Best things to do in NWA by city
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A distinct view of downtown Rogers. Photo: Alex Golden/Axios
While Northwest Arkansas can feel like one metro area where it's easy to hop between the boroughs, the four largest cities do have their own identities.
- Here's a quick cheat sheet.
Fayetteville
🏫 What you'll see: A hilly landscape, medical buildings and the University of Arkansas — the state's flagship university.
🧑🏫 Who you'll meet: Partying college kids plus grad students and faculty doing all kinds fascinating work. Artists and musicians keeping Fayetteville funky.
🐗 What you'll hear: The Hog Call. You risk being exiled if you do it wrong, so learn how. Also, local and out-of-town bands at longtime venue George's Majestic Lounge.
🍳 What you'll eat: Brunch. Try a classic Southern breakfast at The Farmer's Table, elevated pancakes at Prelude Breakfast Bar or creative dishes at Nomads.
🍹 What you'll drink: Bar hop on Dickson Street. Try Cannibal & Craft, The Amendment or Smoke & Barrel Tavern. And don't forget Maxine's Tap Room on Block Avenue — this one's been around since the 1950s and crafts some of the best cocktails in town.
🎭 What you'll do: Go see a contemporary play at TheatreSquared or a Broadway classic at Walton Arts Center; explore downtown.
Springdale
🐓 What you'll see: Tyson Foods headquarters and poultry plants aplenty.
🌏 Who you'll meet: NWA's most diverse population, which helps make the area culturally rich in food, music and traditions. It's notably home to the largest group of Marshallese people outside the Marshall Islands.
🎇 What you'll hear: Fireworks after select Northwest Arkansas Naturals home games at Arvest Ballpark.
🌮 What you'll eat: The best authentic Latin American food around. Try Taqueria Guanajuato, Na'guara or Tesoro Beach Restaurant.
🍷 What you'll drink: Some wine at Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery. Or hard cider at Black Apple.
⛸ What you'll do: Go ice-skating year round at The Jones Center or explore downtown.
Rogers
🐟 What you'll see: Retail, Beaver Lake, Lake Atalanta.
🧑💼 Who you'll meet: Professionals of all kinds.
🎸 What you'll hear: Noteworthy bands at the region's largest concert venue, the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion, and free concerts at Butterfield Stage downtown.
🦀 What you'll eat: Some killer Cuban food at Havana Tropical Grill or seafood at Crabby's.
🍻 What you'll drink: Brews from Ozark, New Province or Rendezvous Junction. Or visit Onyx Coffee Lab's stunning headquarters.
🛍 What you'll do: Go shopping at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade or explore downtown.
Bentonville
🧢 What you'll see: Bike trails, a Walmart on every corner — almost.
🚴 Who you'll meet: Walmart home office workers, outdoor enthusiasts.
🎹 What you'll hear: Music coming from The Momentary's outdoor space.
🥘 What you'll eat: Refined cuisine at high-end restaurants making waves in NWA's culinary scene like Conifer, The Preacher's Son or The Hive.
🍸 What you'll drink: Libations from Tower Bar, Lady Slipper or Scotch & Soda.
🖼 What you'll do: Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or explore downtown.