Entertainment

Celebrity Shots: Local stars shake things up at Archives

Details

Tuesday, 08 April 2025

Written by Amber Little

Hidden in plain sight is one of Fayetteville’s best-kept secrets, Archives, the only speakeasy in town. Dark green walls, golden accents, and velvet-lined furniture transport modern-day prohibitionists back to a time of surreptitious gatherings. While part of the mystique and allure of a speakeasy is its ability to exist without anyone noticing, Archives owner Joshua Choi wants the speakeasy to be a tool for community engagement.
Celebrity Shots is Archives' newest monthly event that brings in government officials, representatives, organizations, and community leaders as special guest bartenders. The community is invited to come out, talk, ask questions, and raise money for a good cause. Each month, the “celebrity” bartender will choose a cause or organization to donate the night's tips. Celebrity Shot is the last Wednesday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Archives has been hosting this event since February with past guests, Councilman Mario Benavente, who raised money for the Golden Bull Alumni Association and DistiNCtly Fay, who donated their tips to Millers Crew. This month, County Commissioner Pavan Patel will be stepping behind the bar and shaking things up, serving it up neat starting at 7 p.m..
Archives was always supposed to be more than a bar.
“[Celebrity shot is] what I think Archives stands for. We want it to be the hidden gem that people come to and have that experience and be able to tap into the different communities. Our solution was to tap into very specific communities, like Mario B and DistiNCtly Fay. Those who have their own demographic and can give back to the community. I think that’s very important. That’s where this whole concept sprang from,” Choi said.
Choi and business partner Nathan Cuffee have been working on the concept of Celebrity Shot for a while. Both of them own other businesses downtown and wanted to make sure Archives was a true extension of their business philosophies.
“One of the missions of Archives is to be a community connector. Talking with Josh [Choi], the founder, we thought, how can we connect with the community? How do we give back to the community through this space? We spent some time earlier this year bouncing around ideas of how we could make this happen. Looking at things that aren’t happening in the area. A long time ago, there used to be a lot more fundraisers in town where there would be a celebrity bartender and the bars would do their fundraising that way… And so that was the beginning.”
Archives is truly an experience, whether on special event nights or just a weekend nightcap; the speakeasy has slowly introduced a sophisticated experience highlighted by its signature cocktails and mysterious location.
A clue to help you find your way:
In the heart of Haymount, where the ghosts of Fowler's BBQ still linger, a blindfolded pig keeps a silent vigil. Seek the pig with the shadowed eyes, a relic of a bygone feast, found where the smoke thins and the civic stones stand silent, and the clatter of balls echoes from a neighboring stable. They say, behind that unassuming facade lies 'Archives,' a place where time bends and spirits flow like whispered tales. Forget what you know of Rowan Street; here, the past is bottled, and the stories are served neat. If you know where to look, and how to listen, the truth will reveal itself.

(Photo: Archives Speakeasy is inviting local "celebrities" to bartend once a month. Photo courtesy of Archives Speakeasy)

Discover history of Fayetteville with walking tour

Details

Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

How much do you know about the history of the city you live in? Fayetteville is a city rich with history, boasting landmarks that tell the story of its past. From its inception in the 1730s by Scottish immigrants, Fayetteville has played a significant role in the history of North Carolina.
Did you know that the city was the site of the state convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution and chartered the University of North Carolina in 1789? Want to learn more? You have two great opportunities to learn more about the city you live in.
The Downtown Walking Tour Experience
The Downtown Walking Tour, hosted by the Headquarters Library, offers a unique opportunity to explore Fayetteville's historical landmarks up close. This tour will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and requires moderate walking.
Participants will visit notable sites such as the Prince Charles Hotel, the Capitol Department Store building, the old lawyer’s building, and the historic courthouse. The tour will cover areas including Hay Street, Person Street, and parts of Gillespie Street, with the possibility of exploring Green Street if time permits. The tour will focus on the years from the 1880s to the present. This tour is free and open to all ages. Registration is required by calling 910-483-7727 ext. 1365.
Step Back in Time at Cross Creek Cemetery
The Fayetteville History Museum offers the Historic Cross Creek Cemetery Walking Tour, a chance to delve into the past and learn about the extraordinary lives of Fayettevillians buried in Cross Creek Cemetery #1.
Scheduled for Friday, May 2 and June 6 from noon to 1 p.m., this tour is led by a local historian who will discuss the iconography and architecture of the cemetery. The tour begins at 339 N. Cool Springs St., with parking available along N. Cool Springs Street. Participants should be prepared for moderate walking within the cemetery.
This tour is also free and open to all ages. To view other tours or historical happenings at the Fayetteville History Museum, visit them online at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Fayetteville-History-Museum.
Why Walking Tours Are Perfect for History Buffs
Walking tours offer an immersive way to experience history, allowing participants to see and feel the historical context of a location. For history buffs, these tours provide a tangible connection to the past, bringing stories and events to life in a way that reading or lectures cannot.
In Fayetteville, walking tours cover significant historical sites and offer insights from knowledgeable guides, making them an ideal activity for anyone interested in the city's rich heritage.

(Photo: The Capitol Department Store in downtown Fayetteville is one of the locations at the Downtown Walking Tour Experience provided by the Headquarters Library. Photo courtesy of Flickr)

Fascinate-U's 12th annual Super Science Fun Fest

Details

Tuesday, 08 April 2025

Written by Lisa Stevens

Get ready for a day of free hands-on learning, exploration, and excitement at the Super Science Fun Fest hosted by Fascinate-U Children’s Museum. This family-friendly event, which will take place on April 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Festival Park, is designed to ignite curiosity and inspire wonder in attendees of all ages.
Imagine a vibrant atmosphere filled with interactive science activities that allow you and your family to dive deep into the wonders of the scientific world. Whether you are building rockets that soar high into the sky, experimenting with fascinating chemical reactions, or gazing at the stars through telescopes provided by local experts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Amanda Jekel, Executive Director at Fascinate-U Children's Museum, is deeply committed to creating immersive, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire young minds.
“I believe that by creating engaging activities, we foster an environment where children can develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Through connecting STEAM concepts with play, children build problem-solving skills, develop creativity, communication, and social abilities, and it is a privilege to be a part of that and connect those aspects of development to what they will learn in school in fun ways,” Jekel said.
This year, the event will feature over a dozen exciting science activities. Attendees will enjoy captivating science demonstrations and interactive sessions facilitated by the dedicated museum staff and local community partners. Collaborators this year include the FSU Astronomy Department, the Cumberland County 4H Club, NC Science Trail, and many more. Plus, coinciding with the festival is the Sustainable Sandhills Earth Day Is Every Day Festival! This means even more opportunities for fun-filled activities suitable for all ages.
The Fascinate-U Children’s Museum stands out as a premier regional attraction that captivates young minds and nurtures their curiosity. Designed for children aged one through twelve, this vibrant museum features first-class exhibits and programs that encourage exploration and creativity. Its comfortable, bright, and safe-haven facility houses a blend of static displays and interactive exhibits with dedicated classroom spaces tailored for engaging learning experiences.
At Fascinate-U, the emphasis is on participatory learning, so children connect not just with the exhibits but also with each other and their environment. This unique approach fosters collaboration among young visitors, helping them develop social skills while enjoying the thrill of discovery. The museum's outreach programs further extend its reach to diverse and underserved segments of our community, ensuring that every child can experience the joy of learning.
Sustained by a public/private partnership bolstered by public funding, private donations, and grants, Fascinate-U Children's Museum is committed to being an educational asset in our community. Connecting young minds to their future through role-playing activities and hands-on experiences offers families a chance to explore together in a fun-filled environment. Their vision is clear: to be the leading educational resource in the area for wonder and inquiry, enriching young minds today for a brighter tomorrow.
Bring your curiosity, gather your family, and prepare for an unforgettable day of scientific exploration!
For more information on this event and upcoming events or to become a member, visit their website at www.fascinate-u.com.

Regional Road Cycling Championships coming to Wade

Details

Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by Crissy Neville

Local sports excitement gears up this month with the return of the NC & SC Regional Road Cycling Championships, April 26-27. Now in its seventh year and recurring in the Eastern Cumberland County Town of Wade, the road race is a highly anticipated fixture for regional cyclists and beyond.
Cross Creek Cycling Club hosts the USA Cycling-sanctioned, amateur-only competition. The 100-member-strong organization has sponsored some 38 permitted races in its 21-year history; the Regional Championships event stands out as the largest and main attraction of the club year.
“Hosting the Regional Road Cycling Championship in Cumberland County truly indicates the strong grassroots base that cycling has in southeastern N.C.,” said Race Director Mike Thomas. “On behalf of the Cross Creek Cycling Club, we are thrilled to host these two exciting days of amateur bike racing.”
An original club founder, Thomas currently also serves as the president of the Cross Creek Cyclists. To him, cycling is a family affair. The Thomas family donated the prize purse for the 2025 Regional Championships in honor of his father, Charles "Mickey" Thomas, who passed away in 2024.
“He was an avid cyclist who passed on his love for cycling to me and his grandson,” Thomas shared.
The Regional Championships’ diverse platform features the categories of masters, elite, and juniors in men’s and women’s race fields. Racers will compete for up to $2,000 in cash prizes and State Championship Medals for the dual states. The public is invited to watch free of charge to cheer the riders on. To join the competition, public race fields for men and women will be open on both event dates. For more information, visit the CCA Regional Road Race Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/CCA-Regional-Road-Race.
“Anyone can compete in the event,” Thomas explained. “Championship titles are given to racers with North Carolina and South Carolina bike racing licenses.”
The beautiful byways of Wade provide a scenic and safe racecourse for the action-packed weekend. The starting point for the 17-mile trek is the Wade Community Fire Department, 7130 Powell Street.
“We are so very appreciative of the support from the Wade Fire Department. They have been very generous in providing the race staging area, parking and free camping,” said Thomas.
The race distances range from 34 miles, equivalent to two loops, to up to 68 miles, or four loops for the more advanced race fields. Get a glimpse of the course at https://www.strava.com/routes/3179172468379457354.
C4 is the area’s largest cycling club and a dedicated nonprofit, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local and regional charities through ride and non-ride activities. It is an award-winning member club of Colorado-based USA Cycling, the national governing body for bicycle racing in the U.S. Honored as "Club of the Year" on 13 occasions across different categories, the Fayetteville organization, a Carolinas Cycling Association member, has also received recognition at the Masters and Division III levels.
While the club's accolades are many, its mission is most meaningful to members. The group “encourages all people to participate in bicycling without regard to age or expertise,” emphasizing bicycle safety, bicyclists' rights and responsibilities and general health and fitness. C4 also promotes communication among cyclists, providing opportunities for bicycling and socializing. Aside from the friendly competition, members come out for fitness, education, fun and camaraderie.
The county and community also benefit. According to Devin Heath, DistiNCtly Fayetteville President and CEO, “The 2025 NC & SC Regional Road Cycling Championship in Wade will bring a great economic impact to Fayetteville and Cumberland County. The level of competition is always impressive, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region’s commitment to outdoor sports and healthy lifestyles. Events like this also enhance Fayetteville’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination, attracting future cycling and sporting events.”
Ready to race? Go to Carolinas Cycling Association Road Race & Time Trial Championships Online Registration at https://bikereg.com for online registration. To learn more about the Cross Creek Cycling Club, see https://crosscreekcyclingclub.org/.
C4 extends thanks to its sponsors and partners who help make this racing event possible: Cross Creek Subaru, Blashfield Sign Company, Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktails, Lafayette Ford, Hawley’s Bicycle World, The Bicycle Shop, DistiNCtly Fayetteville, Wade Community Fire Department and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department.

(Photo courtesy of Cross Creek Cycling Club)