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.
Fayetteville has something for each of those kinds of shoppers and for all the others in between. Joan Poole figures that The Pilgrim Gift Shop has likely seen them all in its 50 years as a local mainstay for people looking for everything from scented candles to colorful duffel bags.
“Four generations of families have been shopping with us,” says Poole, who bought the shop in Westwood Shopping Center in 2006. “We like to keep up with current trends but still maintain that tradition that keeps people coming back.”
That’s a sentiment that rings true when it comes to a shopping trip in Fayetteville: A mix of the trendy and the traditional influenced by people who come here from all over the world and people who have lived here all their lives.
Local specialty shops
Bell’s Seed Store: Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the store celebrated 100 years in business in 2019. Bell’s offers a variety of seasonal plants, from pansies and petunias to peppers and tomatoes, as well as lawn care essentials. Since 2010, Bell’s has had a garden gift shop that stocks items such as outdoor pillows, furniture and the Big Green Egg grill. Whenever it snows, Bell’s is a go-to for sleds, shovels and ice melt. 230 E. Russell St. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 910-483-8400
Betty Kelly’s: This family-owned business has been a staple for four generations of brides looking for the perfect china pattern. The shop also offers home decor, invitations and gifts, including scented candles, jewelry and women’s clothing. The shop carries the McKenzie-Childs, Vietri and Julie Vos lines. 1228 Fort Bragg Road. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 910-484-4044
A Bit of Carolina: This specialty gift shop carries North Carolina-made and -themed goods and specializes in custom gift baskets. 306 Hay St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday. 910-551-6537
Blue Bike Antiques and Gifts: Formerly located downtown, Blue Bike is home to local vendors offering antique and vintage items, furniture and collectibles. 2608 Raeford Road. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 910-920-2146
Fleishman’s Tiny Town: This family-owned business has offered children’s clothing, shoes and toys for over 60 years. Tiny Town also has a baby registry and children’s furniture. 3015 Fort Bragg Road. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 910-323-1991
Greg’s Pottery: The paint-your-own pottery studio, art gallery and gift shop was founded by local artist Greg Hathaway and is now owned by his daughter, Kelly Hathaway. 122 Maxwell St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 910-483-8355
John Allen Shoes: This family-owned store sells a variety of shoes for all ages, including hard-to-find brands. 214 Owen Drive. 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. 910-484-3161
Leclair’s General Store: Patrick Leclair opened this store in the heart of Haymount after leaving a career overseeing the decor of a national chain of high-end clothing stores. Leclair’s features coffee, wine, craft beer, specialty groceries, vintage decor, antiques, art, jewelry and local goods. It’s worth a trip just to check out the way Leclair arranges everything. 1212 Fort Bragg Road. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 201-306-5378
Lisa’s Custom Framing: Besides beautifully framing nearly anything, Robin Kelly also offers a gallery of work by local artists and gifts. Kelly bought the business from Lisa Lofthouse in 1982 and kept not just the name but also the reputation for good quality and timeliness. 1226 Fort Bragg Road. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 910-484-3585
The Pilgrim: This gift shop features happy vibes and sweet aromas. It sells Vera Bradley, Cat Studio and Radko ornaments, along with Byers Choice Figurines, jewelry and scented candles. 160 Westwood Shopping Center. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 910-867-9750
Pressed: Crystals, books, T-shirts, oracles and tarot decks are sold here. 120 Hay St. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 910-818-6147
Reverie Goods & Gifts: Owner Meghan Reed offers her own jewelry line, Square Peg Meg, along with accessories, art and bags. The store has gift items for everyone, including teachers, children and brides. 101 Hay St. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Stevies on Hay: Candles, coffee and eclectic gifts are featured. 318 Hay St. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. 910-229-2577
Turner Lane: Tucked on a side street in downtown Fayetteville, this shop has novelty gifts, organic handmade soaps and bath products, artisan foods and beverages, custom gift baskets, and muscadine slushies. 242-A Hay St. Noon-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 910-818-6795
Uptown Fourjay: This community-based novelty store has locally made gift items for children and adults. 108 Gillespie St. Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 910-670-2971
White Trash & Colorful Accessories: This store features a mixture of cottage shabby home furnishings, vintage finds, jewelry, greeting cards, home fragrances, handbags and totes, decorations, and gifts. 223 Franklin St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. 910-482-0005
Clothing boutiques
Epiphany Boutique: “We have cute clothes for any occasion,” says store clerk Nicole Oliver. 3710 Morganton Road, Suite 108. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 910-323-5591
Fabulous Finds: You’ll find trendy, affordable styles, jewelry, dresses and shoes available in-store or online at fabfindsboutique.com. 310 Hay St. above Blue Moon Cafe. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 910-483-0733
Monkee’s of Fayetteville: Boutique designer fashions, shoes, jewelry and gift items are featured. 322 Glensford Drive, Suite 106. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 910-867-6001
Off the Racks Boutique: Women’s clothing is available in-store or online at Shopofftheracks.com. 3856 Dunn Road, Eastover. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. 910-723-1935
Vibra’s: This store sells women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes and Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. 110 Hay St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.910-920-1590
Pet food and accessories
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming: Besides dog grooming, grain-free pet food, gourmet dog treats, and dog accessories, toys and gifts are sold. 1216 Fort Bragg Road. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 910-860-1200
Area shopping centers
Cross Creek Mall: Fayetteville’s first enclosed mall opened in 1975 with five anchors: Belk, Sears, Thalhimer’s (now Macy’s), JC Penney, and Miller and Rhodes. Belk, JC Penney and Macy’s remain, along with more than 100 other retail and dining options, including a food court. The newest anchor is the 45,000-square-foot stand-alone Rooms to Go furniture store. Between Skibo and Morganton roads. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. 910-868-7668
Cross Pointe Center: This shopping area stays busy because of popular stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond, T.J. Maxx, Ashley HomeStore, Shoe Carnival and Ulta Beauty. Eateries include Nona Sushi and Cold Stone Creamery. 5075 Morganton Road. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 910-868-8811
Eutaw Village: Fayetteville’s first shopping center, Eutaw Village was once home to The Capitol Department Store and Ballentine’s Cafeteria. Today, the center off Bragg Boulevard has 40 stores and businesses and is anchored by Round-a-Bout Skating Center, The Day Spa Rejuvenation Center, Carly C’s IGA grocery store, The Mill End Store fabric shop, Carolyn’s Hallmark Shop, Dollar Tree, and MaryBill’s Cafe. Adjacent Eutaw Village North has an N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles office. 2620 Bragg Blvd. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. daily. 910-484-8348
Fayetteville Pavilion: Located across Skibo Road from Target and Home Depot, Fayetteville Pavilion is anchored by a Food Lion supermarket, PetSmart, Marshalls, Michaels and Rack Room Shoes. 2061 Skibo Road. 404-504-6726
Freedom Town Center: Fayetteville’s newest shopping center features 49 acres of stores and restaurants, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Field & Stream, Fabe’s Charcoal Roasting Co. and First Watch. 22712 Freedom Parkway Drive. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Marketfair Shopping Center: This open-air retail and dining complex features Rooms to Go Kids, AMC MarketFair 15 theaters with reclining and heated seats, Planet Fitness, Lidl food store, and Rocket Fizz soda pop and candy store. 1916 Skibo Road. 910-829-1617
Tallywood Shopping Center: Publix supermarket and Mi Casita Mexican restaurant are the centerpieces of one of Fayetteville’s oldest but recently renovated shopping centers. 3114 Raeford Road. 910-321-0114
Westwood Shopping Center: Having recently undergone an ownership change after 47 years, Westwood remains anchored by a Food Lion supermarket and DEFY Fayetteville. First Citizens Bank has a branch here. Other stores include The UPS Store, Play It Again Sports, Board & Brush DIY Wood Sign Workshop, an ABC store, and eateries like Fayetteville Pie Co. and Jersey Mike’s. Westwood is at Morganton and South McPherson Church roads.
Fresh produce and outdoor markets
City Market at the Museum: Vendors offer 100% locally grown produce. 325 Franklin St. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. 910-433-1457
Dirtbag Ales: The market is open every Sunday seasonally at the popular brewery. It features locally grown produce, along with food trucks, live music, local vendors and adult beverages. 5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills. 910-426-2537
Gillis Hill Road Produce: This farm is ninth-generation family-owned. 2899 Gillis Hill Road. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 910-308-9342
Pate’s Farm Market: The store features fresh produce, a butcher shop, bakery, hot bar and nursery, along with an intriguing pineapple-peeling machine. 6411 Raeford Road. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 910-426-1575
Reilly Road Farmers Market: The market has offered fresh local produce for 40 years. 445 N. Reilly Road. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 910-868-9509
Specialty food stores
Apple Crate: You’ll find organic, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, whole-grain, allergy-sensitive foods and teas, along with supplements and natural soaps. A bulk section offers trail mixes, dried fruits, grains and herbs. A grind-your-own-peanut butter station features three kinds of nuts. 2711 Raeford Road, Suite 110. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 910-426-7777
Compare Foods: This independently-owned supermarket offers fresh produce, meats, beer and wine, and international products not found in other stores. 155 Bonanza Drive. 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 910-826-9820
The Fresh Market Fayetteville: Fresh produce, meats and seafood are featured, as well as a specialty cheese section, bakery, wine and beer, and ready-to-go meals. 230 Glensford Drive. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday. 910-867-2588
Indian Food and Spices: Shop for fresh vegetables, spices, local specialty meats, sweets and toiletries. 2417 Hope Mills Road. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 910-229-2263
Mediterranean Mart and Indian Foods: You’ll find Indian spices, pita bread, Greek and Turkish coffees and teas, and hard-to-find items. 5924 Cliffdale Road, Suite 104. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 910-864-1646
Kinlaw’s Supermarket: This family-owned meat market offers beef, pork, chicken, seafood and freshly ground hamburger. 1802 Sapona Road. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 910-483-3437
Pan Thai & Asian Market: Fresh produce and hard-to-find sauces and spices are sold here. 805 Hope Mills Road. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. 910-424-6909
Sprouts Farmers Market: The store features fresh, natural and organic foods, including fruits and vegetables, as well as a full-service deli and meat and seafood counters. 2810 Freedom Parkway Drive. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 910-748-5985
