Fayetteville is a convenient stop mid way between NYC and the upper northeastern states and the vacation meccas of Orlando and southern Florida. Often maligned by reporters and even novelists, Fayetteville is a beautiful, historic place, a larger city with a small-town feel. The population of the area is diverse, ranging from down-home Southerners to international denziens courtesy of the close proximity to Ft. Bragg Army installation and Pope Air Force Base.
Places to Stay
Along the I-95 corridor there are a variety of chain lodgings such as Holiday Inn, Clarion and Comfort Inn. For the RV’er, there is a nice KOA Kampground just north of town. If you are more interested in venturing further away from the corridor, the Radisson Prince Charles is a lovingly restored, beautiful historical hotel located in revitalized down town Fayetteville. It is like spending an evening in the past. Farther in, in the Cross Creek Mall shopping area one can find Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and a Comfort Inn.
Places to Eat
The variety of chain restaurants in the I-95 area of Fayetteville is plentiful. Most well-known fast food establishments such as Burger King and Wendy’s are represented within yards of the highway. A Cracker Barrel is just off the road, and most hotels in the area have restaurants located in the building or very nearby. Farther into town, favorites such as Outback Steakhouse, Applebies and Bennigans may be found. Some local independent establishments worthy of mention are Hunan Gardens on Raeford Road for Chinese, Chris’ Steakhouse on Raeford Road, and Mi Casita Mexican at several locations in the Fayetteville area.
Places to Go
Fayetteville is an excellent sigh seeing opportunity. Many historic building survive in the down town area, most notably the Markethouse. Built in 1832 for local farmers to sell their wares, the Markethouse still stands in downtown Fayetteville as a proud symbol of our long history. Also in the down town area are Cool Springs Street Tavern, circa 1788, Liberty Point where Revolutionaries gathered to sign a declaration of independance from Great Britain, and Cross Creek Cemetery, with graves dating back to the mid 1700’s. There are also several museums to see: the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in down town is the newest attraction in the area. With interactive flight and parachute simulators, displays, and real life airborne paratrooper guides, the museum is a must-see. The Museum of The Cape Fear is dedicated to the history of Fayetteville, including the 1897 Poe House and Arsenal Park ( The Fayetteville Arsenal was key to weapon production in the US & Confederate armies until it’s destruction by Sherman in the Civil War). Fayetteville is also the proud home of The Fayetteville Museum of Art, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum, The Crown Coliseum ( hosting sporting, cultural and pop music events) and a host of libraries, night clubs, and shopping.
Getting Around
The main corridors to Fayetteville from the I-95 area would be Owen Drive and Cedar Creek road. Those seeking the down town area would be advised to take the Cedar Creek road exits. Those with intentions toward the Cross Creek Mall area would need to take the main Fayetteville exit and choose the Owen drive exit, or 301 area. Routes to hospitals are marked with the familiar blue “H” and most attractions have brown or green guide signs. To reach Ft. Bragg one must exit at the 301 exit, turn left on Grove street and continue until they reach the intersection of Bragg Blvd. A left turn here will carry you to the main gates of the post.
