9 best things to do in Fayetteville
After a year of lockdowns and shuttered businesses that limited travel and weekend fun, Fayetteville experienced a strong comeback in 2021. In fact, there are some indications that tourism was even stronger in our beloved North Carolina city in 2021 than it was in 2019.
What advice do we have for Fayetteville residents or visitors that want to get back out there and enjoy a pleasant weekend? There's no shortage of things to do and see, but we're here to share our favorite places to visit.
If you're putting together an itinerary of things to do in Fayetteville, look no further.
Read on for nine of the best things in Fayetteville to add to your bucket list.
1. For Outdoorsy Visitors: Cape Fear River Trail
If you love nothing more than communing with nature and you've got good weekend weather, hit the Cape Fear River Trail. The trail is seven miles long (one way) and offers ample opportunities to learn about the local flora and fauna. The trail is open every single day of the year from 8 am until dusk and is considered accessible to anyone using a wheelchair or other mobility device.
2. For Nature Lovers: Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Another must-see for nature lovers is the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, spanning 80 acres between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek. The garden features thousands of local, national, and ornamental plants, a butterfly garden, and a river-side trail. The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a great place to explore any day of the week, or you can take a look at their upcoming events and enjoy their educational, all-ages activities.
3. For History Buffs: Airborne and Special Operations Museum
Whether or not you have Army veterans in your family, you won't want to miss this chance to engage with our nation's history through the eyes of the United States Army Airborne. This interactive and carefully crafted museum teaches visitors about the Parachute Test Platoon of 1940, the Special Operations missions of the War on Terrorism, and everything in between. Get up close and personal with the evolution of military technology, uniforms, and operations and learn the unforgettable stories of individual soldiers that defended the nation.
4. For Sports Fans: Segra Stadium
Baseball is back in Fayetteville, and you're not going to want to miss a chance to see the Houston Astro's affiliate team, the Woodpeckers. Even if you aren't in town for baseball season, you can still get a look at Fayetteville's new and beloved Segra Stadium thanks to the stadium's extensive events calendar. From charity walks to concerts, there's always something happening at Segra Stadium.
5. For Local Fanatics: The Museum of Cape Fear
If you want to learn the history of Fayetteville and southern North Carolina as a whole, you aren't going to want to skip the Museum of Cape Fear. This museum boasts two floors of exhibits about Native Americans and early explorers up to the commerce of the 20th century. Make sure that you also stop at 1897 Poe House to get another look at the region's history.
6. For Cultural Connoisseurs: Cape Fear Regional Theatre
If you have a passion for live theater, you have to add Cape Fear Regional Theatre to your to-do list. Dating back to the 1960s, our local theater has served as one of the finest in the state, putting on six main stage shows and several smaller shows throughout the year. Make sure that you take a look at their show calendar to find the right show for you and your family and buy your tickets in advance because they do sell out!
7. For the Grown-Ups: Bright Light Brewing Company
If you're looking for a great place to kick back in the evenings or host an event, look no further than Bright Light Brewing Company, a nano-brewery that has been locally owned and operated since its exciting start in 2016. Bright Light Brewing Company offers a rotating selection of brews as well as food and other fares from local food trucks. If you're lucky, you may even catch some local legends playing a set in Bright Light Brewing's outdoor space.
8. For the Kids: Fascinate-U Children's Museum
Are you looking for something that is guaranteed to make the kids happy? Take a stop at the family-friendly Fascinate-U's Children's Museum, an interactive museum designed like a miniature city where kids can run, play, and explore. Visitor favorites include the Doggtown Diner, the WNUZ news desk, and the Gro-Rite market.
9. For Retail Lovers: Blue Bike Antiques and Gifts
Formerly known as the Shops at 123 Hay St., Blue Bike Antiques and Gifts is an impressive antique mall with over a dozen vendors. You can easily spend an afternoon searching for relics, vintage decor, antique housewares, and more. We challenge you to walk into Blue Bike Antiques and Gifts and walk out empty-handed--you're bound to find something you simply can't leave without!
What are your favorite things to do in Fayetteville?
When you're looking for things to do for fun or opportunities to learn and give back to the community, WRAL is here to help. We've shared our favorite things to do in Fayetteville, NC, and now we want to hear yours! What would you recommend that people add to their Fayetteville bucket list or vacation itinerary?
WRAL is committed to providing you with the best news, from local to national to global, from the best sources. Bookmark our news page and check in for the latest breaking news and local updates from Fayetteville and beyond.
