Clark Park, Fayetteville, NC

Rising temperatures and spring blossoms are luring you to the great outdoors, but rising gas prices and half-filled tanks are keeping you close to home. How can you combat cabin fever while protecting your wallet? If you live in or near Fayetteville, North Carolina, you have more options than you may realize.

I recently discussed the relaxing beauty of Fayetteville's Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, a pleasant, inexpensive place to spend a morning or afternoon. If you're not in the mood to tiptoe through the tulips, a ten-minute drive will take you to J. Bayard Clark Park, a seventy-six acre woodland situated on the edge of the Cape Fear River. Where the Botanical Garden speaks stately grooming, Clark Park shouts the primal call of the cityfied day-hiker craving a walk in the woods. The root-studded Interpretive Bear Trail begins at the park's Nature Center and snakes through pine and hardwood trees and past eastern North Carolina's largest waterfall.

Say that again? Yes, a waterfall!


But don't tarry at the falls too long. Clark Park has three nature trails, including a wetlands trail, and a variety of flowers and plants to see.

If you're looking for something less rugged, walk across the parking lot and hop on the northern branch of the Cape Fear River Trail. Walk, hike, bike, or jog the ten-foot wide paved pathway. But beware, some sections are steep! Keep track of time as you're enjoying the sunshine. With picturesque views of the river, wildflowers, and white fences bordering pathways and bridges, you may walk further down the four-mile path than you intended.

Like Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Clark Park provides educational opportunities for their visitors. According to their website and brochures, the Nature Center contains several wildlife displays. They also offer a Nature Tote filled with instructional books and games aimed at pre-k to fourth graders. Along with school outreach programs, the park holds fun events throughout the year including a Pontoon Boat Ride down the Cape Fear, a Creatures of the Night class and, if you're fond of creepy eight-legged insects, a Spider Safari.

Admission to Clark Park and the Cape Fear River Trail is free. If they don't suit your taste, there's more to chose from. The Botanical Gardens and Clark Park are just two of the outdoor destinations Fayetteville has to offer, and most are within city limits. Check www.fayettevillenc.net/sites.htm for more options.

Clark Park is located on Sherman Street, off Ramsey (Hwy 401). The park is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. For more information, call (910) 433-1579 or go online at www.fcpr.us.

Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Fayetteville, NC

If you live in or near Fayetteville and need a place to unwind, read on.

Known primarily as the home of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville also plays host to outdoor destinations often overshadowed by attractions along the Outer Banks.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden, located northeast of downtown Fayetteville falls in the overlooked or, "Eh, I'll go there someday" categories. Named for the Cape Fear River adjacent to the park's border, this eighty-five acre botanical haven displays over 2000 varieties of plants along paved and natural trails that wind past a pond and two signature gardens, and through a mixed pine forest. Wide, grassy lawns and foliage-lined pathways provide a sense of order throughout the park, making it the perfect destination for events ranging from weddings, half-day family, group, or couple outings, or a lunchtime stroll to ward off stress.

Have kids? No problem. In addition to conveniently located restrooms and walkways wide enough to accommodate strollers, Cape Fear Botanical Gardens offers two attractive gardens designed for the little ones. Walk the Mary McLaurin Camellia trail to the Friendship Garden and Lilliput Labyrinth, then stroll to the Bog Garden for a picnic. Visit the Gazebo for a quick photo-op, then head to the Heritage Garden and the 1886 restored farmhouse for a glimpse of life in the 19th century.

Worried about the cost? Don't. Admission is only $5 for adults, $4 for individuals with a military ID, and free for children under the age of twelve. Still too tight for your budget? The park offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month and during the entire month of April.

That's right. Free.

While Cape Fear Botanical Gardens takes pride in their appearance, education has a role in their overall mission. For a small fee, the park offers workshops such as Macro flower photography and gardening for the adults, and a variety of programs for the kids, including the Nature Tales story and craft time (during free admission Saturday. Reservations required. Check the park's website and calendar for more details.) They also provide guided tours and school outreach programs. The only thing missing is a concession stand, so pack a snack if you anticipate the need for food.