Every year the President proclaims January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day. The history of this important day goes back to 1786, to Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. That statute led to the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution— “the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” Even before our Constitution gave our nation the Right of As… [...]

New Year's Eve may fall on a Monday this year, but that doesn't mean we have fewer options for celebrating this holiday. Even I was surprised to find over 25 celebrations happening all over Cumberland County. Some are family-friendly happenings. Others tempt with delectable dinner plans. Even more involve live entertainment and laid-back fun at our most popular pubs, bars, and breweries. Consider thi… [...]

In the second part to my "Holiday Wish" blog series, I'm spilling on all the tasty events coming up over the holidays. Treat the kids to a meal with Santa. Sip on craft beer and shop for holiday gifts. Indulge in sinful offerings from our favorite local restaurants. Last weekend officially kicked off our holiday season here, and we have so many reasons to celebrate through the end of the year. So here's my seco… [...]

I recently compiled a list of 50 holiday events for the annual Christmas card we send out from the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Yes, you read that right. FIFTY. And they're not just happening in Fayetteville. Twenty of those events are spread throughout every one of Cumberland County's communities. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be sharing with you four blogs that feature d… [...]

John "Mr. E" Thompson, featured in the video below, is a United States Marine Corps veteran who calls the Fayetteville area home. He is also a talented craftsman and artist. He has also served as president of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Chapter 1 NC, helping people to never forget our POW/MIA service members. Mr. E is the Fayetteville I know and have grown to love so much. Here, in what we call "America's Hometow… [...]

Have you ever wondered how things got to be the way they are? Who was responsible for shaping our early history? What does this area have to do with our national or even global history? This summer I was on a mission to find some answers to these questions. As an intern for the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, I was able to visit museums and major historical sites all over Cumberland County. Us… [...]