The first brewery on Hatteras Island opened this year in Avon – sort of. While they are awaiting permits to begin brewing their own beer, the brand-new Tugs Soundside is already a thriving taphouse serving a curated lineup of local, NC and Virginia beers. In the former Po House restaurant, it is situated directly on the Pamlico Sound next to Ocean Air Sports, making it sunset central and the perfect spot to enjoy a beer after a day on the water. Owner Travis Murray has been a passionate home brewer since 1999, and he and wife, Sherry, had been dreaming of opening a Hatteras Island brewery ever since they moved here full-time three years ago. For now, the Tugs taphouse serves 20 guest beers on draft. When they are fully legal to brew their own beer, probably early in 2027, they’ll serve their own beers alongside some guest beers. The taphouse is hub of social activity in Avon, from live music to music bingo, an arts market to community seafood boils with Outer Banks Boil Company.