The small city of Wilmington has a surprising number of breweries, touring them all can be an ambitious task – are you up for it?
+Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Lured in by the name like a mosquito to a Venus Flytrap, but my fate was far superior. I love how the motif is ever present, through their artwork,
to an actual terrarium with carnivorous plants.
There are some facts about the flytraps and backdrop on Wilmington native Stanely Rehder whose I visited his garden in town. He was a prominent figure in Venus Flytrap awareness and preservation and the brewery named their flagship beer for him. On to the beer, brewed in small batches and quite enjoyable – especially the blackberry sour!
Wine and kombucha are also available, along with a food truck on Friday & Saturday. Check out the calendar for events, sometimes live music, often deals such as $5 flight Tuesdays. Located a few blocks further from the river, parking becomes much easier!
+New Anthem Beer Project, 116 Dock St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Eclectic haven of all the good things. First off, the beer is top notch.
Next, Tuesday jazz and live music every Wednesday. Bonus: they have the pinball I crave.
Did I mention it’s dog friendly? Can’t think of any reasons not to enjoy a brew at this downtown hang out.
+Ironclad Brewery, 115 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Come for the Cukes of Hazard! I love flavored beers that nail their subject and we’ve got a real winner here. Light, refreshing, and no after bite. The pineapple beer was phenomenal as well. Get a flight and find out your favorite!
This is a large space in a historic 1925 building, perfect for hanging out with a group downtown.
+Waterline Brewing Co, 721 Surry St, Wilmington, NC 28401
How much fun is too much fun? They’ve got beer.
Foosball. Corn hole. Frequent live music and food trucks.
Sip while watching a Shakespeare play. Enjoy a brew over a board game or arcade game. Sometimes there are craft nights, such as painting events! If you’re driving parking is a cinch because the brewery is located a few blocks from downtown under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge beside the river. Hang out on the patio on a warm night, or inside the 1940s era warehouse.
Bring your mate, bring your dog, bring your friends, drink alone. Whatever you do, you’re bound to have a great time under the bridge.
+Wilmington Brewing Company, 824 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403
Looking for a craft brew uptown? This is your space. The brewery doesn’t offer flights but they’re happy to give you samples of their 15 rotating drafts. Popular flavors include the jalapeno saison and vanilla coffee porter, I loved the raspberry saison.
You’ll find a game room with ping pong, giant jenga, and connect four – there is even yoga at the brewery on certain days!
+Noni Bacca Winery, 420 Eastwood Rd #108, Wilmington, NC 28403
Winos fear not, uptown Wilmington has an award winning winery where you can sample libations and order a cheese basket.