HISTORY EVERYWHERE

If you’re planning a trip to Fayetteville for some rest and relaxation, feel free to do so. But be aware that once you arrive the list of exciting activities available will guarantee you won’t be sitting around rocking on a porch swing. Lively Fayetteville features a long list of cultural and performing arts centers, live music venues, art galleries, recreation and fitness opportunities, museums, and historic attractions like bridges, churches, and monuments, providing plenty of things to do. Founded in the late 1830s, Fayetteville is happy to place over 150 years of its history on display. In fact, almost the entire town is included in a National Register Historic District with 345 structures designated as historic. The Fayette County Precinct #2 courthouse, built in 1888, features a jail on the second floor complete with leg irons, and its four-faced clock tower, added in 1934, still strikes twice an hour. Several of Fayetteville’s many B&Bs and country inns are located in historic buildings on or near the town square, especially convenient for joining in the town’s many fairs and festivals, including a Chamber Music Festival, a yearly event featuring world-class musicians and musical concerts. Or bring your guitar to the monthly jam sessions taking place on the town square. Wait! Don’t sit down yet! You’ve still got to visit the Fayetteville Area Heritage Center where historic Fayetteville is on display in exhibits like the pipe organ from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Dawn Theater’s movie projector, and a fire engine pump. It’s a good thing Fayetteville also offers plenty of dining because you’ll need fortifications. Check out the options on the square like chicken fried steak at Joe’s Place, home cooking at Orsak’s Café, and a coffee with something sweet from Serendipity.