Fayetteville

Artists and educators, makers and musicians, college students and entrepreneurs all shape the vibe of this college town.

The University of Arkansas, pumping 30,000 students and all their restless energy into the city, sits like a beacon atop hilly terrain. The gorgeous setting, iconic architecture of Old Main and traditions like Senior Walk make the campus worth touring on foot. Game days transform the entire town into a sea of Razorback red. That same passion fuels art galleries, independent bookstores, boutiques selling goods from local makers, performance arts, festivals, and a lively music scene.

Fayetteville’s entertainment district lies between the UA campus and the historic downtown square. Here, music spills into the streets from venues like JJ’s Grill, Tin Roof, and Kingfish. But music is king at George’s Majestic Lounge, the oldest live music venue in the state. Open since 1927, George’s brings in a mix of national acts and regional jam, bluegrass, rock and Americana. When the house lights dim a couple blocks away at Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared, Grammy award-winning artists, Broadway-level productions and original plays take the stage. Grab a wristband from a participating bar, and you can walk the district with a beverage in hand. Outdoor murals brighten building walls along the way.

Culture & Culinary EXPERIENCES

On the historic downtown square surrounded by beautiful gardens, retail and restaurants, peruse the Fayetteville Farmers Market, running since 1973. Monthly festivals and seasonal fun take place here, like Lights of the Ozarks with more than 500,000 LED lights aglow during the holiday season.

Throughout town, you can pop into cultural attractions like Clinton House Museum, the Arkansas Air & Military Museum, or the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Then, explore whimsy at Wilson Park Castle and Terra Studios, let loose at the NWA Smash Lab, play ball at the ArtCourt, beat a high score at Arkadia Retrocade, and rock climb at Boulders & Brews.

Try a local coffee shop like Arsaga’s or a farm-to-table breakfast at The Farmer’s Table. Basement-level Hugo’s is known for burgers and fries, while Atlas serves white tablecloth cuisine. Across the city, you can grab grub from food truck courts, longtime local restaurants or familiar chains.

Outdoor Adventure

Start pedaling and you’ll see why Fayetteville wears the UCI’s Gold-Level Bike City badge. A 50-mile network of family-friendly paved trails winds through town, as does more than 50 miles of singletrack. The Fayetteville Traverse loops on pavement and dirt for a diverse 18-mile tour that includes singletrack through the middle of campus. Expect technical, rock-filled trails and long descents at Kessler Mountain, while Centennial Park features cyclocross and Olympic-style cross country mountain bike race courses.

Mile zero of the Razorback Regional Greenway begins at Kessler. This 40-plus-mile paved spine stretches north, running through the heart of Dickson Street before linking to other cities and cultural experiences. Fayetteville’s green spaces encompass parks, lakes, athletic complexes, splash pads, and disc golf courses. Plus, it’s a gateway to more than a million acres of Ozark National Forest with rivers, bluffs, trails and waterfalls to explore. Just an hour away is the Buffalo National River with towering limestone bluffs and wilderness areas.

UNique places to stay

Rest your head at the end of the day at one of many hotels in Fayetteville. On Markham Hill near the UA, Stonebreaker’s spacious suites, fire pits for s’mores, and hiking and biking trails make it an elevated, natural sanctuary. Just off the square, The Graduate decor shouts Razorback traditions and local history in its restaurant, guest rooms and lobby, while Moxy strives to be a Razorback basecamp right off the Razorback Greenway. Boutique hotels, vacation rentals and chain hotels are plentiful across town.