The Perfect Fall Weekend in Fayetteville

By Kate Bunnell

As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, Fayetteville’s fall festivities are in full swing. There are many ways to fill a day in Fayetteville, but certain staples truly capture the magic of fall in Northwest Arkansas.

Coffee is a necessity to start your day off right. Fayetteville is home to several great local coffee shops–Dodo Coffee Co., Arsaga’s, Summer Moon, and Onyx Coffee Lab are a few of my go-tos. A favorite fall drink of mine to sip on is the Graham Cracker Latte from Dodo, a local hit. Be sure to check out their fall menu and seasonal pastries before heading to The Fayetteville Square. 

After grabbing a coffee, it only makes sense to stop by the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market on the square. The market is full of local vendors offering fresh produce, flowers, plants, crafts, art, baked goods and more. While you’re on the square, lunch at Little Bread Company is the perfect place to go. This cozy spot offers a variety of sandwiches and salads. From there, you can stop by a variety of nearby stores to shop for books, clothes, souvenirs and all things Fayetteville. 

While Fayetteville offers plenty of places to shop and eat, the best part of the city is the access to nature. Since Arkansas is the “Natural State,” taking advantage of the outdoors never disappoints. The Razorback Greenway stretches 40 miles, connecting seven Northwest Arkansas communities. The Greenway is accessible from the University of Arkansas campus, and is open to walkers, runners, bikers and scooters. It’s the perfect way to see the beauty of our state because you can easily hop on the trails and end up at a different part of the city. 

Following your walk on the Greenway, it’s time for a bite to eat. City Park is the perfect place to enjoy nice weather and great food. If the Hogs are playing, it’s a lively place to watch the game and hope for a Razorback win. City Park offers a range of food from tacos, burgers, and barbeque. The seating is entirely outside, which makes for a perfect evening enjoying the crisp weather. 

 If you are looking for more activities, Rivercrest Orchard will really put you in the fall spirit. Rivercrest Orchard holds a festival from Sept.13-Nov. 1. At the festival, you’ll find a giant pumpkin patch, hayrides, sunflower fields, photo-ops, fall treats, and play areas. It is a great family friendly place to spend a fall afternoon. Additionally, Crème Ice Cream Company is my pick for a delicious sweet treat. They have handcrafted ice cream with unique flavors, and they’re locally owned. 

To wrap your fall day up, head down to Mount Sequoyah. Located just minutes from downtown, the overlook offers a stunning spot to watch the sunset over our beautiful city– an ideal way to conclude the fall day.