Have an itch to get out and explore North Carolina? This is for you!

As a Military family, we’ve learned to make the most of where we live. No matter where the road takes you, the key is to always have a positive outlook and adventurous spirit! Mix that advice with a little local research and you are off to enjoy new and beautiful places.

Currently, we are stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which just so happens to be my hometown! Yep, I was raised in a Military town but had zero Military affiliation until I married my Soldier.

At first, I was ready to get out of this town and didn’t really want to come back. But, when I returned in 2016, I decided to rediscover my hometown like I did other duty stations. So the Family and I dove right in to see what Fayetteville had to offer!

Now I invite you to come along as I rediscover my hometown and state.

I’ve already learned so many things I didn’t know before and I’m truly falling in love with NC all over again. I am proud of Fayetteville NC and how far it’s come! When I was younger, downtown wasn’t a place you went and now you can enjoy awesome baseball games, festivals, beautiful restaurants and so much more!

So whether your stationed here, live close by or plan to make the trip, I hope these tips will help you enjoy your time in my neck of the woods!

Best things to do in and around Fayetteville NC

Restaurants/Coffee Shops

1. Fayetteville Pie Company

2. Fowler’s Southern Gourmet

3. The Mad Hatter’s Ice Cream

4. Dirtbag Ale’s Brewery & Taproom

5. Gusto Pizza If authentic wood fire pizza is what you’re craving, then this is a must try! I absolutely love their margarita pizza, we add ham and mushrooms.

6. Southern Coals & Burney’s Go to Southern Coals for some BBQ and walk next door to their bakery, Burney’s for desert! Try their glazed croissants and thank me later!

7. Leclair’s General Store

Attractions

1. Gillis Hill Farm  Self guided walking tour & homemade ice cream shop

2. ZipQuest – Waterfall & Treetop Adventure A fun activity to do with the family.

3. Cape Fear Botanical Garden This is a must visit! They have a fun spot for the kids to play and fun events for the Holidays.

4. Fayetteville Woodpeckers Baseball/Segra Stadium Cheer on your local Minor League Baseball Team and enjoy a fun night with family and friends. It truly is a beautiful stadium full of great food options, seating and the fireworks are the perfect end to each game, making for a magical evening.

5. Airborne & Special Operations Museum/Veteran’s Park

6. Fascinate-U Children’s Museum My kids absolutely loved this place when they were little. I highly recommend this place if you have littles.

7. Sweet Valley Ranch Hosts seasonal events, including a fall corn maze and Christmas Festival of Lights

8. Carolina Premium Outlets

9. Safari Zoo This is in Harnett County and too close to Fayetteville not to visit.

10. Poe House

Downtown Fayetteville

   1.   Cameo Theatre

2. Winterbloom Tea

3. Greg’s Paint Your Own Pottery

     4. Blue Moon Cafe

    5.  Antonella’s Italian Ristorante This is our personal favorite! We usually get multiple dishes and share. Definitely try their fresh cucumber dressing and even get some to dip the bread in. Its delish!

     6. Pierro’s Italian Bistro

     7.  Circa 1800

     8.  Huske Hardware

     9.  Caruso Confections

     10. Wine & Design

     11.  A Bit of Carolina

     12. Gaston Brewing Company

     13. Hummingbird Candle Company

     14.  Reverie Gifts

15. Archway Burgers, Dogs and Beers

Things to do in Southern Pines/Pinehurst/Aberdeen

Restaurants

1.The Sly Fox

2. Southern Pines Brewing Company

3. Ashten’s Restaurant

4. Elliott’s on Linden

5. Drum & Quill

6. Buggy Town Coffee

7. Sweet Basil Cafe

8. The Bakehouse

Activities

1.Carolina Hotel Spa and golfing packages

2. The Magnolia Inn

3. Sunrise Theater

4. Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities/Weymouth Woods

5. Southern Pines Train Station Cute photo op

6. The Jefferson Inn & Restaurant

Shops

1.The Market Collective Pop Up Events

2. Twig & Co Market 

3. Mockingbird on Broad

4. R Riveter

5. The Country Bookshop

6. Against the Grain

Best Things to do Raleigh NC

Day Trips: Close to Fayetteville/Fort Bragg NC

1. Raven Rock State Park, Lillington, NC This is my families favorite hiking spot so far. They have multiple trails so you can choose one each time you go. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the beautiful spots along each trail.

2. Wilmington, NC/Wrightsville Beach

3. Carolina Beach This is our favorite local beach for a more laid back feel. Great coffee shops, restaurants and beaches.

   Carrigan Farms This farm serves as a beautiful event venue but also has a natural quarry that patrons are allowed to swim in. You do have to register so check out their website first.

4. Dogwood Farms This is for the sunflower lovers!

5. Tucker Lake If you’re looking for a place with RV camping or a good place to swim, this is a spot to check out. Only 45 minutes from Fayetteville.

6. Hanging Rock State Park This spot has camping, rock climbing, swimming, canoe rentals and hiking trails. Definitely a great spot to check out for the outdoor lovers. 

7.  Lu Mil Vineyard in Dublin, NC Obviously if you want to sample some local wine this is a great spot but it also has a fun Christmas Festival of Lights event each year that’s perfect for the whole family.

8. Duplin Winery in Rose Hill, NC & Myrtle Beach, SC

9.  Cypress Bend Vineyard in Wagram, NC

Weekend Getaways: 3+ hours from Fort Bragg NC

1. Linn Cove Viaduct

2. Grandfather Mountain If you are in NC, a trip to the NC side of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s is a must, especially in the Fall! My favorite time is in October. The leaves and drive are breathe taking.

3. Ashville NC Ashville is one of our favorite spots, full of beautiful places and things to do.

4. Biltmore This is one of the most visited spots in NC! Would be perfect for a romantic getaway.

I hope this blog encourages you to choose a few new things to do and places to see.

With Love,

Lisa Faye