Weekend Visit to Fayetteville, N.C.
Fayetteville, NC
Weekend in fayetteville
Hi friends and Merry Christmas (to those of you who don’t judge me for already playing Christmas jams). Today on the blog is the ultimate guide for what to do while spending a weekend in Fayetteville, NC! Growing up, Fayetteville was the go-to for our shopping and family dinner outings. But all that really means is we explored Cross Creek Mall and the On The Border across the street haha. Turns out there is SO much more the city has to offer.
Early October, I was invited by the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to spend a weekend exploring Fayetteville. I had an amazing time exploring Downtown and the surrounding areas. The food scene is growing quickly and there are some incredible places I highly recommend trying. Let’s jump in and I’ll share where to eat, stay, and play!
The food
The food I tried while in Fayetteville was INCREDIBLE. There are so many restaurants I would make the drive back for. Here’s my list and pictures are below!
Garden View Cafe - Upon arriving in the city, we stopped for lunch at Garden View Cafe within the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. Not only is this a gorgeous outdoor spot to have lunch, but Chef Lou and his family are very passionate about what they serve. They focus on quality and creativity. The food there was definitely as tasty as it was beautiful! The rainbow bread was extremely insta-worthy (wink wink.) My recommendations: the herb lemonade, the pimento cheese sandwich, and the avocado caprese salad.
Napkins Restaurant - I can’t say enough good things about the food at Napkins. Napkins Restaurant is on the grounds of Dirtbag Ales Brewery and is a must try for while you’re there grabbing a beer. Their menu changes frequently, but based on what I tried during my time there, I trust anything they serve is amazing.
Pharaoh’s Legacy: Mediterranean Cuisine + Bar - Okay, where are my Mediterranean food lovers? You will definitely want to stop for dinner here. Picture all your favorites: hummus, tzataziki, gyro, shawarma. Craving it now? Yeah, me too. They also have a great wine + cocktail list!
Blue Moon Cafe - Brunch time!! Okay three words: THE CRAB DIP. I will be going back to #ColorfulFay very soon for this crab dip. Fantastic. Also, the mimosas had edible glitter in them which made me very, very, happy. 10/10 recommend. It is located in the heart of Downtown, so it is surrounded by lots of fun murals, shopping, and activities to explore afterwards.
Uptown’s Chicken & Waffles – This is definitely another great brunch or dinner spot while you’re visiting Fayetteville. Chef Judy puts her heart and soul into the dishes and you taste the love. You might recognize her as a recent winner of “Supermarket Stakeout” on the Food Network. My recommendations: The Destiny w/ a sweet potato waffle and maple pecan butter, with a side of mac & cheese. YUM!
Where to Stay
For the weekend, my travel writer friends and I stayed in Fayetteville’s newest bed and breakfast, The MacPherson House.
“Rooted in history, but updated with modern amenities, we hope you'll come stay a while and leave feeling refreshed.”
The MacPherson House is all about rest, wellness, and comfort. I loved all the small details like fresh eucalyptus in the showers, delicious chocolate chip cookies by the door, and tea & coffee available on each floor. The B&B is a historic home that was dissembled, moved across town, and then restored to its 1920 configuration. It was a very charming and relaxing home away from home.
The team at MacPherson was very welcoming and easily accessible if ever we had a question. In the morning, we woke up to green smoothies, breakfast, and a yoga class hosted downstairs. What a great way to start the day! Head here to explore their offerings and different rooms available for booking.
Where to Play
You’re never too old to play. Here are some fun activities to enjoy during your day trip or weekend in Fayetteville!
Cape Fear Botanical Gardens - For some fun outdoor exploring, your first stop should be the beautiful Cape Fear Botanical Gardens! This is a gorgeous place to go for a stroll, enjoy lunch on the patio, and enjoy the nature. I also really enjoyed seeing their produce garden, where the herbs are grown for the herb lemonade I mentioned in my food section. Definitely recommend for a fun and safe activity the whole family will enjoy.
Kayak on Hope Mills Lake - I kayaked for the first time during my Fayetteville trip and it was so much fun. Yakalacky Outfitters came with their kayaks, canoes, life jackets and gave us a quick lesson. 10/10 recommend if you feel like you need to unwind and clear your head. V relaxing. There is also Big T’s Snowballs at the lake entrance to stop by and grab a sweet treat to enjoy by the water.
Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom- Craft Beer. Tons of gorgeous outdoor space. Napkins Restaurant food. Need I say more? This is the perfect place to hang out for the afternoon and enjoy the gorgeous Fall weather!
Hummingbird Candle Co. - Ever made your own candle? I hadn’t until this trip and it was the coolest experience! You can drop by Hummingbird and shop their pre-made products or grab a friend and make your own!
Cool Spring/Downtown District - Downtown Fayetteville is filled with colorful murals and art installations to admire. Get your walking shoes on and explore the city!
I had such a great time exploring such the colorful city of Fayetteville. I hope you visit for a day or weekend trip soon. Let me know if you have any questions or are in need of any other recommendations for your stay. Cheers!
-from Anna with love