CAPE FEAR BREW TRAIL: 6 Must Visit Breweries This Summer
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
This summer, Cape Fear Living presents The Cape Fear Beer Trail: 6 Breweries Worth Visiting This Summer—a curated lineup of standout destinations across the region, chosen for the way they define the local brewing experience rather than the size of the list. This year's trail features iconic Wilmington favorites like Front Street Brewery and Flying Machine Brewing Company, the laid-back coastal charm of Wrightsville Beach Brewery, the creative energy of Hi-Wire Brewing, the welcoming small-town spirit of Cape Side Brewing in Southport, and the bold, community-driven atmosphere of Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Together, these breweries capture the character of the Cape Fear beer scene—from historic downtown taprooms and beachside pours to innovative brewing and destination-worthy gathering places—all worth adding to your summer route.
Each brewery on this trail brings something different to the table, whether it’s small-batch experimentation, laid-back coastal energy, or a deep connection to the communities they call home. From a pint after a day downtown to a sunset beer near the coast, these stops aren’t just about what’s in the glass—they’re about the experience built around it, and the way each space invites you to slow down, stay awhile, and come back again.
Q&A with Taproom Marketing Coordinator Skylyr Ballew
What do you think has allowed Hi-Wire Brewing to remain a favorite destination for locals and visitors?
We truly believe that what brings us together is infinitely stronger than what pulls us apart. It's the same core mission we built our very first taproom on in Asheville, and we wanted Wilmington to carry that exact same energy right down to the coast. Everyone is welcome under our tent. From day one, our goal has been to create a space where the barrier to entry just doesn't exist. We try to be friendly, a little offbeat, and completely genuine, kind of like that close friend who tells great, rambling stories over a fresh pour. Wilmington residents and out-of-town vacationers keep coming back year after year because we embrace the beautiful, noisy reality of real life. Pups, kids, date nights, and bachelorette parties are all part of the mix under our roof. At the end of the day, we always try to show up as a supportive neighbor first and a commercial business second.
For someone visiting Hi-Wire for the first time this summer, what experience can they expect?
You can pretty much count on walking through our downtown doors and completely lose track of your afternoon because the whole vibe just feels that effortless. That’s really the big goal for us: creating a space packed with joyful belonging where you instantly feel like a neighborhood regular on day one. Visually, the taproom is a giant, open-air spectacle covered in massive local murals with an entire arena of games to play.
Your glass is never going to be boring, either, because our entire taplist is delightfully wide-ranging. We were built on lagers, so this summer we're celebrating Hi-Wire’s thirteen year milestone with a special anniversary Helles, a super traditional Munich-style lager that takes serious, award-winning technical skill to brew. Towards the end of the summer, we're dropping our Spicewalla collaboration: a Pumpkin Spice edition of our 10W-40 Imperial Stout series.
For dinner, you don't even have to leave our little corner of downtown. Our neighbors at Cugino Forno Wilmington handle the food side of things with incredible pizza. If anyone in your crew isn't a beer drinker, don't sweat it. We keep everyone covered with high-quality wine, cocktails, boozy slushies, and our own Happy Medium THC Seltzers. It’s our way of taking a completely standard summer day and making it feel like a core memory.
Craft beer is deeply connected to community. How has Hi-Wire played a role in Wilmington's evolving beer culture and the growth of the local brewery scene?
We’ve always operated under the assumption that beer culture should actually be about... well, everything except just the liquid in the glass. For us, pushing the scene forward means turning the taproom space into a neighborhood megaphone. Inclusivity is an active, daily choice to host the kind of lively, community-centric schedule that treats a random Tuesday night like a grand performance instead of a dull routine.
We regularly give our floor over to local charities, indie artists, and homegrown pop-ups because lifting each other up is the entire point of having a platform in this town. One night we’re packed out for a crucial Benefit Pint Night, and the next we’re running full-scale drag shows, highly competitive puzzle challenges, or dog costume contests (which get shockingly intense, by the way). We’ve spent years showing Wilmington that a brewery can collect serious, award-winning accolades while remaining completely humble, approachable, and a genuine helper to our neighbors whenever it counts.
Are there any signature beers, seasonal releases, events, or menu pairings that guests should be especially excited about this summer?
We have a massive lineup of liquid heavy-hitters ready for center stage this season. The biggest news of our summer: we finally put our flagship Leisure Time Lager and Hi-Pitch IPA into 12-ounce 12-packs. We officially transitioned them over from the old 16-ounce format. Our 6-packs are still holding strong in those big, original 16-ounce cans, but this new 12-ounce option means we finally have a size for absolutely any scenario, and way more cans to pass around the circle on a hot coastal afternoon. If you happen to drop in on August 1st, you’ll stumble right into our Santa Surf Party, which is essentially a full-blown tropical tiki vacation for the big guy. We’re turning the taproom into a beachside paradise, complete with pictures with Santa himself. You'll want to dig out your loudest tiki shirt or holiday gear for this one. Music-wise, our neighborhood non-profit ukulele troupe, the Port City Ukuholics, will be strumming from 3 PM to 6 PM, followed by the heavy reggae-rock sounds of Cape Fear Rising taking over the night from 7 PM to 9 PM.
Three Songs on Your Summer Playlist?
Q&A with Owner Grant Steadman
What do you think has allowed Flying Machine to remain a favorite destination for locals and visitors?
We have tried to remain true to ourselves and our community. When we first opened, it was the height of the craft beer scene in NC, and there was an idea that maybe we should emulate what other breweries around the state and country were doing. It occurred to us that we should be focused on what our own community wants and embrace our unique coastal roots. I think our team has done a great job of showcasing Wilmington beer made by Wilmington brewers and being proud of that. We have remained dedicated to brewing and packaging every beer with our name on it at our Randall Parkway facility in Wilmington.
For someone visiting Flying Machine for the first time this summer, what experience can they expect?
For someone visiting our Randall Parkway taproom this summer, they should expect a laid-back atmosphere and interactions with a staff who cares about our product. Much of our focus centers around sessionable, and sometimes fruit-forward beer, that really lends itself to this time of year and this place. We have food truck on most days, and work hard to work with the best food truck partners in town.
Craft beer is deeply connected to community. How has Flying Machine played a role in Wilmington's evolving beer culture and the growth of the local brewery scene?
Craft beer taprooms have emerged as community centers. We focus on opening up our space for community events. Whether it's a large fundraiser, a pre-party for the annual Highland Games, or a birthday party or baby shower, we love being a small part of the lives of the members of our community and knowing that lasting memories are being made at Flying Machine. Our company employs over 100 local people and we understand that our team members are part of the community too. The product is just a small part of what makes a craft brewery- it is the sense of community involved that really defines it.
Are there any signature beers, seasonal releases, events, or menu pairings that guests should be especially excited about this summer?
Flying Machine is built for summer beer. Our second best-selling beer is our Alta Mar Mexican Lager. At 4.2% ABV, it is light and crips and perfect for a summer day at the pool, the beach, or the front porch. While that release is year-round, we offer a Summertime Variety 12-pack called Dream Boat. This variety pack is made up of our Boat Soda Key Lime Ale and our Dreamy Eyes Tangerine Ale. These very drinkable beers are made with real fruit and extremely refreshing and often the perfect addition to a hot and humid Southeastern North Carolina day.
Three Songs on Your Summer Playlist?
For updates and to stay in the loop follow Flying Machine Brewing on Instagram.
Q&A with Owner Sam Sumner
What do you think has allowed Front Street brewery to remain a favorite destination for locals and visitors?
Consistency and authenticity. Since opening our doors in 1995, we've focused on creating a place where great beer, great food, and genuine hospitality come together. Guests know they can count on a welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, house-brewed beer, and a menu that offers something for everyone. Whether it's someone's first visit to Wilmington or their hundredth visit to Front Street Brewery, we want them to feel right at home.
For someone visiting Front Street Brewery for the first time this summer, what experience can they expect?
Guests can expect a true Wilmington experience. Located in the heart of historic downtown, Front Street Brewery combines award-winning craft beer with a lively atmosphere and a menu that balances comfort food favorites with elevated seasonal offerings. This summer we're especially excited about our refreshed menu, featuring dishes like Steak Frites, our Fried Seafood Platter, seasonal salad, and much more. Pair that with one of our house-brewed beers and you've got a great way to spend an afternoon or evening downtown.
Craft beer is deeply connected to community. How has Front Street Brewery played a role in Wilmington's evolving beer culture and the growth of the local brewery scene?
As Wilmington's first brewery, we've had the privilege of watching the local craft beer community grow over the past three decades. We've always believed that a rising tide lifts all boats. While we continue to brew the flagship beers that many locals have enjoyed for years, we're also committed to innovation and creativity. Our brewing team, led by Head Brewer Van Morris, works hard to honor traditional brewing styles while introducing new seasonal releases that keep things fresh and exciting. Most importantly, we've remained a gathering place where locals and visitors can connect over great beer and good conversation.
Are there any signature beers, seasonal releases, events, or menu pairings that guests should be especially excited about this summer?
Our flagship lineup remains at the heart of our beer program, including favorites like Original Pilsner, Port City IPA, and Riptide Raspberry Wheat. This summer we're also releasing a variety of seasonal beers that showcase our brewers' creativity and passion for experimentation; we just brewed an exciting Milkshake IPA, that will have notes of strawberry and banana!
From a food perspective, we're particularly excited about pairing our Original Pilsner with our Fried Seafood Platter or enjoying a Port City IPA alongside our signature burgers and sandwiches. Guests should also keep an eye on our social media channels for special beer releases, events, and community gatherings throughout the summer.
Three Songs on Your Summer Playlist?
For updates and to stay in the loop follow Front Street Brewery on Instagram.
Q&A with Rochelle Johnson
What do you think has made Ponysaurus a favorite destination for locals and visitors?
We’ve always wanted to be the kind of place people can make their own. Some stop in for a favorite beer, some come for pizza with friends, and others plan their week around our weekly trivia nights. It’s a place that feels familiar whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth!
For someone visiting Ponysaurus for the first time this summer, what experience can they expect?
Come thirsty and stay awhile. Grab a cold beer or a frozen slushie cocktail, order apps or a pizza, and settle into the beer garden before wandering downtown Wilmington. It's an easygoing spot to meet up, cool off, and enjoy summer.
How do you think Ponysaurus has played a role in Wilmington’s evolving food & drink culture and the growth of the local brew scene?
We've always believed good food, good beer, and good company bring people together. Through local collaborations, community events, and a space that's open to everyone, we're proud to be part of what makes downtown Wilmington such a place people naturally gather.
Are there any signature brews, seasonal releases, events, or menu pairings that guests should be especially excited about this summer?
Summer means crisp lagers, frozen cocktails, garlic knots, fresh seafood specials, and pizza shared around the table, plus a full calendar of events. There's always something new to try and a reason to stop by.
Three Songs on Your Summer Playlist?
For updates and to stay in the loop follow Ponysaurus Brewing on Instagram.
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