By Alyssa Nelson

Something is brewing in the Sandhills…

…can you taste it?

We’re in the midst of a craft beer renaissance, and there’s never been a better time to order a pint in the towns of Aberdeen, Carthage, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines. Grab a buddy and read on to discover the hoppy delights awaiting you in the North Carolina Sandhills:

Hatchet Brewing Company

Hatchet Brewery’s history traces back to the Vietnam War, where special forces teams, known as Hatchet Forces, carried “the patch” as a symbol of their collaborative missions. Founded by Greg Walker and Mike Carey, two military veterans with a passion for brewing, the brewery opened in downtown Southern Pines in November 2019.

Step up to the bar to choose from a variety of pours, from hoppy IPAs to a strong Belgian Tripel (careful, it’ll sneak up on you!). Prefer to mix up your routine? Check the events calendar for fun activities like Two Steppin’ Tuesday, complete with lessons and open dancing, and Music Bingo.

Hatchet Brewing Company

490 SW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387

Pinehurst Brewing Company

The historic Pinehurst steam plant, once the power source for the village, has been revitalized by transforming Pinehurst Brewing Company into a vibrant brewpub. Slide into a high-top booth to discover an ever-evolving tap list and order a round or two for the table. Though the tap list is concise, there’s a brew here for every type of beer enthusiast.

With a kitchen menu full of Southern flavors, Pinehurst Brewing Company is one you’ll want to visit hungry. Build your perfect pairing from the smokehouse menu – because what could be better than beer and barbecue?

Pinehurst Brewing Company

300 Magnolia Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

Railhouse Brewery

Founded by veterans Brian Evitts and Mike Ratkowski, Railhouse Brewery is the Sandhills’ oldest brewery. This Aberdeen spot has been pouring craft beer from its railroad spike taps since 2010, and today the atmosphere feels reminiscent of your favorite neighborhood pub.

Challenge a buddy to a round of darts while you sip on flagship beers like the KA-BAR Brown Ale or FCA IPA, or simply hang at the bar with an order from Railhouse Brewery’s fun menu of pub grub classics and new inventions (fried guacamole, anyone?).

Railhouse Brewery

105 E South St, Aberdeen, NC 28315

Southern Pines Brewing Company – Tap Room & Production Brewery

Former Green Beret Micah Niebauer’s passion for service, entrepreneurship, and craft beer fueled his dream of opening a craft brewery in Southern Pines that is rooted in the community. Through hands-on learning from industry experts and honing his own brewing skills, Micah eventually opened Southern Pines Brewing Company’s original taproom in 2014.

The rustic taproom on the outskirts of downtown Southern Pines is an ideal place to catch up with an old friend over a pint of Man of Law, the brewery’s most popular beer. Though the tanks in the production area are busy cranking out fresh brews, this location offers a refreshingly chill brewery experience.

Southern Pines Brewing Company – Tap Room & Production Brewery

565 Air Tool Dr E, Southern Pines, NC 28387

Southern Pines Brewing Company – Downtown Southern Pines

Find Southern Pines Brewing Company’s second location in the heart of downtown Southern Pines on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Bennett Street. Just a short walk from Broad Street’s shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to rest your weary feet after a long day of exploring.

With over thirty options on draft, there truly is a style for everyone. From a refreshing kölsh to barrel-aged stouts, the options here run the gamut. You won’t be able to try them all in one visit, but order a flight to get your journey started.

Southern Pines Brewing Company – Downtown Southern Pines

205 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387

The Buggy Factory by Southern Pines Brewing Company

Southern Pines Brewing Company is bringing its taproom experience to Carthage in April 2024 – along with a menu of delicious Detroit-style pizza and handcrafted cocktails. The name and the industrial interior harken back to the building’s former life as the Tyson & Jones Buggy Company, though today’s iteration is decidedly more relaxed and ready to unwind.

Downstairs, the Tyson & Jones speakeasy offers a more intimate alternative to the bustling taproom, with an elegant, carefully curated menu of craft cocktails.

The Buggy Factory by Southern Pines Brewing Company

106 S Ray St, Carthage, NC 28327

Planning on visiting every brewery to choose your favorite? Be sure to pick up a Sandhills Pour Tour Passport to track your progress. Once you’ve collected a stamp from each spot, exchange your fully stamped Passport for a free Sandhills Pour Tour mug at the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm). Cheers!

Alyssa Nelson is the Charlotte-based creator behind the weekend travel blog, Wayward. To discover more of the Carolinas and beyond, visit Wayward, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok.