ZipQuest tour of Carver’s Falls, Fayetteville, NC

The newest, 'zippest' thing to do in Fayetteville!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 29, 2010

This month, ZipQuest opened a brand new zipline tour through 55 acres of virtually untouched Fayetteville, NC forest. Zippers fly over Carver’s Falls, the largest (and seemingly only) waterfall between the Atlantic Coast and the NC mountains. For centuries, Carver’s Falls has been closed to the public; few even knew of it’s existence. I’m one of them. 

Not knowing this beautiful, pristine waterfall existed in my own city came as …

Elizabeth’s Pizza, Fayetteville, NC

Molto bene!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 25, 2010

Growing up Army, while not always glamorous, had its perks. One of those perks was the chance to live abroad during my Middle School years. When I was 10, my family moved to Vicenza, Italy, where we lived for the next three years. 

Not only did that move instill in me a love of travel, it also instilled in me a love of carbohydrates. Pasta, pizza, pastries… the food changed my life. Upon moving …

The Fayetteville Farmers Market, Fayetteville, NC

"Freedom, Families, and Fresh Local Food"

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 23, 2010

The mission of the Fayetteville Farmers Market is to provide the community with fresh local food-- and that is exactly what they do. 

Twice a week (Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings), the Farmers Market opens for local vendors to sell their home-baked goods, herbs, preserves, jams, jellies, live plants, cut flowers, and homemade crafts, as well as a myriad of produce options. 

In these summer months, the market is packed with …

Fourth Friday, Fayetteville, NC

Downtown at sundown!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 19, 2010

This Friday, as well as every fourth Friday of the month, downtown Fayetteville comes alive with art, music, and food. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, exciting night out on the town, then Fourth Friday, put on by the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance, is perfect for you and your family. 

Each month, the shops stay open a little later, museums such as The Arts Council and Fascinate-U have special …

Smith Lake Riding Stables, Fort Bragg, NC

Whoa, Nelly!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 16, 2010

Ah, sweet summertime. Gone are the long, cold days of winter, huddled around the fireplace because it’s freezing outside. Three whole months of “No more homework, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.” Why fritter it away inside playing video games or sleeping ‘til 3pm? Get out, and go horseback riding at the Smith Lake Riding Stables!

The Smith Lake Riding Stables, operated by Fort Bragg MWR, is a 200-acre park with …

Aiding in Gulf Coast Animal Clean-Up and Rescue, Fayetteville, NC

How you can do your part to help

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 11, 2010

As it is with any natural disaster or tragedy, the more time that passes, the faster people forget that there is a problem. Yes, the oil spill crisis is still in the news, but we are less likely to jump out of our seats to help as days go by.

What is especially sad about this fact is that even though people are suffering job loss, animals are losing their lives. Lest we forget, …

Hot Diggidy Dog, Fayetteville, NC

You never sausage a place. Pun!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 08, 2010

Summertime: pool, tan, hot dogs. Am I right? There is no better place to fulfill this last requirement than Hot Diggidy Dog in Fayetteville, NC.

Hot Diggidy Dog  (HDD to the locals) is one of those hidden gems that only the people who live here really know about. They have incredible food (I’m talking like, out of body experience), fantastic prices, and quick, efficient service. There aren’t many places you can get a dog …

Fantasy Lake Waterpark, Hope Mills, NC

I keep trying to type 'Fantasty'... which is actually a pretty accurate description

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 05, 2010

Fantasy Lake Waterpark is definitely one of Fayetteville’s go-to spots to cool off in our oppressive summer heat. The park is based out of a 6-acre man-made lake and is surrounded by white sand beaches. Built into the water are jump towers, water slides, swinging ropes, and paddle boats. It really is fun for the whole family.

I remember going there as a kid. I was petrified to jump off of anything, …

The Arts Council, Fayetteville, NC

"Art lives here"

by Emily Farrington-Smith | July 01, 2010

Located in downtown Fayetteville, NC, The Arts Council has been serving up both local and international art since 1973. Their main goal is to stimulate community development through the arts, and with over 300,000 citizens in Cumberland County, it is a great goal.

The main way in which the Arts Council increases access to the arts is by offering grants to establish arts institutions, managing an Internship Training Program, and by providing …

Sandhills Film Festival, Fayetteville, NC

...has something for everyone.

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 28, 2010

The Sandhills Film Festival was created in 2009 by the local small business owner (and might I add, super cool), Ericka Williams. Ericka owns Sunset Coffee across the street from the main entrance to Fayetteville State University. When she’s not caffeinating the students of FSU, she is coming up with ideas to make Fayetteville a hip-er place. She took notice of Fayetteville’s major push to revitalize our downtown area …

Paraclete Xp SkyVenture, Raeford, NC

Indoor skydiving for the adventurer at heart!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 26, 2010

Paraclete Xp SkyVenture is an indoor skydiving center located on the outskirts of Fayetteville. Simply put, it is a tall wind tunnel that moves air up a vertical column simulating a free-fall environment. The tunnel serves as a valuable training device for skydivers and the military, but it also seriously fun.

Don’t think that it’s a ride or a simulator; you are actually flying and it’s AWESOME. My parents, sister, and then-fiancé …

4th of July Celebration, Fort Bragg, NC

The BEST Independence Day bash in the whole of the south east.

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 21, 2010

My heart is breaking.

Mom and Dad, I’m so excited for our family vacation to the beach this summer, but just know that I’m harboring a grudge against you for planning our trip over the 4^th of July weekend. I’m going to miss the best 4^th of July party in the entire state (or the whole south, some would argue), but my absence doesn’t mean YOU can’t partake of the amazingness.

Maybe it’s …

Krispy Kreme, Fayetteville, NC

Hot, Fresh, and (I want one right) Now

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 17, 2010

Fayetteville can lay claim to many things: we own Babe Ruth’s first professional homerun, the oldest Confederate monument in the South is in Fayetteville, and we’re home to the largest military instillation in the country. Unfortunately, we aren’t home to the first Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. What a shame.

That honor belongs to Winston-Salem, NC (about 2 hours northwest of us). The first shop was opened July 13, 1937 and shortly thereafter, others …

Fayetteville’s Best Fishin’ Hole, Fayetteville, NC

Makes me wish I had a cane pole...

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 13, 2010

In my exploration of the countryside surrounding Fayetteville, NC, I happened upon the most perfect fishing spot in the world. It’s almost poetic, really.

On one side of the road, locals have built a small platform into a tree and attached a rope to swing out into the water. The river meanders around small islands where you’ll find turtles resting or wild strawberries growing. The water is deep, ideal for swimming.

If you …

Hurricane Preparedness in Fayetteville, NC

1 week down, only 23 left...

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 09, 2010

I got to thinking the other day: I have an overbearing need to be completely prepared for everything. I am also totally neurotic. For example, my 2 most irrational fears are being sucked up into a tornado, and being struck by lighting.

Whenever there are signs of a bad storm, I mentally prep myself for a trek down to the basement. If it’s particularly flashy outside, I won’t even sleep upstairs because I’m convinced …

The Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, NC

A big claim I can back up: The Best Golf in the South!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 06, 2010

Perhaps the reason I love North Carolina the way that I do is because we have everything. We’ve got world famous beaches on the right, on the left there are mountains with views that make your heart hurt to look at them for very long, and in the middle, there’s our award-winning golf courses.

The Pinehurst Resort is inarguably one of the most famous resorts in the world. For the golfing elite, …

The Chocolate Lady, Fayetteville, NC

Scratch-n-Sniff not available at this time... don't give up hope. We're working on it.

by Emily Farrington-Smith | June 03, 2010

Oh, Chocolate Lady… How you make my jeans tight. So worth it.

The Chocolate Lady opened in Fayetteville in the early 2000’s. The downtown area had just started going through some major revitalizing and the chocolate lady fit in perfectly. Throughout the years, she has changed locations a few times. Finally, after extremely popular demand, she is back in the heart of downtown whipping up her chocolate creations for the best of …

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville, NC

The most unique event venue in Fayetteville (for sure!)

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 31, 2010

Best location in Fayetteville to get married? The Airborne & Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville, hands down. I may be a little biased there, though, because that’s where my husband and I were married in 2008.

Both raised in military families, it was important to my then fiancé and myself to incorporate that into our wedding. We could find no more appropriate place to wed than the ASOM. The gardens surrounding …

Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville, NC

Get your fit on!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 27, 2010

If I’m going to be forced to work out, at least let me do it somewhere pretty… right?

Get me out of the gym where women who shouldn’t be wearing spandex are on the treadmills right in front of me, the ladies with the 80’s leg warmers and thong-ish onesies are playing racquetball poorly, and big-muscled juiceheads are judging my inability. Not my cup of tea.

Know what is? The Cape …

Jambbas Ranch, Fayetteville, NC

...man, I really hate camels.

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 24, 2010

Jambbas Ranch in Fayetteville, NC, is a small, working ranch (also called a natural zoo), on the outskirts of town. The ranch raises buffaloes, deer, elk, and many other types of animals in a totally natural setting.

There are options to feed and pet some of the smaller animals. Owners give caution about the bigger ones—they have camels that spit, and bears that, well, will be bears. When my sister was in …

The Cotton Exchange & The Livery, Fayetteville, NC

My lifelines...

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 20, 2010

The more I write, the more y’all are getting to know me. By now, you should know that I’m a sucker for organic food, I live for summer in North Carolina, and finally, antiques make my world go ‘round.

That’s why The Cotton Exchange and sister store The Livery in downtown Fayetteville, NC are basically my reason for living. The two stores are broken up into sections, each one managed by a different …

Memorial Day Celebration, Fayetteville, NC

Celebrating 31 Days of Glory

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 17, 2010

On May 30 through 31, Memorial Day Weekend, the Fayetteville, NC Downtown Alliance will be hosting our 10^th Annual Glory Days Downtown Memorial Day Celebration.

The festival, held in the streets of historic downtown Fayetteville and part of 31 Days of Glory, is completely family oriented and also totally free. The weekend kicks off on May 30 at 8:00 p.m. with a Sunday Movie in the Park. Then …

The Coffee Scene, Fayetteville, NC

...for a funky fusion of caffeine and art

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 14, 2010

The Coffee Scene first opened in Fayetteville in 1996, basically hitting us by storm. We didn’t have a Starbucks, we didn’t have a Caribou Coffee…heck, in 1996 I don’t even think we had a 24-hour Wal-Mart to buy good coffee to make at HOME, but I digress. The Coffee Scene came on the scene to better our mornings (or afternoons, for you late risers).

The atmosphere is alternative, eclectic and pretty cozy …

Jordan Lake, Apex, NC

Central North Carolina's summer playground

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 09, 2010

Jordan Lake is located about an hour north of Fayetteville (45 minutes if you have my lead foot). It is a 14,000-acre lake that is an ideal day trip or weekend camping excursion. The lake is surrounded by trees, offering a shady reprieve from tanning lakeside all afternoon… and let me tell you: just the thought of it makes me ache for the summer.

There are 9 recreational sites located around the perimeters of …

The Rock Shop, Fayetteville, NC

Where rockaholics come to play

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 05, 2010

If you’re looking for live music in Fayetteville, the state of North Carolina, or the Southeast in general, then look no further than The Rock Shop. Opened in 2006 by local rocker Shawn Adkins, the Rock Shop is the largest live music venue in the whole of the Southeast and, much like the name implies, it (well…) it rocks.

A brand new location opened in April of 2010; the new venue features …

The Renaissance European Day Spa, Fayetteville, NC

Pamper yourself... you deserve it!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | May 03, 2010

Breathe deep. Relax. Close your eyes. Now open them so you can read the rest of this post about the Renaissance European Day Spa, Fayetteville’s ultimate relaxation spot.

If you are looking for the ultimate pampering experience, then look no further than this extremely posh spa. From the second you walk in, the staff is taking care of you—whether it's by offering you ice water infused with orange slices, or a plush …

Cultural Heritage Trails, Fayetteville, NC

Exploring Fayetteville one mile at a time

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 29, 2010

Fayetteville is officially the coolest city I know. So how have I lived here nearly my whole life and not known about these absolutely amazing driving trails?

The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau offers more than 11 different cultural heritage driving trails, amounting to over 750 miles of pure Fayetteville heritage! I’m so excited I can hardly type fast enough.

As mentioned, there are pre-planned routes on the …

The Barbeque Hut, Fayetteville, NC

You'll be in hog heaven...

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 26, 2010

There are three things every Southern woman knows: Gossip travels faster than flies at a picnic, everyone’s going to know your business before the banana pudding is served, and you better believe everything your Momma tells you. What you say really means something. And in the same fashion as gossip, word of mouth is a powerful thing.

That’s what I’m going on when I recommend to you The Barbeque Hut of Fayetteville. …

31 Days of Glory, Fayetteville, NC

A month honoring those who gave all...

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 22, 2010

Starting May 1, Fayetteville’s 31 Days of Glory festival kicks off a month-long celebration of performances, ceremonies, exhibits, and activities all honoring those who serve and have served in our armed forces.

This celebration is close to our hearts. Fayetteville is home to the most populous military instillation in the country, Fort Bragg. We’re also home to Pope Air Force Base and Simmons Army Airfield. All …

Swampdogs Baseball, Fayetteville, NC

America's favorite pastime in the All-American City

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 19, 2010

Babe Ruth started it all. One of the most iconic faces of baseball hit his first professional home run here in Fayetteville on March 7, 1914… and the city hasn’t once looked back.

The Fayetteville Swampdogs are a collegiate summer team that plays in the Coastal Plain League. Collegiate summer leagues are MLB team feeders, evident in the fact that the current Seattle Mariners relief pitcher (and former …

Gillis Hill Farm, Fayetteville, NC

For a step back in time.

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 14, 2010

If you’re looking for history blended with the energy of progression, then a visit to the Gillis Hill Farm is just for you. The Gillis Hill Farm is a real, working family farm that has been in operation in Fayetteville since the 1700s.

Spending a day on the farm is like stepping back in time, followed closely (if it seems possible) by a look into the future. The Gillis family will share …

Cameron Antique Fair, Cameron, NC

Where you too can find your very own buried treasure

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 12, 2010

Looking for a picture perfect day? Read on.

On May 1, the town of Cameron in Moore County is hosting its bi-annual antiques festival. The little town exists almost wholly as an antiques tourist destination, and twice a year the town’s antique shops, plus 250 additional antique vendors, expand to the streets for nearly a mile of solid amazingness.

And it really is amazing, y’all. The town and its shops have …

The Fresh Café, Fayetteville, NC

Good food... naturally

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 08, 2010

In my never-ending quest to lose these last 20 pounds of baby weight, my husband and I have adopted a primarily vegetarian/mostly vegan lifestyle. The Fresh Café, located in the busy heart of historic downtown Fayetteville, has become our go-to spot for interesting food options. Their menu is mostly vegetarian and vegan, although there are a few meat options (like a Turkey, Cranberry & Brie sandwich).

The restaurant itself is tiny: There …

Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC

Where history and heritage produce an exciting future

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 06, 2010

Believe it or not, Fayetteville State University is one of the most historical schools in the country. It was in Fayetteville, NC, that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the first public school in the U.S., was chartered in 1789. Today, the UNC system has 17 constituent universities, and Fayetteville State is one of them. It is also my alma mater.

In 1867, what is now FSU was …

Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville's very own little slice of heaven

by Emily Farrington-Smith | April 05, 2010

The Cape Fear Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 79-acre garden located between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek. The garden was founded in 1989 and today boasts more than 2,000 varieties of plants, flowers, and trees. They also have several specialty gardens like the Camellia, Daylily and Hosta gardens.

Now, let me put it to you straight: Springtime in North Carolina is heartbreakingly beautiful. The sun shines golden through the trees, …

First Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, NC

The church that arose from the ashes

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 29, 2010

More than 200 years ago, the Reverend John Robinson was called to Fayetteville, North Carolina, to charter the First Presbyterian Church of North Carolina. In 1809, plans were made to erect a church building. An associate of Reverend Robinson, the stated Clerk of Session Reverend Colin McIver, was appointed to make a Northern and Southern Excursion to solicit funds. Among the contributors were President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. …

59th Stoneybrook Steeplechase, Raeford, NC

Enjoy a day at the races, April 3

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 24, 2010

For the 59th year, Carolina Horse Park at Five Points welcomes horses and their riders, and spectators with their fancy hats, to the Stoneybrook Steeplechase. This year the event is being held on April 3.

A steeplechase is different from a horse race like the Kentucky Derby. In a derby, horses race around an oval track, but in a steeplechase, horses race through the countryside, jumping fences and ditches. The …

Fascinate-U Children’s Museum, Fayetteville, NC

Where a kid can be... an adult?

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 22, 2010

Fascinate-U Children’s Museum in Fayetteville is so much more than your typical “Do Not Touch” museum. Actually, it is the exact opposite. Children can essentially play dress-up and test out any occupation. Truthfully, I beg to take my little sister to this museum because I have so much fun exploring what I want to be when I grow up.

The museum is set up in a dozen or so completely hands-on real …

Cameo Art House Theatre, Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville's alternative cinematic experience

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 22, 2010

The Cameo Art House Theatre in historic downtown has become one of Fayetteville’s iconic landmarks. In 1914, the “New Dixie” became one of city's first motion-picture theatres boasting 336 “fine opera chairs and ten electrical wall lights.” The New Dixie’s popularity led to new theaters with updated motion-picture technology coming to Fayetteville. These new theatres eventually ousted the New Dixie, and other businesses took over the building.

Over the years the building …

Sherefe: A Mediterranean Grill, Fayetteville, NC

Don't blink, or you could miss the best dining experience of your life.

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 15, 2010

Alright. I’m going to try to get through this without leaving the house to go get a falafel.

If you’re looking for the best place to eat in Fayetteville, hands down, you must go to Sherefe: A Mediterranean Grill. If you were simply out and about looking for a place to eat, you would drive past the Mediterranean Grill over and over again. It’s a small building with an even smaller sign, …

The Dogwood Festival, Fayetteville, NC

The street fair to end all street fairs, April 23-25

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 15, 2010

On the fourth weekend of every April, downtown Fayetteville erupts with the Dogwood Festival. The streets teem with the steps of thousands of people visiting street vendors, enjoying concerts or chowin’ down on one of those impossibly delectable blooming onions.

Every year the festival kicks off with the Bloom and Boom party on Friday night—"bloom" for the dogwoods and "boom" for the fireworks finale at the end of the night—and it’s always …

Paddy’s Irish Public House, Fayetteville, NC

Enjoy a pint (or 2) for St. Patrick's Day

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 08, 2010

Ask anyone in Fayetteville where to get your green on for St. Patrick’s Day and 9 out of 10 people will point you to Paddy’s Irish Public House. The tenth? He’s Scottish.

Paddy’s is not part of any national chain. It’s owned and operated by what some call “Fayetteville’s resident Irishman,” or “ol’ Saint Patrick himself,” Paddy Gibney. Paddy has created an authentic Irish environment that brings people back night after night. …

Edgar Allen Poe House, Fayetteville, NC

(No, not THAT Edgar Allen Poe...)

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 08, 2010

The 1897 E.A. Poe House stands as a testament to classic Victorian lifestyle at the turn of the 20^th century. Not to be confused with the famed writer, the Edgar Allen Poe of Fayetteville, North Carolina was a prominent brick maker. He owned a brickyard and supplied bricks to a number of Fayetteville landmarks—most of which still stand today.

The home is open Tuesday through Sunday for tours. The home is typical for an upper-middle …

Travel Guide to Fayetteville, North Carolina

Why you should visit Fayetteville!

by Emily Farrington-Smith | March 02, 2010

To envision the South is to picture Fayetteville, North Carolina. Situated along the Cape Fear River basin, Fayetteville offers southern hospitality at its finest and will make any visitor feel at home.

So what to do when you get here?

History
There are nine designated historic districts in Fayetteville, each one documenting an important time in Fayetteville’s past. They all contain structures that are on the National Register of Historic Places. You …