Of course, you could spend many days exploring the wonderful boutiques and one-of-a-kind businesses in Fayetteville, and I hope that you do! But, since this special itinerary is meant to be accomplished in just a single day, here are a few of Fayetteville’s unique shopping opportunities that are sure to satisfy your shopping fever.
Before you get started, make a quick stop at Fayetteville Visitor’s Bureau, which you’ll find at 21 S Block Ave. Pick up maps and get directions from the friendly people who are working hard to make your visit to their city a pleasant and memorable one.
If you are a book lover, begin your day by visiting the Dickson Street Bookshop, one of the very best independent bookshops in the country. In business for more than 30 years and located at the corner of Dickson Street and N School, Dickson Street Bookshop deals in used and out of print books. Time passes fast when you are perusing its dusty bookshelves, which are filled to overflowing with more than 100,000 hard-to-find books on every conceivable subject imaginable, but heavy in books of literature, poetry, Irish studies, and Americana poetry. The store is a maze of books; the shelves are from floor to ceiling; there are more than 50,000 books waiting in storage to be put on the shelves. If you visit once, you will be hooked for life!
Next, head over to Dark Star Visuals, which is at 106 N Block. This is primarily a women’s clothing store, but customers say, “You can get just about any look you want in this specialty shop.” Since 1991, it has been known as the home of design-your-own jewelry. It is the largest full-service bead store using high-quality gemstones, glass, silver and gold filled supplies. Go once, and you will make it a regular stop every visit.
After you’re done making your own jewelry, head over to David Adams Jewelry, which is located at 100 W Center. David Adams offers unique custom jewelry created from platinum, gold and silver. David Adams, a fine jeweler, apprenticed under the famed Orlando Feriozzi where he learned hand fabrication. Visit this store for a thrilling opportunity to see, and shop, turn of the century jewelry making techniques.
Next, check out Cheap Thrills, located at 120 S East, which features a vast array of merchandise from multiple eras and great customer service. A terrific shop to find contemporary resale and vintage clothing and adult costumes. The owner has a real eye for style, and you will feel comfortable knowing not everyone and their cousin has the same outfit. If you have a special occasion on the horizon, you will likely find exactly what you need with the friendly help of Cheap Thrills’ owner and staff.
Located at 108 N Block, Good Things Boutique features organic clothing, fair trade gifts, local artist jewelry and 100-percent pure skincare and cosmetics. The shop also offers a good selection of active wear. Whether you are just kicking it with friends, going to the gym, or hitting the trails, you will love the soft, breezy organic cotton active wear featured for the summer.
The Himalayan Mountain Shop is Located at 100 W Center and sells unique imported gifts. It also has a huge collection of leggings to go with simple cotton tops. The cotton dresses and outfits are nothing short of gorgeous. You will love this shop.
Town and Country Shop, located at 9 S Block, stocks upscale women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Town and Country Shop features unforgettable, statement-making style from designers like Ming Wang, Eileen Fisher, Mycra Pac, Elliott Lauren and many others. Brighton charms and charm holders are also available.
Time for lunch and here are three fantastic restaurants in downtown Fayetteville, AR to choose from:
• Hugos’ at 33 N Block Street
• Fresco Cafe & Pub 112 West Center #100
• Little Bread Company at 116 N Block Ave
After some culinary delight, visit Luxe Beauty located at 339 N West. This specialized salon sells premium makeup and facial products. It sets the standard for beauty and fashion and has unparalleled service. This is the boutique to get the Vi Peel, which improves skin tone, texture and clarity; reduces or eliminates age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation, including melasma; softens lines and wrinkles; clears acne and reduces or eliminates acne scars.
If you’re visiting Fayetteville with your special someone, Romance Diamond Company, located at 248 W Dickson Street, specializes in bridal jewelry, watches and designer jewelry. As the jeweler says, “Welcome to Romance Diamond Company, where you’ll find exclusive collections from the most exciting designers around the world, including some of our very own.”
Sound Warehouse, located at 17 N Block, sells vintage vinyl records, CDs, music products, clothes, jewelry and tobacco products. If you enjoy music, you will love this store.
The Mustache Goods and Wears, located at 15 S Block, stocks clothing, shoes and gifts. This fun little shop specializes in unique T-shirts, Arkansas and Razorback clothing, and cool-looking hats.
I’ve mentioned only a few of the Fayetteville Downtown Square shops… just enough to whet your appetite for the truly unique shopping to be had in this charming downtown square. The square has everything you could imagine in the way of one-of-a-kind shopping, restaurants and historic buildings. I hope you’ve enjoyed the fabulous shopping I’ve suggested, and I hope you’ve seen many more retailers that increase your desire to return for a second shopping outing… and a third… and a fourth!
