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Fayetteville is about an hour's drive from the state capital. And is the next-door neighbor to Fort Bragg in the West. Needless to say, there's a lot of activity going on in and around Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Here we'll talk about some of our favorite spots around the city. So you can make plans to make the most of your trip, no matter how long or short.
History of Fayetteville
Originally settled by the Scottish in 1739. The city before known as Campbellton has played a part in America since the time of the colonies. Fayetteville was renamed in 1783. To pay homage to the French nobleman. And Continental Army general, Marquis de Lafayette.
Out of thirty-six cities across the US named after the war hero. This one in North Carolina was the only one he actually stepped foot in. It was around this time that America's oldest state university. The University of North Carolina was chartered.
In 1831, there was a massive fire that spread across the city and destroyed 600 buildings. Like a phoenix from the ashes, many of the local landmarks we prize today. Came from this reconstruction. Unfortunately, another fire spread. During the Civil War by General Sherman's troops.
Today, these landmarks and other historical spots are meticulously cared for. In the preservation of the town's history. As we move forward, hop on Highway 95 with us. The interstate that connects Washington DC through to Miami. And let's check out Fayetteville!
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Our first stop is the eighty acres of nature by the Cape Fear River. Just a couple of miles from downtown, this inspiring landscape has been bringing beauty to the citizens and tourists since 1989.
From weekly Tai Chi and yoga classes to Dog Day in the garden, there are many ways to get involved. You can also get married here! Bring the kids for $5, unless they are under five and they are free! Adult tickets are $10.
Cape Fear River
The biggest river in the state, coming in at just under 200 miles, Cape Fear River flows out through Cape Fear to the Atlantic towards the east. This is also where we get our water in Fayetteville. Once a hub for business, the river now has groups making an effort to help clean it up.
In support of keeping the river and the area around it clean, the city made the Cape Fear River Trail just north of downtown. Bring your feet, bike, or blades to take advantage of the scenic green space.
Fort Bragg
Considered one of the world's largest military stations, Fort Bragg hosts about 54k members of the armed forces. Established in 1918 as a training area for artillery, this installation has grown to over 250 miles and is part of four counties.
Civilians are allowed into Fort Bragg, after a security clearing, with passes that are good for one year. Want to go paragliding? The activity is so popular here that there's a whole group dedicated to it with monthly newsletters.
Airborne and Special Operations Museum
Take a walk back in time through the eyes of the military. Using real equipment and lifelike scenes, this museum touches on all the conflicts soldiers from Fort Bragg have been in. A visitor gets a peak of moments frozen in time that the soldiers had to partake in. From parachute testing in the 40s through to the terrorism of the present day. Entry and parking are free but donations are encouraged.
Clark Park Nature Center
Turtles, fish, and snakes - oh my! This is the second-largest park in the city with all the picnic tables you would need. There are both paved and unpaved trails, so there is a walking experience for everyone. There is also one of the highest waterfalls you can gaze at within walking distance from the nature center. Come on from Monday through Friday and look at the animals for free!
Top Local Eats
After all that walking, you will be famished. Never fear, we have a list of great food here! Check out some of the highest-rated restaurants in Fayetteville:
Just driving through? Here for the history or proximity to Fort Bragg? Whatever your reason for coming to Fayetteville, there's plenty to keep you entertained!
After getting accepted to ECU, I started looking for things to do in and around Greenville, NC. However, my searches kept taking me to places in South Carolina! There must be things to do around ECU, so I started asking other students. They kept telling me to graduate and move away! This inspired me to begin exploring eastern North Carolina and build this website as a showcase of the places to go, sights to see, and things to do all over eastern NC. I have fallen in love with this region and started taking up roots here. After graduating, I didn't move away - I bought a house here and continue to explore eastern North Carolina.
