The first crisp morning of fall always makes me want to hit the road. The kind where the air smells cleaner, the sky looks sharper, and I can almost hear the leaves thinking about changing colors. That’s when I pull on my coziest “floofie” (a jacket so soft and fluffy it feels like cuddling with a pile of husky puppies) and start plotting an adventure full of fall coziness.
I’ll admit it, when I want dramatic leaf-peeping I head for the mountains. But when I’m craving a fall adventure where everyone can take part in the fun, Fayetteville is where I unpack my weekend bag. Here, the energy is just right for exploring together. Starting with a morning wandering through museums, an afternoon ziplining at ZipQuest or tossing a frisbee by the lake, a hearty meal with global flavors if I’m in the mood to travel by taste, and a cozy night with something warm in my mug, spiked or not.
As the Digital Marketing Manager for DistiNCtly Fayetteville, I believe fall in Cumberland County isn’t just a season, it’s a whole mood. One you can sip, taste, and wrap yourself in like your favorite floofie.
Sip Something Cozy
Fall officially starts for me with that first steaming cup of spiced apple cider or a hot toddy on a Friday night at Dirty Whiskey. Cinnamon drifting up in the steam, clove warming the air - they're the kind of drinks you wrap both hands around and relish the first cool nights of the season. Some weekends I like to indulge in a hot chocolate from The Coffee Scene or a seasonal latte at Winterbloom Tea. Around here, you’re never far from a locally owned spot that knows how to make a mug feel like an experience, and there’s always a cozy corner calling my name.
A Bite of Fall Comfort
Caramel apples with peanuts? Non-negotiable, especially when I can grab one from Uncle Zip's. A slice of pumpkin bread to go with the warm apple cider I'm craving? Well, I'm cheating a bit on that and heading to Smallcakes Cupcakery for their “Everything Fall Cupcake” which has historically been offered during fall. This better-than-pumpkin-bread is a pumpkin spice cake with dried cranberries, filled with apple, topped with sweet potato buttercream and perfectly fall-themed. Lastly when I'm looking for a big bowl of chili to really make me feel cozy I head to The Fried Turkey Sandwich Shop for some of their white bean turkey chili. In the fall, like all seasons, Fayetteville’s locally owned eateries lean into the flavors of the season in all the best ways, serving up tastes that feel like home and adventure all at once.
Fireside Evenings
When the sun dips and the air cools, I’m ready for firepit weather. Dirtbag Ales is a favorite for that and food truck grub too. String lights overhead, flames dancing, friends laughing...that's my jam. I’ve even found hotel courtyards with fire features are just as inviting, like the Fairfield Inn and Suites, and perfect for winding down after a day of exploring. It’s the kind of warmth that’s about more than temperature.
Slow Saturdays, Fayetteville Style
Some weekends call for a lakeside picnic with a good book. Others for a friendly round of disc golf at Smith Lake Recreation Area DGC (did you know Fayetteville is the 13th best disc golf destination in North Carolina?). Or maybe I’ll wander Gillis Hill Farm to pick out the perfect pumpkin, stop by Pate Farmer’s Market for a burst of color from their fall mums, or get delightfully lost in the corn maze at Gallberry Corn Maze. No matter the pace, Cumberland County makes it easy to find your perfect fall mix of movement and rest.
There’s so much to see and do in Cumberland County that I always make I have my download of our free Destination Guide before I head out. It’s my go-to for finding those can’t-miss spots. Already have your Destination Guide? Here’s a little extra: my Cozy Fall Weekend Itinerary for Greater Fayetteville. It’s perfect for Pinterest planning or printing before you pack.
Make It Your Coziest Season Yet
If you’re also dreaming of crisp mornings, warm drinks, and adventures wrapped in comfort, Greater Fayetteville is ready to welcome you. Download your free Destination Guide to start planning your trip and find your perfect blend of activities, flavors, and fall moments.
You might even see me there in my favorite floofy!
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