Make A Day Of It! Family is one of favorite things! We love jumping in the truck and finding a bit of fun. My guide to family fun includes Outdoor /Indoor Fun & Food for the entire family. A short drive from Fayetteville, Hope Mills is the perfect place for a day of Family Fun!
My Kiddies and I had the chance to explore Hope Mills for the day as part of the FayNcBloggers Network. We had the chance to have a bit of outdoor fun and amazing food. I can’t wait to explore even more of Hope Mills because the one things I’ve learned is no matter what your idea of Family Fun may be you can find it all in Hope Mills.
Outdoor Fun & Food
Hope Mills Lake
We started our day at Hope Mills Lake. This was my first time here and I was amazing with how beautiful it was. I had no idea there could be such a lovely bit of nature right in the heart of the town.
The plan for the day was to start off with a family style lunch under the gazebo which sits right at waters’ edge.
Lunch Is Served – Elite Catering
Our food was catered by the amazingly talented owners of Elite Catering Chef Lou and his wife Edna. Chef Lou and Elite Catering have been a fixture in Hope Mills for 10 years. A former Paratrooper, Chef Lou started his business out of his love for creating amazing food.
“It’s all about presentation and quality . . . I bring the good food and she [Edna] does all the decor. We eat with our eyes first and then it better taste good!”
Chef Lou – Elite Catering
Our menu included every Southerner’s favorite comfort foods: Chicken, Pork Steaks, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans and Chicken Fingers for the kids. Dessert was a delicious Chocolate Lasagna that my youngest daughter is still talking about today!
Watch the clip below and here Chef Lou’s reason for what he does and a few things Elite Catering has coming up . . .
Here’s something I bet ya’ll didn’t know! Elite Catering is now Officially a part of the JP’s Jump Masters Family. They are serving up their best at Elite Catering II a cafe where you can enjoy a great pick o food before or after a bit of trampoline fun.
Stop by on Monday’s for Family Night from 5-8pm when a family of 4 can jump for $40! Learn More at JPsJumpMasters.com
Big T’s Sno-Balls and Ice Cream
I realize ya’ll may not have the chance to have your lakeside fun catered. Don’t Worry – I’ve still got ya covered! If your day is a bit more casual, you can always take the short walk over to Big T’s Sno-Balls and Ice Cream! Established in 2000 by Big T (Timmy) and Donna Gray this Hope Mills favorite is sure to be an awesome addition to any fun day.
Open weekdays from 12-8pm and Sunday’s 12:30-8pm Big T’s has is the perfect spot to grab a Hot Dog, Cheeseburger, Fries Chips, Candy, Soda, Ice Cream – you know what you can just check out Big T’s Menu because if you want it I’m sure they have it! Follow them on Facebook.
Gallberry Corn Maze
Our next stop for our family fun day took us a short drive to Gallberry Corn Maze. This is one Hope Mill gem I have come to love over the past few years as a chaperone for my 3 younger Kiddies field trips. We come here nearly every year and always have a blast.
During our visit the other FayNCBloggers and I took our chances trying to make it through this year’s corn maze. The 6 acres corn maze has a new design each year. This year’s theme is God Bless The USA with an Eagle, Stars and Stripes.
Watch the clip below for the story behind Gallberry Corn Maze’s start 6 years ago PLUS see if I made it to the end of the maze . . .
Part of the fun in a fun day is laughter and as you can see there was plenty of laughter and a few prayers as we tried to find out way out of the maze!
Don’t let the name fool ya! Gallberry Corn Maze is so much more than just a corn maze! Have fun diving in the Corn Shack, Sliding down the Tube Slides, Snacking on fried oreos or simply walking around enjoying this piece of country in the midst of the town.
Fun Fact: The Gallberry Corn Maze is not actually corn. It’s Sorghum. Sorghum can withstand the extreme heat of North Carolina as well as storms like Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.
Gallberry Corn Maze is open through November this year. Monday through Friday is for Schools but weekend are open to the Public. Learn More about the farm and how to plan your visit on GallberryCornMaze.com
Indoor Fun
Let’s say you and your family aren’t the outdoor type or maybe it’s a day when the weather isn’t the best. Hope Mills has some pretty cool indoor fun options just for you!
Putt Putt Fun Center
Putt Putt Fun Center is a one stop fun spot that my family and I have visited on rainy days, long weekends and birthdays. The fun includes putt putt gold, laser tag, go carts, bumper cars, bumper boats and batting cages. Mondays are Family Fun Nights at Putt Putt and you can get a $15 Game Card for only $10 from 4-7pm! You can take a look at all of the Putt Putt Attractions and decided what fits your family best!
Fun Fun Fun Center
Fun Fun Fun is another awesome option for a bit of Indoor fun. This is one I haven’t had the chance to experience just yet but just from taking a looks at the Fun Fun Fun website I know I’ll be adding it to my list of places to go in Hope Mills.
Millstone 14 – Movie Time!
Our favorite way to end any Family Fun Day is with a great movie. Millstone 14 is a modern movie theater with the latest New Releases and a really great Rewards Program. If you’re like me racking up those rewards can equal a free popcorn or movie. See Showtimes on the Stone Theatre Site.
What’s your favorite way to have family fun?
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
- The ‘Dirt’ on Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar – August 6, 2021
- I Never Went To Prom – Will A Fashion Show Do? – May 1, 2021
- Cape Fear Regional Theatre – Best In The House – May 1, 2021
Leave a Reply