Friends out to dinner at Dirtbag Ales in Fayetteville, NC

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Highlights of Greater Fayetteville, North Carolina

By: TLP's Partners

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Located in the Sandhills of North Carolina, the Fayetteville region is known for its incredible attractions, opportunities for outdoor adventure, and the diverse arts and food scene.

A few men site seeing at the U.S Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Sites to See

Fayetteville’s northern neighbor, Spring Lake, is home to Carvers Creek State Park. The park provides ample trails and a stunning view of Long Valley Farm, the winter estate of James Stillman Rockefeller. The estate is situated on a majestic 100-acre mill pond.

Two miles from downtown Fayetteville, visitors find something blooming year-round at the 80-acre Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Flourishing with beautiful specialty gardens and blooming ornamental plants, the Garden’s highlights include Camellia, Daylily and Shade Gardens, Butterfly Stroll, and Children’s Garden.

In downtown Fayetteville, the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum tells the comprehensive history of the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations troops from the Test Platoon in 1940 to the present day. After touring the museum, get a picture in front of Iron Mike, one of the area’s top photo locations. Across the parking lot, North Carolina Veterans Park pays tribute to all North Carolina veterans from all service branches.

Eat and Drink

Two women enjoying a beer at Dirtbag Ales in Fayetteville, North Carolina

After visiting the museums, explore Fayetteville’s Cool Spring Downtown District. Grab lunch at Circa 1800, which strives to use all local ingredients, or Vibe Gastropub, the area’s first vegan restaurant. Just thirsty? Grab a specialty-made tea or tea cocktail at Winterbloom Tea, a coffee at Rude Awakening Coffee House, or a local brew at Gaston Brewing Company.

Venture into Hope Mills to try other local brews at Dirtbag Ales. Housed in an entertainment complex with soccer fields, a full playground, a dog park and Napkins, and an on-site restaurant, this family-friendly brewery is a local favorite.

Get Active

A man standing near a water fall in climbing gear at The Climbing Place in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The area is a haven for visitors who crave active pursuits. Climb into the trees and spend 2.5 hours zipping through the trees at ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure. The course, which includes eight zips and two wooden bridges, takes visitors over the largest waterfall on the east coast of the Carolinas.

Another solid selection is Paraclete XP Skyventure, which delivers the thrill of skydiving in the safety of America’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel. Climbers will take to The Climbing Place, which supplies 20,000 square feet of climbing equipment, including top rope, bouldering, a top-out ledge, 50 top ropes, and more.

Special Events

In late April, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival welcomes spring with concerts, a carnival, arts and crafts, and a special area for kids. The last weekend of September, Fayetteville’s International Folk Festival celebrates the community’s diversity. Additionally, the community’s calendar features hundreds of special events each year.

Visit DistinNCtlyFayettevilleNC.com for a complete list of things to do, places to eat, and special events.