DestinationFAY

d Clark Park Nature Center Replete with a large parking area and playground, easy access to the Cape Fear River Trail, paved bike path, more rustic yet still child-friendly wooded paths with views of the Cape Fear River and an open grassy field perfect for picnicking, Clark Park is one of our go-tos for a quick playground romp or an entire afternoon of exploring everything it has to offer. And, an added bonus: leashed pets are always welcome. The Nature Center Museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features educational, hands-on exhibits and even live animals. Admission is free to the public. 631 Sherman Dr., 910 -433-1579, www.fcpr.us/parks-trails/ parks/clark-park d Lake Rim Park If you're looking for an outdoor adventure on the west side of town, Lake Rim is your spot. There's a 1-mile walking trail that leads through the wetlands to Bones Creek, athletic fields, horseshoe pits, tennis and sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, and picnic shelters, among other park attractions. Lake Rim is also the perfect spot for fishing and boating. Lake Rim Lawn and Garden (7604 Raeford Road) offers hourly, half, and whole day canoe and kayak rentals. I, for one, can't wait for a sunshiny springtime paddle. 2214 Tar Kiln Dr., 910 -433-1018, www.fcpr.us/parks-trails/parks/lake-rim-park d ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure Park If you'd rather be up in the trees than down in the water, ZipQuest, located on Carver Falls Road, offers a one-of-a-kind zipline adventure for ages 8 and up. You'll experience breathtaking views of Carver Falls on a staff-guided canopy tour where you'll travel from one tree platform to the next by a zipline cable or across a suspension bridge. And, if you're looking for a unique date night, check out NightQuest, a ziplining under the stars adventure. 533 Carvers Falls Rd., 910 -488-8787, www.zipquest.com DINING d Zorba's Gyro on a Spit If either of my children are given any say in where to eat out, they'll pick Zorba's just about every time. With locations in both Fayetteville and Hope Mills, this diner-style restaurant has been a community staple since 1974. Zorba's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Frangakis family Greek twist. Whether you pick the hard-to-top $4.50 Zorba's breakfast special (your favorite combination of buttermilk pancakes or toast, crispy hash browns or creamy grits, and two farm-fresh eggs prepared to your liking), a fully loaded authentic Greek gyro, or Mr. Tommy's famous spaghetti plate, you will leave Zorba's feeling well taken care of and very, very full. Make sure to take a wallet full of quarters, because your kids will most certainly ask to venture over to the Pac Man console that's been there since I was young. 2919 Raeford Rd., 910 -484-1010, www.zorbasgyro.com d Southern Coals Country Style Kitchen/ Burney's Sweets & More If your family wants to indulge in a good ol' country-style barbecue meal topped off with a delectable sweet treat, locally owned Southern Coals and its neighboring sister bakery Burney's is where it's at. Southern Coals boasts an impressive menu of just about every type of smoked meat a barbecue fan could hope for (my favorite is the Carolina pork BBQ, but they also do a mean brisket) and all the delicious sides to go along. It's tough to leave Southern Coals and not give in to the aroma wafting out the door of Burney's. Stop in and treat yourself. If you have a favorite cake, pie, pastry or cookie, there's a good chance Burney's has it, and it just might be the best you've ever had. Whatever you do, don't go home without one of their signature glazed croissants. Trust me. 3319 C Raeford Rd., 910 -745-7675, southerncoals.com d Gaston Brewing Company If we find ourselves downtown and hungry, Gaston Brewing Co. on Hay Street is our typical go-to. With a great outdoor, leashed- dogs-welcomed patio and a surprising large selection of kid-friendly board games you The Eleanor and Raymond Manning Children's Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden 58 DestinationFAY 2021-2022

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