WHERE TO EAT
Dining out is the favorite pastime for people in this area and military pay weekends will mean long waits most anywhere you go. You’ll find most every fast food and na-tional chain restaurant somewhere in the Bragg area. Favorites include: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Hooter’s, Tripp’s, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, Logan’s Road-house, Ruby Tuesday, O’Charley’s, Chili’s, Applebee’s, Carrabba’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, On the Border, Moe’s Southwestern Grill, Beef O’Brady’s, IHOP, Smokey Bones, Buffalo Wild Wings, Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse, Golden Corral (the first location was here), Crazy Fire Mongolian Grill and many, many, more.

There are also lots of locally owned restaurants in the region and a wide variety of in-ternational dining spots, thanks in no small part to the all the people the military has brought here from around the world.

AMERICAN
The Mash House
Huske Hardware House
Fred Chason’s Grandson’s Country Buffet
Carolina Ale House
Circa 1800
Chris’s Open Hearth Steak House
The Barn
Hamburger Heaven
Hot Diggity Dog (the best hot dogs you’ll ever eat!)
316 Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
Scruboaks Restaurant

ITALIAN
Luigi’s
Pierro’s Italian Bistro
Elizabeth Pizza
Brooklyn Pizza
Rudino’s Pizza & Grinders

MEXICAN/SOUTH AMERICAN
Monterrey
Plaza Garibaldi
Mi Casita
La Fogata (Colombian)

GREEK/MIDDLE EASTERN/ INDIAN
Zorba’s
Haymount Grill
Taj Mahal
Bombay Bistro
Turkish Grill
Sherefe Mediterranean Grill

ASIAN
Samurai Sushi & Japanese Steakhouse
Sushi Court
Shila Korean Restaurant
Saigon Garden
Tung Sing
Thai Pepper

GERMAN/EUROPEAN
Wolf American German Restaurant
Taste of Europe
Max & Moritz German Restaurant and Bakery

KID-FRIENDLY DINING/ENTERTAINMENT
Chuck E. Cheese (you know why!)
Red Robin (lots to look at/give away balloons)
Joe’s Crab Shack (has a big sand pit/playground)
Monkey Joe’s (food is limited to pizza & hot dogs, but the kids won’t mind and they have WiFi & recliners for parents)
McDonald’s (several locations have a playland)
Chick Fil A (several locations have a playland)
Sonic (large outdoor sandpit/playland/volleyball court)

NIGHTLIFE
Besides eating, the other big pastime here is drinking. Surprise, surprise. In 1987 Time Magazine even named Bragg’s soldiers “America’s Most Physically Fit Alcoholics” - a dubious honor, no doubt, but it does mean that we have some great bars! Here are a few of the popular ones:

The Mash House (bar/brewery/live music)
Huske Hardware House (bar/brewery/live music/DJ)
Paddy’s (Irish Pub/ live music)
The Office (bar/jukebox)
Cadillac Ranch (country bar, line dancing)
Itz Entertainment City (nightclub complex/DJ/comedy club/cigar bar)
The Treehouse/The Ugly Stick (two bars, outdoor deck, live music/DJ)
The Big Apple (DJ/sports bar)
Doc’s at The Capitol (entertainment complex, similar to a Jillian’s or a Dave & Buster’s)
Charley Mike’s (bar)
BS Jones (bar)
Sports USA (huge sports bar complex on post)
The Highlander (small pub)
Jesters Pub (live music/major rock & hard rock bands)
The Rock Shop (live rock, hip hop & Latin music)
The SpeakEasy Nightclub (cigar/martini bar/DJ)

(Note: North Carolina’s alcohol laws require that bars that are not primarily restaurants be treated as private clubs. You may be asked to “join” the club and pay a membership fee the first time you go. Usually one “member” can bring in several guests so everyone in your group will not have to join. You may still have to pay a cover charge even if you are a member.)

THINGS TO DO

CONCERTS
Major concerts that come to the Bragg area usually take place on post, in the Crown Co-liseum or outside in Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville. Major artists do frequently stop in the Bragg area, but for arena-type concerts you will have to travel to a neighboring city:

RALEIGH/DURHAM/CHAPEL HILL– about 90 minutes away.
WILMINGTON, NC (and the Wilmington Beaches) – about two hours away.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – about two hours away
GREENSBORO/HIGH POINT/WINSTON-SALEM – about three hours away
CHARLOTTE, NC – about three hours away

SPORTS
You can sit and watch high-quality sports any season of the year somewhere in the Bragg area. Here are some of the favorites:

FAYETTEVILLE SWAMPDOGS – Coastal Plain League baseball team that draws col-lege players during the summer time. The Fayetteville SwampDogs play the home half of its 56-game schedule between late May and early August at J.P. Riddle Stadium, which seats 2,500 fans.
FAYETTEVILLE GUARD – Professional arena squad plays its 14-game regular season as part of the American Indoor Football Association at the Crown Coliseum from March to June in Fayetteville.
FIREANTZ – Professional ice hockey team for all but one season since the Crown Coli-seum opened in 1997. The FireAntz won the SPHL championship during the 2006-07 season. They got a shot at a second Presidents Cup in 2008-09, but fell to the Knoxville (Tenn.) Ice Bears.
STOCK CAR RACING – The region has an abundance of oval-track activity from mid- March through mid-October.  For those who prefer their racing on asphalt, there's Dil-lon (S.C.) Motor Speedway. Rockingham Speedway, a 1-mile former NASCAR track, is home to two ARCA ReMax series races in 2009, as well as the UARA and USA Racing circuits.

MUSEUMS
There are also several museums in the area that are well-worth visiting. Not surprising-ly, the military-themed museums are especially top-notch and the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, which is on par with major museums in large cities, is the gem of Fayetteville’s downtown area.

Arts
THE FAYETTEVILLE MUSEUM OF ART: 839 Stamper Road. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Informa-tion: 485-5121 or www.fayettevillemuseumart.org.

History
MUSEUM OF THE CAPE FEAR: 801 Arsenal Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Admission is free. Information: 486-1330.
FAYETTEVILLE AREA TRANSPORTATION AND LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM: 325 Franklin St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Free admission. Information: 433-1455.

Military
AIRBORNE AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS MUSEUM: 100 Bragg Blvd. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Closed most Mon-days, but open federal holiday Mondays. Information: 643-2766 or www.asomf.org.
82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM: Building C-6841 Ar-dennes St., Fort Bragg. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday with the exception of federal holidays. Information: 432-3443 or go to www.bragg.army.mil/18abn/museums.htm.
JFK SPECIAL WARFARE MUSEUM: Colonel Arthur D. "Bull" Simons Memorial Building, on Ardennes Street, Fort Bragg. Hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays. Open Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Admission is free. Information: 436-7717.

Children
FASCINATE-U CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 116 Green St. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues-day, Thursday, Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 per child and $1 per adult. Information: 433-1573 or go to www.fascinate-u.com.

THEATERS
The Bragg area boasts several regional theaters which produce plays and musicals throughout the year.
CAPE FEAR REGIONAL THEATRE: Founded in 1962 as Fayetteville Little Theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre has grown into a respected regional playhouse that features a mix of professional and amateur talent. The theater is at 1209 Hay St. Call 323-4234 or go to www.cfrt.org.
GILBERT THEATER: The theater was founded in the basement of artistic director Lynn Pryer's home. Today, it stages plays above the Fascinate-U Children's Museum on Green Street. The Gilbert prefers edgier works, although it has made a holiday tradition of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Call 678-7186 or go to www.gilberttheater.com.
TEMPLE THEATRE: The downtown Sanford, NC theater has presented plays since 1984 in a former vaudeville house. Call (919) 774-4155 or go to www.templeshows.com.
GIVENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: The center is on the campus of the Universi-ty of North Carolina at Pembroke.
HARNETT REGIONAL THEATRE: The Dunn, NC theater has presented a wide varie-ty of plays for the past 33 years. It stages productions at Stewart Theater, 114 N. Wilson Ave. Call (910) 892-8143 or go to www.onlinehrt.org.
SAMPSON COMMUNITY THEATRE: The theater at 115 Fayetteville St. in Clinton, NC has been providing a full slate of musicals, comedies and dramas for years. Call (910) 592-8653 or go to www.sampsoncommunitytheater.com.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
There are enough fairs, festivals and other family-friendly activities around the regions to fill most of your weekends, especially between April and October. Here are some of the best ones:

January
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION – J.W. Seabrook Auditorium, Fayetteville State University. Information: (910) 672-1474.

March
EASTERN CAROLINA CRAFTMEN’S FESTIVAL – Crown Coliseum complex, Fayetteville. Information: (910) 483-2040.
OLD FASHIONED PLANTER’S DAY –  White Oak, NC late March. Music, antique tractor pull, food and rides. Information: (910) 866-4543.

April
FAYETTEVILLE DOGWOOD FESTIVAL – Festival Park, downtown Fayetteville. Street fair, dancing, live music, food, arts and crafts. Information: (910) 323-1934.
NORTH CAROLINA PICKLE FESTIVAL – Mount Olive, NC. Celebrates the agricul-tural heritage of the area with music and more. Information: (919) 658-3113 or www.ncpicklefest.org.
STORYTELLING FESTIVAL OF CAROLINA – Laurinburg, NC. Nationally known and local storytellers at the historic John Blue House. (910) 276-7316 or www.storytellingfestivalofcarolina.org.
FORT BRAGG CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL – Fort Bragg fairgrounds. Games, rides, more. 396-7632.

May
THE NORTH CAROLINA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Chadbourn, NC. Parade, his-toric homes tour, beauty queens, food and crafts. Information: (910) 654-4259 or www.ncstrawberryfestival.com.
SANFORD POTTERY FESTIVAL – Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, Sanford, NC. Pot-tery from all over the Southeast, displays, techniques and music. Information: (919) 770-8002 or www.sandfordpotteryfestival.com.
FIELD OF HONOR – Downtown Fayetteville, May. Personalized flags will honor vet-erans and active-duty servicemen. Information: (910) 222-3382.
FORT BRAGG FAIR – Fort Bragg fairgrounds, early May. Rides, food, concerts and other entertainment over more than two weeks. Information: (910) 396-6126 or www.fortbraggmwr.com.
WHITE LAKE WATER FESTIVAL – White Lake, NC. Late May. Water skiing, parade, road race and art shows. Information: (910) 862-4800 or www.whitelakenc.com.
GLORY DAYS – Downtown Fayetteville. Patriotic celebration. Information: (910) 222-3382.
CROSS CREEK BLUES-N-BREWS FESTIVAL – Festival Park, downtown Fayetteville. Late May or early June. Micro-brew tasting and live blues music. Information: (910) 323-4234.

June
AMMON BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL – Bladen County, NC. Pancake breakfast, parade, rides, crafts and antique car show. Information: (910) 588-4592.
NATIONAL HOLLERIN’ CONTEST – World famous competition of the biggest big mouths around. Spivey's Corner. Information: (910) 567-2600.
LUMBEE HOMECOMING – Pembroke, NC. Late June or early July. Sports, pageants, crafts and food all to celebrate the Lumbee Indian tribe. Information: (910) 521-8602.
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL – Malcolm Blue Farm, Aberdeen, mid-June. (910) 944-7558 or www.malcolmbluefarm.com.

July
FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES – Fort Bragg and the town of Hope Mills are among the communities celebrating the Fourth with games, music, food and fireworks. Infor-mation: Call Fort Bragg at (910) 396-6126 or Hope Mills at (910) 424-4500.
BLUES CRAWL – Downtown Southern Pines, July. Call (910) 692-8501 or visit www.sunrisetheater.com.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY – Seagrove, NC. World-famous Seagrove Potters will have their wares on display and on sale, and special events will be held. Information: (336) 873-7887 or (800) 626-2672 or www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com.

August
NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAYS – Airborne & Special Operations Museum. The salute to the military will feature equipment displays, re-enactments, music performances and a parachute
UMOJA FESTIVAL – Seabrook Park, Aug. 22. This family festival with an emphasis on African-American heritage will feature storytellers, artists, dancers and music. Informa-tion: 488-7130.

September
LABOR DAY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL – Pinehurst Resort, 80 Carolina Vista Drive. There will be wine tastings, seminars and cooking demonstrations from guest chefs. In-formation: (800) 487-4653 or www.pinehurst.com.
CAPE FEAR FAIR – Fayetteville Motor Speedway, 3704 Doc Bennett Road. Agricultur-al exhibits, rides, music, monster truck shows. (910) 323-1711 or www.capefearfair.org.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY FAIR – Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, Sept. 10-20. Rides, games, food, live entertainment. Information: 323-5088 or www.cumberlandcountyfair.org.
GREEK FEST – Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Greek foods, live bands, dance troupes and more. Information: (910) 484-2010, 484-8925 or www.stsch.nc.goarch.org.
N.C. TURKEY FESTIVAL – Raeford, NC. The annual celebration features food, crafts and entertainment including a parade. Information: (910) 904-2424 or www.ncturkeyfestival.org.
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL – Wagram, Sept. 12. Music, vendors, wine tastings and a grape stomp. Information: (910) 369-0411 or www.visitnc.com.
32ND ANNUAL INTERNATION FOLK FESTIVAL – Downtown Fayetteville. Repre-sentatives of dozens of countries celebrate the diversity of the region with food, cos-tumes and a Parade of Nations. Information: (910) 323-1776 or www.theartscouncil.com.
MALCOLM BLUE HISTORICAL CRAFTS & FARM SKILLS FESTIVAL –  Aberdeen, NC. Traditional crafts and skills, barnyard animals, Civil War re-enactments, pony and wagon rides, and museum tours. Information: (910) 944-7558 or www.malcolmbluefarm.com.

October
SCOTLAND COUNTY HIGHLAND GAMES – Historic John Blue House complex, Laurinburg.
CAMERON ANTIQUES FAIR – Hundreds of dealers display their antiques and collectibles along streets in the historic district of Cameron. Information: (910) 245-3055 or www.antiquesofcameron.com.
INTERNATIONAL SARDINE FESTIVAL –Aberdeen, NC. Sardines, RC Cola, Moon Pies and the crowning of the Sardine Queen. Information: (910) 944-1115.
OKTOBERFEST, Fort Bragg Fairgrounds. Food, carnival rides, entertainment. Informa-tion: (910) 396-6126.
OLE MILL DAYS – Hope Mills Municipal Park. Crafts, food, music, storytelling, kiddie rides and costume contests. Information: (910) 424-4555 or www.townofhopemills.com.

November
HOLLY DAY FAIR – Crown Center, Fayetteville. The largest gift and craft show in eastern North Carolina. Sponsored by the Junior League of Fayetteville. Information: (910) 323-5088 or www.jlfay.org.
FESTIVAL OF TREES – Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst. Featuring lavishly decorated trees, wreaths and tabletop trees, as well as live bands, a silent auction and pictures with Santa. Benefits Sandhills Children's Center. Information: (910) 692-3323 or www.festivaloftrees.org.
SEAGROVE POTTERY FESTIVAL – Seagrove, NC. North Carolina potters present their works. Information: (336) 873-7887 or www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com.
A DICKENS HOLIDAY – Downtown Fayetteville. Annual event held each year on the day after Thanksgiving. Carolers, carriage rides and costumed actors portraying charac-ters from "A Christmas Carol." Information: (910) 323-1776 or www.theartscouncil.com.
EASTERN CAROLINA CRAFTMEN’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL – Crown Center, Fayetteville. More than 100 exhibitors selling handmade arts and crafts. Information: (910) 323-5088 or 483-2040.

December
THE MEADOW LIGHTS – Meadow, NC. Annual display of Christmas lights and children’s activities. www.meadowlights.net
NEW YEAR’S PARTY IN THE PARK – Festival Park, downtown Fayetteville, Dec. 31. Music, children's activities, fireworks, countdown to the new year. (910) 323-1934.

WINERIES
There are nearly 100 wineries in the state of North Carolina and many are within a couple of hours drive of Fort Bragg. Most offer varieties of wine made from the native sweet muscadine grape as well as other varieties. The oldest and most famous of NC’s wineries is the Duplin Winery and that winery, like the others listed below (the nearest ones to Bragg) has tours and tastings and hosts lots of activities on the premises.

CYPRESS BEND VINEYARDS – 21904 Riverton Road
Wagram, NC 28396.  www.cypressbendvineyards.com (910) 369-0411
LU MIL VINEYARDS & CABINS – 474 Suggs-Taylor Rd. Dublin, NC 28332. www.lumilvineyard.com  (910) 866-5819
LA BELLE AMIE WINERY – 1120 St. Joseph Road, Elizabethtown, NC 28337.  www.labelleamie.com (910) 645-6450
ENOCH WINERY & VINEYARD – 3735 NC Hwy 50 S., Benson, NC 27504. (919) 207-0100
A SECRET GARDEN WINERY – 1008 Airport Road. Pikeville, NC 27863 . www.asecretgardenwinery.com (919) 734-0260
HINNANT FAMILY VINEYARDS & WINERY – 826 Pine Level-Micro Rd., Pine Level, NC 27568 www.hinnantvineyards.com (919) 965-3350
DUPLIN WINERY – US 117 N., I-40 Exit 380,  Rose Hill, NC 28458  www.duplinwinery.com (910) 289-3888

Family Fun
The Bragg region is filled with young families, so there are lots of things to keep kids entertained on the weekends. And, if you decide to venture out a bit, the NC Zoo is just a couple of hours northwest in Asheboro and the NC Aquarium is a couple of hours southeast near Wilmington.

Movie Theaters
Market Fair 15: 1916 Skibo Road, 868-9888
Wynnsong 7: 3039 Boone Trail Road Extension, 223-0395
Carmike 12: 439 Westwood Shopping Center, 864-3388
Cameo Art House: 225 Hay St., 486-6633. Features independent films and some main-stream movies.
Omni Theater: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Road, 487-5530. Features only second-run films.
Millstone Theater: 3400 Footbridge Lane Fayetteville, NC 28306 (910) 354-2124

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Skateboarding
Mega Skate Plaza, 500 Blount St., 867-2424. This facility boasts a 45,000-square-foot in-door skate park and skate shop.

Bowling Lanes
B&B Bowling Lanes, 3003 Fort Bragg Road, 484-5178
Lafayette Bowling Lanes, 3313 Raeford Road, 484-0113
North View Lanes, 5307 Ramsey St., 822-6446
Dragon Bowling Center, Reilly Street on Fort Bragg, 907-2695
Pope Bowling Center, 751 Armistead St. on Pope Air Force Base, 394-2891
Airborne Lanes, off Bastogne Drive on Fort Bragg, 432-6899

Ice Skating
Cleland Multipurpose Sports Complex, Reilly Street on Fort Bragg, 396-5127. Admission is $2 to $6.

Roller Skating
Round-A-Bout Skating Center offers two locations: 880 Elm St., 484-4465, and 115 Ska-teway Drive, 860-8900. Both locations are open on Saturday mornings for slow rollers and beginners. Inline and standard skates are available at each site.

Miniature Golf (Putt-Putt was invented in Fayetteville, so you have to try it while you’re here!)
Round-A-Golf, 115 Skateway Drive, 860-8900.
Mountasia, 3729 Sycamore Dairy Road in Omni Plaza, 487-6001
Fun, Fun, Fun Mini Golf, 4670 Cumberland Road, 487-8585. Admission is $6 per person. Children younger than 5 play for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Climbing Places
RedPoint Indoor Rock Climbing, 5213 Raeford Road, Suite 103, 868-7625. More than 8,000 square feet of indoor rock climbing walls. This location also offers mixed martial arts lessons and CrossFit training.
The Climbing Place, 436 W. Russell St., 486-9638. More than 18,000 square feet of climb-ing surface. Weekly specials are offered, and equipment is available for rent and for sale.

Paintball
Black River Paintball has two locations. Its indoor field and store is at 504 N. McPherson Church Road and can be reached at 860-4469. Its outdoor field is at 1100 McArthur Road, 860-4461.


ON  POST FAMILY FUN
Fort Bragg's Morale, Welfare and Recreation department gives families plenty of op-tions for on-post activities.
Airborne Lanes:  Bowling - Bastogne and Ardennes streets. 432-6899.
USO Center: Blackjack and Goldberg streets. 4,300-square-foot center with cyber cafe, movie room, video game room and game tables. 495-1437.
Clay Target Center: N.C. 87 North to East Manchester Road. Twelve competition-level fields. Open Thursday through Sunday. 436-9489.
Cleland Ice Rink: Reilly Street, just north of Longstreet Road. Private rental, birthday parties, adult/youth hockey leagues, racquetball/wallyball courts. 396-5127.
McKellar's Lodge: Gruber Road, overlooking McKellar's Lake. Picnic areas available, rod and gun club, restaurant, bar and lounge. 907-5253.
Smith Lake Riding Stables: Smith Lake Road, off Murchison Road. Horse camps, trail rides, pony rides, hay rides, horse shows, birthday parties. 396-4510.
Sports USA: Longstreet Road. Big-screen TVs, pool and dart tournaments, sand volley-ball, multiplayer online games, seating for 360. 907-0739.
Ryder Golf Course: Normandy Drive. Junior camps, Divot restaurant, water holes, roll-ing hills. 907-4653.
Stryker Golf Course: Eighteen-hole Donald Ross designed layout. Amenities include practice facilities, a spacious clubhouse, golf shop with latest golf equipment, and locker rooms. Located on Bragg Boulevard between Knox Street and Gruber Road. Civilians admitted. Call 396-3980 to schedule tee time.

FORT BRAGG LAKES
All Fort Bragg lakes, except Smith Lake, are off limits to swimming, water-skiing and Jet Skis. There is no boat motor size restriction on McArthur and Mott lakes. All others have a maximum 25-horsepower restriction. For more information, visit www.bragg.army.mil/wildlife.
Managed lakes: Texas Lake (29 acres), McArthur Lake (70 acres), Mott Lake (138 acres), Little Muddy Lake (31 acres), Overhills Lake (36 acres), Deer Pen Lake (4 acres), Quail Lake (5 acres), Croatan Lake (3 acres), Smith Lake (68 acres).
Catfish lakes: Bank fishing only. Lower McKellars Lake (16 acres), Wyatt Lake (8 acres), Andrews Church Lake (6 acres), Mossgeil Lake (7 acres).
Intensively managed lakes: Minnows cannot be used for bait. Simmons Lake (13 acres), Holland Lake (11 acres), McFayden Pond (8 acres), Hurley Lake (8 acres), Keist Lake (14 acres), Boundary Line Lake (15 acres).
McKellars Lake: Fort Bragg. 224 acres. Fishing, small-craft boating, camping. 396-7506 or www.bragg.army.mil/wildlife.

HUNTING ON FORT BRAGG
To hunt on Fort Bragg you need:
•    A certified hunter safety card from any state.
•    One hour of instruction on hunting on post.
•    A Fort Bragg hunting permit.
•    A state hunting license. For more information, call the Fort Bragg Hunting and Fishing Center and Wildlife Enforcement, 396- 7506, or go to www.bragg.army.mil/wildlife.


HIKING & BIKING
Cape Fear River Trail: This 10-foot wide paved path winds through nearly four miles of hilly woodlands and flat terrain alongside the Cape Fear River. Wooden bridges, a 700-foot boardwalk and a covered bridge make the trail memorable. It's open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. until dusk Monday through Saturday, and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sun-days. Located at 1572 Sherman Drive.
Mazarick Park: Shady dirt trails are part of this 80-acre park. Some lead to a fishing pond and disc-golf course. The park is open from 8 a.m. until dusk. At 1612 Belvedere Ave. and 1368 Belvedere Ave.
Smith Lake: Known as a nice introductory trail for mountain bikers, the paths at Smith Lake on Fort Bragg are divided into three interlocking loops ranging from an easy green trail to the black trail's logs, climbs and bridges. Each trail is two to three miles long. Daily fee is $5, annual fee is $20. At 1129 Smith Lake Road.
Linear Park: A pedestrian trail follows Cross Creek from Ray Avenue to North Cool Spring Street downtown. Two bridges and a fountain are part of the trail, which has been completed in phases and eventually will join the Cape Fear River Trail.
Weymouth Woods: Six hiking trails and a bridle trail run 4.6 miles through this 898-acre Sandhills nature preserve. Ancient longleaf pines shade the paths, which are most-ly sandy and flat. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until October. 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines.
Lake Rim Park: Wooden bridges and dirt trails are nestled in 30 acres near a fishing education center, old hatchery ponds and Lake Rim. The park is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during summer months. 2214 Tar Kiln Drive.


SHOPPING

Cross Creek Mall is the major shopping center in the area with over 150 stores, includ-ing American Eagle, Charlotte Russe, Gymboree, The Children’s Place, Victoria’s Secret, Build A Bear Workshop, Pier One, Forever 21, Express, The Disney Store, Sears, Macy’s, Belk and J.C. Penney.
Outside of the mall, in the surrounding area, you’ll find Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, Ross, Target, Best Buy, H.H. Gregg, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ulta, Talbots, Petsmart, Stein Mart, and more craft stores than you can imagine.
About 30 minutes north on I-95 the Carolina Premium Outlets shopping center in Smithfield include outlets for Banana Republic, Aeropostale, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Hanes Bali Playtex, Izod, Lane Bryant, Lucky, Nautica, Motherhood Maternity, Tommy Hillfiger, Rue 21, Carter’s, Gymboree, Hartstrings, Strasburg, Stride Rite, Nine West, Coach, Fossil, Le Creuset, Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle  – and  a whole bunch more!
The Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill (about 90 minutes west on I-40) boasts nine shop-ping malls with most every store imaginable.
Charlotte, about three hours away, has an Ikea
 

ON POST SHOPPING
There are two PX’s on Fort Bragg, North Post and South Post. South Post looks nicer but has more practical things and home wares. North Post is an older building but has more clothing, perfume, etc. North Post PX sells Coach, Dooney & Burke, high end cosmetics & perfume and Kiehls. Both PX locations have a variety of electronics but North Post has more gardening equipment and has a wide selection of plants in the spring, summer & fall. The two Commissaries on Bragg are both very nice and both are located beside the two PX’s. There is also a Mini-Mall with a large food court, Starbucks, sporting goods store and uniform store on Reilly Road and there are shoppettes (convenience stores) located in several locations on post.


HAIR & BEAUTY
The Renaissance European Day Spa (a bit pricey but very nice and has free child care)
Suki’s Hair Design & Day Spa
The Clip Joint
Mopheads
Cape Fear Aesthetics

EXERCISE
There are 12 gyms on Fort Bragg, all boasting different equipment and amenities and all open to dependents as well as active duty service members. You can learn more about the gyms and see a comparison chart here.

Each on post neighborhood has a it’s own new community center with a giant-sized swimming pool (with wading pools for babies and toddlers) and a small fitness center located in the community center. The community centers and pools are for resident use only and residents must show proof of residency, though each may bring one guest with them. There are also large number of gyms around the area as well as private stu-dios for martial arts, yoga, CrossFit and other athletic pursuits. Here are some of the most popular places to work out, as a bonus, all of these offer childcare:

The Spa Fitness & Wellness Center
HealthPlex
Omni Health & Fitness

Fayetteville, NC, the largest city near Fort Bragg, has tried in recent years to brand itself as America’s most military friendly community. Fayetteville was officially designated as a “Sanctuary City” for military families in 2008, which means that the city’s leaders hope it will be a place where service members like to live and will feel supported. This is great news for military families because it means that there are several groups in the area that exist solely to support service members and their families, particularly during deployments.

Here are some of the military support groups and resources in the Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base area:

82nd Airborne Wounded Warrior Committee
Contact: Ms. Wesley Baugess
Phone: (910)988-2506
wbauguess@msn.com
The 82nd Airborne Division Wounded Warrior Committee was started in September 2007 by 82nd Airborne Division Spouses. The Division Ladies have been able to provide special items to our wounded Paratroopers as a gesture of our gratitude and on-going love and support. These items include: Break-away pants (helpful for soldiers with leg injuries), full-zip fleece jackets, Unit T-shirts and shorts (to promote and continue unit pride), micro-bead pillows, "thank you" notes and holiday greeting cards.

The 82nd Airborne Division Wounded Warrior Committee is currently composed of Army Spouses and Surviving Spouses. We all have a vested interest in doing the right thing for our Wounded Heroes. They will not be forgotten.

A Hero's Tribute.Org
Contact: CherylPolk
910-574-0008
aherostribute_org@yahoo.com
Provides free online memorials to families and sends an 8 x 10 memorial print and a memorial gift for each child.


Airborne Attic
Contact: Cindy Smith
910-396- 6013
cynthia.smith7@us.army.mil
Provides support for soldiers and family members E-4 and below at Fort Bragg with furniture, household goods and baby items/clothing free of charge. Soldiers E-5 and above are allowed use in emergency situations with prior approval from the Relocation Readiness Manager. The Airborne Attic operates completely from donations. Clean, in good usable condition items are generously donated to the Attic from our soldiers, family members, businesses, organizations and the local community. These items are inventoried and organized for distribution directly to soldiers & family members in need of assistance.

Airman & Family Readiness Center
Contact: H. Wayne Hill, Flight Chief
A.    910 394-2538
howard.hill@us.af.mil
Provides printed information, education, and individual assistance during all phases of deployments.
Provides emergency financial assistance to Air Force members, both active duty and retired and their dependents through interest-free loans or grants.
Operates a food closet with dry/canned goods and meat products, provided to families who are unable to obtain food due to lack of funds or an unforeseen emergency.
Provides assistance to the Pope community to locate agencies for requested services on base or in the local community to meet health, social or psychological needs.
Helps to enhance the marketability and employability of spouses and active duty members through individual counseling and classes including:
Provides training opportunities for volunteers and volunteer administrators and coordinates the yearly base wide recognition program.
Offers information, education and counseling on a variety of financial topics.
Provides information and assistance to military personnel and their families who are involved in or anticipating a permanent change of station (PCS) move or separation/retirement.
Provides separating or retiring members and their families the skills and knowledge required to make a successful transition to a second career or retirement. Enhances the well-being of families and strengthens their adaptation to the unique demands of Air Force life.


American Heroes Return - Camp Hero, Military Transition Program
Contact: Lance W. Orndorff
888-716-4196
Lance@AmericanHeroesReturn.com
Transitioning Active Duty Military and Veterans
American Heroes Return - Camp Hero is a 250 acre recreation retreat and 3-12 month transitional assistance housing farm 30 miles from Ft. Bragg, Pope AFB, and the VA Medical Center. Day recreation programs begin June 15, 2008 and residency program August 1, 2008. Selection for residency will be greatest need first with special attention to PTSD and TBI referrals. The campus will include weeklong opportunities for fishing, hiking, trail riding and camping. Beginning in late Summer 2008, Rodeos will be held on alternating weekends. Vans will be making daily runs from the farm to Ft. Bragg, Pope AFB, and the VA Medical facility.


American Red Cross
Contact: Jack Nales
910-867-8151
execdirector@highlandsarc.org
Emergency messaging between military personnel and their families;
non-emergency recorded video messaging to/from military personnel;
collection of comfort items for military patients and personnel.


Anchored In H.O.P.E.
Contact: Samantha L. Coon
910-323-1515 x261
AnchoredInHope@nc.rr.com
Anchored In HOPE (Honor-Oath-Purpose- Encouragment) is a ministry that undergirds Miltary Families by relating to their unique challenges and equips them to navigate through military life with success,strengthening the core family and the military as a whole. AIH Ministry provides a safe-haven for military families by giving them a place to find hope, encouragement and understanding while serving our Nation as a family.


Armed Forcez Wingz, Inc.
Contact: Linda Zema, President
910-425-8094
bluezangel@wmconnect.com
Supports deployed military branches, injured troops at Womack Army Medical Center, Soldiers & Airmen's families, working with Family Readiness Groups for Homecomings & single soldiers with cards, care packages letters for morale support.



Army Community Service
Contact: Barbara Trower Simpkins
910-396-8683
barbara.trowersimpkins@us.army.mil
An important part of the Army’s program to assist soldiers and their families in meeting specific needs. ACS offers a wide variety of programs tailored to assist Army families living on and off post. ACS is the place to go for answers to your questions and help with concerns or other issues facing military families.


Army Emergency Relief
Contact: Lynn Olavarria
910-907-3410
lynn.olavarria@us.army.mil
Army Emergency Relief is a private nonprofit organization incorporated in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff. AER's sole mission is to help soldiers and their dependents. It is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own". While active duty Soldiers receive the bulk of AER assistance, AER continually helps retired soldiers and widows/widowers also. AER has a robust education scholarship program that provides financial support for both dependent children and spouses.


Association of the US Army
Contact: Sharon Lewis
910-797-3001
sharon.lewis@gd-itronix.com
Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.  AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. AUSA provides numerous Professional Development Opportunities at a variety of events both local and national.

AUSA is open to all Army ranks and all components -- including Active, National Guard and Reserve -- and Department of the Army civilians, retirees, concerned citizens and family members. Indeed, AUSA welcomes anyone who subscribes to the philosophy of a strong national defense with special concern for the Army. Community businesses and defense industry companies are also represented by AUSA.


Biblical Counseling Service
Contact: Mary Ellen Lavoie, LCSW
910-323-3371
maryellen7973@hotmail.com
Provide psychologically and bible based counseling (depending on beliefs of the clients)to the community.Our Director, Dr. Mike Martin, is a retired Colonel and we provide services through Tricare and Army One Source to soldiers and their families.


Braxton Bragg Chapter, Association of the United States Army
Contact: Joseph W. Adamczyk
910-893-3287
jwadamczyk@sdvcommandsource.com
We are a non-profit organizaiton dedicated to supporting soldiers and their families thorugh participation in and support of events and activites condcuted by our organization and/or in partnership with like organizaitons.


Christian Military Wives
Contact: Patti K.
910-224-3252
patti@christianmilitarywives.com
Christian Military Wives is not only an online support group for Christian Military Wives, but we also have weekly meetings. We have helped many military families find the support they need.


Deployment Readiness Program
Contact: Martha Brown
910-907-3707
martha.serranobrown@us.army.mil
Provides active duty, reserve units and guard units with pre and post deployment/mobilization briefings, Family Readiness Group assistance, information and referral services, resource materials, and Operation R.E.A.D.Y. (Resources for Education About Deployment and You) training. Training modules provide practical instruction pertaining to ongoing readiness. Topics include: Understanding and Planning for Military Separation and Pre-deployment Ongoing Readiness, Coping with Separation, and Financial Planning. The materials are designed to support unit commanders in preparing service members, civilian employees, and their families for military operations.


Employment Readiness Program
Contact: Cherry Thompson
910-907- 3421
cherry.a.thompson@us.army.mil
A program dedicated to assisting military spouses in their search for employment. The Employment Readiness Program provides assistance with employment information, employer referral assistance, resume writing, volunteer opportunities and educational information. The Employment Readiness program also assists Active duty soldiers, National Guard members, Reservists, Retirees, family members and DoD civilians.


Exceptional Family Member Program
Contact: Trisha Newton
910-396-2749
trisha.m.newton@us.army.mil
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program, based on carefully defined rules. EFMP works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, housing, community support and personnel services to families with special needs. EFMP enrollment works to ensure that needed services are available at the receiving command before the assignment is made.
An Exceptional Family Member is a dependent, regardless of age, that requires medical services for a chronic condition; received ongoing services from a specialist, has mental health concerns/social problems/psychological needs, receives education services provided on an Individual Education Program (IEP), or a family member receiving services provided on an Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP).


Family Advocacy Program
Contact: Thomas Hill
910-396-4175
thomas.m.hill@us.army.mil
The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) focuses attention on family life and the needs of spouses, children, and Soldiers. Fort Bragg has procedures and policies that detail responsibilities for the investigation and management of reported incidents of child/spouse abuse cases. Other programs included under FAP are the New Parent Support Program, Victim Advocate Program, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.


Fayetteville Cares (www.fayettevillecares.org)
Contact: Joanne Chavonne
(910) 670-6306
joanne@chavonne.net
For $25, individuals/businesses or groups can sponsor a care package to be sent to a deployed soldier/airman from Ft. Bragg or Pope AFB. Each month, boxes are shipped based on the amount of sponsorships received the previous month.


Financial Readiness Program
Contact: Lynn Olavarria
910-907-3410
lynn.olavarria@us.army.mil
Focuses on improving soldiers' personal financial status and their abilities to perform as informed consumers. Assistance is provided to unit commanders and leaders on training soldiers and family members in personal financial readiness. There is a basic preventive education program for soldiers and family members in personal financial readiness/soldier money management and consumer affairs. Classes are given to units to fulfill their training requirements and to other organizations as requested.


Gold Star Program
Contact: Stephanie Glover
910-396-8682
stephanie.glover@us.army.mil
To provide care services to all families who suffer the loss of a Soldier with a primary focus on the Gold Star Families. This includes referral to support groups, coordinating events, as well as, linking families to community resources and services. The Center will also be available for community training, and serves as a resource for the Military Family such as Casualty Assistance Officer's, Chain of command, Family Readiness Group's & Care Team training.


Highland Presbyterian Church
Contact: Georgeanna English
910-485-2147
gbebanana@aol.com
Has programs that reach all people, military and non military. Some examples are our Stephen Ministry, who are lay people who minister to the needs of anyone in our congregation, a wonderful daycare facility, a food pantry for the needy, Wednesday programs for adults and kids, performing arts center for adults and kids, and many others.


Information Referral & Follow-up
Contact: Carmen London
910-396-8682
carmen.l.london@us.army.mil
We specialize in providing information about services, programs, and information about Fort Bragg, Fayetteville and surrounding communities.


MatchForce.org
Contact: Lydia Joglar
910-323-4587
ljoglar@ncmbc.us
MatchForce.org is the State's official Web site for employment and federal contracting. This is a free service offered to transitioning and retired service members, family members and civilians. Job seekers may post resumes, search for employment opportunities and match to potential employment opportunities.


Minds-n-Motion
Contact: Ilka Parent
910-565-2543
mindsnmotion@nc.rr.com
Minds-n-Motion provides Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) in the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg and the North Carolina Triangle area.
Our main focus lies in providing support to our military community in form of individual, family and group therapy.


Multi-Component Family Support Network
Contact: David Stamper
910-396-2808
dave.stamper@us.army.mil
An array of family support services that can be easily accessed by the Soldier and family, regardless of component or location. We work in concert with other military and civilian agencies to establish a comprehensive multi-agency approach for community support and services to meet the diverse needs of the Active Military and mobilized Reserve Components families. Our goal is to provide the Military family with support where they live. The Multi-Component Family Support Network supports the family readiness needs and provides consistent family services during extended deployments to Military families regardless of their component or location.


Multicultural Readiness Program
Contact: Awilda eid-Cordoba
910-396-6120
awilda.reidcordoba@us.army.mil
Provides Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers and their families access to multicultural services regardless of language and/or cultural differences. We strive to minimize cultural and language barriers while enhancing the quality of life by providing skills development and coping mechanisms to assist with minimizing the challenges language and cultural barriers can bring. We provide the opportunity for foreign born Soldiers and their Family members to interact with others who are from their native countries as well as learn the culture of their new home, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.


North Carolina Operation: Military Kids (OMK)
Contact: Scott Enroughty
919.515.8500
scott_enroughty@ncsu.edu
Military children of service members in North Carolina can build support networks with youth like themselves, engage in physical activities, and learn life skills through activities offered by community partnerships that are a part of North Carolina 4-H’s Operation: Military Kids program.
Providing services to families in their local communities is crucial. Deployments are at a record high, and regardless of whether military youth are from active or reserve families, Operation: Military Kids can provide families with opportunities and resources.
Operation: Military Kids is the U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment. In North Carolina, this initiative is carried out by 4-H, North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s youth development program.


Operation Bandanas for Bragg
Contact: Mary Gray, Executive Director
910-578-8840
mgray311@nc.rr.com
OBB's mission is to minister to all deployed members of our armed forces with camouflage Psalm 91 bandanas. OBB is providing the bandanas through Chaplains in addition to Company and Battalion Commanders. The purpose is to provide inspiration, encouragement, strength, and comfort to our armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan; to let our military know they are supported, appreciated and remembered; and to equip our troops with a piece of God's armor against the enemy. OBB has managed to order 35,000 bandanas for our troops through the generosity of grateful and inspired friends of our military. The bandanas are being very well received by our soldiers. Chaplains are continually asking for them and soldiers are looking for them. You can check OBB's website at www.braggbandanas.org for more information. Thank you for your consideration in allowing Operation Bandanas for Bragg to partner with Fayetteville Cares. It is a perfect fit for what you are doing. I would be happy to meet with someone and bring in a bandana and brochures.


Patriot Kids
Contact: Ken Barnard
910-486-8147
pbarnard3@nc.rr.com
Sponsor a military youth dove hunt with Ducks Unlimited where children under the age of 17 can hunt with a parent or another adult and win prizes.



Pope Special Activities Committee
Contact: Robert Grover
910-323-5281
robert.grover@embarq.com
Committee is set up to provide monetary and hands-on support to Air Force Personnel stationed at the base. We traditionally support "Family Support" programs, The Chaplains Fund, The "Little Griffens" program, the Chiefs Group, The Rodeos, and the Air Shows. We also attend re-deployment homecomings, and send support to those who are deployed. We also do special requests by the Command Groups when needs arise and funding is needed. We are a group of volunteers whose mission is the support of our military neighbors here in Fayetteville.


Raft Swamp Farms
Contact: Louie and Jackie Hough
910-263-4111
jackie@raftswampfarms.org
We are a nonprofit organic farm incubator just south of Raeford. 150 acres of solitude, birdwatching, wildlife to see, trails to walk and farm volunteer opportunities. Military returning from deployment seeking a beautiful place to walk and reconnect to North Carolina are very welcome, as are family groups and individuals from all parts of the community. See our website at www.raftswampfarms.org


Relocation Readiness Program
Contact: David Stamper
910-396-2808
dave.stamper@us.army.mil
Provides assistance to military personnel (active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve), DoD civilians, and family members moving to or from Fort Bragg. The Relocation Readiness Program provides information on Fort Bragg as well as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine installations worldwide. Information regarding housing, transportation, legal claims, EFMP, financial management and sponsorship is provided. The program also sponsors monthly pre-move briefings.


Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Contact: Edwin (Andy) Anderson
910-987-3888
andyuga@aol.com
Provides college scholarships and grants to the children of fallen Special Operations Warriors.


USO of NC
Contact: Hoku Hobbs
910-495-1437
hbradley@uso-nc.org
The mission of the USO is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families worldwide and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities.
The USO Fort Bragg center is one of four USO facilities in North Carolina. The USO returned to the Fayetteville area on 25 July 2008. We are located in Bldg M-4226 on Goldberg St, Fort Bragg, NC 28307. The USO at Bragg supports Service Members and families through a variety of facility and outreach programs. You may visit us online at www.uso-nc.org


Veterans of Foreign Wars
Contact: Mark Bergman
(910) 257-0993
logsgm@yahoo.com
We have several programs such as Scholarships, Youth Participation Programs with Cash Prizes, National Military Services (Includes 4 programs), Speakers for all occasions, Americanism Instructors and more.

Comments from CinCHouse Members

AER, the local VFW is really good and will bend over backwards to help military families. -- Stacy913

ACS, MWR, lots of non-profits in Fayetteville that will get involved.  -- clairem116