Military-Friendly Businesses

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Located on Fort Bragg, this museum offers an unparalleled look at the 'All American' Division. Features an extensive air park with C-47s and gliders, and exhibits tracking the division's history from WWI trenches to modern conflicts. Includes artifacts like Manuel Noriega's uniform.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM) is located in downtown Fayetteville and showcases the rich history and evolution of U.S. airborne troops and special operations forces. Featuring interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and immersive displays, the museum guides visitors through decades of military innovation from World War I to present day. A must-visit attraction for military families, veterans, and anyone interested in American military history.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Cozy, boutique Italian dining on Hay Street. Offers family recipes like Frutti Di Mare and chicken piccata in an energetic, family-style vibe.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Historical marker commemorating the site where George Herman 'Babe' Ruth hit his first professional home run in March 1914.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

Scenario paintball experience owned by combat veterans. Features tactical realism, hyperball courses, trenches, and wooded environments.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Restored early 1900s theater screening foreign films, documentaries, and indie movies. Cultural heartbeat of Hay Street, hosting festivals and special events.

Discount: Reduced military, senior, and student matinee/evening ticket pricing at the box office

Recreation & Fitness

Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers beautiful walking trails, birdwatching areas, and seasonal flower displays across 80 acres along the Cape Fear River. A peaceful oasis in Fayetteville, the garden features native plants, themed gardens, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. Perfect for nature lovers, families, photographers, and anyone seeking a tranquil outdoor experience.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Produces theatre that rivals major metropolitan stages, attracting professional talent. Note: During the Act 2 facility expansion on Hay Street, performances take place at 1707 Owen Drive; verify the venue on your ticket.

Discount: Military discount tickets and Military Appreciation Night performances for every mainstage run

Recreation & Fitness

A 7-mile paved multi-use path connecting the urban core with wild riverlands. Features boardwalks traversing wetlands, a covered bridge, and frequent wildlife sightings. Popular for runners, cyclists, and walkers.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Healthcare & Medical Services

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is North Carolina's 8th largest health system, providing exceptional healthcare services for all patients. Located in Fayetteville, NC, our medical center offers a comprehensive range of specialized services including emergency care, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and advanced surgical procedures. We're proud to serve the military community and Cumberland County residents with state-of-the-art medical care.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

Protects over 4,000 acres of longleaf pine forest. Features the historic Rockefeller house and agricultural structures at Long Valley Farm access, a 100-acre millpond, and rugged multi-use trails at the Sandhills access.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Standard-bearer for the farm-to-table movement in downtown. Features Southern classics with a modern twist using local ingredients. Sophisticated but approachable atmosphere.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The oldest existing structure in Fayetteville, dating back to 1788. A former tavern and boarding house with a storied past, offering a tangible link to the 18th century.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Established in 1785, this cemetery is rich in atmosphere and history. Resting place of diverse historical figures and features intricate stonework.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

Offers miles of trails for ATVs and dirt bikes. Features mud bogs, sand drag strips, and wooded trails for off-roading enthusiasts.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

A massive facility in Hope Mills featuring a taproom, outdoor playground, dog park, and sports field. Hosts a popular Sunday Farmers Market and features on-site restaurant Napkins.

Group events: Hosts Fort Bragg unit hail-and-farewell events, farmers markets, and family gatherings

Dining & Nightlife

Speakeasy-style bar in Hope Mills specializing in smoked cocktails, bourbon flights, and craft mixology. Shares space with Ashes Cigar Lounge.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

A popular spot near the base serving authentic Korean comfort food. Unpretentious and affordable, it's a favorite for soldiers and locals alike.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A 'mini-city' museum where imagination rules. Exhibits mimic a real town scaled down for children, focusing on role-play and social interaction.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Home to the oldest existing military unit in the South, formed in 1793. The museum houses rare militia artifacts, including the carriage used by the Marquis de Lafayette during his 1825 visit, original muskets, and uniforms.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Located on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College, this garden is home to over 1,000 rose bushes. Features a gazebo and fountain, offering a peaceful, floral oasis from April until the first frost.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Education & Training

Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a historically black university known for its robust academic programs and commitment to excellence. Located in Fayetteville, NC, FSU offers professional programs in Education, Social Work, Nursing, Business, and more. As a military-friendly institution, FSU proudly serves active duty military, veterans, and their families with flexible learning options and dedicated support services.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Education & Training

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) offers 300+ academic awards in areas including Business, Computer Information Technology, Engineering, Healthcare, Human Service Technology, Media and Fine Arts, Public Safety, Skilled Trades, and University Transfer. As one of North Carolina's premier community colleges, FTCC is committed to serving the military community with flexible programs, online courses, and comprehensive support services for active duty, veterans, and military families.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Downtown brewpub offering a relaxed, friendly vibe. Serves house-brewed beers and a menu of burgers and comfort food.

Group events: Hosts Fort Bragg unit hail-and-farewell events and community gatherings

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Intimate black-box style venue located above Fascinate-U museum. Known for producing contemporary plays, local originals, and thought-provoking dramas.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Family-owned for nine generations, this farm is a premier agritourism destination. Famous for its ice cream shop serving homemade scoops, and a self-guided walking tour past historic buildings and antique farm equipment.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Authentic Vietnamese restaurant offering deep, complex flavors. Signature dishes include Bun Thit Nuong (vermicelli with grilled pork) and Ga Xao Sa Ot (lemongrass chili chicken).

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

The recreational heart of Hope Mills, featuring a swimming beach, boat ramp, and waterfront park. A popular spot for summer picnics, paddling, and community events, with a scenic dam.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

The city's second-largest regional park, preserving natural woodlands along the river. Features a Nature Center with live animal exhibits, ranger-led programs, and unpaved trails leading to a scenic river overlook and waterfall.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

A comprehensive recreational facility centered around a beautiful lake, adjacent to a fish hatchery. Features a 1-mile border trail through wetlands, athletic fields, picnic shelters, and a playground.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

A Fayetteville institution since 1982, bridging the gap between Italian trattoria and high-end steakhouse. Features an extensive wine list and a patio with fire pits.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Statue in Cross Creek Park honoring the French hero. Fayetteville is the first city named after him and the only one he visited.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Education & Training

Methodist University is renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life in Fayetteville, NC. With a strong commitment to serving the military community, Methodist offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Business, Healthcare, Education, Criminal Justice, and more. The university provides flexible learning options, military-friendly policies, and dedicated support for active duty service members, veterans, and military families.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The first state park in North Carolina dedicated to all veterans—living and deceased—from every branch of the service. The park's design incorporates native flora, a 3,500-square-foot Visitors Center with a chandelier made from service member dog tags, and zones representing courage, honor, service, and sacrifice.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Authentic Irish pub founded by an Irish Army veteran. Famous for live music, pipe and drum bands, and walls covered in military memorabilia.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

Home to the largest vertical wind tunnel in the US. Offers indoor skydiving experiences for civilians and serves as a training facility for military and professionals.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Family-owned Egyptian restaurant in Hope Mills serving massive portions of koshari, falafel, and kabobs. Known for having some of the best hummus in the region.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Occupies a restored 19th-century building on Hay Street. Features an eclectic interior and a hidden rear courtyard oasis. Extensive coffee menu including frozen blended drinks.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Part of the Heritage Square complex, this 1797 house is rich in history and local lore, including the legend of the 'Lady in Black'.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Segra Stadium is the downtown Fayetteville ballpark at 460 Hay Street that opened in 2019 as the home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the Houston Astros' Single-A affiliate in the Carolina League. It has 4,600 fixed seats and a total capacity of 9,900, and the Woodpeckers clinched their first Carolina League championship there in September 2026. Beyond baseball, the stadium hosts Fayetteville Holiday Lights, the Pecktoberfest beer festival, college baseball showcases and private events.

Discount: Military appreciation ticket pricing available for active-duty and veteran fans via GovX

Dining & Nightlife

Barcade in Hope Mills featuring vintage arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and modern consoles. Offers craft beer and a social gaming environment.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

A local legend traditional bakery famous for doughnuts, croissants, and custom cakes. The 'Honey-Dipped' doughnut is a particular favorite.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Working farm and entertainment destination in Gray's Creek. Home to over 350 animals including exotics. Transforms seasonally for 'Backwoods Terror Ranch' and 'Festival of Lights'.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

Downtown's premier vertical playground with over 20,000 square feet of climbing surface. Offers bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Famous for deep-fried turkey breast sandwiches that are moist and flavorful. Signature items include the turkey club and Thanksgiving-style sandwich. Also known for excellent fried okra.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Chic wine and champagne bar on Hay Street. Features 'Instagrammable' floral walls, plush seating, wine flights, and charcuterie boards.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

Massive indoor playground featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, warrior obstacle course, and 'Sky Rider' indoor coaster. Perfect for family active play.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Dining & Nightlife

Offers loose-leaf teas, custom blends, and tea cocktails in a minimalist, chic downtown setting. Bridges the gap between a daytime cafe and evening lounge.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members

Recreation & Fitness

Consistently ranked as a top aerial adventure park, ZipQuest utilizes the topography of Carver's Falls for a world-class ziplining experience. Features the 'Waterfall Expedition' with eight ziplines and suspension bridges, and 'NightQuest' for night zipping.

Military-friendly status: Listed as supporting service members