As 2014 races to a close, many in the community are more than ready to wish it farewell and welcome what we hope will be a better, more peaceful, more prosperous New Year. What better way to welcome that New Year than with a celebration with friends and family. If you aren’t the stay at home and celebrate type, you can always head downtown for a plethora of opportunities to have fun.

The Hilltop House is known not only for its history but for its delicious meals. Located in the historic Haymount district, it is an elegant house full of history and beauty. It was built in the early 1900s for the Kelly family as their home and business. Since then, it has transitioned to a functioning modern restaurant while maintaining the same beauty and charm as the original home. The rooms have been redecorated but the original architecture is maintained and honored.

The cuisine is described as new southern with classic French influences. This combination brings elegance and creativity to very traditional and familiar foods. The Executive Chefs are Beth Shearin-Smith, the owner, and Mathew Graham. Graham has worked at the restaurant for many years and is renowned for his cheesecake. On Dec. 31, the restaurant is hosting a New Year’s Eve Celebration from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. It is the perfect opportunity for a romantic and relaxing dinner before enjoying the countdown to the New Year. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is unparalleled. For more information, visit http://www.hilltophousenc.com or call 484-6699. The Hilltop House is located at 1240 Fort Bragg Road.

If you are looking to party until the cows come home, you may want to check out the party at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux. You can countdown the New Year with your closest friends and family. Enjoy the music stylings of DJ Tommy King, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and sweets, festive party favors, prize giveaways and champagne toast at midnight!

If you are feeling extra festive, you can take advantage of special room rates and just take a short elevator ride upstairs after the party to your room, and the next morning you can have breakfast in the cafe. Admission to the party is $35 per person. A per couple price of $150 includes not only the party but also your room for the night.

At Pierro’s, you can enjoy a great New Year’s Even Dinner for just $59 a couple, which includes an appetizer, two salads, two entrees, two beverages and a shared dessert. After you savor a delicious dinner, you can party the night away at the Sky Lounge’s New Year’s Eve Bash. Your dinner reservation covers the cost of the ticket to the bash as well. For reservations, call 910-678-8885.

You can also join your friends at Huske Hardware House to countdown the New Year. For the past several years, Huske has been the place to be when the clock strikes midnight, and this year the staff hopes you will join them for their big celebration. It all begins on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with a live deejay, drink specials, party favors, dancing and live footage from Times Square. This is one party you don’t want to miss!

At Sky View, 121 Hay Street, you can join A Night of Excellence New Years Eve Bash, which includes DJ Diggem Down, DJ Elixer, DJ Slim and others. The party includes two floors of fun, eight Luxury VIP Booths, six DJs in one building, a Mega Money Ball Drop at midnight. It’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable night of fun. For tickets and information, visit http://clubzone.com/events/a-night-of-excellence-new-years-eve-bash.

Another fantastic way to celebrate the New Year is with a Fayetteville FireAntz game. On Dec. 31, the hockey team plays against the Huntsville Havoc in the first of three games to determine the winner of the Hooters Cup. The game begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Crown Coliseum located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. After a rousing game of minor league hockey, the FireAntz will host a New Year’s Celebration Party. Tickets are $14 and $5 for kids. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information visit http://crowncomplexnc.com/events/fayetteville-fireantz-vs-huntsville-havoc-2/.