Fayetteville Favorites: Fun Stuff Edition

To follow up my previous post about "Where to Eat" in Fayetteville, here's my list on "What to Do." 

Alana's Fayetteville Favorites: Fun Stuff

ENTERTAINMENT

Crystal Bridges

• One of the greatest blessings we have in NWA. This museum of American Art is located just up the road from Fayetteville in Bentonville (our sister city and home to Walmart’s World HQ). The museum is free to the public (THANKS WALMART!) and has art that would interest anyone – including Warhols, Rockwells, Cassats, and Durands. You could spend as much or as little time here as you’d like. Oh, and the trails are a great way to spend the afternoon if you have the time and the weather permits.
• Also, right now, they have a special Norman Rockwell exhibit. It’s $12/person, but worth the spend.

Fayetteville & Bentonville Squares

• Fayetteville: One of my favorite places in Fayetteville is the square – shopping, eating, and just overall precious, small-town-ness. Stop by and take a stroll around. You’ll fall in love with the city just like I did.
• On Saturdays, the Farmer’s Market is a must see and in the winter (I know, not applicable NOW), they light the whole thing up with twinkle lights. Heart be still…
• Bentonville: A nice stop after a visit to the museum – tons of cute little shops, a coffee shop, and some fantastic restaurants.

Walmart Museum

• Located on the Bentonville Square, this sweet little museum is a nice tribute to Mr. Sam and his vision. You can see his old truck, read old letters, take a look around his office, and visit an old mockup of the Walton Five & Dime. It only takes about 20 min to tour and it’s free, so it’s a nice way to fill time.

PIGShibition

• There are surprise piggies hidden all around the city. You can just hope to stumble up on a few (and you probably will), or you can check out the website for a map and city tour.
• See my post about the Pigs for more info on this.

Bluebird Factory

• Located just about 30 min outside of Fayetteville, Terra Studios is a tourable glass-blowing factory. They make the infamous Bluebirds of Happiness here and the grounds have been turned into a fun little park. Great place to go with kiddos.

Gentry Zoo

• YOU CAN HOLD BABY LIONS! (provided they have cubs at the time). Even if they don’t, this drive through zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon. Animals just wander the grounds and you drive the trail in your car and watch them. They have all sorts of fun creatures. And the petting zoo part lets you hold monkeys and other small things. It’s about a 45 min drive from Fayetteville, but SO WORTH IT.

SHOPPING

Farmers’ Market

• I rarely miss this sweet little gem on Saturday mornings. The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market has been named the “Favorite Farmers’ Market in America” and I totally agree. It’s such a perfect snapshot of our town – all sorts of people, with kiddos and dogs, wandering, chatting, and just enjoying each other’s talents. If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, this is a MUST see.

Riffraff

• Located on the Fayetteville square, this sweet little boutique is locally owned and operated by the fabulous Kirsten Blowers. She’s a U of A graduate, an incredibly sweet person, and a fantastic designer. Her eye is impeccable and the items she keeps in her store are so lovely that I have to keep myself from going in because if I do, I WILL buy something. It’s dangerous.
• She also has an online store – go check her out!

Mustache

• Just down the block from Riffraff, this store is basically a local version of Urban Outfitters – unique style, fun items, friendly folks.

Thrift Stores

• We have so many! If that’s your thing, Fayetteville will be your best friend. 

Hope you enjoy any and all of the above you visit! Now I'm off to put the finishing touches on a train-themed party for the cutest two year-old in the world.

Later, friends!