Archive for October, 2009
It’s a good time to own a home in Fayetteville
Are you wondering wether or not to buy a home in Fayetteville?
Here are two positive reports that came out over the last several months:
1. Parade magazine applauds Fayetteville for being one of the best real estate markets in the country. “As most of the country struggles with the worst housing slump in 70 years, maybe we could all learn from Fayetteville, NC,” begins the article by George Anders. (www.parade.com)
2. The cover story for the May issue of Newsmax Magazine is ” The Cities & Towns with the Best American Values.” In a top 25 list, there’s Fayetteville coming in at No. 14. (www.newsmax.com/cities)
Movies in Fayetteville
I love to go to the movies. Luckily I have a good friend and two pre-teens who love the movies as much as I do. Once or twice a year – I can even convince my husband to go with me. I’m at one theater or another three or four times a month. Because of the amount of time and money I’ve spent at local movie theaters over the years, I’ve gained much insight into the theaters in the area, and I’ve provided some info on all below.
As a seasoned Hope Mills movie-goer, I am thrilled that the new Millstone Theaters opening ½ mile from my house. I drive by every day, and have watched the progress since they removed the lone house to clear the area last year. Some days it seemed like nothing was going on and other days – it seemed major changes took place. Just yesterday, the water started running in the front entrance and shrubs were being planted.
I’m excited not just for the convenience – but because they will have a nubmer of cool amenities: gourmet concessions, 42″ highback chairs, digital sound in all 14 auditoriums and a loyalty program.
Because this is a Stone Theater, it might also mean some health competition between Stone and Carmike, which will only benefit the movie-goer. Check out the website to learn more, sign up for their e-newsletter, and register to win some free tickets. (I have already registerd) Millstone, located at 3400 Footbridge Lane (directly off Cambden Road), opens October 16.
Carmike Wynnsong 7 by the Holiday Inn Bordeaux is my favorite to catch first-run movies. Its an easy drive for me and rarely will you catch a long for tickets or concessions. Staff is friendly and well trained and the theater is clean and well-kept. I believe a matinee is $6 per person depending on the show. They periodically have concession specials – right now its $1 for popcorn and $1 for soda on Tuesday nights. Not a bad deal. On top of that one of the managers on duty routinely wears a Homer Simpson tie - this never fails to amuse me.
Omni Cinemas 8 was the first place I went to a movie when I moved to Fayetteville back in 1995, it was the Mask. It has stayed one of my favorite places to catch a flick. Why? Value. The Omni is a second-run theater, and because of that, a high-value theater. It is $2 per person prior to 6 pm and $3 per person after 6 pm. And concessions are priced right too. A small popcorn and small soda is $6.00 with free refills on both. (The small is a decent size too.) Kids meals are $3.50. My kids and I have seen many many movies here – the kid flicks that I just can’t see spending full price to go see (like High School Musical 3.) We wait a few weeks and catch it at the Omni. Its just $20 for the three of us for admission and concessions. Its also a great place to see a movie you’re willing to wait a few weeks to see. No matter what anyone tells you, its NEVER the same to wait for video. Go to the theater and see it.
I don’t get to the rest of our theaters often due to logistics, but they do each offer their own advantages you might enjoy.
In my experience MarketFair 15 typically offers a lot of shows geared to folks younger than me - either teens or 20-somethings. They do offer a lot of shows, and I midnight shows. Its not uncommon to find one movie showing in two theaters throughout the day at MarketFair 15.
Carmike 12 is located within walking distance of a great Sushi restaurant, CiCi’s, Dairy Queen, and a Mexian restaurant. Its a great place to go to a dinner and a movie. A quick search of the website showed that depending on the show, Carmike 12 is slighty less expensive than the other Carmike theaters.
Cameo Theater is our 1920’s –era theater in downtown Fayetteville. The Cameo screens art films and first-run films; and I just discovered they offer teacher and student discounts.. The downtown theater is decorated like a large 1920’s era theater – and the upstairs Loge theater is much more intimate with plush and comfy seats. Just going to the Cameo is an experience. Concessions include wine, beer, coffee, tea, fancy treats, and of course popcorn and soda.
That’s all of them. So if you want a latte with your movie, or a want dinner first, or are looking for a great place to take the kids, or are going to the movies on a budget, or are amused by silly ties like I am … all are available at or nearby movie theaters in the Fayetteville area. And , of course, remember that all the first run theaters offer military discounts, so be sure to ask about discounts.