Powder Keg Airborne Style
Powder is used in many ways. Sometimes for the flavor. Sometimes for the bang! This itinerary is great for men and women who enjoy a little adventure, some blood curdling excitement, reliving history – and bending an elbow after work.
Day One
Arrive in Fayetteville mid-afternoon and be prepared to take off, just like the paratroopers do! Your first stop is at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown. Walk through history. See where Airborne and Special Operations divisions have fought and assisted various endeavors throughout the world. The facility takes you from 1940 – today. Your tour is a good prelude to your visit tomorrow at Fort Bragg, home of the Airborne and Special Operations Command.
As you walk through, look high – and low. Exhibits are everywhere. Why, what is that big plane? How did it get in here? Be sure to ask! And where is Farsi spoken? Why is that language so important?
Then, buckle up for the ride of your life. Remember, it’s that first step that counts! Will your landing be smooth or rough? You’ll have to hang on and pull the right cord to find out!
Whew! Are your eyes as big as saucers yet? They will be!
Now, how ‘bout a cold brew, time to catch your breath and some dinner? The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is only a few short blocks away from the Huske Hardware House Brewing Company, grab an Airborne Ale at the microbrewery in the heart of downtown Fayetteville. Historically known by members of the military as a rough place to hang out, the downtown area has been completely overhauled to feature a safe environment with plenty of shopping and food. On your walk downtown, check out the old churches and read some of the historical markers. Fayetteville’s been around for a long time!
Check into your hotel and get a great night’s sleep. You’ve had some of the keg. Now your powder’s coming tomorrow!
Day Two
Begin your day with a tour of Fort Bragg. All vehicles are checked out before they enter, but you’ve got special clearance. And, an escort will join you. Fort Bragg is the largest airborne training center in the world.
The base, or reservation, as many call it, is situated on Federal, not State land. Laws here are a little different. So are signs. Speaking of signs – do any of these jiggle your memory? Bastogne. Normandy. Lyons. Ardennes. If not, be sure to ask your escort the significance of those names.
You’ll pass through the old section – and the new. Because the base has been so busy, you’ll new buildings under construction. Many are dormitories. Now keep your eyes open to see the older barracks. My, what a change!
Your first stop of the day will be at the Battle Simulation Center. Shoot ‘em in the sky. Shoot ‘em on land. Who will win? It’s not always in how you pull the trigger!
What better place to discuss your strategies than at the Fort Bragg Officer’s Club? Please be our guest for lunch. We’ve rolled out the “red carpet” for many famous military leaders throughout the years. We’re honored to have you here!
After lunch, you’re going to school. Gun school, that is. 45’s. 38’s. Live ammo. Powder in a shell - and a lot more! Pull up your classroom chair at Jim’s Gun Jobbery and Indoor Range and learn about guns – do’s and don’ts. Then, you’ll get to hold one in your hand – and pull the trigger. Maybe you already have. But, maybe you haven’t. And yes, these are loaded. Instructors will explain the difference between guns, give you an opportunity to fire them and tell you how members of the military use them.
By the way, Jim’s is also a pawnshop. Look around. Get the staff to explain why pawnshops are such an integral part of a soldier’s life.
Boarding the coach, you’ll be all a-chatter talking about guns, your score and some of the gold necklaces for sale there.
But, you’re not through with powder – or kegs! Ready to bend another elbow? At The Mash House Restaurant & Brewery, the brewmaster will give you a guided tour of how beer is made. And, he’ll even show what effect heading powder has on root beer. It’s made right on site! Yea, the old-fashioned kind that goes great over vanilla ice cream! Cap off your dinner with a float!
Betcha sleep well tonight!
Day Three
On your way home today, you’ll sit back in your seat, close your eyes and think about that first step, your strategies – or the recoil!
Estimated Price: $95-$165 pp plus hotel
based on a 40-person group
If you would like to create your own tour, please visit our CustomizeIT! site.
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