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The Macpherson House
Choose a hotel that fits your style — whether it’s pet-friendly, spacious or just so cozy you won’t want to leave. Drop your bags, freshen up and get ready to explore. Try the Macpherson House, a cute bed and breakfast option in the heart of Fayetteville.
Carvers Creek State Park
Pick up something handheld and delicious, like a torta from Armored Tacos and Grill, a gyro from Zorba’s Gyro On a Spit, or a chicken-and-waffle sandwich from Uptown’s Chicken and Waffles. Then head to Carvers Creek State Park, where you can picnic by the 100-acre millpond at Long Valley Farm before hiking or biking the scenic trails. The 4-mile, one-way Longleaf Pine Trail leads through a forest filled with NC’s state tree. It’s a great introduction to the sandhills and piney woods around Fayetteville.
Anderson Creek Golf Club
Anderson Creek Golf Club was an amazing course before the 2020 renovation of the greens — and now it’s spectacular. The first signature course in North Carolina by Davis Love III (who hails from the Old North State) packs a good number of longleaf pines and beautiful natural areas in its 18 holes, giving you those perfect Carolina views from every tee box.
Cypress Lakes Golf Course
Another option is Cypress Lakes Golf Course, one of the most versatile courses in Cumberland County (it also happens to be the most challenging course in the county). And it plays wonderfully. Aggressive golfers can let fly with their driver, hunt the pin from nearly any fairway position and give those long putts a go. Likewise, novice golfers will find a course that’s forgiving and fun to play from any lie.
Putt Putt Fun Center
If you’re not ready for a full 18, go for the short 18 on the miniature golf course at Putt Putt Fun Center. Fun fact: Putt-putt golf was founded in Fayetteville in 1954! This isn’t a bent-grass greens, bucolic walk in the woods — it’s an Astroturf-and-neon-golf-ball good time. So grab a putter and make way for the first tee box.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
If golf isn’t your thing, head over to the wandering paths and immaculate landscaping at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Meander through gardens and wooded bluffs overlooking the Cape Fear River, then slow down on the banks and floodplain and admire the curling tops of ferns, the bright bursts of color from flowers and shrubs, and the lazy drone of pollinators heading back to their nest.
Gaston Brewing Company
Recharge at Gaston Brewing Company, where its beers — traditional IPAs; hazy, New England-style IPAs; crisp lagers; a standout Kölsch; and more — accompany great pub fare such as wings, salads, fish and chips, and a Chicago-style beef sandwich.
Cape Fear River Trail
End your last day with a walk on the Cape Fear River Trail. The trail leads from the botanical garden through a section of east Fayetteville onto a path built so walkers, joggers and cyclists can get a safe dose of fresh air. Wildlife abounds, so expect to find a few birds, deer, squirrels or rabbits on this early morning stroll.
Duck Donuts
End your weekend on a sweet note with warm, made-to-order donuts before hitting the road.
This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Fayetteville Area CVB.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
The Macpherson House
Stop 2
Carvers Creek State Park
Stop 3
Anderson Creek Golf Club
Stop 4
Cypress Lakes Golf Course
Stop 5
Putt Putt Fun Center
Stop 6
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Stop 7
Gaston Brewing Company
Stop 8
Cape Fear River Trail
Stop 9