Date:  October 22, 2009  |   Story: Diane Carroll  |  

The spectacular seasonal foliage of the Ozark Mountains combined with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks games makes Fayetteville a popular autumn destination. This year, new options in lodging, shopping, dining and entertainment are available. Clustered around campus and downtown, the recent additions blend with perennial favorites to make this area an enticingly urban getaway.

Where to Shop:

Starting from campus, traverse down Dickson Street and around the downtown square for the city’s best boutique shopping. Destinations are listed by location for a walking-friendly visit.

Private Gallery
623 W. Dickson St.
(479) 587-1140
www.shopprivategallery.com
Accessories galore, including handbags, shoes and jewelry.

Luxe Beauty
608 W. Dickson St.
(479) 582-3800
www.luxearkansas.com
Beauty treatments and products in a sleek setting.

V.S. Mobley’s General Store
339 N. West Ave., Ste. 101
(479) 587-1444
www.vsmobley.com
Home accessories, gifts and more (see page 14).

Lola Boutique
339 N. West Ave., Ste. 103
(479) 443-5535
www.lolaboutique.com
Designer apparel in an urban setting.

Mae’s Emporium
352 N. West Ave.
(479) 575-9626
www.maesemporium.com
A gem of a store, with vintage and antique jewelry. Open Wednesday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment.

Dickson Street Bookshop
325 W. Dickson St.
(479) 442-8182
A Fayetteville icon boasting thousands of used and out-of-print books.

Romance Diamond Co.
248 W. Dickson St.
(479) 443-9289
www.romancediamond.com
The name says it all—if a trip down Dickson Street puts you in the mood, check out their fine jewelry and watches.

Nightbird Books
205 W. Dickson St.
(479) 443-2080
www.nightbirdbooks.com
Recently relocated to Dickson Street, this bookstore invites browsing, relaxing and listening to their namesake birds.

French Metro Antiques
200 W. Dickson St.
(479) 587-0804
www.frenchmetro.com
Direct importers of fine French furnishings and accessories.

I.M. Spa
25 N. Block Ave.
(479) 251-7422
www.imspa.net
Relax with a facial, massage or a cup of tea while you shop.

French Quarters
11 N. Block Ave.
(479) 443-3355
www.french-quarters.com
A one-stop shop for all things French, from furnishings to home accessories and gifts.

Corazon
15 S. Block Ave., Ste. 105
(479) 587-9294
Unique and handcrafted home furnishings, including colorful glassware and one-of-a-kind metalwork.

Where to Eat:

1936 Club
300 W. Dickson St.
(479) 442-9682
www.36clubfayetteville.com
Open for lunch or dinner, locals frequent ‘36 Club often for the seasonal fare.

Bordinos
310 W. Dickson St.
(479) 527-6795
www.bordinos.com
Fresh ingredients from regional farms inspire the lunch and dinner menus, all enjoyed in an artistic setting.

The Common Grounds
412 W. Dickson St.
(479) 442-3515
www.commongroundsar.com
A breakfast and late-night dessert favorite.

Emelia’s Kitchen
309 W. Dickson St., Ste. 2
(479) 527-9800
www.emelias-kitchen.com
Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of town, plus a popular Sunday brunch.

Hammontree’s Gourmet
205 W. Dickson St.
(479) 521-1669
www.hammontreesgourmet.com
Recently opened and adjacent to Nightbird Books, this lunch spot has built its menu around a dozen diverse variations of grilled cheese sandwiches.

Smiling Jack’s Fresh Foods
262 N. School Ave.
(479) 935-4899
www.smilingjacksfreshfoods.com
A recent addition just off Dickson Street, Smiling Jack’s is an all-natural option for lunch or weekend dinners.

Theo’s
318 N. Campbell Ave.
(479) 527-0086
www.theosfayetteville.com
A chic nightspot for drinks and dinner, plus outdoor patio seating.

Trail Side Café and Tea Room
546 W. Center St.
(479) 966-4945
www.trailsidetea.com
On the newly opened Fayetteville bike trail, the café offers soups, salads, and classic lunch options in a unique setting near downtown.

What To Do:

Clinton House Museum
930 S. California Blvd.
(479) 444-0066
www.clintonhousemuseum.org
Close to campus, take a walk down Arkansas’ memory lane.

Clubhaus Fitness
612 W. Dickson St.
(479) 287-Haus
www.clubhausfitness.com
This newly opened, environmentally friendly health club is just steps away from campus and offers day passes as well as hourly bike rentals for enjoying the city trail system.

DDP Gallery
7 E. Mountain St.
(479) 442-0001
www.ddpgallery.com
Just off the downtown square, the gallery spotlights contemporary art and participates in First Thursday Gallery Walks around the area.

Fayetteville Farmers Market
www.fayettevillefarmersmarket.com
A long-standing Fayetteville tradition held on the downtown square, the farmers market runs Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November 21. On Sundays, it moves to the grounds of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, another destination well worth a visit (479-750-2620 or www.bgozarks.org).

Fayetteville Underground
1 E. Center St.
(479) 387-1534
www.fayettevilleunderground.com
A new addition to the local art scene, this group of four urban galleries is located in the former bank vault areas of the Bank of America building on the square.

Where to Stay:

Southern hospitality abounds at a trio of historic hotels, all near the center of town.

Dickson Street Inn
301 W. Dickson St.
(479) 695-2100
www.dicksonstreetinn.com
The newest option in downtown lodging, the inn offers 10 guest rooms in a recently renovated 1890s-era home. It includes the Veranda Wine Bar, overlooking the Dickson Street scene.

The Inn at Carnall Hall
465 N. Arkansas Ave.
(479) 582-0400
www.innatcarnallhall.com
Located on the University of Arkansas campus, this 1905 Colonial Revival building, formerly a dormitory, underwent extensive renovations and reopened a few years ago as a 50-room hotel with modern amenities. The inn’s restaurant, Ella’s, is a local favorite for Sunday brunch. 

Pratt Place Inn
2231 W. Markham Rd.
(479) 966-4441
www.prattplaceinn.com
Just west of campus in a 140-acre park-like setting is the newly opened Pratt Place Inn, offering luxuriously appointed lodgings in a fully restored 1895 home.