Nothing beats the 27 best and most fun things to do in Fayetteville; you won’t know unless you actually get on this adventure.
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is one city full of fun activities and rich history. This might be a great choice to travel to in North Carolina if you’re in search of food, culture, and hospitality.
The city offers travelers and locals many attractions and unlimited exercise opportunities with many potential life opportunities.
Fayetteville is particularly pleased with its tactical history. This set of experiences is clear in its proximity to Post Bragg.
The city also has several galleries and monuments that share the historical background of the city’s tactical base. So it’s not unexpected that Fayetteville is known as “America’s Most Military City” and a protected military area.
However, things to do in Fayetteville should not be limited to its tactical attractions. You can also find other energizing attractions such as homesteads, parks, museums, restaurants, and shopping centers that will have some meaning for you.
Below is our comprehensive list and guide about the most amazing and fun things to do in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Fun Things to Do in Fayetteville
1. Luigi’s Italian Chophouse and Bar
There are many great places to visit for Italian food in Fayetteville, but Luigi’s Italian Chophouse and Bar is a particular favorite.
For over 40 years, they have served some of the best food in town. Eat here at night for an unforgettable Fayetteville dinner.
The story of this restaurant actually begins in the early 1950 when a Greek immigrant and World War II veteran- Peter Parrous, started a spaghetti house called “Luigi’s.”
However, he had to close it in the 1960s. He kept opening restaurants and finally decided to restart Luigi’s, which became a hit.
Tragically, a gunman killed him and his wife in a restaurant in 1993. After the restaurant was closed for several months, his children managed to restart and keep the restaurant going.
Today, people agree that the food here is an example of what Italian food should be.
If you dine at Luigi’s Italian Chophouse and Bar tonight, you’re in for a swell time. It’s ironic when you think about what happened, but Peter and his wife would probably be amazed at the number of people who still love and patronize their restaurant.
There aren’t many places to enjoy food and emotion like Luigi’s.
2. Sandhills Family Heritage Center
This center is an important place to visit for enough African American history in North Carolina.
The information here sheds light on African Americans’ many feats and experiences in this state.
Spending time here is what you can do for a very moving and educational experience near Fayetteville.
When the center began in 1951, it was merely a social gathering point for black youth. In the 1960s, civil rights advocates used it extensively. It now has one of the best educations in African-American history anywhere in the country.
To visit the Sandhills Family Heritage Center, you must make your way to Spring Lake, North Carolina. Distance is no problem, and the trip is definitely worth it.
When you arrive at the Sandhills Family Heritage Center, you can learn wonderful stories, both happy and sad.
3. Lake Rim Park
At Lake Rim Park, there are enough fun things to do in Fayetteville. You can either play around or relax in this park and have a lot of fun either way.
Best of all, you can enjoy this wonderful park completely free of charge. When packing for a trip to Fayetteville, be sure to include plenty of recreational items.
These can be soccer balls, frisbees, or baseball equipment. Once you get to Lake Rim Park, it is left to your creativity to make the most of it.
However, you don’t have to go hard here. You can go hiking, have a picnic or just relax with a good book.
Spending the day at Lake Rim Park is the thing to do for outdoor excellence in Fayetteville.
Check out the forecast for the perfect day and get set to experience the fun and excitement at Lake Rim Park.
This park operates from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
4. Cultural Heritage Trails
Heritage trails are many in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You might not see them all, but even just one is worth it.
Many of them go into the great history of the region. It’s like going through a history book. Some of these trails include the African American Heritage, the Civil War Trail, and the American Independence Trail.
They also have tourist attractions in them. For example, the International Cuisine trail provides you with the freedom to food worldwide: Mexican cuisines, Italian meals, and even Jamaican dishes.
For spectacular Fayetteville sightseeing and learning, head out on their heritage trails. Curious minds cannot but enjoy the time in this city, as these trails show. They are also great excuses to take pictures.
Things to Do in Fayetteville at Night
1. Cape Fear Regional Theatre
Many of the surreal things to do in Fayetteville are related to the arts. One of the duties is a visit to the Cape Fear Regional Theater.
Check your schedules and make sure you can make it to production here this weekend, and prepare to be amazed by the artistry and talent of the performers on stage and backstage.
Founded in 1962, the Cape Fear Regional Theater has grown to be one of Fayetteville’s most beloved cultural institutions.
It is a three-story building, and the main stage has a capacity of 300 people. Talent from across the United States has helped make Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s production a top entertainment experience in Fayetteville.
You can still visit the Cape Fear Regional Theater even if you can’t make the show. Try booking a tour of this historical wonder and learn more about its incredible story.
Hopefully, you can make it to the show because it’s a fun experience for both the performers and the audience.
3. Dirtbag Aleš Brewery and Tap
There is another great brewery near Fayetteville. Located in Hope Mills, North Carolina, Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom won’t make you feel dirty.
The beers are so good, you’ll have to make room in your car for a six-pack to take home.
Founder Vernardo “Tito” Simmons-Valenzuela has turned a home hobby into one of the best breweries in North Carolina.
He and his fellow founders and staff have made Dirtbag Ales a real gem. In addition to beer, Dirtbag Ales also hosts live music, a farmers market, and even weekend yoga classes.
Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom is always inspiring to anyone who wants to follow their passion.
It’s an amazing brewery that proudly upholds North Carolina values.
Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
4. Shakespeare’s Sweet Tea
You can let yourself enjoy some of the greatest works of literature ever written at Sweet Tea Shakespeare.
This theater company gives life to Shakespeare’s works with captivating performances. However, if you have seen other Shakespeare productions, be aware that these performances are simply the best.
The amazing thing about Sweet Tea Shakespeare is how well they reproduce what the show should look like if it were done in Shakespeare’s time.
They use classic techniques such as doubling, with actors playing multiple roles in the same production; universal lighting illuminates the actors and their audience. This is another thing they carry over from Shakespeare’s time.
Live theater is an art form that connects the audience and the performer in a way that few can imagine.
Sweet Tea Shakespeare is your best shot at realizing the brilliance of Shakespeare and how much his work still resonates.
It has been a cornerstone of the Fayetteville art scene since its opening in 2012.
Things to Do in Fayetteville For Couples
1. 1897 Poe House
Did you know that Edgar Allan Poe lived in Fayetteville?
This is not the famous author of “The Raven” and other horror stories. Poe was more of a Fayetteville merchant. His legacy continues with the 1897 Poe House, which he and his wife Josephine own.
Today, it is a museum that offers another gateway to Fayetteville’s past. Unlike an author who struggled through the greater part of his life, this Poe was quite successful.
He made a large fortune in brickmaking and gave his name to ceramics. Poe, correctly known as “E.A. Poe,” became famous throughout North Carolina.
The 1897 Poe House is a vast museum with lots of information about how North Carolinians lived and worked at the time.
You may not have known about Edgar Allan Poe, but this museum keeps his memories alive in your thoughts.
The 1897 Poe House can be toured Wednesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
2. Arsenal Park
Some of the greatest parks in Fayetteville are huge.
But there are also ones like Arsenal Park that are small in size but huge in heart. Spend some time at Arsenal Park and enjoy a great taste of the outdoors in Fayetteville.
Arsenal Park became one of five US arsenal sites after the War of 1812. However, it became a part of the Confederacy during the Civil War era.
Nowadays, Arsenal Park is not a place for military conflicts but for recreation and good times.
However, there are attractions that hearken back to its former role, including the ruins of a machine shop.
The North Carolina Arsenal was broken down in 1865, but the Park is still worth a visit. It would certainly be the choicest place to host some Civil War reenactments.
Check out this park for more understanding of Fayetteville’s history.
1. Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery
Think about what you can do with a decades-old storefront that spent 67 years as a hardware store.
For Dr. William Baggett, it was better to be used as a brewery.
Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery is Fayetteville’s longest-running brewery, serving great beer and food since 1996.
This facility honors the building’s former history and adds a new spin. Craft beer is sophisticated yet approachable, the kind of beer you want to let the flavors sink in.
It goes great with food like their Huske Chicken Tenders and Reuben. Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery is the place to go in Fayetteville when you’re in the mood for great beer and hearty food.
Everything about this establishment is excellent; you may even consider visiting more than once.
Things to Do in Fayetteville for Kids
1. Arnette Park
There are tons of wonderful free things to do in Fayetteville. Arnette Park is a huge attraction with lots of things to do.
A beautiful summer day is perfect for heading to Arnette Park and enjoying all of its amenities and attractions.
Fun at Arnette Park is not to be missed. You can throw on your horseshoes, enjoy a picnic and go on a hike.
With 100 hectares to explore, it never feels crowded.
Attractions like this in Fayetteville show just how much fun you can have without breaking the bank.
If you are interested in outdoor activities in Fayetteville, you must visit Arnette Park.
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., today it ranks among the best parks in the South. You will be with many other people enjoying the cool breeze and all the great activities.
2. J Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center
Filled with trees, a great pedestrian bridge, and overall tranquillity, Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center is a slice of Fayetteville heaven.
You can walk along the beautiful trails in the park and see the creek, wetlands, and beautiful waterfalls.
The indoor nature center then offers a lot of great education. Your kids will have plenty of things to do in this park.
There is a playground, and they should love the nature center too.
Here you can view a variety of animals, including reptiles such as turtles and snakes. Also on display are skulls, skeletons of various species, as well as many shells of molluscs.
J Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center is perfect for those interested in unique activities in Fayetteville. Before seeing the waterfall, you need to know you’re in the right place. Fayetteville is one of America’s most beautiful places. This attraction is a big reason.
3. All-American Fencing Academy
Fencing is a great sport, but probably not what you would expect. At the All-American Fencing Academy, you’ll learn what it takes to dress up and put on a real fencing match.
Soon you will be saying “en garde” like a full swordsman. Olympic-level instruction is given here.
Don’t worry too much about your little or no experience, as your classmates will also be complete fencing novices.
It is important to stay focused and follow the teacher’s instructions exactly, with safety as the highest priority.
Fencing requires complete participation and keeping a cool head. This is a great lesson for developing other life skills.
The All-American Fencing Academy starts at 6 p.m. and closes by 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. It starts at around 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and lasts until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
Indoor Activities to Do in Fayetteville
1. Wine cafe
You’ll have no reason to whine when you’re at this fun Fayetteville wine bar. The wine cafe offers visitors great wine and good entertainment.
It’s like a world wine tour.
Whatever your wine taste, Wine Cafe has you covered. The special event is the best thing about visiting the Wine Cafe.
For example, “PJ’s & Pinot” allows you to enjoy wine in your nightwear. A great way to feel like a kid while enjoying adult activities.
The Wine Cafe is the perfect place in Fayetteville to relax with Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and other fine wines.
Fayetteville attractions like this one let you let your hair down and enjoy yourself.
The Wine Café is open from 12 noon till 16 o’clock on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. It is also open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 noon. until 5 p.m
2. Chris’s Steak & Seafood House
Chris’s Steak & Seafood House is not just a restaurant. At this point, it’s a legend in Fayetteville’s fine dining.
With so many interesting things to do in Fayetteville, why not end the day with a great meal? At Chris’s Steak & Seafood House, you will enjoy one of the best meals in town.
Chris Poulos founded this fine-dining restaurant over 50 years ago. A simple concept of serving the best steak and seafood dishes.
Under the current management of Chris’ former apprentice, Greg Kalevas, the restaurant remains one of Fayetteville’s biggest attractions.
Eating out is a one-holiday activity not to be taken lightly. Reserve a table at Chris’s Steak & Seafood House for a tantalizing experience.
They work from 17:00 to 22:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 5 p.m. until 21:00 on Sunday.
3. Cameo Art House Theatre
Visiting the cinema is a lot of fun. Although giant multiplexes might fit more than a dozen screens, they lack soul.
Cameo Art House Theater brings this essential aspect back to the cinema experience. When you see a movie here, you can feel like you are watching a movie in the early days of the cinema. In a way, that’s right because The Cameo has been around since the 1920s.
Their lineup includes some classic movies that you may have only seen on TV before or have had on your playlist for years.
In addition, they also show new movies, including many of the most acclaimed movies released yearly.
In addition to movies, the Cameo Art House also hosts excellent concerts. It really is the pinnacle when it comes to entertainment venues.
Try to catch a show here for a great indoor activity in Fayetteville.
Romantic Things to Do in Fayetteville
1. Fayetteville Rose Garden
There are plenty of good reasons to wait and smell the roses in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
The Fayetteville Rose Garden has more roses than you can possibly imagine or count. These beautiful flowers are the main attraction but are not the only thing worth seeing.
Besides roses, there are lots of other great flowers. Fountains and a gazebo add a relaxing atmosphere.
You can also take a tour and learn about the plants and the garden they call their home.
Fayetteville Rose Garden is a place to visit, especially if you love flowers.
Located on the Fayetteville Technical Community College campus, you can visit us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Segura Stadium
Fayetteville, North Carolina, may not have a Major League Baseball team, but it still hits home runs at Segura Stadium.
The minor league team, Fayetteville Woodpeckers, plays here.
When the sun is out, and you want to work out, there’s no better place in North Carolina than Segura Stadium.
The Segra Stadium is a relatively new part of the city. It started in 2019 and has enough seats for 4,600 fans with a total capacity of 9,900.
This can be much more intimate than watching a game in a huge stadium where you can’t get a good view of the action on the pitch.
Over time, don’t be surprised to see Segra Stadium at the top of Fayetteville’s attractions. It’s great for both gaming and the general atmosphere.
Hopefully, you will be able to see the Woodpeckers play at the Segra Stadium.
3. Campbellton Landing
There aren’t many places where you can expect to catch fish and see a show. However, Campbellton Landing is unique and very special.
This Fayetteville location was founded in 1762 by him and had a very interesting history behind it. The original purpose of Campbellton Landing was to serve as a ferry terminal.
Currently used mainly for events such as concerts, anglers are in paradise here, ready for free fishing experiences, catfish, and striped bass.
Campbellton Landing is yet another example of how Fayetteville values its history. Today it is known as an event venue and fishing destination.
No matter what happens with Campbellton Landing, expect it to be something great.
4. Cornerstone Design Co.
Speaking of Fayetteville staples, be sure to check out this great store. It has everything you could want to add a southern touch to your home.
Items at Cornerstone Design Co. are lively but also tasteful. They can enhance every room in your home.
Mr and Mrs Mike and Tianna Dean don’t just have business skills; they also have a business heart. Their handmade furniture is incredibly robustly made, and you can really feel the love that goes into every last piece of it.
They also use incredible woods for their furniture, combining walnut, oak, mahogany, pine, and more for items you’re sure to love.
You don’t have to get anything big at Cornerstone Design Co. In addition to furniture, they also have amazing trinkets.
Cheap Things to Do in Fayetteville
1. Boat Rides on the Cape Fear River
Boating is the best way to experience the Cape Fear River.
Cape Fear River Boat Rides is a great company started by Freddie Mims, a member of the US Coast Guard.
Some of these cruises last up to eight hours, but time flies.
You will come to Riverside Marine to board the boat. The vessels have room for many passengers, and the rides are very relaxing.
Ensure you have sunscreen to protect your skin during your hour-long ride. Cape Fear River Boat Rides take you around the beautiful body of water and allow you to see Fayetteville from a great new perspective.
Book a tour for this weekend here. It’s a lot of fun and one of the best Fayetteville tours around.
2. Fayetteville Area Museum of Transportation and Local History
Some of the best things to do in Fayetteville involve exploring the city.
The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum has incredible exhibits and a great location inside a former railroad depot.
Spend a day here if you like tourist attractions that comprehensively understand the city’s story. This museum’s biggest attractions are attractions such as an interactive steamboat and a retro gas station.
The exhibits are usually changing, so a follow-up visit is highly recommended if you return to Fayetteville.
This museum gives a good overview of what Fayetteville was like in prehistoric times.
The Fayetteville Area Museum of Transportation and Local History has an amazing array of things to see and stories to learn.
Come to this museum and see how Fayetteville became what it is today. It opens at 10 o’clock and closes at 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
3. Winterbloom Tea
Coffee might get more attention, but tea lovers know the best hot drink.
Winterbloom Tea is one of the nicest places to go for a relaxing drink in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It’s a lot of fun to try their different teas and enjoy the great environment.
This extraordinary menu has delicious teas, served both hot and cold, and they also have courses.
Winterbloom tea classes will teach you about the history of tea and help you appreciate the drink even more.
After a day of sightseeing, you’ll be thankful for such soothing places to visit. If you have some free time during your trip to Fayetteville, visit Winterbloom Tea.
Fayetteville has many great places to go for coffee, but this tea house is something else. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Free Things to Do in Fayetteville
1. The Botanical Garden
So many of the best things to do in Fayetteville involve the great outdoors.
The Botanical Garden is a unique place with many amazing things to see. Coming here is the thing to do in Fayetteville to see how beautiful this land is and how proud the city is of it.
Located near the Cross Creek and Cape Fear rivers, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers even more tranquillity to this beautiful garden.
There are sections that are wilder and those that are more curated.
It’s a great versatile mix with flowers and trees adding so much visual flair. It is also among the best places to host outdoor events in Fayetteville, such as weddings.
A tour should be a treat for your eyes, and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden meets that criteria. It’s fun and can give you a lot of lasting memories.
It opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it is open from noon to 4 p.m.
2. Milton E. Mazarick Park
With all these free attractions in Fayetteville, you can have a great time while controlling your budget.
Milton E. Mazarick Park is a great choice for those who love water activities.
This is a reminder that you don’t have to sit in a dark theatre or crowded stadium to have fun and entertainment.
On land, this park is great for picnics and sports. 80 acres and courts for volleyball and basketball. You can also visit Lake Grenville, which is great for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Fayetteville, NC, has a huge number of theme parks.
Come to Milton E. Mazarick Park to hone your fishing skills, play basketball and enjoy the outdoors.
3. Carter Blueberry Farm
In Fayetteville, you’ll find the freshest, juiciest, and tastiest blueberries you’ll ever come across.
Carter Blueberry Farm is a family-owned business that thrives on this colorful berry. You can pick your own blueberries.
This is a great way to get outside and enjoy a delicious treat freshly picked from the grapes.
Buck and Elon Carter, better known as “Mama and Papa Carter,” started their strawberry farm in 1967.
This farm remains one of North Carolina’s agricultural pinnacles, attracting guests eager to discover what fresh, high-quality blueberries taste like.
Carter Blueberry Farm also has many great blueberry recipes.
You can check out their website for Mom Carter’s Blueberry Cake and Blueberry Pie recipes. The collection season begins in late June and ends in mid-August.
They charge $1.79 per pound of picked blueberries. Also, great places to visit in Fayetteville.
Cool Places to Visit in Fayetteville
1. Leclair’s General Store
The Haymount Historic District is one of Fayetteville’s biggest attractions. It’s also where you’ll find Leclair’s General Store, an incredibly cool store.
It’s a great place to visit, whether you’re looking for some amazing trinkets or just want to enjoy a tasty drink on a cold day.
You never know what you’ll find at Leclair’s General Store; that’s what makes this place so great. Etsy site offers a great look at her wares, from antique clocks to charming decorative plates.
Wine and coffee are available in winter. It also includes her Nitro Cold Brew, which is amazing.
General Store means a fairly standard retail store, but Leclair’s General Store is different.
Instead, it’s an exciting store that entertains its visitors.
Leclair’s General Store is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.
Cape Fear River Trail
2. Cross Creek Mall
You can visit Cross Creek Mall and expect to pick up one item in one store. However, surprising shopping sprees may be in order when you see how many great deals they have.
It’s one of the best malls in the South and a great excuse to shop till you drop.
The Cross Creek Mall directory should make you drool. Its stores include Empire Jewelry, Forever 21, American Eagle, and JCPenney.
They also have Dekor and Office Depot furniture. If you get hungry while shopping, there are plenty of delicious food options, such as Chick-fil-A, Cinnabon, and Panda Express.
Shopping at Cross Creek Mall is the time to have fun. You can shop and browse as much as you want.
This mall is open Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm.
Open Thursday 8 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm.
Conclusion
Every activity in Fayetteville is screaming fun, and you just cannot afford to miss anyone.
As you begin your vacation in Fayetteville, ensure to have this guide handy as you explore the city. Nothing is as satisfying as a well-spent vacation.
