I know what you’re thinking, “Fayetteville? Romance?”
Fayetteville’s played a role in the nation’s history with Revolutionary and Civil War events bringing notoriety. With slightly over 200,000 residents, it’s a major military town with both Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg calling Fayetteville home. Fayetteville and military, yes, but Fayetteville and romance have never been synonymous so I was intrigued to go in search of romance in the town named after the famous French general, Marquis de Lafayette.
Here’s what I discovered and a list of ten romantic things to do in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
When You Think Fayetteville, Think Romance
1. Solve a puzzle
Find out how well you and your sweetie work together at Xscape Factor.
The veteran-owned, live escape rooms are perfect for couples or groups and provide a challenge encouraging team work and collaboration as amateur sleuths solve a mystery in order to escape the room. There are multiple puzzle rooms with varying degrees of difficulty to choose from but all engage and get the mental juices flowing at this out-of-the-ordinary date option.
We tried out the room called, Last Will and Testament. This puzzle is a classic, Who done-it?, designed to evoke a setting similar to an old game of Clue. No, we didn’t break the Xscape Factor record and we did need to ask for clues (you get 3 clues if you need them) but ultimately we managed to solve the crime and escape!
Xscape Factor is situated on Bow Street in an old building built in 1851 which adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the puzzle rooms and is great couples fun!
2. Shopping
Downtown Fayetteville is filled with charming shops and boutiques. The scenic streets are the perfect backdrop for a shopping spree. Take a romantic stroll and visit stores such as Pressed, Gullah Girl Boutique, Downtown Lady, Cotton River Outfitters, and A Bit of Carolina. Most shops feature local products and unique gifts. You and your love will have fun checking out all the goodies.
3. Coffee or Tea
4. Wine tasting
Fayetteville boasts multiple locations in its historic downtown that are ideal for sampling and enjoying a romantic glass of wine with your significant other. We ventured into The Wine Café, a locally owned, award-winning wine shop and tasting room. Outfitted with wine stations for optimum sampling and set in an historic building, the ambiance and good wine makes this a romantic must.
Here’s a brief explanation of how the wine-tasting stations at The Wine Café work.
“Fayetteville is directly adjacent to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations in the world. The military base is home to the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the 3rd Special Forces Group.” ~ City of Fayetteville
5. Enjoy a craft brew
Downtown Fayetteville is home to multiple craft breweries. We stopped at Airborne Brew on Hay Street to check out their offerings. As their website states, Airborne Brew is a “micro-brewery and restaurant located in downtown Fayetteville, NC dedicated to brewing great craft beers with a salute to our military and first responders.”
Just a few blocks away, is another locally owned and operated brewer, Bright Light Brewing Company. Bright Light serves up sudsy libations in a chill, laid-back atmosphere, sure to say romance.
UPDATE: Since this article was originally posted, sadly Airborne Brew has gone from Hay Street. However, Bright Light Brewing is going strong and four other craft breweries are serving up cold beer in the area. (click here for a list)
6. Visit one of Fayetteville's museums
Museums are perfect for romantic dates and Fayetteville has several in close proximity. Choose from the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Transportation & Local History Museum, Fayetteville Light Infantry, and The Arts Council.
Including the kids on your visit? Check out Fascinate-U Children’s Museum. Though, you might want to save that one for a less-romantic visit.
7. Go antiquing in Fayetteville
There are seven antique and vintage shops in downtown Fayetteville. The romance of antiquing in search of vintage treasures from days gone by makes for an ideal date. Who knows? You may find that special something while you’re out with your special someone.
8. Sweets & Treats
9. Dinner
The first half of the classic dinner and a movie date combination is made simple in Fayetteville. There are several fine dining establishments all within walking distance of the movie theater. We enjoyed an amazing multi-course meal in a friendly atmosphere at Blue Moon Café at 310 Hay Street.
I’m not exaggerating when I say our meal was one of the best I’ve had in a long, long time. From salmon carpaccio, toast points with an herb goat cheese butter, Brazilian-style steak to lemon gâteau with fresh cream and berries, everything was magnifique!
10. See a movie
The Cameo Art House Theater on Hay Street is a classic theater for that prototypical romantic date – movie night. The spacious theater, housed in an early 20th-century building which was home to one of state’s first major cinemas, conjures old-style theater charm with a modern twist. Comfortable seating, large screens, first-class snacks and beverages, and first run films make this unique theater a romantic cinematic affair.
Tips for your romantic stay in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Getting there is relatively easy. Traveling by car, Fayetteville is in south-central North Carolina and accessible via Interstate-95. If traveling by train, the Amtrak station is conveniently situated downtown at the corner of Hillsboro and Hay Streets.
Upon arrival, I recommend stopping at the Downtown Fayetteville Visitors Center at 222 Hay Street. It’s here you can pick up a thorough map of the area and begin your exploration. The map contains a complete list of shops, attractions, and events sorted by category to assist you in finding your way. The historic district is extremely foot-friendly and street parking is available as well as pre-pay parking lots.
Where to stay? There are several major chain hotels within a few miles of the historic district (check prices and reviews online).
Experience Fayetteville's renaissance
Downtown Fayetteville is experiencing a renaissance and yes, the renaissance includes romance!
These are only ten romantic things to do, but one thing I haven’t mentioned yet is to simply go for a walk. The historic downtown area is excellent for strolling and taking it all in. The merchants are gracious, friendly, and eager to attract visitors to this charming part of the city. There’s a lot happening and I hear there’s even talk of a hotel being added, which I’d love to see!
I arrived a bit of a skeptic about the romantic angle of a visit to Fayetteville but having spent some time exploring this quaint downtown area, I can happily proclaim, There’s romance to be found in Fayetteville, North Carolina!
Although my visit was organized by the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau/Downtown Fayetteville and some activities were complimentary, all opinions are honest and my own.
If you like this pin it for later!
► Plan Your Trip to Fayetteville Now!
It makes it simple to plan your trip. We’ve pre-filled the destination from the article and if there are multiple places mentioned in the article, we’ve put the one that is best used as your base to see all of the places mentioned.
Just select I’M STAYING and enter the travel dates and hit SEARCH. It automatically uses the first place in the article.
For a multi-day trip, if you stay near that location, you should be able to use it as your base.
Super simple. Just click on the pencil and enter the name of any place mentioned in the story. Or you can enter any address or even the name of a company if you are mixing business and pleasure.
Just click I’M DRIVING and you can see how long it will take, get driving directions and even rent a car if you need one.
Yes, we guarantee the best published rates on hotels. Click on the link for BEST RATE 110% GUARANTEE for details.
Hey pinners, save this for pinning after your trip
Read More!
Hooves & History: Discovering the Wonders of Kentucky Horse Park
Since 1978, Kentucky Horse Park has been welcoming visitors to experience a one-of-a-kind equine theme park, where they can delve into the rich history of horses or even saddle up to better understand why Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World. Join PullOverandLetMeOut on a journey to discover the wonders of Kentucky Horse Park.
Carter Mountain Orchard: Savoring the Seasons in Charlottesville, Virginia
PullOverandLetMeOut takes you to the heart of historic Charlottesville, Virginia, to the top of Carter Mountain to discover a unique orchard positioned up high overlooking the valley below, and next door to Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello. Travel along to Carter Mountain Orchard and savor the seasons in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Five Fun Things to Do in Dahlonega, Georgia
Tucked away in scenic north Georgia is the historic town of Dahlonega. The site of the nation’s first major gold rush in 1828-29, was also the original home of the Cherokee Nation. Today, this picturesque mountain town retains and cherishes its past while inviting visitors to come and experience everything it has to offer. Travel there with PullOverandLetMeOut to learn five fun things to do in Dahlonega, Georgia.
7 thoughts on “10 Romantic Things to Do In Fayetteville, North Carolina”
Thank you for sharing your Fayetteville experiences. We are so glad you had fun!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will return! 🙂
Looking for a great lunch? Try Fayetteville Pie Company- serving savory and sweet pies. Currently located at 723 West Rowan but soon moving to 253 Westwood Shopping Center.
Sounds yummy, I’ve added it to my list for my next visit! 🙂
Thanks Anna Marie. Next time we ha e some time we’ll check it out.
Thank you for sharing our beautiful downtown Fayetteville. It means alot to us. We love downtown and please come back and enjoy our city.
EstherThompson
BlueMoon Cafe
Owner.
Thank you, and we will definitely be back! 🙂