Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1149920
JULY 31-AUGUST 6, 2019 UCW 7 Best of Fayetteville Worst Thing To Hide From Visitors Bragg Boulevard Fayetteville loves to hate Bragg Boulevard. It's practically a tradi- tion. Year after year, our readers vote Bragg Boulevard as the worst, and year after year, we cross our fingers as the votes are tallied, hoping this 6-or-so miles of one of the most traveled roads in town will be redeemed. Don't get us wrong. Bragg Boulevard has its fair share of clubs that draw high-spirited, testosterone-driven revelers. But it also has many of Fayetteville's favorite restaurants, museums, bars and high-end spas. Many of Fayetteville's favorites are located on Bragg Boulevard. The Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Saigon Bistro and MaryBills Cafe are all on this road and have all been voted Best of Fayetteville winners at least once, if not multiple times. And let's not forget the Villagio apartment com- plex, the 2.5 miles of relatively newly paved road and the many respectable family-run businesses. While it is no longer a gateway to Fort Bragg, we hope this thoroughfare Fayetteville loves to hate can make its way into the community's good graces. Here's to hoping Bragg Boulevard regains its status as an important part of our city rather than remaining a blight to hide from out-of-towners. Best Local Community Project The Vision Resource Center 2736 Cedar Creek Rd. 910-483-2719 or www.visionresourcecentercc.org The Vision Resource Center has been serv- ing visually impaired and blind people in the Cape Fear region since 1936. As listed in VRC's mission state- ment, this means advocating for this population's needs, identifying and shar- ing information about community resources, and providing educa- tion, skill development and socialization opportunities. VRC began in 1936 as the Cumberland County Association of the Blind, working with Cumberland County Social Services. It was one of the first four agencies of the United Way of Cumberland County. In 2000, VRC gained its cur- rent moniker. In 2007, it moved from its location on Robeson Street to set up shop at the Dorothy Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center on Purdue Drive. Just a few months ago, in May, VRC was able to move into its very own location for the first time. VRC's new Center for the Blind is located on Cedar Creek Road. This was possible thanks to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and people in this community who believe in the VRC and support its mission. One of VRC's signature events is its "Out of Sight" dinner fundraiser. Guests experience what it's like to function without eyesight for an evening while enjoying delicious food and drinks. This year's 7th Annual "Out of Sight" event will be held Sept. 21 at the new Segra Stadium. Tickets are on sale now, and more information can be found on the VRC website. There are too many good things to say about VRC and too many life-enrich- ing services it offers to write about here, so be sure to visit its website to learn more and to see how you can help. Thank you to VRC Executive Director Terri Thomas and the board of directors and volunteers for pouring yourselves out in service of others. 4901 Morganton Rd. - NEXT TO CROSS CREEK MALL Monday thru Friday, 10 to 9, Saturday, 10 to 7 Closed Every Sunday vwww.bullardfurniture.com ank You For Making Your #1 Furniture Store! 864-5533 Again!