A Perfect Day in Haymount: A Local Gem Near Fort Bragg

If you're new to Fort Bragg or just haven’t explored beyond the commissary and PX, allow me to introduce you to a

*hidden treasure*:

Haymount!

Nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, this historic neighborhood offers charming

homes, walkable streets, and a day full of adventure, delicious food, and fun all within a few blocks. Whether you’re pushing a stroller with your mama friends, enjoying a solo afternoon, or an evening night out- you'll find something interesting.

1. Morning Fuel

Start your day off right with a caffeine boost at one of these local gems:

Miller’s Brew/ 1401 Morganton Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305/ A mission driven coffee shop with pastries from

Superior Bakery! Total win. They have delicious iced coffee, mango smoothies, and matcha lattes!

Curate Essentials / 1302 Fort Bragg Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28305/

A calm and cozy tea spot + bakery + lattes. It is the most adorable little spot. It is so dreamy and calming. I naturally talk in a library voice while there. The garden is so sweet and delicately cared for, but they understand life comes with littles...they have a small section for the littles to be little master gardeners. Indoors also offers essentials and gift like items.

2. Let the Littles Run Free

Next up, head over to General Lee park as the locals call it, or by google “Goodview Ave Park” / 399- 301 Glen Pl,

Fayetteville, NC 28305/ . This low-key playground is perfect for toddlers and young kids. Bonus points: it’s shaded by mature trees and located right in the heart of Haymount.

Two other fun options if you want a little more space to roam + PLAY and perhaps a bathroom!

Woodrow Park/ 921 Wilson St. Fayetteville, NC 28305/

Honeycut Park + Splashpad (This park has a bathroom) - 352 Devers St., Fayetteville, NC 28303

Columbo Froyo in Exxon

3. Cool Down with a Sweet Treat

After all that climbing and running, reward the kiddos (and yourself) with a swirl of soft serve from Columbo Froyo.

Yes, it’s located *inside* the Exxon just down the road (1208 Fort Bragg Rd), but trust me, this place is a Fayetteville classic!

4. Pop Into a Few Haymount Shops

Treat Yourself – You Deserve It

You absolutely took care of your entire family during this most recent PCS, deployment, or TDY — this is your invitation to find something cheerful for yourself if your heart desires!

Leclair’s General Store/ 1212 Fort Bragg Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305

A vintage-inspired store full of art, plants, gifts, wine, and surprises around every corner. This shop changes frequently with goodies, so be sure to follow them on social media! They also have iced coffee from Hatchet coffee!

Betty Kelly’s Gift Shop/ 226 Fort Bragg Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305/ They offer cute boutique style dresses, accessories, home decor, and gifts.

5. Wind Down with Food Trucks

As dinner rolls around, head over to Haymount Truck Stop (100 Broadfoot Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305). There’s a rotating lineup of food trucks offering everything from tacos to Korean BBQ. Take note: Parking is a little tricky, so be mindful and read the signs! (*food trucks rotate daily, so it's something different each day)

Other Eats in Haymount:

District House of Taps/ 1240 Fort Bragg Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28305

Latitude 35 Bar & Grill/ 1217 Hay St. Fayetteville,NC 28305

Bonus Stops Around Haymount

🎭Cape Fear Regional Theatre / 1209 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28305 /(Currently Under Renovation) A beloved theatre offering professional productions and youth programs. They also partner with the nonprofit RHF/Ricks place and offer a passport series for military families where children can participate in a 8 week theater program. It's super cool! My littles loved this program and gave them an opportunity to explore the arts from a theater perspective.

👟Fleet Feet/ 1221 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Looking for running shoes or gearing up for a 5K? Their fitting process is the best in town and the staff are super knowledgeable. They also host running meetups and demo runs.

The Pink Petunia/ 1304 Fort Bragg Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305

This is a bright and cheerful boutique! They offer back to school signs, monograms and more!

Fun Annual Events in the Haymount area:

✨Fayetteville Greek Festival/ 614 Oakridge Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305

Held typically in early fall. It is super fun! Authentic Greek food, live music, and family fun! Be sure to go inside for all the yummy sweets and treats! Hands down the best baklava I ever had. Everyone is so friendly and kind! You can also leave with Greek olive oil and things you did not even know you needed!

✨Singing Christmas Tree at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church/ 701 Westmont Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28305

This is truly a special event. Tickets go quick and theirs a reason why. It is such a beloved Fayetteville holiday tradition. It combines music, faith and community.

Friends, whether you're here for a few months or like most of us— years— Haymount has a way of making you feel right at home. It's charming and the houses are swoon worthy. This neighborhood is a little slice of joy tucked into our military story. So take the walk, eat the ice cream, try a new tea, buy the plant, and splurge on a gift for yourself or a new military bestie.

You’re not just passing through, you live here! While you're out exploring the area, daydream

about what house you want and the color of the door, envision an American flag waving on your porch and while watching your littles sharing popsicles on the porch with friends. That's exactly how my story began here at Fort Bragg.

This duty station can be tough as our Soldiers are often gone more than they are home. Haymount won't take away the hard parts of military life, but it softens the edges. I truly believe it's where strangers become friends and ordinary days feel a little more beautiful! Go explore, friends!

By: Ashley Mercado