Where to stay

Located a 20-minute drive from Fort Bragg, the largest military installation in the world with more than 50,000 active personnel, Fayetteville has much to interest those keen on military history. Stay in hotels in the Fort Bragg and Spring Lake areas to be closer to the installation and its war memorials and museums. They include the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum, Monroe's Crossroads Battlefield Site, and the Special Operations Memorial Plaza. For the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, consider staying in accommodations in downtown Fayetteville.

Downtown Fayetteville is perfect for those looking to indulge in the city's passion for the arts. The Arts Council Gallery is completely free to enter and features world-renowned artists alongside works by local talent. For a change of pace, wander the streets and discover some of the many public artworks and sculptures the city is known for. The annual Dogwood Festival, held every fourth weekend in April, hosts a carnival, a beauty pageant, a car show and live music. If you miss it, stay in hotels in Cape Fear, where the 300-seat Cape Fear Regional Theatre hosts monthly performances.

Book any of the lodgings in Cape Fear to be within walking distance of the beautiful Cape Fear Botanical Garden. This urban oasis is a favorite among locals for its educational programs and nature camps. The Cape Fear River Trail is another reason for nature lovers to secure rooms in this neighborhood. Part of the planned East Coast Greenway, the trail's boardwalk stretches through marsh and wetland, and provides beautiful views of the river and trees. The more adventurous should book accommodations in Wade to enjoy ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure on the Cape Fear River. Get your heart pumping on a zip line or cross Carver's Falls via a suspension bridge for spectacular views.