24 Hours in: The Best Things to Do in Fayetteville NC

This travel guide to Fayetteville, NC was updated in March 2019

The night before I visited Fayetteville, North Carolina, I could not sleep.  No surprise, since I always anxiously anticipate the cities that are a part of my travel and food series.  When I cannot sleep, I research food.  In this instance, I started investigating the most popular sweet treats in Fayetteville.  Although my itineraries are scheduled weeks in advance, I will make room for an impromptu stop.

During my “research”, I came across the highly rated Superior Bakery.  Just about every review I read raved about their fried croissants.  Wait, what?  Yes, Fried Croissants.  Despite a tight schedule, I had to find a way to make an impromptu stop at the bakery.

The Best Things to in Fayetteville NC:

11:30 AM – Superior Bakery

To my surprise, Fayetteville is a short one hour and fifteen minute drive from Raleigh/Durham (RDU).  My summer has been quite busy, so it was nice to have a road trip that was less than a two-hour drive from my home.

I left RDU a quarter past ten and arrived 30 minutes before my first official stop.  30 minutes was enough time to take a small detour to Superior Bakery for a much-needed snack.  Although the bakery’s pastry case is full of cookies, cakes, and other enticing pastries, I kept my order simple.  I purchased one cream cheese filled fried croissant, one plain fried croissant, and one classic glazed doughnut.

As an avid donut lover, I think my obsession is now replaced by the fried croissant.  If you can try one item at the Fayetteville bakery, let it be the cream cheese filled fried croissant.  If you are not a fan of cream cheese, then try the plain or fruit filled.  Words cannot describe the sugary goodness of these fried delights.  Despite being fried, the pastry is quite light, which may or may not be dangerous depending on your sweet tooth.

Superior Bakery has been a successful Fayetteville business serving the community for 60 years, owned and operated by the Poulos family.  Aside from their delicious pastries, the staff is incredibly sweet and helpful.  Coffee is complementary with any pastry purchase.

Although my visit was short, it was certainly delicious.  The fried croissants are worth the drive alone for anyone in need of a foodie adventure.  Fayetteville locals that have not yet visited the bakery, must do so immediately!

Noon –  Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM)

I typically only have one adventure to share during my 24 hour travel and food series, but now and then there is always an exception.  My first excursion included a visit to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM), located in downtown Fayetteville.

The main museum exhibit focuses on the history of the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations units from World War II to the present.  As I toured the museum, I was easily moved by the life-size replica of the cage James “Nick” Rowe was held captive in the “Five Years to Freedom” installation, among others.

In addition to the main exhibit, the ASOM features rotating special exhibits.  During my visit, “You’re A Grand Old Flag” was on exhibit.  I was able to see a fragment of the Star-Spangled Banner, the 36 Star United States Flag, the 48 Star American Flag, and other installations.  As special exhibits rotate, it is best to get on the ASOM’s mailing list to stay abreast of exhibits and events at the museum.

The ASOM is impressive and reminiscent of museums found in Washington D.C.  It is a great educational excursion for either individuals or groups.  A self guided tour of the museum can range between two to four hours.  Admission to the museum is free, although a $5 donation is recommended and appreciated.  The Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM) is located on 100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

1:30 PM – Floating Shanti

A couple of blocks from the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, is Floating Shanti, my second Fayetteville experience.  Floating Shanti provides services that include Floatation Therapy, Massage Therapy, Private Yoga Instruction, Reiki, and Reflexology.  During my visit to the wellness center, I experienced a one hour float followed by a massage.

Float therapy is a practice that started in the 1950’s as a way to test the effects of sensory deprivation. The therapy takes place in a sound-proof tank that holds shallow warm water enriched with 1200 pounds of Epsom salts at a pleasant temperature of 93.5 degrees. The salt to water ratio is set to achieve buoyancy, so you will float.  The therapy was created to offer a sanctuary to unplug and escape the chaos of busy lives.

Floating can help alleviate stress, eliminate chronic pain, assist in the fight of addictions, and more.  Nicole, Floating Shanti’s owner, gave me a play-by-play instruction on what to do prior to arrival and check in.  It is not a complicated process, although there are several small steps to follow to ensure an optimal experience.

If you are thinking about floating, here are a couple of tips to follow before your float based on my experience.  Do not shave or wax before your float. You will be floating in 1200 pounds of Epsom salts so you will definitely feel the salty sting of the water, even if you have the tiniest of nicks.  If you can, avoid caffeine and don’t consume any large meals before your float.  If you do eat, ensure it is a small meal no later than 1.5 hours before your float.  When you contact Nicole to schedule a float session, she will have additional suggestions for an optimal experience.

Other than sleeping, float therapy is the one practice that successfully has allowed me to disconnect completely from technology.  I do practice yoga and meditation, but unfortunately, I have not achieved a complete disconnect from my thoughts during either practice.

During a float therapy session, you do have the option to listen to your own playlist.  I opted for complete silence.  I was concerned that sitting in stillness for an hour would be a challenge for me, a constant fidget.  Although I was not restless, I had a sudden itch on my right cheekbone during the first two minutes.  I was cautious not to scratch my cheekbone and fought through the urge.  Persons in float therapy should be cautious not to touch their face or the salt water may make its way to the eyes.  Needless to say, salt water in the eyes will be more than unpleasant.

After a couple of minutes into my therapy, challenges, experiences, and moments in my past raced through my head.  After five minutes of contemplation, I found myself in a zone drifting away into a peaceful state and eventually into a deep sleep.  It was a good thing this happened as I was concerned with being consumed by my thoughts in a small dark tank.  The 60 minutes session ended fast, however, I could have floated for hours.

After my float therapy, I was very relaxed.  I was not sure how coupling the massage with my float would work, given that I was already in a relaxed state.  Prior to the massage, I met with Marcia, who provided me with a questionnaire that required the details of my clinical health, massage therapy history, and goals for the current session.  After she assessed the questionnaire, we immediately started on my massage session.

Marcia started with a warm up followed by a myofascial release and a deep tissue massage on my shoulders and pelvis.  Based on her assessment, I have computer shoulders, which is no surprise given my line of work.  The deep tissue work was followed by vigorous friction and gentle energy work to get the meridians flowing.  The latter is more synonymous with Reiki work.  One of the most interesting parts of my massage therapy session was Marcia’s use of the reflex gun to reset my muscle memory on my shoulders.  In my lifetime, I have had less than ten massages, so I can vividly remember all of the experiences I have had in the past.  In comparison, my massage at Floating Shanti was the best and most intense massage.  After massage therapy, I understood how coupling both experiences worked so well.

If you plan to experience float therapy, I highly recommend coupling a float session with massage therapy.  I honestly don’t think I could have it any other way.  If you are planning to participate in both therapies, please note that the process from check in to check out will take an average of 3 hours.  If you plan to only float, give yourself 2 hours to include your consultation and float therapy session.  Since you will be in a relaxed state of mind after your therapy, I highly recommend that you take it easy the remainder of your day so you can enjoy the experience.

The cost of float therapy ranges from $65 for 60 minutes and $85 for 90 minutes. For the cost of additional services, including the Founders Club Membership, visit www.floatingshanti.com.  Floating Shanti is located on 311 Hay Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301.

7:30 pm – Taquería Las Delicias

Fayetteville has an International Cuisine Trail that includes 36 restaurants that range from BBQ, Sushi, Cuban, Turkish, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and more.  If you live outside of Fayetteville, you may need to make multiple trips to the city to experience the wide array of international cuisine available.

Fayetteville has an impressive list of taquerías that serve similar street style tacos found in Northern Mexico.  In addition to the delicious street style tacos, Taquería Las Delicias has a lengthy menu that serves up traditional delights like ceviche, gorditas, pozole, and more.  The asada (steak) and chicharrón (fried pork rind) tacos are excellent.  They are only elevated with Las Delicias full bar of condiments that include chopped onion, chopped cilantro, pickled peppers, and an array of traditional salsas.  I highly recommend that you try a little of this and a little of that when you visit Las Delicias.  If you are not familiar with Mexican cuisine, outside of tacos and enchiladas, this is a good restaurant that can introduce you to the flavors of unique and complex dishes like, consomé de borrego (lamb soup), among other items.  Taquería Las Delicias is located on 524 S Reilly Rd #101, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

9:00 AM – Robin’s on Main

After a very eventful day, it was time to turn in to the Ramada Plaza Fayetteville and prepare for the next day.  The following morning, I was up early to prepare for breakfast at Robin’s on Main.  The hometown diner, popular among locals, reminds me of the quintessential Northeastern diner full of rustic charm and grit.

The owner of Robin’s on Main is originally from Rhode Island and her namesake restaurant has been part of the Hope Mills/Fayetteville Community for the past eight years.  Robin just signed a lease for another five years, so there is plenty of opportunity for restaurant-goers to check out the neighborhood diner.  Side note, everyone I met at Superior Bakery raved about the and stick-to-your-ribs good food at Robin’s.

The Grits Bowl was my choice for breakfast.  It is a bowl of cheesy grits topped with two sunny side up eggs topped with pepper jack cheese and spicy sausage.  It is a hearty dish with a good dose of protein that will keep your belly content for several hours.  I love that Robin’s on Main splits, butters and grills their biscuits on both sides.

If you are craving a sweet breakfast, you cannot go wrong with a Nana’s French Toast, a favorite of a couple of members in the Fayetteville community that I talked to during my 24 hour adventure.  Robin’s on Main is open for breakfast and lunch and is located on 3602 N. Main Street Hope Mills, NC 28348.

10:00 AM – Cape Fear Botanical Garden

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a lovely outing for all ages.  The day I visited, I saw both young and elderly couples strolling through the 80 acres of gardens and nature trails.  In addition to couples, I saw a couple of moms with their babies and one summer school group.  Visitors can literally spend all day at the botanical garden and still not cover every inch of the 80 acres of nature.

I loved all the whimsical stations in the garden, especially the Garden Railway, a miniature model railway system that travels through the Friendship Garden.  It’s absolutely charming, but note, it is an exhibit that will end in August 2018.  In addition to special exhibits like the Garden Railway, Cape Fear Botanical Garden hosts other events like Yoga in the Garden, Tai Chi for Health, Caterpillar Hunt and more.  For more details on other special events, visit their events calendar online.

If you are an anthophile or simply appreciate flowers, you will revel in the flora in the botanical garden.  One of my favorites in the garden is the Scarlet Rose Mallow, also known as the Texas Star.  This brilliant hibiscus is native to swamps and marshes blooming from mid summer through fall.  If your little ones loves the sight of butterflies, pay these flowers a visit for some butterfly watching.

The lotus flowers are also a gorgeous sight at the garden.  It is uncanny how this exquisite flower is able to emerge from murky ponds.  I was not able to explore the entire garden during my two-hour visit.  In order to fully explore the garden and trails, plan on spending between four to six hours in the 80 acre garden that is nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek.  If you live in or neighbor Fayetteville, garden memberships are available for unlimited admission to the garden all year-long.  Cape Fear Botanical Garden is located 536 N Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Noon – Downtown Fayetteville

After my stroll at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden , I ventured back to downtown Fayetteville to check out a couple of shops.  Fayetteville’s burgeoning downtown is home to an array of restaurants, museums, wellness studios and breweries like Lake Gaston Brewing Company and Bright Light Brewing Company.  I wasn’t able to peruse as many shops as I would have liked, because I was instantly captivated by the antiques and collectibles at The Shops at 123 Hay Street.

If you love antiques, collectables, or vintage finds, you will be in wonderland during your Fayetteville visit.   The Shops at 123 Hay Street is one of seven shops of its kind, all located in downtown Fayetteville.  The Shops at 123 Hay Street covers 5000 Sq. Ft. of space and has 20 unique vendors.

I was absolutely mesmerized by the antique crystals, punch bowls, and the 1950’s CorningWare.  In addition to these collectables, shoppers can find furniture, jewelry, and other accessories.  I did come across two pieces that I could not part with, so I had to snag them.  I purchased a pristine silver vintage cake carrier and a gorgeous vintage mink cape and stole set.  I wish I could have stayed many more hours perusing the wonderful treasures at this shop, but it was time to head over to Fowler’s Southern Gourmet for lunch.

1:00 PM – Fowler’s Southern Gourmet

I was sad that my trip to Fayetteville had come to a close, but I was glad to conclude my 24 hours in Fayetteville with RIB DAY at Fowler’s Southern Gourmet.  In addition to Ribs, I sampled a delicious smorgasbord of Brisket, Chicken, Fries, Caesar Salad, and more.  Fowler’s BBQ sauces are house-made in addition to their Ketchup, Ranch, and Caesar dressings.  I enjoyed all of their BBQ sauces, but I especially loved the Blueberry Hot Sauce and Tamarind BBQ Sauce.  If you like your sauce with an extra spicy kick, do try their Scorpion & Ghost Pepper Sauce.  The sauce packs a lot of heat without killing your taste buds.

I don’t eat fries often and it is not because of the calories.  I find that most eateries have very thin cut fries that have been sitting all day under a burner.  This is not the case at Fowler’s.  Fowler’s fries are large and freshly cut.  They are blanched first and then fried.  The fries are crispy on the outside and you can taste the meaty potato on the inside.  What’s best about these fries, is that you can douse them in Fowler’s house-made Ketchup!

Although every bite was delicious, I have to say that Fowler’s ribs stole my heart.  As a Texan, I will always lean toward Texas-style BBQ.  However, I can confidently say that Fowler’s BBQ is sure to satiate the palate of any Texan.

Though salads do not immediately come to mind when you think of BBQ, Fowler’s Caesar salad is dynamite.  It is topped with thick cut bacon and tossed in Fowler’s homemade Caesar dressing.  Personally, I would order this salad as a side item to share with friends along with one or two slabs of ribs.  Fowler’s Southern Gourmet is located on 723 W Rowan St, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

 

Before my trip to Fayetteville, I honestly did not have any set expectations.  The extent of my knowledge of Fayetteville is that it is a military town.  After my 24 hour journey, I now know that Fayetteville has a dynamic food scene as well as activities and places to visit that can rival those in any large metropolis.  I envision many more great things are to come to this city, especially with the estimated 2019 completion of the Fayetteville Baseball Stadium for the Buies Creek Astros.  Personally, I look forward to many more Fayetteville road trips that will definitely include fried croissants and ribs!

If you enjoyed these best things to do in Fayetteville NC, you will enjoy this travel guide to  48 Hours in Lake Lure and The Blue Ridge Foothills, click here to read more!