Kinston

Kinston, North Carolina has become an unlikely craft beer destination thanks to Mother Earth Brewing, a well-regarded regional brewery whose taproom and beer garden anchor the town's drinking scene - BarFinder lists 28 venues here, split fairly evenly between bars, sports bars, and a growing brewery/lounge presence. Local spots like Big Game Brewing and The Proof Kinston add to that craft-forward side, while classic hangouts like J's keep the more traditional bar scene going. It's a small eastern North Carolina town whose beer scene punches well above its size.