Set alongside the sting of the Cape Worry River, Fayetteville – the buzzing neighborhood of 200,000 (North Carolina’s sixth-largest metropolis) – feels extra like a welcoming small city. With a powerful array of sights and a revitalized downtown filled with native intrigue, this oft-overlooked vacation spot is brimming with tradition and historical past.
Fayetteville’s inception predates the Revolutionary Struggle. Within the 1750s, the settlement consisted of two cities straddling the Cape Worry River. The cities merged in 1783 and adopted a brand new identify that paid homage to the Marquis de Lafayette, the French aristocrat who led American troops alongside George Washington. The previous lives on within the 18th-, Nineteenth- and early Twentieth-century buildings that make up the historic structure path.
Fayetteville proudly embraces its wealthy cultural variety. Cumberland County, which encompasses Fayetteville and its environment, is dwelling to college students from 70 completely different international locations talking greater than 80 completely different languages.
Overseas accents and well-traveled locals add to the mystique of exploring this shocking metropolis. This is a round-up of among the finest issues to see and do on this North Carolina underdog.
Wander the flower-lined paths of Cape Worry Botanical Backyard
Simply northeast of downtown, the 80-acre Cape Fear Botanical Garden sits between the Cape Worry River and the meandering Cross Creek. Right here you may rapidly reconnect with nature on a stroll by way of a hardwood forest stuffed with birdsong (particularly within the morning and late afternoon).
Some two-thirds of the botanical backyard stays in a wild, pure state. The opposite part options superbly manicured gardens with 2,000 types of flowers and decorative vegetation. From spring by way of fall, there’s all the time one thing in bloom.
Cheer on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at Segra Stadium
On recreation day, you may be a part of locals over at Segra Stadium to see the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (the native Minor League baseball group) battle the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Myrtle Seashore Pelicans and different avian foes.
Sipping a chilly drink and munching on ballpark fare whereas watching batters pound fastballs into the outfield ranks excessive among the many high enjoyable issues to do in Fayetteville. Tickets are pretty priced (round $13), and, you may even carry your canine to among the video games.
The Woodpeckers, a feeder group for the Houston Astros, play from Could by way of September, with roughly 60 dwelling video games a 12 months.
Sip a craft brew on the Vibrant Gentle Brewing Firm
Like so many different cities in North Carolina, Fayetteville loves its high quality beer, and it is dwelling to a half-dozen craft breweries. Festive, domestically owned Bright Light Brewing Company, set within the coronary heart of downtown, is considered one of Fayetteville’s finest microbreweries.
Alternatives change incessantly, however latest hits embody a refreshing American-style Hefeweizen, a darkish porter and an imaginative IPA with a pineapple end. Meals vehicles are readily available most days, and there’s a daily lineup of dwell music and different occasions.
Go for a spin or take a stroll alongside the Cape Worry River Path
Probably the greatest free issues to do in Fayetteville is to move into nature alongside the 7-mile-long Cape Worry River Path. You may see deer, lizards or wild turkeys as you move by way of thick forests and wetlands, together with a boardwalk stretch over marshy terrain.
You’ll additionally cross picket bridges and one coated bridge, with fantastic river views alongside the best way. Entry the path at Clark Park Nature Center, about three miles north of downtown.
Make your individual candles at Hummingbird
If you happen to’re searching for distinctive issues to do in Fayetteville, join a candle-making expertise at Hummingbird. You’ll be able to select from greater than 30 scents, and a affected person chandler (candlemaker) will assist make sure you create a high-quality completed product.
It’s a very good outing for {couples} or pals, and you may carry your individual wine or one other drink of alternative. Youngsters age 7 and up are additionally welcome earlier than 4 pm (after that it’s age 18 and up).
Soar over the treetops at Zipquest
For an adrenaline-fueled outing, head eight miles north of city to Zipquest. Amid lush rolling forests, you may glide by way of the treetops on ziplines and admire the view over Carver’s Falls.
The waterfall expedition takes you throughout eight ziplines, over three suspension bridges and up three spiral staircases. Zipquest additionally runs a shorter treetop tour, plus after-dark excursions, the place you may glide by way of the forest by the sunshine of the moon (and your individual headlamp).
Zipquest is a good exercise for teenagers age eight and up, although the minimal weight requirement is 70 kilos (most 250).
Watch an impartial movie on the Cameo Artwork Home Theatre
The Cameo is a required cease in downtown Fayetteville. The 2-screen cinema exhibits a mixture of new releases, impartial options and foreign-language movies at a major location on Hay Avenue.
A lot-loved by locals, the Cameo performed a starring function in serving to to revitalize Fayetteville’s downtown after opening in 2000. Through the years, it has been branded by native media because the “coolest place downtown,” “the perfect movie show in Fayetteville,” and “the perfect place to take a date,” amongst different accolades.
Study the historical past of US paratroopers on the Military Airborne and Particular Operations Museum
Fort Bragg, one of many world’s largest navy installations, lies simply outdoors of Fayetteville and has performed a significant function within the native economic system since its opening in 1918. You may get extra perception into Fayetteville’s navy ties on the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum downtown.
Interactive exhibitions at this admission-free museum discover the function airborne troops performed in international wars over time, from the primary paratroopers of 1940 throughout World Struggle II to newer conflicts within the Center East, with protection of America’s involvement in Korea and Vietnam.
Aspect word: Fort Bragg was a serious transit level for US troopers headed to Southeast Asia within the late Sixties and ’70s and helped earn Fayetteville the nickname “Fayettenam,” which you continue to may hear bandied about right now.
Search for cormorants and red-tailed hawks whereas paddling on Hope Mills Lake
Lower than a 20-minute drive from downtown, you’ll discover the picturesque Hope Mills Lake, an inviting setting for kayaking, swimming and birdwatching.
Get out on the water with ease with Yakalacky Outfitters, which rents out kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, and affords supply and pick-up service.
Cool off with home made ice cream at Gillis Hill Farm
One of the best ice cream in Fayetteville is made on the ninth-generation household farm, Gillis Hill Farm. Selfmade ice cream is offered from its classic store Mondays by way of Saturdays from April to October. Calm down after an extended day on rocking chairs on the porch.
You can even go for a self-guided tour of the farm and feed the horses and among the different animals. The farm is situated 12 miles west of Fayetteville.
Launch your internal warlord at Axes & Armor
On the western outskirts of town, Axes & Armor allows you to strive your hand at ax-throwing – a surprisingly efficient stress reliever. You’ll goal for a picket board (not not like an outsized dartboard), and with luck, land your blade proper within the bullseye. You should definitely put on close-toed sneakers and pay shut consideration to the “axperts” as they reveal the right method.
