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Fayetteville’s Sanctuary Community
Many people are not aware of Fayetteville’s new branding that was introduced in 2008. Fayetteville/Cumberland County was officially declared “America’s First Sanctuary Community for the military.” What does this mean? This means that our community will do anything for the military, to show our support, appreciation and gratitude towards those who serve our country. After all, Time Magazine, named Fayetteville/Cumberland County “America’s most pro-military town;” and we continue to live up to that reputation and take pride in our military supportive community. Keep an eye out for those blue Sanctuary stickers on windows of businesses who offer military discounts all over town!
Fun Facts About Greater Fayetteville
Even after having lived in Fayetteville and Cumberland County for 7 years, when I started with the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau almost 9 years ago, I still had lots to learn about this community. The greatest surprise? The wealth of noteworthy historical tidbits that have happened in and around Fayetteville. During my tenure, I’ve compiled this list – and I know there are many many more things to add. If you have comments, or suggestions on additions – please let me know!
DID YOU KNOW?
- Fayetteville was the first city named for The Marquis de Lafayette and the only one city he actually visited, in 1825. The carriage he used during his visit is on display at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Armory & Museum
- Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a professional baseball player in Fayetteville, on March 7, 1914.
- The Airborne & Special Operations Museum is the only place where you can see, hear and experience the comprehensive history of the U.S. Army airborne & special operations units.
- The Babe’s bat boy was Maurice Fleishman, who became a successful Fayetteville clothier and county commissioner.
- The state of NC ratified the NC Constitution in Fayetteville in 1789.
- Fayetteville missed being NC’s capitol by one vote!
- In 1839, the first cotton mill in present day Hope Mills, equipped with cotton spinning machinery, was constructed. The factory was known as “Rockfish Manufacturing Company” in “Rockfish Village”, and operated 3,000 spindles and 120 looms
- Jack McKeon, Manager of the Florida Marlins and the National League Manager of the Year for 2003, got his professional start managing the now-defunct Fayetteville Highlanders of the Carolina League.
- The University of North Carolina, America’s oldest public university, was chartered in Fayetteville in 1789
- Golfers Ray and Marlene Floyd grew up and honed their skills on Fayetteville courses
- Archibald “Moonlight” Graham, made infamous by the movie “Field of Dreams” was born and raised in Fayetteville
- 19th- century artist Elliott Daingerfield, known for painting “The Grand Canyon” grew up in Fayetteville.
- Methodist College is one of only 14 schools nationwide and the only Division III school to offer the PGA-sanctioned Professional Golf Management degree
- The Fayetteville Observer is the oldest newspaper in North Carolina.
- Saint Patrick Church is the first Catholic parish in North Carolina, organized in 1824.
- The second-oldest public university in North Carolina, Fayetteville State University (FSU) was founded as the Howard School in 1867. In 1877, the school became State Colored Normal School, making it the first and oldest state-supported institution to train African-American teachers.
- Famous African-American novelist Charles Chestnutt was one of the early leaders of FSU. Fayetteville was the setting for his novel for The House Behind the Cedars. Chestnutt also wrote “The Conjure Woman.”
- Carson McCullers wrote “Reflections in a Golden Eye” while living in Cool Spring Tavern on North Cool Spring Street.
- Falcon is the birthplace of the Pentecostal Holiness Church
- The Fayetteville area is home to 425 churches, mosques and synagogues.
- NASCAR fans at the Daytona International Speedway enjoy Larry’s Sausage, which is produced in Fayetteville.
- “Tin Originals” products are made in Fayetteville and shipped to stores worldwide.
- Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry is the second oldest military organization in the country. It was established August 23, 1793.
- Fayetteville native Joe Harris played with the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV.
- The Overhills estate, once owned by the Rockerfeller family, is now owned by the U.S. Army and is on Fort Bragg.
- Tim McLaurin, author of “The Acorn Plan,” “Cured by Fire,” and “Keeper of the Moon” grew up and lived in east Fayetteville. He died in 2002.
- The Fayetteville Symphony is the oldest community-supported orchestra in the state.
- Actress Julianne Moore was born at Womack Army Medical Center
- The Hardy Boyz wrestlers are from Cameron.
- Patsy Cline lived in Spring Lake in the late 1950’s. Click one of the links below to learn more about our community of history, heroes and a hometown feeling!
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Fayetteville, America’s 1st Military Sanctuary Community is having an Orientation Weekend for all D.O.D. relocating families.
Are you considering relocating to Fayetteville? If your answer is yes, you really should see what the community of Fayetteville is doing for D.O.D. relocating families.
From April 23rd-25th, 2010, Fayetteville/Cumberland County is having its first ever Orientation Weekend inviting all D.O.D. relocating families to Fayetteville. Programs of relocation activities will be taking place all weekend long, coinciding with the Dogwood Festival. The Army’s Army, which is the world’s only volunteer organization of citizens and businesses who’ve pledged their moral, physical and spiritual support to those in the military, have volunteered to serve as buddies for these visiting families, giving them the perspective of an actual resident, answering their questions, and sharing their opinions about what makes Fayettevillle/Cumberland County a great place.
Your input through FayettevilleWantsYou.com is helping organizers put together a weekend of activities for you to learn about housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, education, security, entertainment, and economic development.
If you’re looking to relocate to Fayetteville and want more information about the weekend, please click here.
Silly Sundays
I spend many Sunday nights at IT’Z Comedy Club to end my weekend with a big chuckle. They have two shows, one for the early birds and the second for those who don’t care about waking up early the next morning for work. I qualify for the early bird showing and usually go with a group of friends for some dinner and some good ol’ fashion live comedy entertainment. Some people like to drink during the show, but I am not one for drinking on a “work night.”
I like that they have a couple different comedians that come on before the main comedian comes on stage. They get the audience all warmed up for the big show. I usually try to get a good seat up near the front because the comedians always pick on the people close by and it’s pretty funny to watch up close and sometimes be picked on yourself. I have been a victim before…but it’s all been in good spirit!
IT’Z really is a fun way to end a great weekend!
What does Patriotism Mean To You
In the 2009 Fall Semester, the Tourism Development Manager at the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau worked with a group of Methodist U
niversity Students on a special project.
The students were tasked with interviewing a cross section of residents and visitors to understand how a varied group of people defined patriotism; and ask them other thematic questions. This project was outlined as part of the bureau’s 5 year Cultural Heritage Tourism plan.
We created four videos from the interviews. All the videos are enlightening, but I found this ONE especially moving, and wanted to share it with you. I’d love to read your thoughts or comments.
What’s Special About Greater Fayetteville
A local blogger wrote a piece about a special visit to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum today. Her comment encapsulates EXACTLY what I think is so special about this place I call home. She says “only in Fayetteville could I stuble across such a momentous reunion.”
Here’s a link to Rebekah Sanderlin’s Operation Marriage blog from today A Rare Treat.
Christmas in America’s Hometown
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau just put out our annual Christmas card that highlights the majority of the Christmas events in Cumberland County; and let me tell you that card is full of events - we could have gone on to fill a couple of pages. Instead, we wrote small.
For me and my family, there are a few events that stand out ~ great family events. And it starts this Friday.
A Dickens Holiday
On Black Friday, Friday, Nov 27, get out early to big sales at the mall, take a nap and head downtown for A Dickens Holiday. Starting at 1 pm, Downtown is transformed to a Victorian Christmas wonderland with Dickens characters (Scrooge will harass you and Tiny Tim will bless you), Father Christmas, carriage rides, tasty holiday treats, carolers, and special sales from downtown merchants. Professional chefs will compete in the Dickens Holiday Classic Gingerbread Competition at the Rainbow Room.
Around 5 pm, townspeople will gather at the Arts Council building for a candlelight procession to the Market House to light the Christmas tree. (I’ve heard 4,000+ attend) The evening wraps up with fireworks over the Market House at 8:30 pm. The festivities start at 1 and a variety of special events happen throughout the day. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County andFayetteville’s Downtown Alliance put on this event.
Hope Mills Christmas Festival
I live in Hope Mills, and love it - so I’m partial to events in town. As a Girl Scout mom, for the past four years, we participated in the Christmas parade, and all the Christmas festivities that evening during Festival of Lights. Its a great small-town Christmas celebration with a family feel. Both are on December 5th. Festival of Lights runs from 5 - 7 pm at Hope Mills Lake. The Christmas Parade starts at 3 pm.
New this year, venture to Trade Street for The Christmas Street Festival starting at 7 pm on Dec. 4 & Dec. 5. Vendors, hay rides, contests, an an array of local bands are on the agenda. Trade Street is still a small town main street, with cool, eclectic merchants. I drive down Trade Street each morning to go to the YMCA - and on Saturday’s often have breakfast with a friend at the Trade Street Cafe. Food is top notch and extremely reasonable. (Check out the reviews.) I invite you to visit Trade Street and see for yourself.
Best Christmas Pageant Ever
I’m not going to lie, this event isn’t truly a family event - my husband isn’t a theater-goer. But, my kids (10 and 11) and I go every to the theater once or twice a year. Each year we try to attend The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Cape Fear Regional Theater. Each year a cast of locals offers the classic story. This year it runs from December 10-20. Follow the link to get show times.
Below is a snapshot of other events: For a full list of events, with details, go to www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com and click on “Events Calendar.”
Thanks for reading!
Melody
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www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com
34th Annual Christmas Craftsmen’s Festival/ Crown Expo/ Nov.27-29
1897 EA Poe House in Christmas Dress/ Through Jan 4
A Christmas Carol/ The Gilbert Theater/ Nov 27 - Jan 13
Heart of Christmas Show/ Crown Theater / Nov 28 & 29
Ft. Bragg Tree Lighting / Dec. 3
Singing Christmas Tree / Snyder memorial Baptist Chruch/ Dec 3-6
Holiday Jubilee/ Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex / Dec 6
The Nutcracker/ Crown Theater/ Dec 6, 12 & 13
World Holiday Festival / Crown Expo / Dec 11-12
Fayetteville Christmas Parade / Downtown Fayetteville/ Dec 12
Breakfast w/Santa / Fascinate-U Children’s Museum/ Dec 19
Kwanzaa / Reid Ross Classical School/ Dec 26
New Year’s Eve Party in the Park/ Festival Park/ Dec. 31
What Does Patriotism Mean to You?
A year or so ago, the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau held several events where we asked residents of to provide their answers to one of three questions. What does Patriotism Mean to You? What does Uncle Sam mean to you? & How do you Celebrate Your indpendence.
They came up with some stirring answers - follow this link to see our top selections.
www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com Twitter.com/sanctuarycity1 also:
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.
Honoring our City’s Namesake
Honoring our City’s Namesake
I’m constantly amazed by the depth of the history in this community. You may or may not know that Fayetteville is the first city named after the Marquis de Lafayette; and is said to be the only namesake city that he visited. The Revolutionary War hero visited Fayetteville during his “Grand Tour” of the United States in 1825.The visit sounds like it was a huge event. (Want To learn more about this visit? Check out the Lafayette Driving trail.)
Over one weekend next month, the Lafayette Society of Fayetteville is putting on a celebration of the birthday of Lafayette. The 2009 commemoration features several special events. I’ve listed a few below. For more go to http://www.lafayettesociety.org/events.php
September 11th
Guided tour of the Lafayette trail. The Lafayette trail is one of the 12 driving trails offered by the Fayetteville CVB at www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com. For the guided tour, city historian Bruce Daws will trace the steps of Lafayette during his 1825 visit. A catered lunch will be severed at the historic 1924 courthouse. Tickets are $20, for more info, call 910-678-8899.
September 12
7 am – 11 am LaFayette Pancake Breakfast at Horne’s Café. 7 am – 11 am
10 am – 5 pm Festival of Yesteryear at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. Will highlight the state’s colonial and Revolutionary War history. http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov.
4:30 pm Reenactment of Lafayette’s Eulogy at First Presbyterian Church. This reenactment takes place in the very same sanctuary where it was originally given in 1836.
5 pm – 8 pm Lafayette Birthday Barbecue and Concert in Cross Creek Park . Music by Joyner, Young and Marie. Tickets are $10 and each donation will be used to purchase bronze and granite markers for Fayetteville’s First Revolutionary War park.