My day job sent me to Fayetteville/Fort Brag, NC for almost four months at the end of 2011. I pondered the title of my would be blog about the area while I was down there... "Three Seasons in the South", "Four Months in Fayetteville", "Lost in Dixie"... I spent my time thinking and driving, a great way for me to escape and be myself: listening to music, stopping for random photos, exploring new little towns/restaurants along the way, and probably driving a little too fast while playing the theme to the Dukes of Hazzard (I thought it was appropriate). All at once it hit me. My peace in travel was (and often is) in the journey itself, not a destination. So I will expand on what I've found on the "Back Roads of North Carolina" as I headed out and around Fayetteville, NC.
North of Fayetteville
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| Brunch Tostada w/Chorizo Sauce at Acme |
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| Carrboro Mural |
On one of my early journeys in September, I headed north (for some reason it seemed safer to me) along country roads through lush green tree lined back roads between Fayetteville and Chapel Hill. The roads stretched over rivers, rolling hills and through small towns with roads named "Main" and "Broad". This particular day was a Sunday and I wound up in Carrboro, next door to Chapel Hill and UNC. Upon exiting my car, I could hear live jazz playing in a local park near the co-op market, and smelled food all over. I was hungry and thought I might stop for brunch (snicker... in NC????!!! HA! Right). Regardless of my humor laughing at the would be hicks, I found a little restaurant called ACME, and was quite impressed. You can see my full review of their service
here. The rest of the little college town was very cool. I found a variety of shops, people, and was quite impressed by the number of murals painted all over town. The artistry and variety of them was absolutely amazing.
South of Fayetteville
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| Wooded Family Plot |
In the fall, I took another little back-road trip south to try some wineries and explore the scenery. I found one winery, but found their wines a bit tart for my taste. They had won some state awards though, just not my cup of tea. The second winery I "found", seemed a little too Deliverance-y for my tastes, and I hightailed it out of there before anyone could ask me to take a canoe trip, but I digress. The day trip was not a total loss. I took even more obscure roads this day: making turns down autumn leaf lined roads not sure where I was headed, but I had maps, a somewhat trusty GPS app on my phone, and a confidence in my ability to drive my car as a getaway mobile if need be. What I did find was amazing. While whizzing along a state road, something caught the corner of my eye. I flipped a U-turn and parked along the low shoulder. I was not disappointed. Venturing through some trees to a clearing was a small family plot. In the middle of nowhere was a quaint, small cemetery. I didn't venture too close as not to disturb. I just marveled, snapped a few photos, and went along my way.
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| Lumber River near Wagram, KY |
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| Old Farmhouse |
Further along in my travels that day, I wove back and forth over the Lumber river a few times. At one point, the curvy state roads of NC brought me over a small bridge at a quiet part of the river, so I flipped yet another U-turn to park and explore. The serene beauty of the river with the spotted clouds was stunning. I ventured along the bank of the river, snapping random photos and enjoying the quiet weekend afternoon. Other spots found me snapping photos of old broken down buildings, farm houses, and enjoying the scenery. The beauty I found along these country back roads was simply breathtaking, and well worth the price in gas and more to explore them.
Fayetteville, NC
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| Fayetteville's Old Town Hall Sq. |
I was very hesitant about going to Fayetteville. It conjured up images of a seedy military town comprised of dives, pawn shops, and other "establishments" of ill repute. Yes, there was some of that, but I found something else in the places I actually ventured: hospitality and good people. The "downtown" part of Fayetteville hosted fairs and events, and was attempting to recapture a "Main Street America" that you rarely see anymore. It even turned the old town hall into a traffic circle, where people could wander through as they shopped along Hay St. (the main drag) at the
small coffee shops, knick-knacky stores, the impressive beer and wine store, or even catch a movie at the small, revamped theater.
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Native American dance troupe at the
Fayetteville International Festival |
Now, I'd be amiss if I didn't mention the two places (sets of people really) that truly made me feel welcome in this land south of home. First, the staff at the
Extended Stay Deluxe in Fayetteville. They treated me as one of their own (even before getting halfway through my 4 month stay), made sure my pet was treated right, and looked out for me on local specials. I have no need to stay anywhere else if I return. Last, but certainly not least, the
Mellow Mushroom franchise in Fayetteville. This establishment's parking lot backed up to that of my hotel's, so I could easily walk through there by cutting through paths and doors in the fencing system between them. They not only have amazing food and a huge beer selection, but the staff and management treated me like family (and not just because they wanted tips either). They became what I like to call my "family in Fayetteville". They celebrated my little wins in life and listened to my woes as well. The farewell I received from them is still overwhelming in my eyes, and I will never forget them.
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| Mellow Mushroom Club Mug |
A Closing Thought
While for many, North Carolina creates imagery of muscle cars on blocks, tank tops, and missing teeth, it no longer does for me. I think of the beauty and hospitality I experienced there a midst an less than wanted work assignment and smile. So I tell you: head south, enjoy the scenery, experience the hospitality, and hoist your favorite beverage in toast of the
gems of NC found along its back roads.
