The Best Things To Do In Fayetteville, Arkansas

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is characterized by its youthful energy, passion for the outdoors and the arts, and unpretentious spirit. Despite the fact that it’s close to the Bentonville headquarters of Walmart and home to the University of Arkansas, the city retains a delightful small-town character. Plus, the natural splendor of the region is on full display everywhere you look. Here's how to spend your time in this close-knit community surrounded by the great outdoors.

Where To Eat and Drink

Start your morning off right with breakfast at Arsaga’s Mill District. This local chain has a few locations, but this is the only full-service restaurant. Get their housemade biscuits and gravy or ricotta scramble tartine. Wash it all down with a specialty coffee drink, like the Lucky Penny, an oat milk latte with almond butter and a mushroom blend (better-tasting than it sounds). Or, pop into Little Bread Company for a cappuccino and breakfast sandwich. Sit on its ivy-covered patio with mosaic-tiled tables, and you'll feel like you're in a private little world.

For lunch, Petra Cafe offers coziness and charm alongside a taste of the Mediterranean. Tucked inside a tiny brick building off the square, there are just 22 seats inside this intimate cafe—it’s basically impossible to leave without making a new friend. Order the special of the day, or try their foule, which is a kind of Middle Eastern chili made with stewed fava beans, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. Alternatively, Penguin Ed’s serves all manner of succulent smoked meats; be sure to save room for a side of batter-fried pickles and a slice of one of Betty’s Fried Pies. The (original) South location is the fan favorite, and it’s also next to Crisis Brewing, a popular local brewery that’s hidden away in a leafy patch of trees.

For the most scenic spot in town for a pre-dinner cocktail, the rooftop at Feed & Folly beckons. Soak up the views of the undulating green hills in the distance while you kick back with a signature cocktail and maybe a small plate or two.

When hunger pangs strike, you’ve got a few options for dinner. Head to Hugo’s, an always-bustling basement bistro off the square that’s been around since 1977. Packed to the gills with vintage artwork, antique mirrors, and other eclectic decor, this beloved establishment is best known for its juicy bleu-moon burger and catfish po’ boy. Do yourself a favor and order a basket of fries for the table. Mouthwatering Cajun-style cuisine is what’s on the menu at Cafe Rue Orleans, located on College Avenue. You’ll want to come hungry—not only is the food delicious, but the portions are generous, even by Southern standards. In the mood to splurge? Atlas is an elegant white-linen restaurant with a seasonal menu that’s heavy on (perfectly cooked) meat and seafood entrees.

Maxine’s Tap Room is the place for a nightcap. This timeworn hangout has everything you could want in a local bar: bowls of fresh-popped popcorn, retro drinks, cozy red vinyl booths, and extra-friendly bartenders.

What To Do

Amble along Dickson Street where decades-old brick buildings house bars, shops, and restaurants. By night, the street is crawling with college students, but by day, it’s the perfect place for a stroll. Fuel up on coffee or beer at Puritan before making your way to Dickson St. Bookshop, where rows and rows of used books are organized into quirky categories spanning every subject imaginable. Come evening, catch a play or musical performance at the Walton Arts Center or TheatreSquared, or see a local band at George’s Majestic Lounge—as the oldest and longest-running live music venue in Arkansas, George’s has anchored the local music scene for years.

Saturday mornings are for perusing the Fayetteville Farmers Market. Open since 1973 (and year-round), this lively market is a fixture of the community. Vendors sell bountiful homegrown produce, flowers, eggs, and meat, and musicians play bluegrass and folk tunes on the corners of the square.

Getting out in nature is a must-do when you’re in Fayetteville. Have a picnic at Lake Fayetteville or Wilson Park, the city’s first and oldest park. Experience the locals’ love of mountain biking at Mount Kessler. Or, get a real taste of the Ozarks by hiking the trails at Devil’s Den State Park, located 25 miles south of town.

Fayetteville is also a jumping-off point for the Razorback Regional Greenway, a paved, shared-use trail that connects the city with the downtown areas of Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and others. Rent a bike and spend the day exploring the Fayetteville Ale Trail, a series of local microbreweries connected via the Greenway. Biking and brews—now that’s a quintessential Fayetteville day.

Where To Stay

Most of Fayetteville's best places to stay are within an easy (and pleasant) walk of everything you’d want to explore downtown. The Dickson Street Inn was originally built in 1894 as a single family home and then remodeled in 2009 to become a quaint bed & breakfast. There are eight bedrooms and two carriage house suites to choose from, along with a plant-filled porch overlooking Dickson Street. The inn is also connected to the lively Dickson Street Pub. The rooftop patio here makes for a lovely spot to sip a craft brew (or if you’re feeling brave, a mason jar of boozy Hog Punch) and watch the sunset over Old Main, the oldest building on campus and the architectural icon of the city.

Fayetteville’s Inn at Carnall Hall is an upscale boutique located at the foot of Old Main. Formerly the first women’s residence hall on campus, this hotel has old-world Southern charm in spades, from its creaky hardwood floors to its spacious wraparound porches dotted with rocking chairs. Grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, Ella’s Table, which serves Southern-ified American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A quirky downtown presence, the Graduate Fayetteville is recognizable for its checkered exterior and brightly colored interior brimming with Razorback decor. The Graduate has more amenities than the Dickson Street Inn or the Inn at Carnall Hall; take advantage of a well-appointed indoor-outdoor pool, complimentary bike rentals, and a fully equipped fitness center during your stay.  

When To Visit

Fayetteville transforms from season to season, though the city’s temperate climate makes it a great place to visit anytime of year. That said, there are two standout seasons to consider planning your trip around. Spring (mid-March through April) is gorgeous, when the redbuds and dogwoods are in bloom and everyone’s out enjoying the sunshine. In fall, the air is crisp and the city is awash with hues of red, gold, and orange—mid- to late October is generally peak fall color time.

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