Casey Ashlock, the owner and Amber Valentine the Fit-Foodie
Amber Valentine, known as the Fit-Foodie, recently visited Hop & Vine in Davidson, North Carolina. This cozy yet modern establishment offers an exceptional selection of craft beers and fine wines, making it a perfect spot for both casual gatherings and romantic evenings.
Hop & Vine in Davidson, NC, isn’t just a wine and beer bar—it’s the town’s unofficial living room. Owners Casey Ashlock and Kevin Milbredt have crafted a local favorite where familiar faces and newcomers alike find a place to connect.
Casey is the smiling face you’ll see behind the bar, greeting everyone with a big grin and an even bigger heart. From his stories, it’s clear that he loves this town just as much as he loves bringing people together.
Opening just before the pandemic hit in October 2019 was no easy feat, but Casey was blown away by the support from Davidson. The town rallied behind its small businesses, and the sense of community that Casey feels for this place only deepened. Even with nearly a decade of experience in the bar business, Casey says he’s never felt anything quite like the love that Davidson locals have for their small-town establishments. Hop & Vine’s success is a testament to both that support and the unique space Casey has created—a place where people feel truly connected.
Hop & Vine’s atmosphere reflects Casey’s love for craftsmanship and community. He even built some of the tables himself as a family project! The bar has an inviting, down-to-earth feel, with warm wooden tables and a décor that’s as friendly as its patrons. The atmosphere is somewhere between cozy neighborhood bar and lively social club. Whether you’re there solo, with friends, or even with family, you’ll feel comfortable. There’s always something going on—from music bingo on Tuesdays to a concert series that brings live music right to the main street just outside the doors.
If you’re looking for fun, you’ll find it here. Hop & Vine doesn’t just pour great wine and beer; it also offers up weekly events. I wandered in on a Music Bingo night, which was a blast even if I’m a bit song-challenged (okay, very song-challenged). Watching everyone light up as they played along—including little Chloe, the bar’s tiniest regular who is barely two years old I believe—was just plain fun. The next night, I checked out their “Good Answer” game, a Family Feud-style showdown with half-price wine on Wednesdays. It turns out I’m not much better at that game, but trust me, laughing over wrong answers with new friends is highly underrated. I loved that even though I came alone I made new friends! And if you need an excuse to come back, Sunday brings mimosas, and on Thursdays, they throw in free tap water with every full-price drink. (Rolling my eyes Casey)
Casey has a passion for unique craft selections. He doesn’t feature any big beer brands—just small-batch selections that make each sip feel like a discovery. As I sampled a few of his recommended pours, it was easy to see how excited he was to share what makes Hop & Vine special. I tried the Tait Border Crossing Shiraz (his pick, of course), and it was so good I almost didn’t need to sample anything else. Almost.
If you didn’t know red wine is healthy enough to make it onto the Worth It Nutrition diet program so it is FIT FOODIE approved!
Final Thoughts: Come for the Drinks, Stay for the People
Hop & Vine is the perfect spot to unwind, meet new friends, and enjoy some genuinely good company. Casey and Kevin have created a space that feels like home to locals and newcomers alike. So, if you’re in Davidson, pull up a chair, grab a glass of something good, and soak up the community vibes. And who knows? You might even get a fist bump from Little Miss Chloe herself!
Meet Amber Valentine, a bold and empowering speaker known for her 300 pound transformation story. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Coach, and an expert in helping women unleash their inner Bad B. As the CEO of Hotmess 2 Hotness, LLC, Amber specializes in mindfulness techniques, healthy eating, and conquering your own B.S. and offers a 12 week fat loss program for women.
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