DestinationFAY | CityView

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Welcome

Whether you are a Fayetteville native, a newcomer or just visiting, we hope this guide will help you discover new things about the community.

Shopping

Some like to linger. They are the ones who enjoy the browsing, the trying on, the chatting with store associates and the stopping for a latte. Others are in and out, selecting their purchases and thrumming their fingers on the counter until their debit card is swiped, their purchases are bagged, and they can move on to the next errand.

Movie magic

Cameo Art House Theatre shows independent films and more

For a touch of old Hollywood in downtown Fayetteville, visit Cameo Art House Theatre, which features independent films as well as live concerts and special events. The lobby has an old-time feel with displays of movie memorabilia and a vintage concessions counter serving up popcorn, candy and sodas as well as beer and wine that you can enjoy while watching a movie.

Festive times

These are some of the more popular annual festivals in Fayetteville and the surrounding area. Some schedules had not been updated for 2022-23 by our deadline.

Arts & Entertainment

On the town

From outdoor concerts and festivals to art galleries and theatrical productions, Fayetteville has lots of ways to entertain you. Whether it’s a family outing or an evening with out-of-town guests, the calendar is almost always full.

Worth a visit

A trip down the garden path

Explore the grounds at Cape Fear Botanical Garden

With more than 80 acres covered in flowers, gardens and trails overlooking the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek, Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers a quick getaway to recharge or the perfect place to spend the day.

Fayetteville’s menu options satisfy a multitude of cravings

Thanks largely to the presence of Fort Bragg and its concentration of soldiers, Fayetteville is a melting pot that thrives with a diversity of ethnicities from around the globe. As a result, there’s a lot to choose from when going out to eat.

Great Getaway

A very vine time, indeed

Behold, Shangri-La on the outskirts of E-town. For those unfamiliar with the geography, that’s Elizabethtown, a 40-mile drive give or take just southeast of Fayetteville in Bladen County, a land of longleaf pines and roughly the midway point of the Cape Fear River.

Sports

Get in the game

Whether you are an observer or a participant, Fayetteville and Cumberland County offer a variety of sports activities. Sports fans have access to no fewer than six professional teams that call Fayetteville home.

Something for everyone

From competitive sports to a leisurely walk in the park and plenty of recreational choices in between, Fayetteville and Cumberland County offer something for everyone.

Flying high

Looking for fun and adventure? Consider Zipquest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure Park, which has been called one of the best zip-line parks in America by USA Today. It was awarded the Tripadvisor People’s Choice Award in 2021.

Military town

Fort Bragg stands ready when the nation calls

Over more than a century, Fort Bragg has grown from a humble artillery camp to the largest military installation by population in the nation. Along the way, the Army post’s importance has …

Cumberland County Schools

The public school system has 89 schools and more than 50,000 students. It gives parents options through its Choice Programs and neighborhood schools. Initiatives include language immersion (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese), the arts, year-round schedules, virtual learning, and specialized studies (global and classical), as well as early colleges, numerous academies (math and science, finance, green technology, fire, information technology, engineering technologies, and health sciences and technology) and programs in collision repair and international baccalaureate.

Cumberland County Board of Education

The school board has nine nonpartisan members. Six members are elected by district, and three are elected at large. Each member serves a four-year, staggered term. Regular board meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

Cumberland County libraries

The Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center offers access to a number of resources. To get a library card, preregister online or go to any library branch with a photo ID and proof …

Private & charter schools

Education

Higher education

Fayetteville has a public university, a private university and a community college that offer a number of courses and programs for those looking to expand their education.

Faith

Faith in the community

It won’t take a leap of faith to find the right place to worship in Fayetteville. A small step should do. A tradition of faith runs deep in our community. It has survived floods and fire, …

Health

Here’s to your health

Cumberland County is home to Cape Fear Valley Health System, which has eight hospitals in the region. Overall, the system has more than 1,000 beds and sees more than 1 million patients …

Government

Fayetteville Government

The Fayetteville City Council consists of nine council members and the mayor. Council members are elected from districts to two-year terms. The mayor is elected at large. All the seats are up for election in July 2022.

Cumberland County Government

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has seven members who are elected to four-year terms. Two members are elected from District 1, three members are elected from District 2 and two members are elected at large. The terms are staggered, and the members elect the chairman and vice chairman annually.