CAPE FEAR BREW TRAIL: 6 Must Visit Breweries This Summer
- 4 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 36 minutes 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 CEO & General Manager Alan MacDonald
How does your Southport location shape the identity and experience of Cape Side Brewing, and what do you think it brings to the Cape Fear beer scene?
Southport plays a huge role in shaping the identity of Cape Side Brewing. The town has a unique charm that's often described as "Hallmark movie meets Key West"—a beautiful waterfront community with a laid-back coastal feel, historic character, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. That sense of authenticity and connection is something we strive to reflect in everything we do. Being located in Southport means we're part of a community where people genuinely know and support one another. There's a strong culture of supporting local businesses, and that local-first mindset has helped create a brewery that feels like a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. We see people coming together over a pint, catching up with friends, celebrating milestones, and building relationships, which is exactly the kind of experience we want to foster.
For the Cape Fear beer scene, we believe Cape Side Brewing brings a distinctly Southport perspective. While the region is home to a growing and diverse craft beer community, we offer a brewery experience rooted in coastal hospitality, small-town values, and a strong sense of community. We’re proud to contribute to the area's craft beer culture while showcasing the character and charm that make Southport such a special place.
For someone visiting Cape Side for the first time this summer, what experience can they expect?
They can expect a true coastal brewery experience centered around great beer, good company, and a relaxed beach vibe. Our house-brewed beer lineup features something for everyone, with an emphasis on light, crisp, and seasonally appropriate styles that are perfect for warm summer days. Alongside our core offerings, guests can look forward to creative and flavorful seasonal releases that showcase both brewing creativity and the flavors of the season. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and distinctly coastal—whether you're stopping in after a day at the beach, exploring Southport, or meeting up with friends and family. It's the kind of place where you can slow down, grab a pint, and enjoy the laid-back energy that makes this area so special. For food, we regularly partner with local food trucks and restaurants, offering visitors a variety of fresh, delicious options that pair perfectly with our beers while supporting other local businesses. We're also conveniently located and walkable, making Cape Side Brewing an easy stop while exploring Southport's shops, and historic downtown. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a great place to unwind, you'll find a welcoming community, refreshing beers, and a memorable Southport experience waiting for you.
Craft beer is deeply connected to community. How has Cape Side played a role in the evolving beer culture and the growth of the local brewery scene?
Craft beer is all about bringing people together, and that's been a core part of Cape Side Brewing's mission from the start. We've worked to create a space that feels welcoming to everyone—whether you're a longtime local, a first-time visitor, or just looking for a place to connect with friends and family. As one of Southport's new and exciting destinations, we've become a gathering place where people can enjoy great beer while experiencing the community that makes this area so special. From live events to supporting the local music scene, we strive to create memorable experiences that go beyond what's in the glass. Cape Side Brewing is also deeply rooted in the area's story. We value the connection between our brewery and Southport's rich history, celebrating the character and traditions that have made this coastal town such a beloved destination. That sense of place resonates with both residents and visitors looking for an authentic local experience. Cape Side Brewing grew out of a prior family-owned business that has also helped shape our culture. We believe in hospitality, personal connections, and treating guests like they're part of the family. Over time, we've seen customers become regulars, regulars become friends, and friends bring new friends through our doors. Ultimately, Cape Side Brewing has become a go-to stop because it's more than a brewery—it's a place where people gather, enjoy great beer, listen to music, share stories, and build connections that reflect the best of Southport and the Cape Fear community.
Are there any signature beers, seasonal releases, events, or menu pairings that guests should be especially excited about this summer?
This summer, guests have plenty to be excited about at Cape Side Brewing. As a true artisanal brewery, we take pride in crafting beers that highlight quality ingredients, balance, and creativity across a wide range of styles. Our lineup features crisp, refreshing lagers perfect for warm coastal days, alongside incredibly drinkable Kölsch-style beers that deliver clean, easy-drinking character and plenty of flavour. For those who enjoy hop-forward beers with a softer profile, our flavorful hazy IPAs offer juicy aromas and vibrant tropical notes, while fans of bigger, more assertive beers can look forward to our bold IPAs packed with hop character and complexity. Beyond the beer itself, guests can expect a rotating selection of seasonal releases that showcase what our brewers are passionate about creating, giving visitors something new to discover throughout the summer. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just beginning to explore different styles, Cape Side Brewing offers an authentic craft beer experience, with every beer brewed with purpose and attention to detail. Our goal is to provide a lineup that's approachable, exciting, and representative of what a true artisanal brewery can be.
Three Songs on Your Summer Playlist?
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.