NCAA Regional: Getting to Know Fayetteville

Because of the influx of people we hope happens with the NCAA giving Fayetteville a Regional Tournament, we’d like to take a moment to show off our city and help any prospective tourists find something fun to do. If you have any further suggestions, please leave them in the comments below! Let’s make Fayetteville a great place to visit!

What is the atmosphere like in Baum-Walker Stadium?

Bailey: Baum-Walker Stadium brings an unmistakable energy to the entire town. When the Razorbacks are playing, the crowd can be heard for miles. There is an amazing camaraderie among the fans and you cannot help but be overcome by the ambiance. Get ready to call those Hogs!

Tucker: Yeah, I can’t disagree there. Oddly enough, it may be the best atmosphere created among all of Arkansas sports. The football and basketball stadiums may seat more, but I’m not sure it gets rowdier than Baum-Walker— especially if the umpire makes some questionable calls.

Where are the best places to get food?

Bailey: Fayetteville has many great places for any foodie. Hammontrees is a staple and has the best gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches you can imagine. Hugo’s is another favorite. The underground location makes for an intimate atmosphere for you to shamelessly indulge in some of the most delicious burgers around.

Tucker: Those are both really good. If you’re looking for something else, there are a ton of really good Thai food places in Fayetteville. Taste of Thai is probably the Fayetteville staple, but Thep Thai and Thai E-San are really good too. If you don’t mind a little bit of a drive, Wright’s Barbecue in Johnson, Arkansas is well worth the 15-20 minute trip. Best barbecue in the area, in my opinion.

Where are the best places to get a drink?

Bailey: Dickson Street, duh! Looking for a rooftop to hang out with friends? 21st Amendment is the place for you! Want to dance the night away? Check out V.I.P.! Seeking inexpensive drinks and a fun, social atmosphere? JJ’s is where you want to be. $2 margaritas, y’all! Are country bars more your speed? YeeHawg is the place to be! Make sure you take a ride on the mechanical hog! No matter what your ideal bar scene is, Dickson will provide!

Tucker: I would rather die than visit YeeHawg, but that’s the beauty of Dickson— there’s a place for everyone. My favorite place to be on the street is the rooftop of 21st Amendment or the rooftop of Dickson Street Pub. Sideways is a good place to play shuffleboard and pool if that’s your deal. Be careful though. Dickson Street is undefeated.

What’s something unique to check out in the city or the area around it?

Bailey: Fayetteville has a plethora of interesting places. Northwest Arkansas is an unfairly gorgeous area. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a beautiful place to take a stroll and really soak in the gorgeous atmosphere of Fayetteville. Crystal Bridges in Bentonville is a can’t miss! With an ever changing collection of art and activities for the entire family, this museum is a great place to spend the day.

Tucker: Crystal Bridges is definitely a fantastic place to visit. The Walton Arts Center puts on several professional theatre and music productions (though I think this week it’s gonna be Cats unfortunately...), and TheatreSquared is also great. Just walking around campus can be a fun time too.

What’s something that locals know about that maybe isn’t listed in tourist brochures?

Bailey: PinPoint Pinball Bar is a blast for the 21+ crowd. Pinball machines, ski ball, darts, and drinks--does it get any better?

Tucker: PinPoint is awesome. There’s several really good places for coffee in town. My favorite is probably Onyx Coffee Lab, but Puritan Coffee and Beer is another great place to get coffee or local brews. There’s a sort-of underground sort-of not underground comedy scene in Fayetteville too. Lots of stand up is performed at Nomads, and groups like Laugh Track and Field and Rodeo Book Club have improv comedy shows pretty frequently. Those are all well worth checking out.