Have you had a chance to visit Hope Mills? There are so many wonderful things to do and see, businesses that are thriving, and culture to absorb right adjacent to Fayetteville. Check them out!

The Hope Mills Lake
Once just the brunt of many jokes, the Hope Mills lake has been refilled and is now a bustling spot for local families to come and spend the day. Spend the day fishing along the banks, or just relaxing with a good book. On a sunny day you will spot a hammock strung between the trees, and groups doing yoga, walking dogs and swimming. Cool down with a sno-cone from Big T’s concessions, or grab a bite to eat at the Blessed Kitchen, right across the street! 

Yakalacky Outfitters
While visiting Hope Mills Lake, be sure to call up Stephanie with Yakalacky Outfitters, our second place to visit in Hope Mills! She started her business right before everything shut down due to COVID, but business thrived once people discovered that Kayaking is the perfect activity to social distance! Her down to earth humor and bright attitude will set you off on your kayak or canoe adventure with a smile on your face.  Did you know there are cypress trees on Hope Mills Lake? Paddle across the lake and explore the hidden beauty of Hope Mills. Enjoy the quiet of nature by yourself, or get the whole gang together and make it a day trip! We’re sure this next one on the list would be happy to pack you a lunch to take along! Check Yackalacky Outfitters out on Facebook here!

Napkins
Napkins restaurant (and catering) is located onsite at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Veteran owner Brian Graybill brings a burst of flavor to Hope Mills with his mouth watering local creations.  Napkins uses as many locally sourced and NC made products as possible on their ever-changing seasonal menu. They offer a mix of flavors from across the country, with fresh cut fries, scratch made sauces, and burgers made with 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef from small farms in NC with a southern flare. While there, be sure to grab a beer from Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Not sure what to order off the menu? Try the brussels sprouts – you won’t regret it. Follow them on social media or check out their website!
 

Bath Snob
Tucked away in the Hope Mills Plaza, you will find Bath Snob. Don’t let the name fool you, once you walk through those doors you are FAMILY. Owners Connie, Tammie and Mom are all as bubbly as the bath bombs they sell. This local business makes bath bombs, lotions, soaps and candles and other self care products to help you soak away the worries of the day, and their products include kids and Dad! Their Punch Fizz scent is one of our personal favorites. You can also shop their fantastic collection online, and follow them on Facebook! 
 

I-95 Muscle
I-95 Muscle is the place where the entire car community can come together. Whether you’re into Rat Rods, Tuners, Flatheads, Resto-Mods, antiques, classic, high horsepower performance, gas, collector or muscle cars! Their 20,000 indoor showroom features some of the greatest range of cars in the area. Owners Kalvin and Mitch have a combined 25 years experience in the automotive industry. This year marks their five year anniversary. Aside from selling really cool cars, I-95 Muscle strives to be an active member of the community. They participate in local events, attend Cars and Coffee and co-host car shows benefiting veterans in the spring and fall. And did we mention they have some really cool cars? You can visit them in person for the full experience, or view their cars online!

The Market On Trade St. 
There’s just something about a farmers market … and the third Saturday of every month (May–October) you can join the Hope Mills Chamber for it’s Market on Trade St! This collection of vendors from all over the area is a newer addition to Hope Mills Events, but the market is quickly growing and has something for everyone. Shop the stalls of farm fresh eggs, handmade jewelry, honey, meats and cheeses!  Grab a bite to eat at one of the on site food trucks, and learn about gardening with the NC State Extension Office. Stroll down the block and visit The Front Porch, a local shop with seasonal crafts and gifts. Make sure to stop by Marci’s Cakes and Bakes down the block -- no visit to Hope Mills is complete without one of her mouth-watering confections! Find out more event information here!

910Comedy
If you happen to be in the Hope Mills Area and are in the mood for some live entertainment, be sure to look up 910Comedy! 910Comedy is the hub of comedy and event entertainment in our local area. Providing open mics for up and coming comedians to perform and producing comedy events that host national headliners, they’ve been bringing the laughs since 2019. A focus on fun and local has always been their aim and they have expended our services to include pub trivia, trademarked bar games and of course corporate events. They proudly serve our community through laughter and good times. Click here to check out their upcoming events! Owner Minda and Co-Host Jenna also run a hilarious podcast (that’s nationally ranked on iTunes!) that you can listen to here!

Superior Bakery
Hope Mills Natives know that the sight of white box with a red sticker can only mean one thing… Deep. Fried. Croissants. You heard me right, deep fried croissants. And the best ones come from Superior Bakery. Superior Bakery was founded in 1956 by John S. Poulos, who immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1951. In 1958 John married Kay and together they grew Superior Bakery, Moving to Hope Mills in 1971. John and Kay retired in 1988, and turned the bakery over to their son, Nicko Poulos. Nicko has kept their work alive, and his passion for his work is evident. From savory to sweet, Superior Bakery has the perfect treat for everyone. Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page, as their specials change daily!
 

Hope Mills Parks & Recreation
Many people don’t realize what a thriving Parks and Recreation Department Hope Mills Has. From ballfields to trails, lake to parks, citizens of all ages can find something for them. They offer structured instructional classes, league play athletics, events celebrating special occasions throughout the year as well as individual recreation. They strive to bring the community together, cheer on local athletes, honor the aging, celebrate holidays and more! Visit Municipal park and check out the ball fields, Skate park and Basketball Courts. While you’re enjoying the walking path around the complex, you may even happen upon a special Disney Guest! The Recreation Center nestled within Municipal Park boasts a state of the art fitness room, full sized gymnasium, party and meeting rental space and multipurpose rooms suitable for group fitness, classes, meetings and beyond. Find out more about their classes and schedule of events here!
 

Under Construction Personal Training
Under Construction Personal Training is where goals become reality. It is where you get guidance, motivation and accountability on your health journey. One on one personal training, small group training and nutrition counseling are provided. Also offered is Vo2Max testing, body composition assessments, strength assessments and flexibility assessments. Each program is individually tailored for the client’s specific goals, injuries, needs and lifestyle. Owner Monika Cotter is an active member (pun intended) of the Hope Mills Community, offering classes at Hope Mills Parks and Recreation for Seniors (remember how we talked about all their fantastic programs?). If you are looking to lose some weight, boost your activity level or just start eating better be sure to check her out on Facebook!