Discovering Fayetteville, AR: A Guide to the University Town’s Best Restaurants, Shops, and Outdoor Activities (2024)
Fayetteville is a vibrant and dynamic city located in the heart of the Ozarks, Arkansas. This Arkansas city is home to the University of Arkansas and thus offers a variety of cultural and educational opportunities. Known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Fayetteville is a great destination for tourism as well. Whether you’re a history buff, a museum lover, or want to spend time outdoors, Fayetteville will entertain you easily for a week long. The outdoor recreational opportunities in this city draw in a considerable crowd (regardless of age) throughout the year.
Fayetteville, Arkansas, holds rich historical values and therefore is home to a range of heritage sites. Let alone the entire city, but Fayetteville’s historic downtown alone can keep a history buff captivated for a long. This city is also ideal for art lovers, whether still or performing. Thanks to the University and Tourism scenes in Fayetteville, visitors can find a range of shopping and dining venues to have a good time. From casual dining to fine dining options, varieties are truly wide. Fayetteville overall is an excellent place to explore in Arkansas, and the guide below will justify it precisely.
Discovering Fayetteville, AR: A Guide to the University Town’s Best Restaurants, Shops, and Outdoor Activities
Have a look at the list of All the things you can do in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Best Restaurants in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Being a popular college town, Fayetteville attracts students from all across Arkansas. And thanks to that, the café and restaurant culture in Fayetteville is flourishing with great speed. The city boasts a range of small and big dining options to choose from. Some of these include:
1. Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria
Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria is a popular restaurant located in the college town of Fayetteville. The restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, seafood, and classic pizzas. The menu also features a variety of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. However, the highlight of their menu that stands out is the homemade meatball made with love and a secret recipe. Their wood-fired pizza also is a must-try. Pair your meals with a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, and enjoy a wholesome dining experience.
The cozy dining room at Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria can accommodate small and large groups. It has a casual and inviting atmosphere with warm colors and rustic decor. Or, visitors can sit on the patio outdoors and have a fun time with friends and family. The service is friendly and attentive, making it a perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion.
2. The Farmer’s Table
The Farmer’s Table is undoubtedly the most popular café and eatery in Fayetteville. This farm-to-table restaurant is where you can relish a fresh, organic, and soulful meal. The Farmer’s Table use locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, and thus their menu changes seasonally depending upon what’s growing and when. However, that doesn’t mean they are low on options. The menu at The Farmer’s Table includes a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and entrees. In addition, they also offer a selection of beers and wines (special local options) to pair with every meal. Whether you want a place for an occasion or any casual breakfast or lunch, this restaurant is an ideal spot for you.
If here on weekends, try a farm-to-table brunch menu. Or try local’s recommendations, including a stack of sweet potato pancakes, hash skillet, benny on a biscuit, or Arkansawyer. They even have vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free options to choose from. On days when the restaurant has a queue, there’s a self-serve coffee corner to pass a good waiting time at.
3. Bordinos Restaurant and Wine Bar
Bordinos is an exquisite restaurant on the famed Dickson Street in the heart of Fayetteville. This popular fine-dining restaurant offers meals from the freshest and locally sourced ingredients, and thus their menu changes seasonally. However, they are known for serving mouthwatering contemporary American cuisine featuring a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. From vegetarian options to classic steak options to unique seafood dishes, everything they have is excellent. To pair along, Bordinos also offer a wide selection of wines from around the world. They also present a few really nice wine options with a focus on local and regional.
Whether you are looking forward to a business gathering or a romantic dinner, Bordinos is an excellent place to try. Their private room for events and meetings offers space for the privacy of gathering. The restaurant also offers a popular happy hour where visitors can try different food and drink items at affordable prices.
4. Feltner Brothers
Feltner Brothers is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Fayetteville. A popular choice amongst students, Feltner Brothers experience crowds throughout the week. The restaurant is known for burgers and hot dogs and is even the recipient of the best burger of Northwest Arkansas award. Their menu features a variety of traditional snacking options like fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and meatloaf. In addition, their sandwich and salads too are a must-try.
Known for its casual atmosphere and southern-style cuisine, Feltner Brothers is a must-visit restaurant in Fayetteville. Their friendly service and homemade cooking have a great reputation. Besides that, the cozy, rustic atmosphere makes Feltner Brothers a comfortable place to relax and enjoy food.
5. Café Rue Orleans
For Cajun food lovers, Café Rue Orleans is a popular dining destination in Fayetteville. This Cajun and Creole restaurant offers an authentic food experience in the heart of Arkansas. The menu here features a range of options, including traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, a selection of sandwiches, po’boys, and salads. For Cajun food lovers, gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee are some authentic and traditional options to try. Café Rue Orleans directly imports fresh, authentic ingredients from Louisiana for that true southern taste. A meal here will transport you from Fayetteville to New Orleans.
Café Rue Orleans has a casual atmosphere which makes it a popular place to hang out with friends. Visitors can check out their in-house bar and enjoy domestic and imported beers, along with a selection of wines and cocktails. Though the restaurant is affordable, for more easy deals, consider visiting here during the happy hour specials. It is when the restaurant offers discounts on drinks and appetizers.
Best Places to Shop When in Fayetteville, Arkansas
The shopping scenes in Fayetteville are an experience in themselves. Since this town boasts makers and artists shopping here is always extra fun and thoughtful. From National and International Chains to trendy local boutiques and local craft fairs, shopping opportunities in Fayetteville are truly many.
6. Fayetteville Square
Located in the heart of the city, Fayetteville Square is a historic and charming area to shop. A visit here allows shoppers to browse through a variety of local boutiques and specialty shops. Whether you are looking for clothing, jewelry, home decor, or anything added, you will find everything here. In addition to permanent shops, the farmer’s markets and other annual events too allow people to shop their hearts out. Besides shopping, Fayetteville Square also boasts a range of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a drink. Or, enjoy live music performances and the community atmosphere and watch locals and tourists coming along. The local culture and community of Fayetteville are definitely to be seen.
7. Fayetteville Holiday Market Lineup
If you want to indulge in unique shopping experiences during the year-end holiday season, just navigate through different market lineups in Fayetteville. Holiday shopping experiences here range from local artisan gift shops to a quirky craft fair, a small handmade market, and more.
Fayetteville’s Funky Flea Market: This marketplace keeps its door wide until midnight. When half of the city shuts down, it is where you can enjoy festivity shopping. Along with shopping at late-night discounts, one can enjoy treats and a hot cocoa bar as well.
Community Creative Center: This marketplace is where the local artist presents their arts and crafts. If you are looking to buy handmade items for the holiday season, this is the right place to shop at.
Fayetteville Farmer’s Market at Historic Downtown Square: Fayetteville Farmer’s Market operates a few days a week at the Historic Downtown Square. It is a gathering point for 60 vendors who come here to sell locally-grown flowers, produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, plants, and more. This marketplace is also the hot spot to find arts and crafts and local musicians performing at different corners.
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks: This captivating destination in Fayetteville though is a tourism hub, but you can shop here as well. The Spring Plant Sale here during the month of April brings 20+ area vendors selling carnivorous plants, orchids, annuals, perennials, native plants, and much more. For shopping here, consider coming with cash.
Popular Outdoor Activities in Fayetteville, Arkansas
8. Stroll at West Dickson Street
The commercial hub of Fayetteville, West Dickson Street, is where you can spend some memorable time at. The Street is famous for its restaurants, bars, and shops and is often filled with locals and tourists. People gather here to observe the late 19th-century historic structures. Victorian, Craftsman, and Art Deco are some common architectural styles you will witness here. Dickson Street is also known for its annual Dickson Street Carnival, organized during the spring season. This event is all about a parade, live music, food vendors, and basically family-packed entertainment. The unique shopping experiences, historic charm, and delicious food are the life of West Dickson Street.
9. Take a walk through Confederate Cemetery
For someone who is interested in history, the Confederate Cemetery is an ideal outdoor place to check out in Fayetteville. Nestled on the grounds of the Arkansas State Hospital for the Insane, the Confederate Cemetery was established back in 1867. This historic Cemetery is the final resting place for over 1,200 Confederate soldiers who lost their lives during Civil War. Today, the Cemetery is open for public exploration, and a lot of locals and tourists choose to spend time here. The Cemetery isn’t that scary, but the tranquil atmosphere here brings peace away from the city noise.
10. Relax and Rejuvenate at Lake Fayetteville
Lake Fayetteville is the most popular outdoor recreational spot in Fayetteville. Surrounded by scenic walking trails and natural beauty, it is a year-round destination. One can visit here to enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, playing, picnicking, and bird watching. Lake Fayetteville is stocked with fishes regularly, and some of the popular fishes you might catch here include catfish, bass, and crappie. Besides fishing, the lake also allows recreational fun with a boat dock and boat rentals. Kayaking and canoeing are reportedly some popular activities here. If not for recreational fun, one can visit Lake Fayetteville and its surroundings to soak in the immense natural beauty and tranquility.
11. Spend some time at the Wilson Park
If you are looking for a relaxing day in Fayetteville outdoors, visit Wilson Park. This outdoor landscape is a public park located in Fayetteville. The park features a playground, picnic areas, walking trails, and a pond. In addition, it also has a basketball court, tennis court, softball field, and a swimming pool. The trails here lead to scenic views of the city. With no entry fee, it is open to the public year-round and draws a considerable crowd. This beautiful and well-maintained urban space is where one can indulge in recreational fun or simply relax. Wilson Park also serves as a venue for events such as concerts and festivals.
12. Kessler Mountain Regional Park
Kessler Mountain Regional Park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational fun in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This 620 acres park boasts miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. It also features a lake stocked with a variety of fishes. The park is also home to an 18-hole disc golf course. The trails here are marked easy to moderate and draw a large crowd from all across the state. If not recreational fun, visitors can enjoy picnic activities with friends and family. Primitive camping with beautiful views of the park, too, is quite a hit trend here. Campers spending a night here can also get a chance to witness a variety of birds, along with deer, turkey, and more.