Asheville, NC - Asheville Tourists Baseball

The players make a few fans happy. 

Could there be any better celebration for the 4th of July than a minor league baseball game followed by a fireworks display? My husband, Bruce, and I didn't think so. We made plans in advance since we learned the hard way that McCormick Field, home of the Asheville Tourists, sells out early for this big game. We were hoping for some good baseball and some spectacular fireworks. We found both, and at least 20 selections of craft beer on tap to choose from. Why was I surprised? What else would you expect from BeerTown, USA?  We're used to going to Atlanta Braves games where Bud and Miller rule with not a craft beer in sight (although I'm told that somewhere there is a Sweetwater kiosk, but we've never found it).  When we walked into the entrance of McCormick Field we were greeted with a line of beer stands, each featuring different varieties of craft beer. Many of them local brews, and some selections from around the country. The biggest problem we faced was how do you choose?

So many craft beer choices!

What did we have:  This was one of the most difficult beer decisions I've faced in a while.  Even though I'm an enthusiastic beer consumer, I can't drink a lot in one setting. So I was limited to only two selections.  Bruce can drink a little more, but wouldn't you know, he found a favorite first time around and kept ordering the same. For the first round we both decided to go local and I chose a Highland Gaelic Ale, their very popular amber. Good choice!  Bruce picked the seasonal Highland Razor Wit, a Belgian Wheat. As I said, he loved it.  I sipped my amber for the first three innings and then went back down for selection #2. I wanted a souvenir cup (a little larger pour) and selected something I knew Bruce would like as well, so he could help me out. I decided to head west this time and chose the Breckenridge Agave Wheat. Oh yum, crisp and refreshing but with real depth for a wheat beer. Another great selection to sip through the rest of the game.

Take me out to the Ball Game, and buy me some craft beer. 

What was fun:  Oh my gosh, what could be more fun?  It was a beautiful night in Asheville, NC.  The ball game was entertaining, the local crowd was enthusiastic and extremely friendly, the fireworks did not disappoint, and the beer....simply amazing.  The food wasn't bad either.  I got a tasty veggie taco from a food cart that paired very well with my craft beer.  So, what are we doing next year for the 4th of July?  Perhaps the very same thing.  I have 18 more beer selections to check out.