The week leading up to Veterans Day is an optimal time to visit Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
As neighbor to Fort Bragg, the largest military installation in the United States, Cumberland County boasts military sites that illustrate military history, special events to say thank you to veterans and plenty of veteran-owned businesses.
Rolling Thunder will host a motorcycle ride on Monday, Nov. 11, to honor veterans who have served, still serving, and who have fallen for America. All proceeds will go towards putting a wreath on one of the 6,000 graves at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery this December as part of Wreaths Across America.
The seventh annual Heroes Homecoming celebration is dedicated to acknowledging the service and sacrifice of our country’s brave active duty service members, veterans and their families. From Nov. 7-11, 31 partners will hold 22 events, making Heroes Homecoming one of the largest Veterans Day gatherings in the country.
This year’s celebration includes:
- Saturday, Nov. 9: Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fayetteville
- Sunday, Nov. 10: Veterans Day 5K & 1-Mile Run at Festival Park
- Monday, Nov. 11: Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally at the Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum preserves the extraordinary feats performed by airborne troops and their brother in arms, the special operations forces.
Military History
While Fort Bragg has played a large role in modern military history, Cumberland County has military ties back to the Revolutionary and Civil wars. This history, along with modern military history and the related sites to visit, are mapped out on the Patriot’s Past & Present cultural Heritage Trail.
Veteran-owned businesses
Some former service members and their families choose Fayetteville as their home and the location of their small business. Here are a few:
Fayetteville Pie Company – Open for lunch Monday through Saturday, Fayetteville Pie Company serves a savory and a sweet pie for each meal.
Dirtbag Ales – While working as an Army medic on the night shift at a military hospital, Vernardo “Tito” Simmons-Valenzuela traded the promise of free beer for life for a friend’s home brew kit. Today, with Simmons-Valenzuela as brew master, Dirtbag Ales uses locally sourced ingredients to create standard and seasonal brews. Dirtbag Ales recently opened a new 8000-square-foot brewery in Hope Mills.
Spring Lake Outpost – Owners of this river adventure and outdoor learning experience wanted more people to get to know the beauty of the Little River. The outpost offers 3.5-, 6- and 12-mile excursions. They provide canoes and kayaks and offer a shuttle service for an easy return trip.
For more information or for help planning a trip, head to VisitFayettevilleNC.com or call 1-888-98-HEROES.
