Best Things to Do in Fayetteville, Ark.

A mainstay since 1964, Herman’s is Fayetteville famous for its delicious meats and fresh, handmade sauces, including a special barbecue blend. Hand-cut steaks, bone-in rib-eyes, burgers, burger steaks as well as barbecue chicken and half racks of ribs fill the menu. Pair the latter with some Southern coleslaw. 

Penguin Ed’s is another old-school Fayetteville stalwart. There are two locations in the city, and the first turns 25 in July ’21. The menu is stacked with barbecue sandwiches — pork shoulder, chopped beef, brisket, pulled chicken, Polish sausage — racks of ribs, chicken, vegetarian options (for the vegans who’ve gotten lost and found themselves eating in a barbecue restaurant) and more.

Sassy’s gets our vote for the restaurant with the funnest name. Not just in Fayetteville, anywhere. Sassy’s! It’s fun to say. Anyway. Sassy’s offers everything from full plates to sandwich combos. Ask for your barbecued pulled pork on a bun or by itself, and enjoy the delicious taste of meat that has been smoked for 13 hours. Or you can mix it up a bit and order a barbecue beef brisket, smoked barbecue turkey sandwich or even a barbecue burger. Make sure to order the traditional possum pie for dessert.

Rymolene’s Pies is small, but locals rave about the number of options. You can order a classic like the Dutch apple pie or opt for something more daring like Arkansas green tomato pie. They even offer sugar-free options and delicious pie cakes.

At Columbus House Brewery and Taproom, you’ll want to try the delicacies such as the Weekend Warrior, the holiday Twinter Ale or Nutty Runner Nut Brown Ale. The company is completely dog friendly, so the pooch is welcome to tour with you.

Named after a spot at the brewery’s water source, nearby Beaver Lake, Fossil Cove Brewing opened its doors back in 2012. Their tasting room has 13 taps with rotating selections of year-round, seasonal and experimental beers. In 2016 they launched Frost Fest, a celebration of craft beer from the Ozarks area that also supports Northwest Arkansas nonprofits. (The 2021 fest was cancelled due to Covid.)

With a focus on craft, community and Fayetteville, Crisis Brewing is a small-batch brewer that offers 12 brews (five rotating).

Grab your friends and family and get lost in the beauty of this park’s 12 gardens. You can enjoy exquisite flowers, plants and the only native butterfly house in the entire Northwest Arkansas region. If you’d like something a little more hands-on, the garden offers numerous learning opportunities, like gardening classes for adults or Earth Day programs for kids. 

While the name may imply that this park is just a lake, it actually houses numerous sections, including a softball complex, a disc golf course and a memorial park. On top of all those activities, visitors can rent bicycles or boats and enjoy a relaxing day in nature. With 458 acres, you can explore the vast terrain on foot or on a bicycle. Plus, the 194-acre body of water is ideal for fishing, kayaking and other water activities. 

Are you looking for a park that everyone can enjoy? Wilson Park is your answer. With plenty of picnic areas, tennis courts, a pool and beautiful gardens, you can enjoy the outdoors with the whole family. When you visit, don’t forget to stop by the iconic castle built by the sculptor Frank Williams.

This unique museum perfectly combines history, aviation and awe with its incredible collection of wartime artifacts. Peruse some of the first aircrafts — that are still in working condition — or check out a few of the well-preserved military vehicles, all while learning more about various wars. 

The Clinton family, one of the most famous political families in the U.S., started right in the state of Arkansas. There are several museums dedicated to them across the state, but this Clinton House Museum is extra special because it was where Hillary and Bill were married in 1975. While the home may be small, walking through the well-preserved rooms will give you a new perspective on the beginnings of the famous family.

Hill City Popcorn is a specialty store that makes and sells unique popcorn flavors and gifts. From a tiny, three-cup bag to a giant, 6.5-gallon bucket, this store can fulfill all your popcorn needs. Don’t forget to check out the care-package options and the many flavors, including Woo Pop Sooiee, Chocolate Sea Salt and Jalapeño Ranch.

When you walk in the door of French Quarters Antiques, you’ll be transported to 18th- and 19th-century France. While you may not think of French fineries on your trip to Fayetteville, the owners of this store fill the shop with only the best antiques straight from France.

You’ll find out quickly that Dickson St., which is located near the university, is a hub of what happens in Fayetteville. George’s Majestic Lounge has been a mainstay on Dickson since it first opened in 1927, and it stakes its claim as the “oldest and longest-running live music venue in Arkansas.” Artists from Animal Collective to Pat Green and the Little River Band have graced at least one of the two stages at George’s.

Previously known as Willy D’s, the Piano Bar is just a few blocks down from George’s on Dickson in the midst of Razorback territory. While it’s not Fayetteville’s place to catch big-name acts passing through town, it should be your pick for your friend’s bachelorette party or any Friday night, really. Expect audience participation here. The pianists are all-in on engaging the crowd. 

See a show. This theater company holds 220 performances a year in normal times.The building itself has won multiple awards for its design and it includes two theaters, a café, workshop areas, outdoor seating, apartments and more.

Housed in a 110-year-old depot, here you’ll find offbeat, eclectic vendors from the Ozarks selling the usual and unusual flea market goods. You can expect everything from clothes and music, to antiques and furniture.