DAY TRIP

ALL IN A Day’s Trip Get Outside & Explore Story by Andy Cockrell Photos Contributed Fayetteville

North Carolinians are well versed in traveling to find outdoor adventure and recreation.

After all, the state offers both mountains and coast, and many families still plan annual vacations to spend a week in one of those locations. In between, there are a multitude of lakes and rivers, forests, green spaces and parks for convenient daily enjoyment. For most folks in North Carolina, when a person think’s of the city of Fayetteville the initial association is “military.” For over a century now, Fort Bragg (originally Camp Bragg) has trained and housed soldiers for every war since World War I. Now the vast base is known as the home of the 82nd Airborne Division and multiple special operations commands. However, Fayetteville, and its surrounding region, is much more than an Army town. This sandhills city on the Cape Fear River offers an abundance of outdoor adventure, opportunities that are well worth the drive to spend a day exploring new territory and even trying new things.

JUMP FROM AN AIRPLANE

The number one bucket list item for so many thrill seekers is skydiving. The Fayetteville area offers the chance to check that item off the list at Skydive Paraclete XP.

This business is actually located just a few miles down the road, in Raeford, but from 13,500 feet in the air (that’s over 2.5 miles above the ground, that’s high!) one can easily see Fayetteville in the distance!

The most difficult part of this opportunity is simply having the courage to do it. The jumper goes through a brief instructional class (20-30 minutes) to walk through the entire process and go over basic freefall and canopy skills. After that, its just get in the plane and trust the professional instructor who will be attached to you.

It only takes a minute or so to freefall 8,000 feet, then the instructor deploys the parachute at an altitude of 5,500 feet. From there, the canopy descent will take five to seven minutes. If one can convince some brave (or crazy!) friends to join in, there is a discount for groups of three to nine people and an additional discount for groups of 10 or more.

More information is available online at skydiveparacletexp.com, or by calling 910904-0000. FLY THROUGH THE TREES

If jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is a bit (or a lot!) too radical, Fayetteville offers another fantastic opportunity to get an adrenaline rush.

Zipquest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure is a true gem in Fayetteville’s fun mine. Located at 533 Carver Falls Road, the location feels much more like a mountain forest than a city.

Slick websites and selective photographs can create expectations that lead to disappointment when it comes to ziplining, but that is absolutely not the case with Zipquest. The course covers a large area, and the lines are both high and long going through and over incredible scenes.

My family has shown up to other courses to find that the entire course was visible from the parking lot. Hardly any of the Zipquest course is visible from the office base, and it’s so spread out that you feel like your group is

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the only one there.

One can choose from a treetop excursion or a longer waterfall expedition (it’s worth the extra money), during the day or at night for an extra degree of adventure.

And, for the more hardcore seekers, the “swing shot” offers a quicker but more extreme experience. This attraction is located on the edge of a cliff, the rider is lifted 3.5 stories in the air in a harness and then ‘dropped’ to fall for a moment before swinging out over the cliff.

To learn more, go to zipquest.com or call 910-488-8787. TAKE IT TO THE WATER

Local enthusiasts have plenty of river and lake spots on which to get their kayaking fix. Spring Lake Outpost makes it easy for the out-of-town traveler to do likewise.

Every Saturday and weekdays by appointment, these fine folks offer twohour excursions on the Little River. The Little River is less heralded than the Cape Fear River, but that has its advantages. The company describes the river as “a tucked away gem... undisturbed.” The Outpost rents single kayaks, double kayaks and canoes, and they provide shuttle transportation as well.

There are also popular themed events throughout the season, which runs from the end of March through the end of October.

To see more of what is offered or book a trip go to springlakeoutpost.com or by call 910-248-3409. PUT ON YOUR WALKING SHOES

The trip would not be complete without allowing for the most basic yet widely enjoyed outdoor pursuit – hiking. The goto trail in Fayetteville for that activity is the Cape Fear River Trail. This trail is paved, well maintained, and meanders through beautiful marshes and woodlands.

It is important to know that this five-mile trail is not a loop! One terminal end of the trail is at the Jordan Soccer Complex, 445 Treetop Drive (Methodist University). The other end is at Clark Park, 631 Sherman Drive.

REPLENISH THOSE CALORIES

After a day of outdoor fun, you’ll need to fill your belly before heading back home. If you ask Fayetteville residents for a list of the best and most iconic local eating establishments, Southern Coals Country Style Kitchen usually makes everybody’s list.

As the name suggests, the menu is highlighted by a variety of smoked meats: pulled pork, chicken breasts, brisket and ribs, along with plenty of side dish options. Diners can also choose from a variety of appetizers and side dishes. Should you have some room left for dessert, you can top off with a bowl of their sinfully sweet banana pudding.

Southern Coals is open Tuesday through Saturday, staying open until 10 p.m. on Thursday thru Saturday nights. The restaurant is located at 3319-C Raeford Road.