An important century-old military base is one of the major attractions in this North Carolina city but there’s also outdoor adventures and fascinating museums to enjoy.
Fayetteville is situated in the scenic Cape Fear Valley in North Carolina. Besides one of the largest military bases in the United States, the city has attractions for the entire family. Watch paratroopers in training, go on a treetop adventure, spot wildlife and spend some time in museums and galleries.
Fayetteville was named after a French army officer who aided the Americans during the Revolutionary War and the city is still heavily associated with the army today. Fort Bragg was established in 1918 and employs about 40,000 military personnel. Take your foreign passport, or American ID card, and tour the army installation to learn more about its history and operations. See weapons, aircraft and uniforms from World War I to the present day at the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum. Go to the Sicily Drop Zone to watch paratroopers jump from planes as part of their training.
Stretch your legs on Fayetteville’s miles of walking trails. One of the most popular walks is the Cape Fear River Trail, a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) route through woods and marshes. Along the way you may see turtles, herons, crabs and otters.
If you are feeling adventurous, fly through the treetops and over the Carver’s Falls waterfall on a zip line at the Zip Quest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure.
Discover more about Fayetteville by visiting museums and galleries that focus on its history, art and culture. The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is where you’ll find out about 400 years of the region’s cultural heritage. Purchase paintings, pottery and jewelry by local artists at Cape Fear Studios. Take the kids to Fascinate-U, a hands-on museum for children aged 12 and under.
At night, see what’s on at the Cape Fear Regional Theater or watch the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at Fayetteville State University’s J. W. Seabrook Auditorium.
The Fayetteville Regional Airport provides flights to three major airline hubs within country and good highway connections to the other east coast attractions. Fayetteville has a subtropical climate and temperate winters, so you can enjoy its fine parks year-round.
