Tuesday, May 15, was Pratt Place Inn’s second time to host the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal‘s Fast 15 event. To be chosen as one of the Fast 15, each individual must be in his or her 20s, show leadership within their organization, and significantly contribute to his or her company. Click here to see the list of these fast-track professionals. Congratulations to each one!
Whether you have something in mind or are just trying to find an excuse to visit Northwest Arkansas, here is a calendar of upcoming events in the area.
For those who love bass fishing, the Arkansas Chapter of the Bass Federation has three upcoming state tournaments:
Lake Hamilton, January 14th (oops, we missed that one)
Greers Ferry Lake, February 11th
Lake Dardanelle, March 17th
Our prodigiously ranked Gym-backs began their season in January, currently #5 in the nation. There are still a few home meets in Fayetteville, including the NCAA South Central Regional. Click here for dates and times of the meets.
Arkansas Basketball, which started their season last November, still has several home games left in the season. Visit Baum Stadium, and call those Hogs! Click here for the Men’s Basketball schedule.
Currently ranked #4 in the nation, the University of Arkansas Baseball team opens their season in February at Baum stadium. Click here for their schedule.
Now here’s an interesting combination. Dig In! Food & Farming Festival is also a film festival with documentary films, a seed swap, and classes on organic cooking and gardening. The Festival is located on the University of Arkansas’s Global Campus on the square. Sounds like fun for all the foodies and green thumbs out there!
Iron Pig Festival, April 7th, at Fayetteville Executive Airport, Drake Field. A duathlon, Iron Pig run/walks, and a USA Cycling sanctioned time trial. Getting ready for the Olympics!
The Naturals minor league baseball’s opening game April 12th at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. They will be playing Corpus Christi and have a fireworks display. Click here for a copy of their schedule.
Hogeye Marathon, April 15, benefiting local charities
The Fayetteville Farmer’s Market begins Saturday April 7 this year and goes until mid-November. Known as the “Crown Jewel of Fayetteville,” it is open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
May 12, University of Arkansas commencement.
May 19, U. of A. Law School commencement.
Joe Martin Stage Race. The only top-tiered National Racing Calendar event in a 10-state region 479-521-7766. Who knew that Arkansas had it’s own bicycle race?!
War Eagle Mill Craft Fair, May 4-6. Located at one of the Ozarks’ historic mills. Many local artisans show here, and you can get a hearty meal at the Bean Palace Restaurant while you are there.
June
Walmart Shareholder’s Meeting – June 1 at Bud Walton Arena. As the number one retailer in the world, this meeting never fails to bring some of the biggest and brightest stars to Northwest Arkansas. With several days of free concerts leading up to it, the climax of the Shareholders meeting should not be missed. The meeting will also stream live here.
July
Altus Grape Festival, July 27 – 28th. Head south to Arkansas wine country. Altus is the location of Mount Bethel Winery, Post Winery, Chateau Aux Arc Vineyard and Winery, and Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. The grape festival is the kick off to the harvest season. Daily grape stomping competitions and cellar and vineyard tours and tastings.
Highly anticipated year round, the Razorback Football season kicks off in Fayetteville on September 1, against Jacksonville State. With this year being the first to host 6 Fayetteville home games, you’ll have even more opportunity to cheer on the heart of our state – the Arkansas Razorbacks! Click here to see the Football schedule.
Bike, Blues & BBQ Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest bike festivals (hogs that is) in the U.S., September 26-29. Don’t miss the parade of bikes down Dickson Street each night. Fun for the whole family!
Chile Pepper Run. Includes collegiate and high school races. 479-521-7766
War Eagle Mill Craft Fair, Oct. 18-21. Arts and crafts revisit for the fall. In case you were busy in May, you can catch the local art the second time around!
Light the Night Parade. Annual parade held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving
First Night New Year’s Eve Celebrations, celebrating the arts at various locations throughout Fayetteville. 479-443-4797
Lights of the Ozarks. Award-winning event with millions of lights blanketing downtown. 479-521-1710
A La Carte
The fabulous new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. A museum of American art to rival the Smithsonian. And it’s FREE!
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a short drive from Fayetteville. It is considered one of the Civil War’s most intact battlefields. It offers historic structures, trails, and interpretative events.
An hour north of Fayetteville is Pea Ridge National Military Park, site of another important Civil War battle. March 9th – 11th they will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge. Click here for the schedule of events.
There is also the Trail of Tears, which ran right through Fayetteville, and the Butterfield Stage Coach Route–both of which are Heritage Trails. Their website has information on locations and events.
The Washington County Historical Society, 118 E. Dickson Street, Fayetteville, in the Judge Jonas Tebbetts house built in 1853. They have presentations on life on the frontier, the Civil War, and the Trail of Tears, as well as house and walking tours.
The Walton Arts Center near dowtown Fayetteville, is the place to go for arts and entertainment. Click here for their list of events over the coming season. Don’t miss the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery which features accomplished and emerging artists. Joy Pratt lived most of her life in the house which is now Pratt Place Inn. The Inn has several of her paintings.
The 2011-2012 season is already underway for both SoNA, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, but if you are in town and would like to hear them they still have tickets available.
These are some of our favorite activities in Fayetteville, Arkansas. What are some of your favorite activities in and around Fayetteville? Where do you take your out-of-town guests to show off the area?
We know that the Holidays are a popular time to get engaged. For those of you planning your wedding details over Christmas break, I wanted to provide a few money saving tips.
There are a few things about your wedding that you should never scrimp on: such as your venue, dress, and photographer. These basic elements are the backbone of this special day, and should be highly valued. These money-saving tips are easy and will not decrease the value of your wedding day.
1. Use bridesmaids bouquets as reception centerpieces. Unfortunately, all of the flowers from your wedding will eventually die, so why not save as much as you can on this temporary beauty?
2. Electronic Save-the-dates. We may not be ready to go electronic with our invitations, but save the dates are intended to be less formal. This can save you hundreds on paper, printing, and postage costs.
3. Have your wedding during an “off” time. There are two ways to interpret this:
a. Have your wedding during an off season (January-April). Most venues (such as Pratt Place Inn and Barn) have huge discounts during this time of year. Many other vendors, such as photographers and caterers will also work with your budget during the off season.
b. Have your wedding during an “off” time of day. So many weddings are held at 6pm, with a reception following. If this is the case, your guests will be expecting dinner. If you have your wedding at 3pm, your guests shouldn’t be quite as hungry. Or have your wedding at 7:30, with only a dessert reception. These time changes can save you lots on the catering bill!
4. Peruse garage sales for decorative items. Antique, mismatched vases, china, and linens can make for a gorgeous reception set-up. Garage sales are normally advertised in the paper on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Gotta be an early bird for this one!
5. Enter Sweepstakes. True, the daily advertisement emails can get frustrating, but the chance of winning free honeymoon airfare is worth it! Almost every bridal magazine or wedding vendor promotes some sort of sweepstakes. Five minutes is all it takes to enter your information. Someone has to win the free photography package or bridal bouquet. Why can’t it be you?
6. Ask for favors. Know a friend studying photography? Ask to enhance her portfolio by letting her shoot your wedding. Does the groom’s grandmother make a mean chocolate cake? Ask if she would be willing to do the groom’s cake. Most people enjoy being involved with the wedding of their loved ones, and would be flattered and happy you asked for their help.
7. Cut down your guest list. This can be one of the hardest decisions for many couples. Who do you invite to your wedding? It can be difficult to keep the wedding about you, the couple, at this point. Everyone has a different opinion and perspective on the guest list situation, but one thing is for sure: Less people = less money spent. Fewer guests saves money on numerous aspects of the wedding, such as invitations, food, alcohol, and rentals.
8. Last but not least: Borrow, borrow, borrow. Using a friend’s, sister’s, or mothers’ accessories can save you several hundred dollars. Items such as a veil, a garter, and shoes can push you over budget. Instead of just one “something borrowed,” you can have several borrowed pieces, from many special people in your life.
These tips may not be for everyone, but I wanted to provide some money-saving suggestions for those working on wedding plans over the holidays. I would love to hear your suggestions! What money saving tips do you have for a wedding?
It’s that time of year…to shop without guilt! Whether you live in town or are staying with us for a visit, we have made a list (a good one) of some favorite shopping destinations. You won’t go home empty handed!
We LOVE these boutique shops.
Red Hill features local art, antiques, handmade items, local “produce”, and unique gifts. We love their focus on things local! Check out their blog as well.
2668 E Citizens Drive #5
Fayetteville, Arkansas
(next to the Neighborhood Market on the corner of Crossover and Mission Blvd)
479.966.4343
Furniture, vintage finds, jewellery, and various accessories. That about covers everything. Many local things, lots of gifts.
19 S. Block Ave.
Fayettville, Arkansas
479.571.4000
For sports lovers…
A true destination shop. A fly fisher’s dream. Stop in and pick out some fly gear or plan your next fishing trip on the Buffalo River.
18 W. Sunbridge Dr., in Fayetteville, just up the street from the Pack Rat Outdoor Center
479.251.7037
Need to take home some Razorback gear? Go to Hog Heaven at the Bud Walton Arena, the official fan shop of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Woooooooo. Pig. Sooie!
1270 LeRoy Pond Rd Fayetteville
479.575.3815
Don’t forget the fabulous food!
1725-S Smokehouse Trail, off Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. going west
479.267.3339
Absolutely the best smoked turkeys and hams. Christmas dinner anyone? Pratt Place Inn also sells some of their wonderful jams.
Stop in for their amazing sugar crusted muffins. Leave with a pound or two of their roasted coffee. One of our favorites is Snickerdoodle.
412 West Dickson St.
479.442.3515
Take home some finger lick’n, joint suckin’ BBQ sauce. They have 7 sauces (one so hot it’s kept behind the counter for safety). We like them all.
3009 North College, Fayetteville
479.442.0100
Where are your favorite places to find local gifts?
One of the best things about summer is vacation! But with the current economy, many of us can’t afford the rising cost of gas or plane tickets. Taking a break is healthy and necessary sometimes, and Fayetteville, AR is a great place for a mini-vacation. Here are few ideas of how to spend 36 hours in this wonderful city.
If you can get into Fayetteville by dinner Friday night, catch a bite at Hog Haus Brewing Company. This is the only microbrewery in Fayetteville, so if you like trying local beer, Hog Haus is the place to go. Their food is also quite tasty. You could spend most of your Friday night here, chatting over beer and appetizers.
After dinner Friday night, check in to one of Pratt Place Inn’s seven luxurious suites. The only 4-diamond lodging in Northwest Arkansas, Pratt Place offers style and comfort equivocal to what you would find in Paris. Complete with hand-carved antiques, double-whirlpool tubs, and private verandas, you could not find a more romantic place to stay.
Included in each Pratt Place Inn stay is breakfast, brought right to your door! The European-style breakfast will get your Saturday in Fayetteville off to a great start. The Fayetteville Farmers Market awaits! Our Farmers Market is located both in the Downtown Square and the Fayetteville Botanical Gardens, open Saturdays from 7am-2pm. At either location you will find a large assortment of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Art, music, and crafts are also a large part of the farmers market. On any given Saturday, you are likely to find a local artist strumming his guitar or painting on her canvas.
Once you have found the perfect locally grown foods, spend the rest of your morning walking around the Fayetteville square. Make sure to stop in Riffraff on the Square, one of the most fabulous boutiques in Fayetteville. From funky furniture to gorgeous outfits, they really have it all! But don’t stop the shopping yet! Wander down Dickson to visit the Dickson Street Bookstore, a used bookstore with a personality of its own.
Since you’re likely famished by now, head back up to the Square and drop in at Taste of Thai. This privately owned, eclectic Thai restaurant has great food for amazing prices!
After such a busy morning, you deserve a break. Head back to Pratt Place Inn for an on-site couples massage, provided by East Meets West. With our own personal spa downstairs, you have all of the options provided at East Meets West without having to leave your hotel! Once you are fully relaxed from your massage, take a stroll on our private walking trails using the maps provided in each guest room.
The night is young, and it is time to enjoy some of Fayetteville’s best cuisine! Head down the street to Bordinos on Dickson. Considered one of the finest restaurants in town, Bordinos menu and wine list will not disappoint. Personally, I recommend the Mandarin Orange salad and the Beef Tenderloin Rigatoni – one of the best meals I’ve had in quite some time. And with a wine list like this, who needs to endure the crowds of Dickson Street? Once you’ve had your fill, head back to Pratt Place Inn to get well-rested for your travel home the next morning – and check out isn’t until noon, so why not sleep in a bit?
Other things you might enjoy if you can find the time:
Mama Carmen’s – This locally owned coffee shop not only brews the best coffee in town, but it also uses its profits to support orphanages all over the world.
Drive-in Movie Theater – One of the oldest, quirkiest traditions of Fayetteville is our drive-in movie theater. For only $12 a car, for two movies, the price can’t be beat. Plus, the environment is so fun!
Rick’s Bakery – Stop by this bakery at some point in your weekend to sample their sweets. The bakery includes an assortment of donuts, muffins, and cookies. My favorite item on their menu is the petit fours.
What would you do with only 36 hours in Fayetteville?
Today marks the beginning of one of Northwest Arkansas biggest events ALL year – Walmart Shareholders Week! I’ve been watching the scene evolve all week long, since I drive right past Bud Walton arena on my way to Pratt Place Inn. As many of you know, Walmart brings in several musical artists each year to entertain their worldwide employees that travel to Bentonville for the event. Here are this year’s exciting artists:
Tuesday, May 31 – Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum
Wednesday, June 1 – Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
Both of these concerts are open to the public, and they start at 7pm in Bud Walton Arena. As fabulous as the concerts may be, the main event is Friday morning at Bud Walton Arena. The 2011 Shareholders Meeting begins at 7am on June 3, and you must be a Walmart shareholder in order to attend the meeting. If you are not a shareholder or can’t attend the meeting, you can watch the live webcast Friday morning by clicking here.
This event is full of surprises, with an endless list of celebrities present. Last year, Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Mary J. Blige, and 2010 American Idol winner Lee DeWyze all showed up as surprise performers. Some names being thrown around for this year’s meeting surprise performers are Justin Bieber, Aretha Franklin, and 2011 American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. Who are you hoping will show up to perform this year?
On Saturday, May 14, the University of Arkansas will hold its Commencement. This is a day some students have hoped for since their first day of college, and others have dreaded. Graduation is a momentous occasion that will lead students to their next phase in life. I sat down with a few students who will be graduating from the U of A this Saturday to get their perspective on the event.
1. What did you study while you were at the University?
L: Accounting
J: I’m getting my Masters in Agricultural Economics.
2. What are you feeling as you approach graduation from the University of Arkansas?
L: Relieved to be done with studying and class. Sad to be leaving the people and certainty that was here.
J: Excitement. I’m excited to start in a new career. I left work to enter grad school. And now I’m ready to get back into the workforce and earn money.
3. What are your plans for the future?
L: A job in little rock
J: Finalize my research on carbon-labeling. I want to start a career in Agricultural Economics, Ag. Business, or development work with USDA.
4. What was your favorite thing about your time at the University of Arkansas?
L: My living situation and roommates, and having free time!
J: Being in school is more preferable than the workforce, when you take money out of the equation, because you’re surrounded by people who’ve made the same decisions and have the same goals. I’ll miss being around people who are interested in the same things I am.
5. Do you have any advice for the students coming up behind you?
L: Working during school was a great thing for me. I would advise other students, if they can handle it, to get a job so they can gain work experience before graduation.
J: My dad always said, don’t worry about the party. The party will always be there. Get your grades. You’ll enjoy life a lot more once you have an education and income.
6. If you were to give the commencement speech at your graduation ceremony, what advice would you be sure to share with your peers?
L: Life is bigger than academics and employment. Find things and people outside of that that you love.
J: Research shows that 20-somethings seem to believe their future will not be as good as their parents. No matter what the circumstances are, don’t lose hope. Keep a positive attitude going into the workforce. Remain positive, keep trying, and something will pay off. Hope and a positive attitude will go far, and will show in a job interview.
Click here for more information about times and locations for the University of Arkansas Commencement, Saturday, May 14.
Now it’s your turn, reader. What advice would you give to the graduates of 2011?
Many event venues are an ideal spot for both the ceremony and the reception. If you decide to utilize a venue for both, one of the biggest stresses for a bride can be the switch. The switch is the transition between the ceremony, a cathedral layout, to the reception, with tables, chairs, dance floor, etc. During my time at Pratt Place Inn and Barn, I have learned a few techniques that might tame the nightmare of the switch.
1. Make sure your guests are entertained. Frustrated, bored guests are not the way to a memorable wedding, so make sure you guests have something to do during the transition period. Whether it is a cocktail hour outside on the porch or lawn games in the pasture, your guests will appreciate the entertainment. Many rental companies have caught on with this trend and can provide games such as horse shoes or baggo to use during the switch. Many brides at Pratt Place have used the Magnolia Dining Room to serve cocktails between the ceremony and reception at the barn.
2. Do as much as you can before-hand. If the venue allows, set up tables along the sides (see picture below) or other areas not used in the ceremony to cut down on prep time. Have the band or DJ set up in a corner prior to the ceremony. Make sure the caterer’s buffet tables are ready for the food. Each of these tactics will save time during the transition.
3. Delegate! You will have just said, “I do,” and the LAST thing you will want to think about is setting up tables and chairs. Weeks before the wedding, assign this job to someone else. Whether you want to arrange a deal with your coordinator or bribe your cousins, make sure there is a group of individuals assigned to this task. That way, you can use the time between the ceremony and reception to have your couple photos taken.
4. Don’t do it! Although I have never seen it with my own eyes, I have heard several brides discuss only setting up for the reception, and having their guests sit at tables during the ceremony. Not every bride will love this idea, but for those that do, it saves so much time and stress! This idea completely eliminates the switch, which some brides may find incredibly comforting.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Unfortunately, they’re not a bank account’s best friend. In times like these, it may be difficult for a couple to afford the perfect engagement ring. What if you could get this perfect ring, without having to pay a dime?!
On April 16, a $15,000 Tacori diamond ring will be hiding in downtown Fayetteville, and it’s up to YOU to find it! Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry has put together Fayetteville’s first ever Diamond Dash, and Pratt Place Inn and Barn is proud to be a sponsor of this event!
What is a Diamond Dash? It is a scavenger hunt played by pairs all around the city, in search of a diamond ring. Here’s how you play. You get clues sent to your phone via text message. The clues will lead you to a location in downtown Fayetteville. Once you arrive at the destination, couples will complete fun, short activities for points, and the couple with the most points at the end of the game wins the $15,000 Tacori diamond ring!
Blakeman’s Diamond Dash participants will meet at Powerhouse in Fayetteville at 9:30am, Saturday, April 16 for registration and introductions. The scavenger hunt starts at 10:30am and runs for two hours. At 12:30, participants will return to Powerhouse for an after party and the announcement of the winner of the $15,000 Tacori diamond ring!
This fun-filled morning is free of charge! Not only do you get the opportunity to win a $15,000 Tacori diamond ring, you also get a free t-shirt and a goody bag with free gifts from the event sponsors.
SCVNGR, a company that creates these events, has successfully created other diamond dashes all over the United States. You can visit their websites, such as LA and Boston, to see the winners of the competition and watch videos from the event.
What are you waiting for? Click here to register to be a part of Blakeman’s Diamond Dash! And hurry, there are limited spots available!
******UPDATE******
May 4, 2011
We have recently learned that the St. Jude Signature Bash at Pratt Place Barn helped raise over $30,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thank you to all who helped support this fabulous event!
March 28, 2011
Pratt Place Inn and Barn is partnering with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the second year for their 2nd annual St. Jude Signature Bash! We have happily donated the Barn to help raise money for this amazing organization.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital truly is one of a kind. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, it is the only hospital designated as a comprehensive cancer center devoted solely to children. For over 40 years they have been researching treatment and prevention of cancer in children. At St. Jude, families never have to pay for treatments not covered by insurance, nor are they ever denied treatment due to an inability to pay. This truly is a generous and life-saving organization!
St. Jude has a daily operating cost of $1.6 million. Most of this money is received from donations. Friends of St. Jude is a group of individuals all over the United States that helps raise money for St. Jude by developing fundraisers.
Northwest Arkansas has been quite active in raising money for St. Jude in the past year. Not only do we have our own NWA chapter of Friends of St. Jude, but we also participated in the radiothon in February, which raised more than $3.4 million for St. Jude! Also, Delta Delta Delta, Sorority of the University of Arkansas recently conducted their Pancake Pigout to benefit St. Jude.
Northwest Arkansas has another opportunity Friday, April 1, to donate to this great organization! The Friends of St. Jude in NWA, along with numerous organizations, are sponsoring the 2nd annual St. Jude Signature Bash. Tickets can be purchased at I.O. metro in Fayetteville and Rogers, or you can click here to order online. There will be dinner, drinks, and music by Ace’s Wild. You also will have the opportunity to participate in a live and silent auction. A trip to Orlando, a football signed by Lou Holtz or Bobby Petrino, and a $5,000 room makeover from I.O. Metro are just a few of the items that could be yours for the right price! If you are not able to attend the Signature Bash, you can still donate to St. Jude by clicking here.
Come out to Pratt Place Barn on Friday, April 1 to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while having a great evening of bidding and dancing! We look forward to seeing you there!
