, Suspension Experts offers the gear and service you need while tapping into the passionate culture of Blue Ridge Mountain bikers.
These three brands have wisely capitalized on the passion people feel when exploring outdoors and the eagnerness they have to connect with others who feel the same. And impressively, these three Asheville-based companies are known nationwide for their top-notch products and for promoting a true outdoor lifestyle.
Grab a Beer
Turns out all that outdoor fun makes a person thirsty. In the past few years, Asheville has been dubbed “Beer City, USA,” and its 11 breweries—with new ones popping up regularly—are proud to attract tourists and natives alike. Located right next door to ENO, Catawba Brewing Company was one of the first group of folks making craft beer in Western North Carolina. They now brew eight regular beers and a variety of seasonal specials (some made in conjunction with Astral and Eno), then offer them up in three tasting rooms in Western NC. Their rebranding in 2013 along with eye-catching cans helped them establish icon status in the area. Another early brewer on the scene, Green Man Brewery, recently expanded their production and tasting room to reach even more fans. We love their use of one logo image altered for each new brew release.
More to Love
Taste the sweet side of the city at French Broad Chocolates. Tapping into local farmers and using only the highest quality ingredients, this chocolate shop serves up amazing treats and beautiful gifts. They also run a fantastic Facebook page and regularly secure enviable press mentions.
Want to feel more of the spirit of Asheville? Check out this cool collection of street photos from around Asheville by photographer Gary Peeples. He captures Ashevillians going about their real lives, which may not always include biking, beer and chocolate.
Asheville has been making national headlines for a few years now as the city becomes more widely known for its stunning connection to nature and lively appreciation for living the good life. A-LINE offers a tip of the hat to some of the local brands working hard to help promote this vibrant city and all it has to offer. We’re excited to see what’s next for Western North Carolina brands.
