Love is in the air and football champions are ready to be crowned. February is a busy and exciting month that creates ample opportunity for activities to participate in throughout downtown Fayetteville. 

Cool Spring Downtown District will host their annual horse and carriage rides in mid-February. Starting in front of the Cool Spring office at 222 Hay Street, the carriage rides will make their way through all of the downtown district. 

“It’s a lovely experience,” President and CEO Bianca Shoneman stated. “These are private carriage rides where lovers or galentines can enjoy something from the downtown market or a bottle of champagne and take in the fresh air and sights of downtown.”

With the route the rides take, the carriages will move at a slow rate to avoid bumpy spots in the roads, ensuring a relaxing and safe ride while lasting up to fifteen minutes. 

The horse and carriage rides will take place on Friday and Saturday leading into Valentine’s Day weekend. 

Aside from the annual carriage rides, many of the restaurants that reside downtown will also be hosting their own events as well throughout the weekend. 

As those deals have yet to be released Shoneman did emphasize that there will be some Valentine’s Day deals starting on Thursday, February 10 and extending through brunch that Sunday.

Not only will there be events and specials held in honor of Valentine’s Day, but both new and old venues of downtown Fayetteville will serve as venues for die-hard football fans to express their excitement for the Super Bowl.

“Breweries are great spots for watching sporting events,” Shoneman explained. “Many of our breweries downtown are well equipped to host Super Bowl specials.”

Many of the breweries in downtown Fayetteville have multiple televisions and specials that will enhance the viewer experience on Super Bowl Sunday.

No Valentine or interest in football? No problem.

In the heart of Fayetteville, there’s always a little something for everyone to enjoy. 

Cool Spring Downtown District will hold a concert-like event called Four Women presented by Book Black Women, LLC on Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Book Black Women is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing performance opportunities for Black women. This performance will showcase homegrown talent performing songs of their choice.

While in attendance at the black tie event there will be traditional live music, light hor d’oeuvres, a full bar, and a 360 photo booth plus gifts.

 Being diverse in different ideas and events throughout the year is important for the close-knit, melting pot community that is Fayetteville. With that in mind, every year is an opportunity to grow and bring entertainment for everyone to downtown.

One of the many ways to do this is by looking at what other cities surrounding Fayetteville are doing especially when a successful event is held. 

“We want to learn from the best of the best, but we also want to add our own touches to the events.” Shoneman told GFBJ. 

Watching what other cities do may spark some ideas to throw events in Fayetteville; but there are still many events that come from the sole creativity of those that work at Cool Spring Downtown District. 

The Night Circus event that was held this past New Year’s Eve was conjured up by the efforts of the staff at Cool Spring. The entire event was completely organic and included a plethora of performances and other features that were inspired to be different from those seen at other places. 

Although 2022 has just begun, Cool Spring Downtown District has many events already in the works for the remainder of the year. 

One of the events that goes on year round is the “Can Do” Coldwell Banker Trolley. The trolley runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The trolley provides free twenty-minute rides between the Haymount District and downtown Fayetteville. There are some paid tours from time-to-time as well. 

While there have been discussions of a potential comedy tour for Valentine’s Day, nothing is scheduled officially. 

One of the main goals for the staff at Cool Spring is to create and sustain an arts and entertainment district in the Fayetteville area. This year’s main focus for Cool Spring and its staff is to ensure they incorporate more artful displays to reach this goal.

To learn more about the events that are coming up throughout the rest of the year, visit Cool Spring Downtown District’s website at 

visitdowntownfayetteville.com

 to look at their annual calendar.