Veterans Day presents a significant opportunity for military service members, veterans, and their families to access complimentary products, services, and discounts across the Southern Pines and Aberdeen region of North Carolina. A review of local and regional sources reveals a diverse array of offers spanning dining, automotive care, fitness, entertainment, and retail. These promotions are typically available to active duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and military retirees, often requiring proof of service such as a military ID, VA card, or DD214.
The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts identified in the source material for the Southern Pines and Aberdeen area, categorized by service type for ease of reference.
Dining and Restaurant Offers
A variety of national and local restaurant chains in the Southern Pines and Aberdeen area offer complimentary meals or specific discounts on Veterans Day. These offers generally apply to dine-in service on November 11, though specific dates and times vary by location.
- Applebee’s: Located at 1961 Skibo Road, 5225 Ramsey St., and 7810 Good Middling Drive in Fayetteville, Applebee’s provides veterans with a choice of a free entree from a select menu on November 11. Some national reports also indicate a $5 bounce back gift card for a future visit may be included.
- Chili’s: The Chili’s location at 635 Cross Creek Mall offers veterans a free entree from a select menu on November 11.
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Participating locations, including those at 1470 Skibo Road and 1625 Jim Johnson Road in Fayetteville, as well as locations in Dunn, Lumberton, Sanford, and Southern Pines, will offer veterans a choice of a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or a crafted coffee beverage on November 11.
- Texas Roadhouse: Locations at 4195 Sycamore Dairy Road in Fayetteville and 1301 North Sandhills Blvd. in Aberdeen invite service members and veterans to choose from a list of free entrees on November 11.
- The Sly Fox: This establishment offers 15% off all food for service members and veterans on their recurring "Military Monday," which falls on November 10 in 2025.
- Foxbrew Coffeehouse: On November 11, veterans and active personnel can receive a free 12oz coffee and half off pastries.
- Subway: Select locations offer a free six-inch sub to military veterans on Veterans Day. However, as Subway restaurants are franchises, this offer may not be available at all locations.
- Outback Steakhouse: Offers a 10% year-round military discount and free food on Veterans Day for dine-in customers.
- Starbucks: Provides a free "Tall" hot or cold brew coffee.
- Dunkin’: Offers a free donut.
- IHOP: Free red, white, and blue pancakes are available.
- Sonic Drive-In: Offers half-priced shakes.
- Wendy’s: Provides a free breakfast combo.
- Zaxby’s: Offers a free sandwich meal.
- The Coffee Cup and The Wine Café: Located at 108 Hay St. in Fayetteville, these businesses honor their typical "Military Monday" discounts on Veterans Day. This includes 10% off signature drinks at The Coffee Cup and 5% off bottles of wine to go and beers, plus 10% off six bottles of wine or more at The Wine Cafe.
Automotive Services
Automotive-related freebies include car washes and parts discounts.
- Autobell Car Wash: In appreciation of U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members, Autobell offers a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, on November 11. This offer is valid at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. No coupon, barcode, or ID is required.
- Advance Auto Parts: Offers a 10% discount on products in-store.
Entertainment, Fitness, and Recreation
Several venues provide free access or discounted services for veterans.
- North Carolina Zoo: Located in Asheboro, the zoo offers free admission to service members, veterans, and military retirees. The promotion typically runs from November 10 through November 16. In 2025, military members and their spouses can get free admission from November 8 to 14, and they can bring up to three guests with them for free. Visitors must bring an ID that notes military service.
- FirstHealth Fitness: All veterans currently serving or retired get free access to FirstHealth Fitness facilities on November 11, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Kings: Located at 141 Park at North Hills Street in Raleigh, Kings offers free bowling and shoe rental to veterans, active and reserve military, on November 11.
- New Hope Valley Railway: Located at 3900 Bonsal Road in New Hill, this railway offers free train rides to military service members for Veterans Day. Rides are scheduled for Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 1 p.m., and Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Guests of the military service member can ride at regular price. A free ticket must be ordered, and a military ID or copy of the DD214 must be presented at the Ticket Office.
Retail and Product Discounts
Various retailers offer percentage-based discounts on select products.
- Harris Teeter: On Veterans Day, veterans and active duty personnel receive 11% off their grocery purchase. This requires showing a military ID and VIC card. The discount applies after all coupons and VIC discounts are deducted and excludes pharmacy, alcohol, fuel, tobacco, tickets, and gift cards.
- Food Lion: Offers all U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans a 10% discount at all stores.
- Walgreens: Offers 20% off select products in-store only.
- Bed Bath & Beyond: Offers 25% off select products.
- Apple: Offers 10% off select products.
- Foot Locker: Offers 10% off select products.
Grooming and Personal Care
- Great Clips: On Veterans Day, veterans and active service members can visit any U.S. Great Clips salon to receive a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit. Non-military customers can also receive a free haircut card to give to a service member or veteran.
- Dapper Barber and Shave Parlor: Offers a fresh cut for 50% off on November 11, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lodging and Travel
Hotel chains offer discounted rates for military personnel and their families.
- Hyatt: Hyatt-branded hotels have introduced a veteran and military rate for service members and their immediate families. Discounts vary between 10 and 15 percent off stays at participating hotels in the United States and can be used with offer code MILVET. The discount is in effect indefinitely.
- Red Roof Inn: Offers a 20% discount to veterans and service members who book between November 1 and December 31 for stays between now and February 28, 2019, using the code VP623095 online or by phone.
Local Events and Community Offers
The Southern Pines and Aberdeen area also hosts several community events and local business promotions for Veterans Day.
- Southern Pines Veterans Parade: Held on Saturday, November 8, at 9:30 a.m., this parade pays tribute to active and retired members of the military with skydive demos and a flight team.
- Wreaths Across America Carwash Fundraiser: Hosted at Advance Auto Parts in Aberdeen on Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds go toward purchasing wreaths to honor and remember local veterans.
- Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony: Takes place at the Moore County Veterans Memorial in Carthage on Saturday, November 8, from noon to 1 p.m.
- Red, Whites and Brews Wine Walk: Located in the Village of Pinehurst on Saturday, November 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All military personnel and veterans receive a 10% discount.
- Defender Ammunition Company: Located at 100 Carolina Drive in Raeford, this company offers veterans an extra 12% discount from their factory showroom on Friday, November 9, and Saturday, November 10.
Conclusion
The Southern Pines and Aberdeen area provides a substantial selection of Veterans Day freebies and discounts, ranging from complimentary meals at major restaurant chains to free access at fitness centers and zoos. Most offers are valid on or around November 11 and require proof of military service. Consumers are advised to verify specific dates, times, and eligibility requirements directly with the participating establishment, as franchise ownership and local policies can affect availability.