Travel Alum: Fayetteville, AR

by Cortney Carroll on March 09, 2021

We love to road trip and college towns are always a fun place to visit for a few days.  Whether it is during a game weekend or the off-season there is always  an adventure to be found and local cuisine to be sampled.

Not long ago, we made a last minute decision to head from Dallas up to Fayetteville, Arkansas for a weekend getaway.  We had never been to Arkansas and as far as we could tell there really isn't that many "must see" stops between Dallas and Fayetteville unless you stop at Buc-ee’s for Beaver Nuggets or Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma to try your luck. In the interest of good research we decided to do both! 

Since we were taking our time we opted for the five or so hour drive along the scenic route of highways 1 and 2 across Arkansas to Fort Smith and then up to Fayetteville.  It was an easy drive plus the views of the lakes and forest land were stunning.  We truly had no idea how beautiful Arkansas is! 

We arrived in Fayetteville mid-afternoon and checked into The Graduate Hotel located in the historic downtown area.  This was our first time experiencing the hotel brand known for their collection of hand-crafted boutique hotels that are located in the heart of the most dynamic university towns in America. The Fayetteville location was clean, comfy and all the little Arkansas Razorback details were amazing. Plus, the location could not be beat because you are within walking distance of amazing restaurants, bars and shopping. It's also only a few minutes drive or about a 20 - 30 minute walk to campus.  To learn more about the hotel you can visit their website here.  The big win was the covered parking directly behind the hotel that was so easy and safe.

Graduate Hotel Fayetteville

Graduate Hotel Fayetteville King Room

Before dinner we walked around the downtown square and visited all of the cute stores. I was really excited to stop by RiffRaff.   A local Fayetteville store that I follow on IG which has fantastic Razorback gameday styles plus super fun everyday clothes and jewelry.  I love how they merchandise their store and the creative fashions, plus it is in a cool old storefront that feels very retro.  

By this time we had shopped and walked until we were famished so we stopped for dinner at Cheers at the OPO.  Located right in the middle of the historic downtown square it is in a refurbished post office building. So cool and yummy eats!  

The next morning we headed over to Little Bread Bakery.  I had seen the fantastic reviews and it was just a short walk around the corner from the hotel.  We only went for a coffee and a morning walk, but I we could not resist looking at their amazing pastry selection.  We couldn't help ourselves so we decided to try the cinnamon roll. It was everything you would imagine it to be..absolutely decadent. #nomnomnom  There are a few seats inside the bakery plus takeaway is super easy with parking right in front.

We had a few hours before heading to the University of Arkansas Baseball Game so we decided to tour the campus and walk off our cinnamon roll!  So impressed by the gorgeous campus and would highly recommend spending the time to check it out.  We were in awe of the Razorback's Football Stadium and the “Wild Band of Razorbacks” monument designed by Dick Idol who is one of the premier wildlife sculptors in America. The two combined are a very impressive site to see.

After the baseball game we decided to continue our adventures back at Hugo’s restaurant back on the historic downtown square.  They are located in a cool space below street level with a great vibe.  It was the absolute perfect spot for a few late night drinks and a snack.  You've got to try the burger...it is delicious!

 

We had a fantastic time in Fayetteville and would absolutely love to go back for a football weekend in the Fall. Maybe with a side trip to Eureka Springs for a historic town visit.  Either way, we can't wait to return.

Woo Pig Sooie!

Cortney

 

PS...I had to bring some fab spirit wear for the game!  Here were my go-to Razorback styles of the day:  Team Stack Bracelet and Razorback Earrings

 

 

 

 

 

 

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