Take the Car and Discover These 3 Hidden Gems Near Fayetteville, NC

Oct 16, 2023

Located in the Coastal Plain region of the state and right by the banks of the Cape Fear River, the city of Fayetteville, NC is home to plenty of tourist attractions and places you should visit while driving around in your new 2024 BMW 530I. Besides the main landmarks, however, Fayetteville also features a myriad of hidden gems that can be easily reached by car from the city center.

1. J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center

Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center is located a little over three miles north of the Fayetteville city center and can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car via Ramsey Street. Offering swathes of beautiful nature, and plenty of recreational programs for families and individual visitors, this complex is an excellent place to check out while in the city.

J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center is located at 631 Sherman Drive and features a network of unpaved trails that make it the perfect place for a morning run or a relaxing stroll. If you are interested in learning more about the local wildlife, make sure to stop by the nature center, which features permanent exhibits and live animals.

2. Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Located at 536 N Eastern Boulevard and less than two miles east of the Fayetteville city center, Cape Fear Botanical Garden is another beautiful local attraction you should include in your list of places to visit while in the city. Covering more than 80 acres and nestled between Cross Creek and the Cape Fear Rive, this complex opened its doors in the late 1980s and is the perfect spot to get away from the urban bustle without driving too far.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden is open to the public every day of the week and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and other activities that bring together local residents and visitors from all over the state. Driving here from the city center takes a little over five minutes via Person Street and route I-95.

3. Smith Lake Recreation Area

If you are searching for a place where you can truly disconnect from the city, spend some time in nature, go for a swim, and spend some time with your loved ones, Smith Lake Recreation Area is the place to be. Located less than 10 miles north of the city center at 5144 Smith Lake Road, this place features swimming beaches, a campground, picnic spots, hiking and biking trails, and a disc golf course.

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