Location: Fayetteville
Top Things to do in Fayetteville
The 10 Best Things to Do in Fayetteville, United States
Fayetteville is the third-largest city in Arkansas and county seat of Washington County. The city is centrally located within the county and has been home of the University of Arkansas since the institution's founding in 1871. Fayetteville is on the outskirts of the Boston Mountains, deep within the Ozarks. Known as Washington until 1829, the city was named after Fayetteville, Tennessee, from which many of the settlers had come. It was incorporated on November 3, 1836 and was rechartered in 1867. The four-county Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area is ranked 105th in terms of population in the United States with 463,204 in 2010 according to the United States Census Bureau. The city had a population of 73,580 at the 2010 Census. At 1,400 feet of elevation, it is also one of the highest major US cities between the western Great Plains and the Appalachian Mountains.
Restaurants in Fayetteville
1. TheatreSquared
Overall Ratings
5 based on 325 reviews
TheatreSquared’s locally produced and nationally acclaimed productions reach 40,000 patrons each year. The company is Northwest Arkansas’s professional theatre, offering a unique audience experience in an intimate space. In 2011, TheatreSquared was recognized by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards, as one of the nation’s ten most promising emerging theatres. TheatreSquared is currently constructing a new, architecturally significant, permanent home for professional theatre in Northwest Arkansas. This 50,000 square-foot cultural landmark will unite two intimate theatres, rehearsal space, a three-level commons and café, outdoor gathering spaces, production workshops, offices, and artists’ apartments. Now in its twelfth season, TheatreSquared’s work remains rooted in its founding vision, that “theatre—done well and with passion—can transform lives and communities.”
Reviewed By Kim G - Arkansas, United States
This 2+ hour musical depicts the journeys of two Vietnamese who as young adults fled Saigon in 1975 as it collapsed into the rule of the VietCong. It chronicles their early experience in the US and then jumps to the present.
Script: Brilliantly written as was affirmed by the robust laughter. The adult themes included casual sex, STD puns, etc. Pretty sure that some of the adults were blushing too!
Musical score: Delightful (though saucy) songs which were sung with vigor
Set design: Simple yet complex. The use of projected images on the backdrops and the use of date/year stamps on the sides was helpful in following the storyline which bounced around.
The actors: Clearly in their element and brought authenticity to the roles.
Surprise moment: When it was noted that these Vietnamese characters did not want any apologies for what happened in Vietnam. They challenged audience members to consider an alternate side to protesting conflict and the loss that occurs when wars against aggressors occur. Quite profound, really.
Extra entertaining: Brush off your pop culture IQ and watch for the many references to iconic pop moments and musics. It was a delightful "blast from the past" while watching a tender love story unfold.
Talkback: A talkback chat was available following our show. We stayed for a bit to hear the dialogue. It was endearing as well as entertaining.
Location: TheatreSquared is a very small but beautiful venue. Staff was attentive. Water available as well as other drinks/snacks for a fee. Parking at the adjacent lot is managed through the app Pay to Park (download now and use across the US!) Parking cost us $4.50.
Disclaimer -- I live near Fort Chaffee and remember vividly the events of the relocation. My parents volunteered and my sisters and I greeted new arrivals by the busloads.
2. Fayetteville Downtown Square & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By BiggieSauls - Texarkana, Texas, United States
Saturday farmers market in the Square seems to be the place to go... and with your pets too! Plenty of area fresh produce vendors, cut flowers, meats, coffee and live music. It's one our favorites when visiting kids for the weekend.
3. Baum Stadium
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By CraftBeers - Plano, Texas
I really like Baum Stadium. We attended the Uark vs Ole Miss game this past Friday night before the seven year flood hit on Saturday. The field is beautifully manicured. The stadium board is easy to read. There is only one tier of seating all the way around the stadium. They have a row of suites on the second level, but the first level is where everyone sits. Each seat gives you a very close view of the action and it's great.
Parking for us was a breeze. We stayed at Staybridge across the street. We parked in their lot and walked one block to the stadium. Do not park in Staybridge if you are not a customer with a sign in your windshield. They will tow non-paying guests. The parking lots around Baum give easy access. Just know the streets get packed before and after a game, so it's not easy driving.
4. Walton Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Ava W - Fort Smith, Arkansas
This is the first time to visit the Walton Arts Center since the renovations and WOW!! I love what they have done. There are giving other art centers in the area a run for their money. Seeing shows here is still affordable. So welcoming and the friendliest staff on the planet! I watched Dirty Dancing but I have seen Beauty & the Beast, Chicago and The Color Purple here! Keep bring the great shows!
5. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Northwest Arkansas' only botanical garden! The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features 12 themed gardens & Arkansas’ only butterfly house, with landscaped grounds where four seasons of native flora and fauna thrive. The garden is a unique and enchanting venue for events of all kinds, including weddings, corporate meetings, private gatherings and birthday parties. Other garden events include: free summer concerts, the popular Firefly Fling family festival, the International Festival, Little Sprouts and Garden Buds educational programs for children & more. Visit www.bgozarks.org to see all the latest events and classes. Come explore with us!
Reviewed By CraftBeers - Plano, Texas
I'm a little torn on my feelings about this botanical garden. It's rather small compared to other towns. We paid $7.00 per person, and we do not feel we got value. I'm sure if I returned as Spring was in full bloom, I'd feel the $7.00 was reasonable.
The outdoor garden is a series of areas that are connected by gravel paths and cement walkways. There are Japanese gardens, chicken pens, trellis porch swings, bird feeders, little kid areas and picnic spots. We were there in March on a beautiful day, but nothing was in bloom. All the vegetation, trees, shrubs and grass were still dormant. The unfriendly ladies working inside seemed just fine charging $7.00 for a garden that's not yet a garden.
My daughters have both been here for events and pictures. They loved the color and layout. Given what I saw of the basic layout, I can see how this might be pretty. I really think young toddlers would love this place. It's a perfect size with lots of kid friendly things like train seats, giant walking stick bug and play area. The place is small enough that a parent could plop down in one spot and keep an eye on them while they enjoy the garden.
We lasted about 30-45 minutes in the garden where easily half of that was just sitting in the swing or on a bench watching birds. If we didn't sit and relax, this would have been a 20-25 minute visit. If everything were in full bloom, I could see an hour to an hour and a half. If you brought a picnic basket (not sure on their rules), you could spend a lot longer.
6. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Schmagle - Fayetteville, Arkansas
Nothing in the world like a Razorback game!! Stadium was incredible but getting better with 2 Jumbotrons!! Don't miss a good hog game!!
7. Lake Fayetteville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Full tackle shop with boat and bike rentals. Visit the website for more information.
Reviewed By SkyDragonfly
The place to walk or bicycle. Whether it's for exercise at this park or getting together with your family at a Pavilion for a family gathering this is the place. Paved paths for about five miles around. Enjoy. There's a playground for young children and a sand volleyball area for adults and kids alike.
8. Wilson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy H - Fayetteville, Arkansas
This is a charming neighborhood spot for walkers, families, and picnics. It is nestled in one of the older Fayetteville neighborhoods and offers a green zone within the city. The Greenbelt for bikes connects with the park adding opportunity for exercise and another access point.
9. Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By lonestarlizard - Austin, Texas
This cemetery is high up on the hill via Rock Street. Dirt and rock parking with private residences all around. There are several old family plots (the Walker family is huge) adjacent to the Confederate graves. Mostly unmarked/unreadable stones but there are some, including a brigadier general's that are well marked.
If you like the civil war history I would recommend spending a few minutes walking this small site.
10. World Peace Fountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By CraftBeers - Plano, Texas
Sometimes the physical aspect does not live up to the idea behind it. In this case, I love the message and intent. The huge metal ball with all different languages is conceptually cool. Looking at it falls flat. It's a building, a front door and a round ball. The immediate area around it is nothing special. Their needs to be another plaque with more background. Language translations or some facts would be nice too.
The fountain is located a half block south of the square. Look for Jammin Java and the Town Center and you will find the ball.
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