Road Trips
The Carolinas have it all: beaches, mountains, historic sites and cities full of cultural activities. Here are some favorite destinations that are within driving distance of Fayetteville.
Wilmington
This historic port city is wedged between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Its historic waterfront downtown is filled with charming restaurants and shops. The USS North Carolina offers self-guided tours. Details: (910) 251-5797 or www.battleshipnc.com. Distance: 100 miles from Fayetteville.
N.C. Beaches
The beaches of Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure offer surf, sand and seafood restaurants. If you're looking for a beach that's a little more isolated, head a little farther down the coast to Holden Beach, where plenty of folks from Fayetteville spend summer weekends. Distance: 110 to 125 miles.
Raleigh
Raleigh has a historic state capitol, N.C. State University, a revitalized downtown and a diverse shopping and Swimmers and sunbathers flock to Myrtle Beach, S.C. arts scene. Besides being the state's capital city, it is home to the state's premier museums and performance arts venues. The N.C. Museum of Art, the N.C. Museum of History and the N.C. Museum Natural History offer guided tours and special events yearround. For dining and nightlife, the Glenwood area and Hillsborough Street are hopping with restaurants, bars and clubs.
While Raleigh feels like a big city, it has maintained its green spaces, including parks, lakes and hiking and biking trails. Distance: 60 miles.
Charlotte
With 286 Fortune 500 companies , Charlotte is the business hub of the South. But it also offers plenty of things to do after business hours. It's home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, and just north of the city is Lowe's Motor Speedway. Distance: 150 miles.
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Myrtle Beach is smack in the middle of the oceanfront-resort and entertainment mecca known as the Grand Strand. There are attractions stretching from the North Carolina state line to Georgetown, S.C., including an outlet mall, restaurants, nightclubs and more than 100 golf courses. Details: www.mbchamber.com or (800) 488- 8998. Distance: 100 miles.
Asheville
Downtown Asheville is home to a host of locally owned shops and art galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues. While you're there, take a tour of Biltmore Estate, a 250-room mansion situated on 8,000 acres. The self-guided tour features 65 fireplaces, priceless artwork, an indoor swimming pool, a bowling alley and acres of roses and azaleas. You can also visit the estate's awardwinning winery. Details: www.biltmore.com or (800) 624-1575. Distance: 265 miles.
Amusement Parks
Carowinds near Charlotte is a theme park that offers thrill rides, family attractions and a water park for cooling off. Details: www.carowinds.com.
Emerald Pointe off Interstate 85 in Greensboro offers slides and pools for all ages, as well as shops and eateries. Details: www.emeraldpointe.com.
This spring, Hard Rock Park, a 55- acre theme park, opened in Myrtle Beach with more than 50 attractions and entertainment venues. Details: www.hardrockpark.com.
Aquariums
The North Carolina Aquariums are located in Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island, and, closest to Fayetteville, Fort Fisher, which is just south of Kure Beach. Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the Fort Fisher aquarium showcases "The Waters of the Cape Fear." A tour of the 93,000- square- foot state-owned facility provides a journey down the Cape Fear River, from freshwater streams and swamps, to coastline habitats, to reefs and the open ocean. Details: www.ncaquariums.com.
Nothing can soil a budding friendship with a new neighbor more than an obnoxious pet. You know, the dogs that are constantly barking or running loose in the neighborhood. The cats that leave tiny paw prints on the hoods of cars and continually populate the area. So know the rules and don't clip the ties that bind you and your neighbors.
You can get loads of information on what's required and desired for your lil' bow wow -- or your meow mix -- from the county's animal control department -- www.co.cumberland.nc.us/ccac or 321-6851.
Caption for photo or image goes here. In Cumberland County, you may have up to three adult dogs; there is no limit on the number of cats. There is no limit on the number of pets a Fayetteville resident can own.
Dogs and cats must be registered with Cumberland County Animal Control. The fee is $7 per animal. If your dog or cat is 4 months or older, it must be vaccinated against rabies. Several times each year, clinics are held with the vaccine being offered at discount prices.