Blog

Fayetteville, AR is the third-largest city in the state and it was named after Fayetteville, Tennessee. As the home to the University of Arkansas, 40 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, bike trails, museums, and many restaurants, Fayetteville is a wonderful place to live or visit. There are also many amazing parks in and around the city which are worth checking out! 1. The Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area As Arkansas's largest state park, the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is a wonderful place to spend time. The park has 12,054 acres and a 52-mile trail system which is great for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Visitors can follow the Historic Van Winkle Trail, the Pigeon Roost Trail, the Hidden Diversity Trail, the Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail, or the Monument Trails. There's also an interactive visitor center, primitive campsites, metal grills, and an outdoor shooting range. The Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is the only state park in the state which allows regulated hunting. more 2. Wilson Park Wilson Park is located in the center of Fayetteville and it's the city's first and oldest park. With 22.75 acres, the park contains a basketball court, picnic areas, a playground, a softball field, a swimming pool, swings, a gazebo, and a walking trail. There are also six tennis courts, a soccer field, a garden, a sand volleyball court, and a greenhouse. 3. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks attracts over 80,000 visitors each year with its twelve themed gardens and the only native butterfly house in the region. The Founder's Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Vegetable & Herb Garden, the Children's Garden, the Education Cottage & Gardens, the Butterfly Garden, the Four Seasons Garden, the Shade Garden, the Sensory Garden, the Ozark Native Garden, the Rose and Perennial Garden, and the Rock & Water Garden are all unique and beautiful. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks also offers workshops, classes, and lectures for children and adults. Additionally, there are several other events in the gardens like plant sales, an Earth Day Festival, yoga, a 5k run, orchid shows, and sales, Terrific Tuesday Nights, and Magical Evenings in the Garden. 4. Memorial Park Memorial Park in Bentonville is only around 25 miles away from Fayetteville. With 73 acres, an Olympic size pool, a wading pool, and a four-board diving pool, Memorial Park is perfect for those who love spending time in the water. The park is also great for those who play sports as there are also eleven lighted soccer fields, twelve tennis courts, four lighted softball fields, four sand volleyball courts, four basketball courts, and five lighted baseball fields. There's a perimeter walking trail, a skateboard park, a covered pavilion, concession stands, and playground areas, too! Visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, Arkansas today for high-quality customer service and an amazing selection of new and used vehicles. With sedans, crossovers, minivans, SUVs, and compacts in our inventory, we have a lot to offer you. Image via Pixabay

Wilson Park is a hidden gem located in the center of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The location is easily accessible as it is only a short drive from any direction of the city. Once you arrive, you'll find that you're not at an average park but have arrived at an experience that your entire family will enjoy. 7 Family-Friendly Activities You Can Do at Wilson Park 1. Play a Sport Families can play different games in one of the multiple sporting areas at the park, which has a soccer field as well as basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts. 2. Walk the Trail You will definitely get your steps in for the day at the park's walking path. The path follows a .9 mile loop and features lighting for night walking, benches, and access to playgrounds, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Families can stop along the path to enjoy the many pieces of art sprinkled throughout the park as well as view the different varieties of plant life. 3. Go for a Swim The pool at the park is the only municipal pool in the city and offers plenty of family-friendly activities. The pool provides swim lessons, fitness swimming, designated family swim times, and recreational swimming. more 4. Explore Nature The park's creek is the perfect spot to explore wildlife as a family. If you want a place to sit down and enjoy nature, the gazebo is the perfect location to rest and enjoy the view of the spring-fed pond. The park also has a greenhouse where you can get inspired to cultivate your own green thumb. 5. Have a Picnic There are plenty of green spaces at the park where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic. There are also picnic tables and covered pavilions that will accommodate larger groups and provide some relief from the sun. 6. Play at the Playground The recently updated whimsical playground boasts a large, kid-friendly rubber surface so parents can watch worry-free as their kids jump and play. This area includes the main playground structure complete with multiple climbing structures, a musical playground area, and a playground designated for younger children. 7. Climb a Castle The most renowned landmark at the park is without question what is simply known as "The Castle". Most works of art are prefaced by a sign that reads, "DO NOT TOUCH," but not the castle. In fact, visitors are encouraged to play on the sculpture built by artist and sculptor Frank Williams in 1979. Parents can sit on the nearby benches and watch their children of all ages enjoy the sculpture. Whether your family is large or small, you need a reliable and affordable vehicle that will get you and your family everywhere you need and want to go. Visit us at Crain Kia of Fayetteville in Arkansas and explore our inventory of high-quality vehicles. We want to help you focus on your family, not worry about the reliability of your car. Image via Pixabay

Arkansas is full of fascinating history and a number of memorable museums that commemorate it. In the Fayetteville, Arkansas, area, you can explore several that offer a range of information from military history to Native American exhibits. The next time you're looking to expand your knowledge of Fayetteville and its past, stop by one of these five museums to learn more. Arkansas Air and Military Museum The Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville offers guests a fascinating look at Arkansas's historical air power and military prowess. With exhibits featuring aircraft, engines, vehicles, and testimonials from World War II and on, the Arkansas Air and Military Museum is proud of all that Arkansans have contributed to the military throughout history. more Clinton House Museum The Clinton House Museum is a historic house museum dedicated to the early years of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's marriage. They were married in the living room of this house and lived there before moving to Little Rock when Bill Clinton became Attorney General of Arkansas. The museum features exhibits and memorabilia from the Clintons' time in the house in addition to a lovely First Ladies Garden, which features the favorite flower of each First Lady. Headquarters House Museum and Garden The Washington County Historical Society maintains its residence in the Headquarters House, located in Fayetteville. Guests can visit the home on individual or group tours to learn about life in the area during the mid-to-late 1800s. The period museum features beautiful home furnishings and design from the era. Guests can also enjoy the gardens behind the Headquarters House for a lovely walk outdoors. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Located up the road from Fayetteville in Springdale, Arkansas, visitors can learn about the history of the Ozark Mountains at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. The museum arranges its exhibits by time period, beginning in the prehistoric era, with Native American artifacts, and continuing to modern times. Special exhibits rotate and include examples like Going Greek, about the impact of Greek life on college culture in the area, and Working on the Railroad, which explores the dramatic changes to the region that accompanied the expansion westward of the railway system. Arkansas Country Doctor Museum Rural healthcare has long differed from that of more densely populated areas. The Arkansas Country Doctor Museum celebrates the history of traveling country doctors and educates newcomers and youngsters about how healthcare used to, and in some places, still does function. In addition to exhibits about science, healthcare, and history, the museum offers educational outreach to local schoolchildren. Fayetteville, Arkansas, provides locals and visitors alike with a number of excellent historical museums to help learn about the area's storied past. We here at Crain Kia of Fayetteville hope you'll go and enjoy these excellent sites. Which on our list is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. If there are any other museums or historical sites you think we should add to our list, be sure to tell us, and we'd be happy to do so. Image via Pixabay

Fayetteville sits in the northwest part of Arkansas. It is home to the University of Arkansas, the much-loved Razorbacks, and considered one of the top five places to live in the United States. It's easy to see why it makes this list with its excellent restaurants, a wide variety of entertainment options, and beautiful scenery. Fayetteville has a lot to offer its residents and its visitors. Check out these fun facts about this popular city. It Started as Native American Country The northwest portion of Arkansas used to be Native American Country. The Osage used it as a hunting ground, and it was later the home of the Cherokee tribe. When the first settlers came to the Fayetteville area in the 1820s, it was still a territory. Pioneers arrived and settled the base of Mount Sequoyah. The first family to settle was the George McGarrah family, who built their homestead at what is now the corner of Willow Avenue and Spring Street. Settlers established Fayetteville as a county seat in 1828. more What's In a Name? Fayetteville got its name from Fayetteville, Tennessee. Many of the early settlers came from Tennessee and named it after their former home. Fayetteville, Arkansas, was only about 30 miles from the newly created Indian Territory. This territory became the home of American Indian people from the east who were placed there. Fayetteville provided the supplies and a place for migrating people to rest as they headed west. The Library A group of local citizens established the Fayetteville Public Library in 1916. The group, led by librarian Julia Vaulx, used two rooms of the Washington County Courthouse basement. It later moved to a cottage on East Avenue and Meadow Street, and then to the City Administration Building. As it grew over the years, the library added new programs and even received a National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant. In 2009, it was named Best Library in Northwest Arkansas, and in 2001 USA Today listed it as one of the 10 best libraries to tour. Fayetteville Square The Historic Fayetteville Square is the original city center. Dickson Street, which is part of the square, is considered the best-known entertainment district in the state of Arkansas. Several of the buildings in The Square are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Old Bank of Fayetteville Building, the Mrs. Young Building, and the Lewis Brothers Building. Lake Fayetteville Lake Fayetteville and its surrounding park cover almost 650 acres of land. Residents of Fayetteville have easy access to this park for camping, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. It is a human-made lake initially constructed in 1948 as a source of drinking water. When the city established the Beaver Water District in 1959, the lake became available for recreational use. Fayetteville, Arkansas, has a long and interesting history. This college town has plenty of dining and entertainment, and with the Ozarks and Lake Fayetteville just a short distance away, the area also offers an abundance of outdoor recreation. Image via Pixabay

There's an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities around Fayetteville, Arkansas, including numerous places to fish. When you're ready to go fishing, grab your pole, lures, and a bottle of water and head to any of these four great fishing spots. Beaver Lake About 35 miles from downtown Fayetteville, is Beaver Lake in Eureka Springs. The lake feeds the popular White River and covers a massive 28,370 acres. Beaver Lake is an ideal place to catch sniper bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and channel catfish. One lucky fisherman landed a 40-pound-plus striper bass, which made the catch a state record. You can fish from several spots on the shoreline of the lake, or if you own a boat, there are several boat launching ramps available. Beaver Lake is a great place to bring the kids as there are lots of swimming beaches, hiking trails, picnic areas, and shaded pavilions. You can find Beaver Lake at 4022 Mundell Road. more Lake Fayetteville When you want to go fishing close to town, head over to Lake Fayetteville and Lake Fayetteville City Park, about 5 miles from town. The lake is 194 acres and sits inside of the 458-acre park. In addition to fishing for several species of bass, panfish, crappie, and catfish, there are also a few hiking trails, including a 5-mile nature trail that circles the lake. You can rent boats and bicycles, play disc golf, visit the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, and launch your boat from the boat dock. For your convenience, there are several fishing piers throughout the lake. The address for Lake Fayetteville is 1330 Lake Fayetteville Trail and is accessed through Lake Fayetteville Park. Lake Sequoyah About 10 miles east of Fayetteville is the lovely Lake Sequoyah. The lake sits inside of the 1,400-acre Lake Sequoyah Park. The lake itself is 389 acres, and fishermen enjoy catching black bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and redear sunfish. You can fish from shore or from a boat launched from the lake's boat ramp. While swimming is not allowed in Lake Sequoyah, there are plenty of hiking and horseback trails available so you can explore the forested area around the lake. Find Lake Sequoyah at 6608 E. Lake Sequoyah Drive. Kings River Enjoy quiet and solitude while fishing on the Kings River. A tributary of the White River, Kings River is known for its prized game fish, especially the smallmouth bass. People come to Kings River to kayak the 90 miles of the navigable waterway as well as to fish for the massive smallmouth bass, rock bass, channel catfish, spotted gar, silver-sided chad, and walley. While you're fishing, keep an eye out for river otter, mink, beaver, bald eagles, blue herons, and turtles sunning on logs. Most interestingly, the Kings River is one of only five rivers in the United States that flow north. There are several access points for the river, with the more popular ones outside of Eureka Springs, about 45 miles from Fayetteville. When the urge to go fishing hits, use this handy guide to go catch a couple of big ones at one of these best fishing spots around Fayetteville. Image via Pixabay

Hiking and running outside in nature is an excellent way to get exercise and to get a new perspective. Fortunately, for those visiting or traveling to Fayetteville, there are plenty of options to go for a relaxing hike or run. Here is a shortlist of the best places to go hiking or running in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Many of the parks featured on this list have family-friendly activities in addition to hiking trails. Lake Fayetteville Park Lake Fayetteville Park is located at 1330 E Lake Fayetteville Road. The park encompasses over 450 acres of land and nearly 200 acres of water. While most people choose to visit Lake Fayetteville because of its fishing opportunities and boat rentals, there are plenty of places to run or hike along its lakefront nature trail or the multi-use trail that circles the lake. You can watch stunning water views while you exercise. Bayyari Park Located at 725 Regency Drive, Bayyari Park is a family-friendly part with large trees that provide ample shade over the playground and the hiking trail. It is a well-maintained park with a clean picnic area that you can utilize to enjoy lunch after you go on your hike. While there is not a dedicated parking lot for the park, you can park on the street and walk over. more Veterans Memorial Park at Lake Fayetteville Veterans Memorial Park at Lake Fayetteville is located at 1350 E Zion Road near the water. This park is one of the best for recreation. Kids can play on the playground and you can have a competitive game of volleyball on sand-based courts. There are clean restroom areas and a covered picnic area. There is a cave running trail that goes around the lake. You can watch ducks play and enjoy relaxing views of the water coming from the dam. The park can get rather busy, so plan to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds. Charles J. Finger Park Located at 1525 SE Farmers Drive, Charles J. Finger Park features several hiking trails that are great for both beginning and advanced hikers. The views overlook the stream. There is a large open area that you can use to relax, to eat a picnic lunch, or to stretch before your run. In addition to being well-maintained and having ample playground space, the trees provide a nice amount of shade to the park. It is the perfect place for the entire family to spend a weekend afternoon exercising and being outside. These are just some of the places that you can go hiking or trail running in Fayetteville, Arkansas. However, this list is in no way comprehensive of every place that you can go to. You can always try to visit every state and city park nearby to expand your options. Some people even choose to make it a goal to visit as many as they can to at least see what is available to them. You never know when you will find a new favorite.   Image via Pixabay

Gravel riding is a hybrid form of bicycling that offers the best of both mountain and road biking. It is the act of distance riding over unpaved roads. Sometimes these roads are formed of gravel. Unlike the paved bicycle paths that you will find in cities, gravel riding trails are located in largely rural areas that do not have commuter bikes. It is a sport that has gained a lot of popularity across the state of Arkansas and other parts of the rural South. Here are some things to know about gravel riding and how to participate in it safely if you have no experience with the sport. Technically Challenging Gravel riding is more technically challenging than riding on the street pavement. The ground is not smooth and it requires more technical riding skills to stay upright. You never know when there will be a dip in the path and you must be prepared for it. Better Views The beautiful views of rustic scenery and rocky terrain are probably the most compelling reason to enjoy gravel riding. It can get boring to ride on paved paths found in city parks. Some people could argue that most of the parks look the same, with the token playground and picnic area. With gravel riding, the scenery can change dramatically. more Invest in the Right Gear You may not want to bring your beach cruiser or road bike on a gravel riding path. Gravel riding enthusiasts buy gear specifically for long rides on gravel. You need a sturdy bike with a wide wheelbase and a sense of relaxed geometry to stay as stable as possible. In addition, you will want to invest in safety equipment. While riding on a paved path, you might be able to get away without wearing a helmet. However, with gravel riding, you will experience more shock and an increased risk of falling due to the more complicated trails. Participate in Large Gravel Riding Events New events have popped up to transform a largely casual sport into a more fun and competitive activity. For instance, Dirty Kanza is an annual gravel riding tournament. There are various versions of the event that take place at the same time so that you are able to pick out the length of the race that best suits your needs. For instance, the 100 half-pint takes around seven hours to complete and is recommended for beginner gravel riders. The events only get more competitive and difficult from there. No matter which event you choose, be sure to spend the few months leading up to the event preparing in training so that you can have the most successful race possible. If you already love to ride your bicycle, there is a good chance that you will enjoy gravel riding. It is a more technically challenging and advanced alternative to traditional street paths. There are even events that you can participate in to meet other gravel riders who want to explore the less taken path. Image via Pixabay

In 2016, the city of Fayetteville became the first city in Arkansas to earn silver status as a Bicycle Friendly Community awarded by the League of American Bicyclists. The designation is only awarded to about 100 communities scattered across the country and signifies that the community encourages people to bike for transportation and recreation. The city of Fayetteville has more than 40 miles of paved, shared-use trails and 30 miles of mountain biking trails. Keep reading to learn more about the four best bike trails you should try while in the city. Gregory Park Trail A natural surface trail, Gregory Park Trail runs through a heavily wooded area just off North College Avenue on Sycamore Street. The trail spans almost a mile loop and features benches and a gazebo near the parking area. The Ozark Off-Road Cyclists, which is a Northwest Arkansas mountain bicycle advocacy group, helped establish the park as a bike park. It also includes a concrete pump track, skills course, and gravity-flow downhill bicycle trails. School teams that participate in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association mountain biking program can use the practice course. more Kessler Mountain Trails Situated on the southwestern part of Fayetteville, the area surrounding Kessler Mountain consists of rock-covered woodlands and steep bluffs. There are miles of nature trails that meander through the nearby forest. Take your mountain bike and ride through approximately 13 miles of natural-surface trails, which range from easy to very difficult. The city recently finished the Cato Springs Trail, which is a 12-foot-wide concrete trail that connects the Razorback Regional Greenway to the Kessler Mountain Regional Park. Lake Fayetteville This 4.5-mile loop trail surrounds Lake Fayetteville, which is one of the city's most popular outdoor spots. While riding this trail, enjoy the natural scenery and a pedestrian bridge that overlooks a stream and waterfall. This park has two skills biking courses, one for beginners and another for intermediate riders. These courses have low-lying wooden bike ramps, so you can practice balancing. The beginner's course ramps are ideal for children learning to ride balance bikes. The intermediate course has larger features, including stone obstacles and ramps. Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway Spanning 36 miles, the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway features mainly off-road and paved trails that run north/south through northwestern Arkansas. The Greenway connects Walker Park in Fayetteville to Lake Bella Vista, which is north of Bentonville. Since it runs through the heart of the city, you can jump on the trail almost anywhere. You can also stop at one of the four Fayetteville microbreweries found on the Ale Trail. These include West Mountain, Columbus House, Fossil Cove, and Apple Blossom. According to the City of Fayetteville, during the warmer months, bicyclists outnumber pedestrians, with 52% of trail users riding a bike. Whether you're a novice bike rider who rarely takes your bicycle out or someone who enjoys hitting the trail often, this city has four key trails for you to conquer. Just remember to wear a helmet while riding during your scenic excursion. Image via Pixabay

When looking for ways to enjoy time with kids, rainy days can make it seem like options are limited. However, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and its surrounding areas have many places that offer indoor fun for all ages and interests. Here are a few great indoor activities for families. Arkansas Air and Military Museum At Drake Field just over 10 minutes from the center of Fayetteville, the Arkansas Air and Military Museum offers visitors access to loads of aviation history. Many of the aircraft in the museum can actually still fly. Your family will enjoy a walk through time with early artifacts and displays of the Golden Age of aviation, the history of the jet, Vietnam War aircraft, and a carrier fighter from the U.S. Navy. The historic hanger built entirely of wood was used for flight training during World War II. Come by any day of the week from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission varies depending on age, but members enjoy free admission and families can get a pass for just $25. Discounts are available for retired and active military personnel. more Terra Studios Terra Studios is a place for artists young and old about 30 minutes from Fayetteville in Durham. Sign up for classes, come by during an event, or schedule a group class. Available private classes appeal to all different ages and skills. Learn to make simple pottery, work with paints, or create intricate designs. If you're looking for a great idea for gifts, have your family attend one of their jewelry making classes and the kids will have meaningful pieces to give to someone special. You can book an art party for the family or a kid's birthday with friends. If you have more than six people, you can book the party room for two hours and enjoy a class together. Balloons and face painting are also available for kid parties. Register for a class or stop by for a visit during their open hours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. any day. Arkadia Retrocade Right in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkadia Retrocade is an arcade loaded with fun retro games. Kids and adults will love to play the many games available here, and it's just $5 per person to get in the door and then all of the games are free after that. This arcade is open every day in the afternoon and evening. Keep an eye on their social media sites for special events and holiday information. Ozark Bowling Lanes Just up the street from the arcade, Ozark Bowling Lanes is the perfect spot for some indoor family fun. Open bowling is available throughout the week with affordable individual and group rates, so you can bring the whole family without breaking the bank. The Ozark Lanes Cafe offers a full menu of breakfast, lunch, or dinner all day. Come by for an evening of bowling with the kids and enjoy a yummy dinner while you're at it. Don't let cold or rainy weather put a damper on your family fun. Check out these nearby options and make some great memories. Image via pixabay