Fayetteville, NC - In celebration of NC Beer Month, the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (FACVB) has created a “Hometown Hops” passport program and beer trail. Home to five distinguished breweries, Cumberland County is ready to welcome brewery enthusiasts to America’s Hometown with a perfect pour of a memorable craft brew.

The program is simple – pick up a passport at one of the breweries or the FACVB. Visit each brewery, enjoy one of their craft brews and receive a unique stamp in your passport. Once visitors have a stamp from each brewery, stop by the FACVB to collect a prize for completing the passport. Go to http://www.visitfayettevillenc.com/hometownhops for full details on the program and alternate ways to submit a completed passport.

“In the past three years, we’ve doubled the craft breweries in Cumberland County,” says John Meroski, FACVB President and CEO. “We are excited to have the opportunity to introduce our product offerings to craft beer aficionados.”

Cumberland County breweries:

> Celebrating their one-year anniversary in April, Bright Light Brewing Company routinely offers eight to ten of their brews in their taproom. The brewery is dog and kid friendly, with a large back patio and rotating line-up of local food trucks. www.facebook.com/brightlightbrewing/

> Dirtbag Ales, a veteran-owned brewery is known for their flagship Blood Orange Kolsch, with a pronounced citrus note provided by blood oranges that finishes with a hint of raspberry. This spring, the brewery is moving to a much larger location that will also house soccer, lacrosse and ballfields, playground, dog park and will host a weekly farmers market. www.Dirtbagales.com

> Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery, which offers British-inspired pub grub in their rustic dining area, offers craft brews brewed in their 15-barrel system. Delicious English ales are always on tap and brewed to compliment food offerings. www.huskehardware.com/

> The newest addition to Cumberland County’s craft brewery scene, Lake Gaston Brewing Company brings the world of craft brew and Lake Gaston nostalgia to downtown Fayetteville. A favorite is the All-American Strong Ale. www.lakegastonbrew.com/

> Mash House Brewing Company, which produces award-winning beer, hand-crafted on the premises using traditional methods of Old World brewers. www.themashhouse.com/

Brewery Promotional Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d2gak5xdkdb8fto/AABkFSfgMdiiD6ZaLpTTpgyJa?dl=0

Hopetown Hops Program Materials: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fpn6tlilpcvxktn/AAB_HYxY1e4ZsmnrVTAOQvxha?dl=0