In 2016, when Fred and Anita Surgeon purchased a 300-acre property outside of Fayetteville, there was nothing there but trees and potential. They spent the next four years turning that property into a destination for families, school trips and events of all sorts known as Sweet Valley Ranch. Since they opened to the public in December of 2020, thousands of visitors have come to explore the farm, enjoy the Festival of Lights holiday light display and visit Dinosaur World. Sweet Valley Ranch has grown and expanded their public offerings, and they’re not done yet.
While Sweet Valley Ranch already has a few outdoor spaces to host a gathering, the Sweet Spot will be the Ranch’s newest space: a 3500 square-foot event space that will be a perfect destination for weddings, family reunions, conferences, and events of all types and sizes. The Sweet Spot can accommodate up to 175 people, making it well-suited for a variety of events and gatherings.
Those planning a wedding will find The Sweet Spot at Sweet Valley Ranch to be an idyllic setting. While the farm aesthetic that surrounds the venue will be evident, the Sweet Spot will provide a sense of elegance and sophistication that is the perfect backdrop for any wedding. While the farm surrounds the venue and provides peaceful and natural beauty, the interior features beautiful chandeliers and other elegant details to elevate the appearance of any event.
The venue will also provide much of what is needed for that special day: tables and chairs for both wedding and reception, as well as a sound system so the DJ can help the party continue. There is even the possibility for the wedding party to spend the weekend on site, as Sweet Valley Ranch hosts Farmhouse Retreat cabins for overnight stays.
While a perfect spot for a memorable wedding, The Sweet Spot is not a one-trick pony. The venue will be well suited for all types of events. Family reunions will find that the property is spacious and has something to attract the attention of all ages, while the Sweet Spot serves as the hub of the action. Birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, celebrations of all shapes and sizes: the Sweet Spot and the staff at Sweet Valley Ranch have everything guests need to make any event memorable.
Even those who need space where they can get down to business will find that the Sweet Spot is a great fit. It is a perfect destination for a corporate retreat or training for a team, with plenty of room indoors and out, plus a 100” screen in the main gathering space to display presentations or videos.
Surgeon anticipates the event center will open soon, in September or October of 2026, although they don’t have an exact opening date yet. They want everyone to be able to see what The Sweet Spot has to offer, though, and will host an open house prior to the opening. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Sweet Valley Ranch has quickly become a popular Cumberland County destination for fun, exploration, and celebration. The Sweet Spot event venue is sure to attract even more people to the farm, as they plan their event and see up close the beauty and charm that the entire ranch has to offer.