5 Reasons Why Fayetteville, NC Should Be Your Next Fall Destination

My family and I were fortunate enough to tour the city of Fayetteville this October and after our experience, we think you should put it down as your next fall destination. Under 4 hours from Greenville, Fayetteville has every experience you need for an amazing fall vacation from a Zombie Parade downtown to amazing views of fall leaves. We also discovered events for a wide range of ages from younger kids all the way to teens and adults.

Here are 5 reasons why we think Fayetteville Should Be Your Next Fall Destination.

Thank you to Distinctly Fayetteville for hosting our visit.

#1 Downtown Fayetteville goes all out for fall!

Fayetteville knows how to celebrate the holidays. The downtown is walkable with historic brick downtown buildings festively decorated for the Fall and Halloween season. 

🎃 Pumpkin Trail
Themed painted and carved jack-o’-lanterns are displayed throughout the downtown area.

🎃 Skeleton Alley
Just off of Hay Street, we encountered “Skeleton Alley” with some towering, beautifully decorated Dia de los Muertos artwork displays. These skeletons were being sold by local artists and businesses to raise funds for relief and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. 

🎃Specialty fall-themed drinks

🎃Zombie Walk and Prom
Downtown Fayetteville streets come alive, or should we say undead, with their annual Zombie Walk and Prom where Zombies roam the streets the Friday before Halloween.

🎃Free District Trolley
After a bit of walking, we learned that on the weekend you can catch the Free District Trolley. Not only was the driver friendly, but she was also very informative, pointing out some local hot spots. The trolley even participated in the season with fun, festive lights.

#2 Fayetteville offers a wide range of fall fun for younger kids.

🎃Kids can trick-or-treat downtown Fayetteville on Halloween

🎃BOOtanical Garden in Fayetteville complete with a multi-story play area.

The highlight of our fall trip would have to be the Halloween at BOOtanical Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. The event included:

• A garden landscape was filled with whimsical skeletons and decorations and trees encircled with lights.
• trick or treat stations
• craft areas with games

Their Children’s Garden was beautiful, with multi-story play areas to climb and explore. 

536 N. Eastern Boulevard Fayetteville, NC 28301
Open 9 am-5 pm
BOOtanical Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden

🎃Gallberry Corn Maze

If you’re looking for fall family fun outside of downtown you can visit Gallberry Corn Maze. Experience their Fall Harvest Festival with kid-friendly attractions such as slides, jumping pillows, and games. They also have “Nas-hawg” pig races that are sure to entertain the whole family. We especially enjoyed the Fruity Pebbles funnel cake from one of the food truck vendors. 

5991 Braxton Road Hope Mills, NC 28348
Open 11 am-8 pm
Gallberry Corn Maze

#3 Fayetteville might be haunted. Even their downtown comes alive with Zombies.

🎃Zombie Walk and Prom

Downtown Fayetteville streets come alive, or should we say undead, with their annual Zombie Walk and Prom where Zombies roam the streets the Friday before Halloween.

🎃Stoney Point Trail of Terror

If you’re looking for more thrills and chills, be sure to visit the Stoney Point Trail of Terror in October. This event is run by the Stoney Point Fire Department, along with volunteers from the community. The haunted attraction is gruesome and frightfully fun, with a live band performing on stage as you wait. Proceeds from the attraction go towards the local Fire Department. 

7221 Stoney Point Road Fayetteville, NC 28306
Open 8 pm-11 pm
Stoney Point Trail of Terror

🎃Historical Haunted Landmarks

If that isn’t enough to satiate your cravings for the supernatural, take a drive and visit some historical haunted landmarks. 

Cool Spring Tavern
We were able to drive by the Cool Spring Tavern, this building was built in 1788. It is rumored to be the home to multiple spirits who haunt within its walls. 

Sandford House
Just a couple minutes away is the Sandford House on Dick St, which is reported to be the most haunted building in Fayetteville, so we had to check it out.

#4 Fayetteville Offers Amazing Views of Fall Leaves.

Mazarick Park
If you’re looking for some more picturesque scenery and fall colors, take a trip to Mazarick Park for some leaf peeping. From the floating dock you’ll capture some Insta-worthy photos of Glenville Lake with the multi-colored trees in the background. This multi-purpose park has paved trails with picnic tables and a bathroom nearby.

1400 Belvedere Avenue, Fayetteville

#5 You Can Exercise Your Inner Foodie in Fayetteville 

The Coffee Scene at Prince Charles

With temperatures dropping we of course had to keep our hands warm with some delicious, seasonal lattes from The Coffee Scene at Prince Charles. If coffee isn’t your scene, you can enjoy some freshly brewed teas from Winterbloom. We tried the Tea of the Day, Honey Forest Berries, it was refreshing and did not disappoint. 

450 Hay Street, Fayetteville
The Coffee Scene Instagram

Gaston Brewing for Lunch 

We discovered Gaston Brewing for lunch, my husband and I enjoyed a scrumptious Sirloin Steak Melt and the kids enjoyed some burgers. 

124 Hay Street, Fayetteville
Gaston Brewing Website

Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom for Dinner

In the evening we enjoyed a brew and dinner at Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom. After a long day of adventuring, we kicked back and listened to some live music, and ate some tasty food while sitting under the stars. It was nice to unwind at this family-friendly hangout while the kiddos played on the playground.

5435 Corporation Drive Hope Mills, NC 28348
Open 11:30 am-10 pm
Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom

Bonus: More Things to Do in Fayetteville

U.S. Airborne and Special Operations Museum

Fayetteville beams with pride showcasing its rich military history by honoring its past with Memorials and Museums. We spent an hour touring the U.S. Airborne and Special Operations Museum and learning more about the military history of the area and beyond, showcasing over 80 years of army history for the U.S. airborne and special operations units.

This museum is free with donations requested.

100 Bragg Boulevard Fayetteville, NC 28301
Open 12 pm-4 pm
U.S. Airborne and Space Operations Museum

Where to Stay in Fayetteville

We stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites Fayetteville which was conveniently located and offered free breakfast.

2065 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312

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Other Annual Events in Fayetteville

October 2024 Events

November 2024 Events