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Fayetteville, Arkansas is known for many things – home to the state’s flagship university, a Civil War Headquarters, world championship cyclists, a music festival and keeping all things funky. While the unique style and business environment are conducive to startups, innovation and entrepreneurialism, the foundational environment built upon intellect and education provides stability and duration.
History of Fayetteville
The history of Fayetteville tells a story that makes the names of many of its hot spots and organizations make sense.
- The area was originally hunting grounds of the Osage Indians.
- The county seat was formed on October 17, 1828.
- An early nickname was “Athens of the Ozarks.”
- It is a hilly area geographically marked by seven hills around and within the city.
- Union and Confederate troops occupied buildings in today’s financial and commercial districts.
- Sections of the Trail of Tears and Butterfield Coach line meandered through today’s downtown city streets.
- The city was named for the hometown of its two original county commissioners – James Buchanan and John Woody.
- Leaders like Senator J. William Fulbright, President Bill Clinton, Edward Durell Stone, and Fay Jones have called Fayetteville home.
Today, many come to Fayetteville to settle their young family, begin a college career, or chase dreams in a town known for accepting change and becoming a world-class premier vacation destination. Cyclists, boutique shoppers, college parents, and tech gurus call this unique place home.
Best Places to PLAY in Fayetteville
- Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks – committed to showcasing the natural beauty of the Ozarks
- Lake Fayetteville – walk the trails and explore the scenery
- Downtown Square – the hub of the city
- Wilson Park – a top park for families in Northwest Arkansas
- Walton Arts Center – Northwest Arkansas’ premier theater space
- Fayetteville Underground/Art Ventures – a collection and collaboration of local artists
- Arkadia Retrocade – a retro gaming space
- 112 Drive-In theater – an outdoor movie theater, just the way you want it!
Best Places to SHOP
- Riff Raff – a downtown square hot spot that focuses on women’s clothing, home decor and gifts
- Freckled Hen Home + Gifts – everything home gifts and garden
- E. Leigh’s – contemporary women’s clothing and accessories serving the fashion-forward woman
- French Metro Antiques – direct importer of fine French antiques
- Co-op – Ozark Natural Foods Co-op supports local farmers and responsibly sourced food and products through building a community of like-minded people.
- Pearl’s Books – an independent bookstore that is perfect for quiet, cozy reading
- Pack Rat Outdoor Center – outdoor clothing and equipment for the whole family
- Stache – unique gift items, clothing, and Arkansas items that teeter between perfect and irreverent
Best Places to EAT
- Bordino’s – come for the fine dining
- Wood Stone Craft Pizza – come for the local fresh ingredients
- A Taste of Thai – come for the ethnic cuisine
- Pesto Cafe – come for the atmosphere and lasagna
- Hugo’s – come for the burger
- Hammontree’s – come for the 26 kinds of cheese
- Sassy’s Red House – come for the local barbecue and patio
- Herman’s Ribhouse – come for the steak
- The Farmer’s Table – come for the brunch
- Rolando’s Ristorante – come for the authentic flavors
Best places to EXPLORE
- Arkansas Air and Military Museum – explore the history of aviation in Arkansas and military combats
- Fayetteville Public Library – public access to literacy and tech resources for the whole family
- Fayetteville National Cemetery – national military cemetery opened in 1867, initially as a final resting place for soldiers killed in the Civil War battles at Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove
- Headquarters’ House – steps away from the “Bloody Corner,” the Battle of Fayetteville was fought on the front lawn
- St Catherine’s at Bell Gable – prayer and meditation space
- Terra Studios – a family-friendly wonderland of art
- Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery – a cemetery for soldiers of the confederate states
It’s tough to visit Fayetteville and not think regional, so if you are visiting the area for flea markets or bike trails, a long weekend, spring break, summer vacation or checking out the Ozarks, make sure to see other spots in Northwest Arkansas.
Other Arkansas destination cities can be found here.
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Parks & Tourism
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