A Weekend Guide to the College Town of Fayetteville
Gorgeous mountains and luscious greenery surround the college town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to the University of Arkansas’s beautiful campus. And it’s getting attention from Texans: nearly 30 percent of its enrollment population is made up of students from the Lone Star State.
With its growing popularity, you might find yourself settling in your college-aged child into a dorm or apartment in Fayetteville soon—or maybe you already have a kid going to school up there and you’re due for a visit. We’re obsessed with this Arkansas gem too, and have some recommendations for how to spend a weekend here.
Where to eat
City Park Fayetteville
This outdoor restaurant is on the newer side, and is worth the visit for the gorgeous weather Arkansas always seems to have.
The menu offers tons of snacks like loaded pots—your choice of fries or tater tots covered in poblano queso and topped with jalapeños, pico, salsa, and sour cream. Or order some street corn mixed with jalapeños, queso fresco, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips. And of course, no one does it like Texas, but we can confirm that if you order the street tacos from City Park, you’ll almost feel like you’re back at home. Other menu items include smashburgers, bowls served on either rice or lettuce, and churros for dessert.
Don’t let the QR code stump you: you use this to order, and it will automatically tell the staff the table you’re sitting at, so they know where to bring your food.
Hugo's
We love a good burger, which is why Hugo’s is always our go-to when visiting Fayetteville—not to be confused with Montrose’s beloved Mexican restaurant. This spot is in the city’s historic square and has been serving customers since 1977.
Hugo’s serves a variety of burgers made with 100 percent Angus beef and cooked to your liking. Options include a cheeseburger made with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mayonnaise, and mustard; a chili burger with cheddar and mayonnaise; and a guacamole burger with lettuce and mayonnaise. All are served with chips, but for an additional cost you can get a basket of Hugo’s homemade fries—warning, it’s massive, so make sure to share with the table. We also recommend starting your visit with the deep-fried potato skins topped with cheddar and crispy bacon, served with your choice of ranch or sour cream.
Though there isn’t a cocktail menu, Hugo’s has a full bar, so if you know what you like, request your drink of choice from your waiter. The restaurant also has rotating seasonal craft beer options.
What to do
Devil's Den State Park
People might forget that Fayetteville encompasses the Ozarks, so there are plenty of places to go if you want to get a good hike in. Our favorite is Devil’s Den. With no entrance fee, it’s the perfect place to spend a day immersed in nature. Fun fact: the state park got its name from its 60 crevice caves. There are even rumors that outlaws used to hide in them in the 1800s.
For a moderate hike, take on the three-mile Yellow Rock Trail. Although it does have some elevation gain, we promise it’s not too hard on the lungs. And the view at the end is so worth it: once you get to the Yellow Rock landing, you’ll see Lee Creek Valley and its beautiful greenery. Carve out about two to three hours to complete this trail.
Fayetteville's Funky Flea Market
Who doesn’t love a fun shopping experience and an opportunity to bring back some souvenirs? With items from over 40 vendors, you never know what you’ll find at this flea market—including cats to pet. Come here for vintage clothing, home décor, music and vinyl, kitchenware, furniture, tons of antiques, and other unique collectibles. You don’t even have to buy anything to have fun here—seriously, if you find yourself with some time to kill, just stop by and look around.
Lake Wedington
In Arkansas, we can’t get enough of nature. Texas is beautiful, but it’s easy to find yourself wanting an escape from Houston’s concrete jungle. Before you head home, make the 30-minute drive to the gorgeous 102-acre Lake Wedington, which offers boat ramps, a swimming area, and a fishing pier. If mountain biking is your thing, you’re in luck. The full trail system surrounding Wedington consists of an eight-mile loop and a seven-mile out-and-back trail—if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can hike or ride both. There are also six historic cabins on site if you get a camping itch.
The lake also has an interesting history that dates back to the 1930s, when local men built the lake and recreation center. In the 1950s, management of the land was passed to the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. Now, the lake’s recreation center is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where to stay
Inn at Carnall Hall
This boutique hotel is a great option if you want to stay on campus. The building has a rich history, too. It was first built in 1905 as a women’s dormitory, and is now home to visitors from all walks of life—families visiting their college kids, potential college students, and alumni. The inn also offers dining options. Start your day at the coffee bar with some pastries, head back for lunch or dinner at Ella’s Table for some Southern food, then end your day at the Lambeth Lounge with a cocktail.
The Dickson Street Inn
Prior to its time as the Dickson Street Inn, this boutique hotel was a single-family home built in 1894. It was remodeled into a 10-room inn in 2009. Eight of the rooms are in the main house, while two are in larger suites located in a detached carriage home. The inn’s location within the heart of the city makes it the ideal spot for visiting family and college kids. Plus, it’s only a seven-minute walk away from Hugo’s.
