Things To Do
Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation
Established in August 2000, the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) is a first-class institution that efficiently and effectively captures, preserves, exhibits, and presents the material culture and heritage of the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces from 1940 and into the future. The Museum celebrates over 80 years of Army Airborne and Special Operations history and honors our nation’s Soldiers – past, present, and future. Although admission is free, donations are graciously accepted. HOURS Tuesday-Saturday: 10 AM-4:00 PM | Sunday: 12 PM – 4:00 PM | Monday: Closed We recommend allowing 2-3 hours to tour the museum grounds and are closed on most Federal Holidays
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
This is where Kyle proposed to Melissa. Founded in 1989, Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a natural beauty situated on an impressive 80 acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek just two miles from downtown Fayetteville. The Botanical Garden offers engaging cultural events to inspire and excite, educational activities to energize, and peaceful spots to refresh. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Flourishing with beautiful specialty gardens and blooming ornamental plants, Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s highlights include Camellia, Daylilly and Shade Gardens, Butterfly Stroll and Children’s Garden, and the Heritage Garden featuring 1886 agricultural structures and a homestead. Stroll along their scenic river trail with water views, take in a guided tour, orrelax on their patio overlooking the Cypress Pond.
1897 Poe House
The 1897 Poe House is so named because it was built in the year 1897 and it was the home of the Poe family. The deed of the house is in the name of Josephine Montague Poe, originally from Wake County, who married Edgar Allan Poe in 1880. Edgar Allan Poe was born in Fayetteville and, although has the same name as the famous writer, our Mr. Poe was a local businessman, (born after the writer Poe died). Learn about life in the first decades of the twentieth century and the changes that defined this era by touring the home of an affluent Fayetteville businessman and his family. Tours highlight women's roles, African American history, children's roles, and technological, economic, and social changes in southern North Carolina and the country during this era.
Cape Fear River Trail
Features a 10-foot wide paved path for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and others using non-motorized transportation. It winds for over 7 miles, one-way, through a beautiful blend of trees, plants and wildlife with spectacular views of the river. The terrain can be flat or slightly hilly. In addition to the wooden bridges, including one covered bridge, there is over 1,000 feet of boardwalk through the marsh and wetlands along the trail. A short connector links the Linear Park Trail with the Cape Fear River Trail near Riverside Dog Park (limited parking is available at the dog park). Along the trail are interpretive signs explaining the wildlife and plant life found in the area. There are more than 700 species of plants and trees, and 150 species of birds. The river trail area is also home to an unusual combination and diversity of hardwood trees. Frogs, lizards and turtles are common sights, with an occasional deer, turkey or bald eagle.
Veterans Park
located in historic downtown Fayetteville, America’s First Sanctuary Community for the Military. Fayetteville is proud to be the home of the North Carolina Veterans Park. The first state park dedicated to military veterans – young and old...living or deceased…from all branches of the Armed Services: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. With its rich military heritage, Fayetteville is the perfect place to house the North Carolina Veterans Park. The city’s beautifully revitalized downtown is a fitting location, given the spirit of renewal embodied in the park. What’s more, North Carolina is proud to call itself the “Most Military Friendly” state, and the Veterans Park incorporates many natural and architectural elements that represent the state. Symbolic features pay homage to the veterans from over 100 North Carolina counties and represent the citizens who support them.
Fayetteville History Museum
This area was orginally developed because of transportation needs. WE are at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. This museum tells that key to our history plus lots of interesting tidbits, like a 1950's gas station, info on hotels - steam boat travel, etc.
Downtown Fayetteville
Businesses, restaurants and event spots, there’s lots to explore!
Cape Fear Regional Theatre
Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT) is an award-winning regional theatre that blends national and regional talent to bring Broadway-quality performances to Fayetteville. CFRT serves over 50,000 people annually through five main-stage musicals and plays and their robust education and outreach departments. Shows are currently taking place at 1707 Owen Drive due to theater upgrades at 1209 Hay Street. We aren't sure when the location on Hay Street will reopen so double check location if you decide to see a show here.