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?