If patriotic pride gets your blood pumping, beautiful Fayetteville, North Carolina, is the place for you. Honor veterans, enjoy the outdoors, and eat delicious and diverse cuisine at the home of Fort Bragg, the Army’s largest base by population.
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is the home of Fort Bragg. In Fayetteville, take a deep dive into American history, eat great food, and shop to your heart’s content. Numerous American communities are named for the Marquis de Lafayette, but Fayetteville is the only one he visited. You should follow the Marquis’ example.
Join The Marquis In Fayetteville, NC
Numerous American cities and counties bear Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette’s name. But only one of them, Fayetteville, North Carolina, hosted the great man. You should follow in his footsteps, both literally and figuratively. Fayetteville has created the Lafayette Trail, 12 places connected to the Marquis’ visit, but don’t stop with Lafayette. You can honor many more people who fought for liberty in Fayetteville. Fort Bragg has more soldiers than any other Army base, and the military’s influence is distinct everywhere.
Honor Service And Sacrifice
Honoring those who have served America is a proud Fayetteville tradition. Visit the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and the North Carolina Veterans Museum to learn about our service members’ sacrifices and successes.
I felt overwhelmed with respect for those who wear the silver wings upon their chest at the Airborne Museum. The cost of freedom comes home with the rows of dog tags in the North Carolina Veterans Park visitor center. Each dog tag represents a North Carolina service member who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
After the War of 1812, Congress commissioned an arsenal for Fayetteville. When North Carolina seceded, the Fayetteville militia took over the arsenal. The Confederacy produced weapons and ammunition there. When Gen. William T. Sherman marched through North Carolina in 1865, his soldiers destroyed the arsenal. In Arsenal Park, the arsenal building’s ruins and a steel-framed “ghost tower” mark site.
The park belongs to the Museum of the Cape Fear, which includes the E.A. Poe House. Poe was a successful Fayetteville brick factory owner, not the world-famous author. Ironically, Poe’s Eastlake-style home is a wood-framed house.
Opt Outside In Fayetteville
Do you believe you can fly? The answer is yes. At ZipQuest, even ground pounders can go airborne. Ziplining over Carver’s Falls is a rush that everyone can enjoy.
Exploring fascinating plants is what you expect when visiting a botanical garden. Cape Fear Botanical Garden goes beyond showcasing plants. At Cape Fear, visitors can get their hands in the soil. Practice stress management techniques and build self-confidence while playing in the tranquil garden.
Wind through woodlands and marshes on the 5-mile Cape Fear River Trail. Examine 700 species of plants and 150 bird species. Join the Cape Fear Mountain Bike Trail north of Clark Park.
Where To Drink And Dine In Fayetteville
For 115 years, the Huske Hardware House has graced Fayetteville’s downtown. In 1996, it became a restaurant. The shepherd’s pie drips with flavor. Pair it with a North Carolina beer.
The giant brewing tank outside The Mash House leaves no doubt what’s on tap inside the eatery. My favorite was the hard cider made from North Carolina apples. The shrimp and grits were heavenly.
Fowler’s Southern Gourmet is all about locally sourced ingredients. The brisket burger, made with North Carolina cheese, comes straight from Heaven. And the burnt ends melt in your mouth like butter.
You can read more about where to eat in Fayetteville in Destination Expert Bob’s post.
Great Shopping
Follow Fayetteville’s Antique Trail for fun and fabulous shopping. You’re sure to find something that you must take home.
I cannot resist locally owned bookstores. Feed your book lover’s fantasies at City Center Gallery & Books.
Where To Stay
I stayed at the Tru by Hilton Fayetteville I-95. Every staff member was kind, courteous, and helpful.
For a boutique experience, reserve a suite or a house at Pineland Express.
Thanks to Visit Fayetteville, NC, for hosting my trip and accommodations. As always, reviews and opinions are 100% mine and unbiased.
Article written by Destination Expert Roxie Yonkey of Roxie on the Road
Pin This Post For Later!
Read more about NC in these posts:
Dames Chicken and Waffles, Durham
