From humble beginnings in Greenwood, South Carolina Michael Sibert has emerged as a culinary powerhouse in South Carolina. After growing up watching his grandparents cook for both family and their community, Sibert was inspired to pursue a culinary career. He attended the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas and first made his mark in Greer at White Wine & Butter, a family affair that featured Cajun recipes from his wife’s great-grandmother.
These days, Sibert is making waves with his latest concept: Anonymous Burger, a smash burger joint featuring “conspiracy theory” menu items like the Sasquatch Burger with Area 51 sauce, located in the Cartwright Food Hall in Greer.
“At Anonymous, we offer a hidden menu that keeps guests totally engaged and coming back to try what’s next,” says Sibert. “In a nutshell, the inspiration behind my restaurants is to give my crazy ideals a permanent home and create opportunity for community, friends, and family.”
As a chef ambassador, Sibert has traveled around the country to promote local farmers and put a spotlight on the high-quality farmlands, produce, and seafoodavailable in South Carolina. He’s eager to pay his success forward to his local community.
“Being a chef ambassador, the biggest thing I take away from it is representing my state to the fullest to educate people about the agriculture we have here in South Carolina,” Sibert says. “It’s rewarding when I get to take a local farmer on stage with me and transform the product that they have grown and raised from scratch and combine it with other certified South Carolina products and put them on a pedestal praising their hard work and dedication in the process.”
When planning your next trip to South Carolina, check out how these five chefs use Certified South Carolina ingredients straight from area farmers: Marc Collins, executive chef at Circa 1886 in Charleston, takes a deep dive into South Carolina’s history and the African, […]
We all know the sides are secretly the main characters at Thanksgiving. Go timeless with a creamy macaroni and cheese or dare to challenge tradition with an acorn Cheerwine cake. No matter your selections, these 10 contributions from Southern chefs are sure to make your holiday especially memorable this year.
Whisk parmesan, black pepper, and mustard together and top with American cheese and paprika for the perfectly creamy, savory macaroni and cheese that will have your relatives scrambling for the recipe.
Chef Bradley Griffin’s fusion of acorn flour, spices, and North Carolina-based Cheerwine will have you wondering why we don’t feature cherry-flavored soft drinks in all of our desserts.
Steven Satterfield’s maple-roasted acorn squash recipe is “a step up from the classic Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole” and is renowned as a perfect side for November 28—or really any autumnal spread.
You’ve heard of butternut squash soup and pasta, but this pairing of butternut squash and goat cheese in a perfectly-roasted, crispy dough takes it to the next level. Sprinkle thyme on top for an added zest, and set it on the table next to the classics.
Top Chef’s Tiffani Faison shares one of her favorite Southern-inspired dishes: a broccoli and cheese casserole. Outshine the traditional green bean casserole and find a new, comforting winter staple in the process.
Josh Begley shares this family-centered, gluten-free alternative to classic stuffing. Bacon, potatoes, wild rice, onion, mushrooms, and sage blend together for an equally savory, filling side option.
Caramelized in bacon fat and maple syrup, these embered sweet potatoes from chef Owen McGlynn make for a smoky, sweet alternative to the traditional sweet potato casserole.
Kristen Groth’s pecan gouda tart pairs well with a cup of warm tea before the festivities start. Serve as an eye-catching appetizer or share these savory, creamy tarts across the table.
From The Local Palate’s Test Kitchen, try these roasted brussels sprouts with crispy pancetta, tangy balsamic, and toasty pecans. Quick and easy, these only take 25 minutes to roast before they’re table-ready!
Whether you’re confined to the kitchen crafting a lavish feast or gathered around the TV cheering on your team, Thanksgiving is best with a drink in hand.
Ashleigh Shanti shares how her culinary background is inspired by generations of women in her family, one key tradition being the use of Duke’s Mayonnaise.
The New Orleans chef shares what went into making his first cookbook
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Native Louisianian Eric Cook has worked at classic New Orleans restaurants like Brennan’s and Commander’s Palace and now runs two of the city’s beloved, Gris-Gris and Saint John—but he also grew up eating the home-cooked meals of St. Bernard Parish, where hunting, fishing, and catching are a way of life and gumbo and wild game were in regular rotation. The Marine-turned-chef lives and breathes Creole food, and his first book, Modern Creole: A Taste of New Orleans Culture and Cuisine(Gibbs Smith, 2024), is a love letter to the region and its foodways. Recipes like wild duck cassoulet, hot shrimp remoulade with fried green tomatoes, and oysters étouffée will bring you right down to the Crescent City. We caught up with Cook to hear more about his inspiration, his favorite types of cookbooks, and what’s always in his fridge.
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Confession: I like my pie better at breakfast. Pies—always showstopping, always irresistible—show up at every holiday meal, and I am usually delighted to see, and sometimes make, them. But I often end up feeling so oversaturated after a holiday meal that dessert feels like an unnecessary indulgence. The next morning, though? That sliver of pie, whether it be apple, pumpkin, or chess, with a few sips of coffee, is what I need most.
Pie is a tradition in many families, but for professional bakers, it’s a muse. In this issue, writer Rossi Anastopoulo looks at the art of pie-making with four groups of artisan bakers who are pushing pie to new limits, with recipes for you to try at home.
We’re also headed to New Orleans for an over-the-top holiday celebration, Réveillon. Chef Alon Shaya, a 20+-year resident of the Crescent City, shares his take on the hundreds-years-old tradition, as well as his excitement for an excuse to gather at the table with friends of all faiths. Take his recipes as inspiration for your own magnificent feast this season. (Hello, stuffed crab shells!) For me, it will be his oysters with a holy trinity mignonette—fitting for the season. For a form of liquid dessert (there’s always room for that, right?), I’m turning to expert Brianna Berry’s coffee-based cocktails, or possibly one of the espresso martinis from Chattanooga’s Easy Bistro & Bar restaurant group.
Feeling a little midwinter wanderlust? Turn to our On the Road section and join Houston’s Cherif Mbodji, a partner at restaurant Bludorn, as he returns to Senegal to share his culture with friends, or maybe book a reservation at one of four warm-weather resorts where food will be the center of your adventure. Closer to home, writer Sheeka Sanahori shares the joys of a tucked-away farm-to-table spot in Cartersville, Georgia.
All of these stories are meant to put you in the holiday spirit, and then joyfully launch you into 2025.
Happy holidays,
What I’m Drinking
2020 La Valentía Carignan Texas: Keep making Carignan! This elegant sipper produced by Wine For the People stopped me in my tracks during a recent meal at Isidore in San Antonio. Open this bottle to serve alongside any roasted bird you’re serving this season.
With Apologies
In our Fall 2024 issue, we mistakenly identified the chef at The Fearrington House Restaurant. The current executive chef is Paul Gagne. We’re not perfect! If you catch a mistake, please let us know: info@thelocalpalate.com.
Alabama is a destination known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, music legends, dominant sports teams, and best of all, its famous food scene. Here, the food scene steals the spotlight with its five-star dining, quaint town breweries, and a barbecue tradition that stands toe-to-toe with Texas and the Carolinas—thank the unique Alabama white sauce for that. From the heartwarming simplicity of meat-and-three diners to innovative food truck offerings, Alabama’s food scene offers something for everyone.
Led by chef David Bancroft, Acre offers innovative interpretations of traditional Southern flavors. The restaurant sources responsibly farm-raised meat through collaborations with the Auburn University Meat Lab and local ranchers, featuring these selections on the “Butcher’s Block” alongside housemade pickles, jams, and regional cheeses. Among many of its accolades, Acre has been named one of the Top 50 Best Southern Restaurants by OpenTable and received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Additionally, chef Bancroft was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef South Award.
The culinary mastermind Frank Stitt, from Cullman, Alabama, developed a love for Southern ingredients early on, honing his culinary skills under chef Richard Olney in France. Returning to the South, he created a unique approach to food, advocating for sustainable agriculture. His restaurant, Bottega, established in 1988, features Italian-inspired cuisine that combines Southern ingredients with Italian artisanal products, offering wines, cocktails, and wood-fired pizzas in a sophisticated setting. In 2023, Bottega was nominated for the Outstanding Bar Program through the James Beard Foundation.
The Bright Star Restaurant opened in 1907 as a humble 12-seat bar. Over the years, the restaurant was passed down through the generations from founding fathers Tom Bonduris and his cousin Bill Koikos and today it’s the oldest family-owned restaurant in Alabama. Menu staples include pan-seared Greek snapper, chicken pan pie, smothered pork chops, and a plethora of sides like baked spiced apples, butter beans, fried okra, and Greek hashbrowns. Having offered up quality Greek and Southern cuisine for over 117 years, the Bright Star has quite the reputation as an iconic Southeast landmark. In 2010, the restaurant was named a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics winner and designated as the Best Local Restaurant in Alabama by Southern Living in 2023.
A regular on the Today Show and in national food publications, chef James Boyce opened Cotton Row in 2008. At Cotton Row seasonal and local ingredients dictate the menu, including dishes like the bourbon glazed smoked duck breast and the restaurant’s surprisingly simple dessert, peanut butter and jelly in phyllo. Boyce’s elegant and casual approach to cooking has brought him acclaim from journalists and diners alike. He has been lauded by the likes of Food & Wine, Esquire, and Wine Spectator, and was a two-time Mobil Five Star award winner and three-time James Beard Award semifinalist.
Founded by Chris Hastings and his wife Idie, Hot and Hot Fish Club has been dazzling diners since 1995 with its unique fusion of Southern, French, and Californian flavors. Five-star dishes like mussels and fish jowl, ancho-rubbed Ibérico pork chops, and seasonal desserts dot the ever-changing menu that has been delighting foodies for nearly three decades. Hastings’ culinary brilliance and creativity has repeatedly shone through, earning the chef significant recognition in the culinary community, including five coveted nominations for Best Chef by the James Beard Foundation between 2007-2011. In 2012, Hastings finally reached the peak and was named the Best Chef of the South.
KBC is dedicated to providing classic, beautiful dishes served with Southern hospitality and big-city flair. Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark, a Dothan native, brings a slice of the big city to her hometown with her remarkable culinary skills. As the first Southerner to win the prestigious Top Chef title, Clark’s credentials include an education from the Culinary Institute of America and valuable experience in top-tier Michelin-star Manhattan restaurants. At KBC, her focus is on crafting dishes that are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Bringing her expertise back to the Deep South, Clark and her team offer delicious, whole food with a difference you can both taste and see.
Thanks to chef Tim Hontzas’ Greek heritage, Johnny’s Restaurant, located in the suburb Homewood, has quickly become a Birmingham a local favorite. Guided in the restaurant business by his Greek grandfather who opened the first Johnny’s restaurant in 1954, Hontzas crafted his eatery into an iconic blend of Southern dishes and Greek cuisine. Opening in 2012, the plate lunch style restaurant offers meats like fried catfish and ketedes Greek meatballs alongside scrumptious sides like fried green tomatoes, purple hull peas, and spinach with chickpeas. Hontzas’s unique marriage between traditional Southern and Greek specialties has led him to become a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist and a 2022 finalist for Best Chef South.
Boasting an impressive variety of award-winning chefs, locally-owned restaurants, and unique fare, Mississippi offers food enthusiasts a flavorful journey to experience. Whether you’re exploring cultural heritage in Oxford, Southern history in Jackson, public art in Hattiesburg, or basking in the laid-back charm of Mississippi’s coastal cities, you’re sure to enjoy many unforgettable meals and moments along the way.
Oxford
In Oxford, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant literary scene with a visit to Square Books, a beloved bookstore right on the historic downtown square. During your visit, be sure to stroll through the beautiful University of Mississippi campus and visit Rowan Oak, the former home of legendary author William Faulkner. Craving some music? Oxford is also home to the Lyric Theater, where you can catch live music from regional and national touring acts.
Best Bites: Snack Bar, led by James Beard Award-winning chef Vishwesh Bhatt, is a local favorite. It’s one of four restaurants in John Currence’s City Grocery Group (all of them worth visiting). If you’re in the mood for Southern comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Ajax Diner.
Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city, is known for its cultural attractions and museums, including the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and the city’s newest museums, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History. Together, the two museums offer insight into 15,000 years of history and a collection of more than 17,000 historic artifacts.
Best Bites: For a unique twist on upscale diner food, head to Walker’s Drive-In, where Chef Derek Emerson combines seasonal ingredients with classic Southern cuisine. Or try the Mayflower Cafe. The beloved restaurant recently re-opened under the culinary leadership of Hunter Evans, co-owner and head chef of the acclaimed Jackson restaurant Elvie’s.
Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg combines small-town charm with big-city creative energy. Begin your visit with a tour of the city’s public art trail feature more than 50 large-scale murals. Stop by the Hattiesburg Zoo, a family favorite, or explore the Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile scenic paved trail system.
Best Bites: The Porter Public House combines classic American pub fare with house-made craft beer. Ed’s Burger Joint, owned by local restaurateur Robert St. John, is another popular choice, featuring an extensive burger menu and decadent milkshakes.
Coastal Mississippi
Coastal Mississippi offers a mix of natural beauty and coastal charm. While the coast is known for the casino resorts and beaches of Biloxi and Gulfport, be sure to explore the area’s smaller communities, including Ocean Springs, home to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.
Best Bites: In Ocean Springs, Vestige offers a seasonal tasting menu created by James Beard semi-finalists Alex Perry and his wife and co-owner Kumi Omori. For classic coastal dining, head to White Pillars in Biloxi, where Chef Austin Sumrall showcases Gulf flavors with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Mississippi’s cities are packed with diverse experiences, from literature and history to coastal beauty, and each one offers a dining scene that celebrates the best of Southern cuisine.
Exploring a city characterized by culinary collaboration
Nestled in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke, Virginia’s culinary scene shines as brightly as its iconic landmark star. The midsize city is blessed with an outsized number of local farms and markets, talented makers, bartenders, bakers, and cooks who embrace their culinary passions, whether it’s the food of their homeland, dedication to technique, or commitment to local sourcing.
There’s a palpable sense of pride within the food community that prioritizes lifting up others, spurring a spate of innovative pop-ups, joint ventures, and collaborations that are infusing the food scene with dynamic energy. All that bright shining light infuses the hospitality here with a warmth that’s like Southern hospitality on overdrive.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Best Lunch with a Side of Retail Therapy: Crystal Spring Grocery This gourmet grocery is a go-to for a midday nosh like made-to-order sandwiches, Sunday brunch (try the fried chicken biscuits), and grab-and-go dips, salads, and Yard Bull Meats’ charcuterie. Score edible gifts like RND Coffee beans or Storied Goods cocktail cubes.
Best Progressive Dinner: Sidecar, Fortunato, Blue Cow Ice Cream Sidle up to Sidecar’s bar for a New Fashioned and Belgian frites with curry ketchup, then walk over to Fortunato for a speck-and-fennel pizza and bucatini all’amatriciana. Finish with a short drive down to Blue Cow Ice Cream for an ice cream flight (don’t miss the blueberry goat cheese).
Best Place to Get Your Carbs On: Bread Craft This cheery downtown staple turns out rustic loaves, French-style pastries (like Thursday’s kouign amman), and crave-worthy brunch dishes, like croissant french toast with candied bacon or a baker’s omelet studded with house sourdough.
Best Nosh + Beer Combo: Food Hut with Golden Cactus Brewing or Blindhouse Beer Food Hut’s flavor-bomb sandwiches plus craft suds equals a next-level pairing. Try the beer-battered fish sandwich with Pickle Rick, a dry-hopped sour from next-door’s Golden Cactus, or Blindhouse Beer’s Starlight Road, a citrusy, mixed culture ale that’s ace with a quickly delivered Cubano.
Best Spot to Catch a Food Truck or Pop-Up: Sweet Donkey Coffee House Sweet Donkey is as much a draw for its rotation of food trucks and pop-ups as it is for its seasonal lattes. Seek out Queen’s Vegan Café’s fried mushroom sandwiches, Kefi’s homey spanakopita, Empanada Nirvana’s flaky empanadas, and Eatza Pizza’s wood-fired sourdough pies.
Best Style & Substance: Stock Café Inside the chic dining room, sup Nordic-inspired fare like gravlax smørrebrød and pan-seared whole trout, or enjoy appetizers like duck meatballs with lingonberry barbecue sauce while lounging on a custom sofa in Txtur’s flagship showroom.
Best Sustainable and Seasonal Share Plates: Bloom Cozy up to the bar with a seasonal cocktail or into a booth for dishes like roasted potatoes with garlic scape aïoli, carrot-beet hummus, or beef skewers with jade beans. End with Crème Fresh’s mind-bending dairy-free ice cream.
Claim to Fame
Cheese slaw, a locally famous dip/spread that’s like pimento cheese’s long-lost cousin, is a zippy mix of shredded swiss cheese, mayo, chopped green onions, banana peppers, and pickled jalapeños. Pair it with crackers and crudité or spin it into an epic grilled cheese. Find it to-go at Crystal Spring Grocery or the Jamison’s Farm Market or atop gourmet hot dogs at Fork in the Market.
Where to Shop
Crafteria Visit Crafteria for artisan home goods, like The Slap Shop’s funky mugs or Maples Wood Shop’s striking peppermills, and Virginia-made products like Lindera Farms ramp vinegar and In a Jam salted watermelon jam. For scratch-made Puerto Rican food, don’t miss Delicias Boricuas’ walk-up window inside.
Roanoke City Market Peruse the historic market for local produce, honey, preserves, baked goods, and artisan wares. Post shopping, refuel at the nearby Weiner Stand, Roanoke’s oldest restaurant, or across the street at the iconic City Market Building for Sticks & Spoons ramen. For more downtown shopping and eating inspo with a side of history, book a walking food tour with Tour Roanoke.
Barrel Chest At Barrel Chest, sip cider, wine, sake, or beer from the tasting room’s 40-plus rotating taps, then shop for Virginia-made beverages like Basic City Beer Co. Bask IPA and bottles from Early Mountain Vineyards and Gabriele Rausse Winery. At special events, look for pop-ups like Hot Knots, whose Bavarian pretzels are excellent with craft brews.
Where to Stay
The Liberty Trust The Liberty Trust is a historic bank-building-turned-boutique hotel. The gorgeous lobby features stately marble columns, the original vault (which doubles as private dining), and cozy seating nooks. The stylish guest rooms echo a banker motif with tweed suiting, wood tones, and retro lamps. Drop by The Vault for eclectic, globally inspired dishes like pork bao buns or khachapuri, a Georgian cheese bread, paired with clever cocktails like the Marilyn Monroe, crafted with Brady’s Distillery gin.
This year (2024–2025) marks the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s return tour of America. This tour famously included a stop at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in November 1824. In honor of Lafayette’s return to Virginia, visitors are invited to come celebrate French culture and cuisine in Charlottesville and Albemarle County this winter. Whether you are a Francophile at heart or just love a flaky French pastry, the Charlottesville area is a great place to embrace deep connections with French wine, food, and more.
Considered the birthplace of American wine and recognized as Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year, the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) encompasses more than 50 wineries. Notable varietals from central Virginia include cabernet franc, petit verdot, viognier, and petit manseng, as well as meritage and rosé blends. Vineyards are incredibly scenic and often host live music, food trucks, and special activities suitable for the entire family.
A French influence can be felt at several of the Charlottesville area’s wineries. Matthieu Finot at King Family Vineyards, Benoit Pineau at Pollak Vineyards, and Damien Blanchon at Afton Mountain Vineyards were born and trained in France. Today, they are leaders of Virginia’s wine industry, each producing award-winning vintages and collaborating and sharing knowledge with other winemakers. Michael Shaps is also a leader in Virginia viticulture through his own wine label and the custom-crush services he offers.
Bon Appétit
Bring your appetite because Charlottesville’s diverse neighborhoods feature dozens of restaurants with both upscale and everyday dining options. Great food can be found in unexpected places like former industrial spaces, country markets, and local shopping centers.
Start your day off right with the buttery, flaky creations found at French-inspired bakeries like Cou Cou Rachou or MarieBette Café & Bakery. By evening, Charlottesville’s historic pedestrian Downtown Mall is brimming with restaurant options sure to please any palate. The Alley Light, Fleurie, and Petit Pois serve innovative and memorable French cuisine in the coziest of settings. Café Frank is a Franco-Italian restaurant with a fun selection of spirits, while West Main Street’s Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar highlights dishes from around the Mediterranean. Bizou, C & O Restaurant, and Hamilton’s at First & Main combine French techniques with local ingredients.
Recently named one of the top wine shops in the nation by USA Today, Crush Pad Wines is a combination of shop, wine bar, and restaurant. In the evenings, pasta can be ordered from Luce for delivery to your table!
Reserve a chef’s tasting menu at Broadcloth, located in a renovated textile factory in the historic Woolen Mills neighborhood, or embrace romance at The Clifton’s 1799 Restaurant featuring Michelin-starred head chef Matthew Bousquet. Marigold by Jean-Georges, located at Keswick Hall, is world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s only restaurant in Virginia, with views overlooking the resort’s famed golf course.
When it’s time to turn in for the night, you can immerse yourself in history by staying at accommodations built during the early 19th century including The Clifton, Crossroads Inn, and Hollymead House in Albemarle County. Or stay in the heart of the city at the Dinsmore House or Inn at Court Square, which are both located within walking distance of the University of Virginia and downtown Charlottesville.
Not just the backdrop for the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville and its restaurants showcase a rich immigrant community.
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.
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
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
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.