While most tourists generally opt to visit the bigger cities within the United States, Fayetteville, Arkansas boasts a unique southern charm. Fayetteville is a relatively small town but still manages to please its visitors with just enough attractions, off-the-beaten path spots and the occasional sporting extravaganza to fill a three-day weekend.
Things to See and Do
Unlike the surrounding towns with their sprawls of malls and chain stores, Fayetteville keeps its architecture low and its shopping boutique. Arriving at the right time of year (most times are the right times) can mean a Main Street full of Civil War reenactment buffs, complete with full uniform. Music floating into the night air is more likely to involve a banjo than a top-40 hit and food is usually served by the owner, without a golden arch in sight.
Heritage Square houses three historic sites in one location. Sandford House, the Oval Ballroom and Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House were all built between 1800 and 1818 and are lovingly controlled and preserved by the Fayetteville Women's Club who will take you on a guided tour if you book in advance. These are beautiful buildings, and if architecture is your thing, they are unmissable.
Market House is another historic building (this one dating back to the early nineteenth century) and was once the center of Fayetteville's trading industry. Creepily, it was where the city's roaring slave trade did most of its business.
Museums
The slave trade and American Indian history of the area are presented in the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. Considering that Fayetteville is built on stolen land (the entire region was originally set aside for the Cherokee Nation), the historical account of that time is somewhat glossed over, but the exhibits are pretty interesting anyway.
A more modern museum is out on California Boulevard: A simple one-bedroom bungalow, this is where Bill and Hilary Clinton were married and lived. Now it is a quirky homage to the pair, with an interesting collection of memorabilia and suitably cheesy souvenirs for sale.
Events
Given the college nature of the town, Fayetteville's major events are often sports-based: February sees Fayetteville host the Indoor Track & Field SEC National Championships at the Randal Tyson Track Center . For something a little more cultural, head to the regular First Thursday Fayetteville. The next one will be held in Downtown Square and has a festival atmosphere in the name of underground art. Shops stay open late, and live music and street entertainment make this one of the best regular happenings in the area.
Off the Beaten Path
Getting off the beaten path (apart from the huge number of walking trails and national parks that make Fayetteville one of the greenest towns in the region) means heading to places like GoodFolk. This is one of the oddest music venues around: Despite having no sign, and being located in the front room of someone's house – a Victorian mansion no less, GoodFolk have had guests like John Gorka and Tom Paxton playing for the fans. Entry is free and refreshments are available (no charge, but donations accepted) – a bargain for the high quality jazz, blues and bluegrass that GoodFolk is famous for. 229 North Block Street.
Nightlife
Fayetteville contains a great number of options for nightlife. When school is in session, bars along popular Dickson Street become packed on weekend nights. At other points throughout the year, the town hosts several festivals, one of which Bikes, Blues and Barbecue. Motorcyclists from around the country come to cruise Dickson Street in early fall which munching on some finger-licking barbecue.
Hotels
Accommodations in and around Fayetteville stick with southern prices. Most hotels are inexpensive with Fayetteville housing most of the popular hotel chains. Prices range between US$45 and US$150 per night.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
(Photo:©iStockphoto.com/dlewis33)
