Nova Scotia's thriving craft beer industry is creating jobs and vibrant scenes in many rural parts of the province.
There are more than 30 craft breweries in the province alone, with more than half located off the beaten path.
Brewery owner Leslie Barr says there’s good reason for that.
"I had the belief that if people are willing to drive for wine, that they'd be willing to drive for beer. Because you never find wineries in a downtown area," says Barr.
Brewery owner Melanie Sweeney says her beer business serves as a boost to the local economy by keeping people working in the country. She says it also creates a relaxed atmosphere for neighbours stopping by for a quick pint, or to pick up a brew on their way home.
"Being right in Tusket, it's central to a lot of other communities,” says Sweeney. “And all the cottages around and all that, we thought it would be an ideal spot for all those people heading out to camp."
Leslie Barr says he teamed up with a nearby farm for his menu's creations as a way for visitors to truly experience Hillgrove's charm.
"We donate our spent grain in the beer-making process to a local farmer, and he feeds his pigs the spent grain and then we buy the pork back from him and we serve it in our restaurant here," says Barr.
The breweries all have two things in common – their love for craft been and their passion to open a business at home.
"We're of the belief that the more of us, especially in rural Nova Scotia, the better. That will draw people out of the city and from other places around Canada, United States and the world,” says Sean Ebert, a brewer from Lawrencetown.
Argyle councillor Danny Muise says it's encouraging to see Nova Scotians return home from out west and start businesses in rural areas like Tusket Falls.
"That's the future of our municipality,” says Muise. “We're an aging municipality, and to see younger people come back is always a plus for us."
The brewery owners say they’re eagerly awaiting the busy summer months, when business is expected to more than double.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Suzette Belliveau.
