When you’re planning you’re next vacation or day trip you might want to add Fayetteville, Arkansas to your list of considerations. Now, I fully realize that Arkansas isn’t typically thought of as a prime travel destination unless your a gem hunter or just want to check out the birthplace of Walmart, but ‘the natural state’ actually has a lot going for it that you might just need to experience firsthand.
Located in scenic Washington County, Fayetteville, Arkansas is the state’s third-largest city. It’s also home to the University of Arkansas which is known for its gorgeous campus and highly lauded athletic programs.
Much like pretty much anywhere else in the state, the area surrounding Fayetteville is surrounded by majestic natural beauty in the form of pristine forests, winding rivers, and mesmerizing mountain ranges like the Ozarks.
Fayetteville is home to just over 70,000 residents so it’s arguably more of a small town than a city but because of the University’s influence in the region, it’s jam-packed full of museums, art galleries, world-class restaurants, and other attractions that are sure to keep you entertained for the duration of your visit.
So, without delay let’s explore some of the best attractions and things to do in Fayetteville, Arkansas has to offer.
The Fayetteville Farmer’s Market
The Fayetteville Farmer’s Market has been serving the community for nearly 40 years now offering up the best in locally produced foods, art, crafts, beauty products and produce. You’ll likely find things at the market that you won’t find anywhere else and seeing how everything that’s for sale there is locally produced, spending money there helps support local families, farms, and artists.
Located in the heart of Fayetteville’s historic downtown region on West Mountain Street, the market is nestled in a quaint little part of town that is also host to a handful of charming shops, cafes, and diners that are also worth checking out while you’re in the area.
The market itself typically sees about 50 to 60 vendors offering up a diverse set of wares ranging from art and jewelry to fruit and flowers. And be sure to grab a bag of some freshly roasted coffee to help fuel the remainder of your Fayetteville adventure.
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And don’t go anywhere just yet. Stick around to find out where in Fayetteville you can score the tastiest grilled cheese sandwich this side of the continental divide. Seriously, you’re not going to be disappointed, this eatery packs a punch!
Wilson Park
This park, which is located smack-dab in the middle of the downtown district, was actually the first public park to open in Fayetteville. It opened in 1906 and has been a popular destination for the last century.
The 23-acre park has been a peaceful haven for locals and out-of-towners alike and includes amenities like tennis courts, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and a full-sized football field. And if sports aren’t really your thing, you and your family can always pack a picnic basket and spend a nice relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Arkansans take their college sports very seriously and since the Donald W. Reynolds Stadium hosts the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, it’s held in high regard by fans.
Even if you pay this stadium a visit on a non-game day, there is still quite a bit of fun to be had. It’s a wonder of modern construction and is capable of seating nearly 80,000 guests.
The stadium has been standing for decades now but has undergone upgrades, makeovers, and expansions periodically. So even though it’s been around for a while, it still feels like a fully modern facility equipped with all of the contemporary bells and whistles. Tours can be arranged if you’d like to gain a more intimate knowledge of this historic building.
You might care to spend a bit of time on campus as well. It’s a wonderful place to take a walk and there are frequent events worth checking out at the library or student center. You can learn all about that on the University of Arkansas’s website and social media pages.
Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese
Who doesn’t like a good grill cheese sandwich? Even vegans will go out of their way to enjoy this timeless classic that couples perfectly with a piping hot bowl of tomato soup. Over at Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese in downtown Fayetteville, you can enjoy what’s been called the ‘Ferrari of grilled cheese sandwiches’.
This fun, lively, and roomy diner is very popular for one very good reason. Can you imagine sinking your teeth into a grilled cheese made from your choice of 26 different kinds of cheese, eight meat options, six veggie options, and seven sauces or spreads to choose from? Let me just tell you that the experience is one that you won’t forget anytime soon.
These grilled cheese slingers aren’t just line-cooks, they are artists! And every decent artist knows that any piece of art is only as good as its canvas. As such, the good folks over at Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese have linked up with the Ozark Natural Family Bakery so that they could build their epic sandwiches on a solid foundation of flavor and texture and they source their meats locally as well.
Oh yeah and we mentioned vegans earlier. Yup, Hammontree has vegan cheese and a plethora of plant-based ingredients to accommodate their taste buds as well.
And regardless of what you order, you’re not going to be disappointed. The portions are all huge, the sides are all equally delicious and the soups are freshly made daily and might I say they are also quite delectable.
Arsaga’s Coffee Roasters
Arsaga’s is one of Fayetteville’s favorite coffee shop chains. They first set up shop in 1992. The coffee shop/roastery is owned and operated by a married couple named Cindy and Cary Arsaga. Today they have six locations including one within the Fayetteville Public Library which is open seven days a week.
Arsaga’s offers their customers all their favorite coffee shop staple beverages handcrafted from the finest organic, fair trade, and traceable beans. Whether you’re looking to sip on a cup of classic Americano, Cubano, or Japanese nitro cold brew, Arsaga’s got you covered. They also offer blended or frozen drinks which go perfectly with a hot summer’s day at the park.
Hugo’s
Right around the corner from Fayetteville Square sits an inconspicuous little eatery tucked away in a basement that’s been a local favorite for the last 4 decades. Hugo’s menu includes staple comfort foods like burgers and fresh-cut fries and the décor is very reminiscent of a family dining room. You definitely feel at home when catching a bite to eat here.
It’s a cozy and quaint little eatery that is easy to miss, but just ask any local and they’ll tell you that it’s a must for anyone visiting the region. Dishes are packed full of fresh produce and the meats all come from the local butcher. They also have a decent variety of craft and local beers to choose from at reasonable prices.
TheatreSquared
For the aspiring thespian or just the casual appreciator of stage productions, TheatreSquared is
must visit. It’s a professional theater company that produces more than 200 local and national productions every year.
The intimate 175-seat theater at Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios has been entertaining audiences since 2005 and was recently appreciated as one of the top ten promising emerging theaters in the country by The American Theater Wing. The company is also a ten-time grantee of the National Endowment for the Arts. Since 2019, travel website TripAdvisor has listed TheatreSquared as the top-rated attraction in Fayetteville.
Lake Fayetteville
This pristine park is comprised of 458 acres of land and 194 acres of water. The lake itself is a fisherman’s dream and is ideal for any number of outdoor and aquatic recreational activities. There are several componets that make up the park at Lake Fayetteville. You’ve got the North Shore Park which is host to a disc golf course, and then there’s Veterans Memorial Park, the boat dock, and the marina region.
The lake is also host to a softball complex, offers affordable bike and boat rentals, and is conveniently located adjacent to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. For those that enjoy a nice trek through nature, there is also a 5.5-mile nature trail that extends around the lake. The park also has a 4.3 paved trail perfect for taking a nice stroll or bike ride.
Botanical Garden Of The Ozarks
The Natural State as Arkansas has been aptly nicknamed offers nature lovers some of the most beautifully pristine mountains, valleys, and forests in the nation. The Ozarks are just one of the state’s many hidden gems and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks gives visitors a glimpse of some of the most breathtaking and majestic plants founds in the region.
There are quite literally thousands of species and varieties of plants, trees, and wildflowers on display but they also have an incredible butterfly exhibit that arguably steals the shows for most first-time guests. The Botanical Gardens offer a diverse set of instructional programs, workshops, and presentations throughout the years so you’ll want to check their website before planning your visit.
The Arkansas Air And Military Museum
For airplane aficionados and military buffs, a visit to the Arkansas Air & Military Museum on South School Avenue will surely brighten your day. The museum is loaded with interesting displays, informative exhibits, and memorabilia related to the military and the history of aviation.
A lot of the exhibits are permanent installations while others rotate periodically so each visit is sure to be a unique experience. The aircraft hangar is most people’s favorite attraction. It includes helicopters and planes from the Vietnam era and even a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk which was used in the armed forces in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Walton Arts Center
The insanely rich and powerful Walton Family controls the astronomically huge Walmart empire. While Walmart’s headquarters are located in nearby Bentonville, Arkansas, you’ll likely see the Walton name plastered on all sorts of businesses, organizations, and street signs throughout the state.
The Walton Arts Center was built in the early 1990s and was designed to support and promote the local performing arts community. This center located on West Spring Street is a great spot to catch a live musical, theatrical, or dance performance. They also offer educational and instructional programs for both kids and adults alike. Again, before paying this spot a visit, it’s probably best to check and see what kind of line-up they have scheduled so you find the right event that fits your interests.
Well, that’s about all the time we’ve got left for this video, but hopefully you’ve enjoyed going on this little tour with us. For those unfamiliar with the region, Fayetteville might not seem like an incredibly exciting location but for those in the know, it actually is a pretty happening town. Whether your a foodie, a nature buff, or a theatre lover, there is something here to enjoy for the whole family.
Now’s your turn to let your voice be heard. What’s your favorite thing about the state of Arkansas? Its gorgeous natural wonders or its eclectic cities? Let us know in the comments section below.
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