Day 1
Fayetteville offers contemporary shopping and plenty of nightlife. Home to the University of Arkansas, the state’s major research and flagship education institution, Fayetteville’s atmosphere is friendly and diverse. It parallels the cultural diversity found on the UA campus. The Fayetteville square is known for its beautiful gardens and Farmers Market that runs three days a week beginning in spring and ending in early autumn. Just blocks away, Dickson Street is the hip place for unique shops, dining locales, and live music venues. The Walton Arts Center brings Broadway shows, drama, and dance to the city’s entertainment district. While Fayetteville is without a doubt the arts and entertainment center of Northwest Arkansas, it is also rich in Civil War history with the National and Confederate cemeteries and Headquarters House.
- Arrive in Fayetteville and head to Nibbles Academy of Cooking for a hands-on recreational cooking class, where you can enhance your culinary skills. Each student learns hands-on preparation, and has individual working space. (You do have to sign up. See www.nibblesacademyofcooking.com for dates and details.)
- Take your pick of fabulous restaurants for dinner. Or sample several, having a different course and beverage at each. Numerous lodging opportunities abound.
From Fayetteville head south on I-540 to I-40. Take Ark. 9 to Ark. 154 and follow the signs to Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.
Day 2
From Fayetteville head south on I-540 to I-40. Take Ark. 9 to Ark. 154 and follow the signs to Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.
The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute in the central part of The Natural State entertains and educates with food in a classroom designed specifically for culinary arts. The Saturday Chef’s Series is a one-day, hands-on class for recreational cooks. Chef-On-Call is a special session of the one-day class that can be scheduled for organized groups. The classes at the Institute are very popular, as is this facility for its amenities and proximity to Petit Jean State Park.
- Arrive at WRI, grab an apron, and start cooking if you’ve signed up for one of the special chef classes.
- OR, tour the Heritage Farmstead. This demonstration garden serves as an example of a self-sufficient farm, and includes orchards and a heritage garden of indigenous plants. You can also tour the museum, browse the gift shop, or walk one of the trails.
- Head home if you must. But if possible we strongly suggest you enjoy dinner at the Institute’s River Rock Grille, and then relax at the private club (free membership) before heading to your cozy lodge room.
