Let's face it, we've all gotten a little stir crazy from quarantining. For moms and dads, a weekend getaway without the kids would be a nice way to unwind and recharge. If possible, drop them off with their grandparents and hit the road — you deserve a break! 

While people are understandably hesitant to travel far from home right now due to COVID-19, many of us are comfortable going somewhere that's only a few hours away and offers plenty of outdoor activities. Fayetteville, which enacted safety measures early on, is a great destination. It's only a three-hour drive, and there are plenty of things to do that make social distancing easy. Plus, it's Fayetteville; you know you're going to have fun! 

So, if you're looking for a weekend trip with your significant other that allows for plenty of fun and peace of mind, look no further than Fayetteville! 

Before You Go: COVID-19 Guidelines 

While on the go, remember to follow the CDC’s guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. 

  • Pack plenty of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and extra masks in your bag – and use all three

  • Avoid large groups and maintain a distance of six feet from those around you 

  • Dine on outdoor patios, when possible, or order meals to-go 

Friday

Afternoon: 

When you arrive, check in to your hotel and relax in the room. Pro tip: most of Fayetteville’s hotels are pet friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind. 

Next, take the afternoon to explore downtown Fayetteville with a public art search. If you stay at a downtown hotel, like the Graduate, you will literally be surrounded by beautiful public art the second you step foot outside. Fayetteville is home to many colorful murals scattered around its historic downtown area, commissioned by local artists and ones from around the world. If you like to take pictures to document your travels, then a public art search is right up your alley. 

Evening:

For dinner, take a short drive down College Avenue to Bocca. This restaurant is unassuming from the outside, but its house-made pasta, sauces, bread and mozzarella are unbeatable. Bocca offers plenty of patio seating and a top-notch selection of wines. If you want a romantic spot for your first night out of town, this is your place. 

To end the night with an equally romantic and exciting spot, grab drinks on the patio at The Amendment on Dickson Street. The rooftop bar gives a great glimpse of Fayetteville’s iconic strip for nightlife entertainment, and you may even catch a glimpse of Old Main, the oldest and most famous building on the University of Arkansas campus. 

Here’s something new: Fayetteville recently started a pilot program for an Outdoor Refreshment Area Open Consumption District on Dickson, so you can take your drinks outside and explore the downtown area where this policy is in effect. All you need is a designated cup and a wristband. For more information about this, visit the city’s page about the ORA. 

Saturday

Morning: 

On Saturday morning, wake up when you want – it’s your vacation! But once you do get out of bed, head over to Doomsday Coffee off Dickson and grab a pastry and coffee to fuel up for your day of Fayetteville exploring. 

Next, head to the Historic Downtown Square and check out the Fayetteville Farmers' Market. Dozens of local merchants set up stalls along the square every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Safety measures are in place, like required face coverings and six feet of social distance while in lines and on the street. You’ll see beautiful flowers, delicious homemade breads and jams and a wide variety of other Arkansas-made products to browse. 

Afternoon: 

For lunch, head to the patio at Nomad’s Trailside, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This spot is located right on the Razorback Greenway and feels like a hidden gem – but it’s centrally located to all the best tourist attractions. When you’re at Nomads, don’t forget to ask for the cocktail menu. Their Bloody Marys are delicious, and definitely worthy of a picture or two. 

Since you will be right on the Razorback Greenway, use the city’s bikeshare program, VeoRide, and explore the paved trail for the rest of the afternoon. Or, for something more leisurely, use the Spin or VeoRide apps to snag a pair of nearby e-scooters and explore the trail that way.  

Evening: 

That evening, grab dinner on Hammontree’s patio, because you would regret not hitting this spot on your trip to Fayetteville. Hammontree’s has 15 different sandwiches for you to choose from and is located right in the hustling downtown area. This is a fan favorite. 

After dinner, you can walk up Dickson Street to Pinpoint Pinball Bar, one of Fayetteville’s most unique and playful bars. This bar is still patio-only, with face coverings required, but inside the bar is a wall-to-all adult arcade. They’ve got pinball, Super Mario Bros and several other arcade classics for you to play while you drink. 

Sunday

Morning: 

On Sunday morning, head over to breakfast at Arsaga’s Church & Center – a newer Fayetteville staple. Grab it to go and walk a block to the square for a picnic. Arsaga’s is known for its coffee, and this particular location at Church and Center streets serves delicious and beautiful breakfast toasts. 

Then, pack up and check out of your hotel. Your vacation isn’t over yet, though – before you head home, visit Devil’s Den State Park, where you can hike one of their fabulous trails, like Yellow Rock Trail. This activity, which includes a gorgeous view, is the perfect wind-down from a fun weekend trip in Fayetteville.