Established in 1809, Fayetteville, Tennessee, is considered the largest city in Lincoln County.
The city is named after Fayetteville in North Carolina, where most residents of the city lived before moving to Tennessee.
It was originally a part of Cherokee and Chicksaw lands before it was ceded to the US in 1806.
Fayetteville’s first few acres were sold by Ezekiel Norris, which were situated near the Elk River.
Aside from Norris, other founding fathers of the city were Alexander and Andrew Greer, William Edmonson, and Matthew Buchanan.
Today, Fayetteville is known to have a great number of historical sites that continue to represent the city’s culture and heritage.
Among these sites are the Old Stone Bridge, the Lincoln County Courthouse, and Camp Blount, all of which shaped the city of Fayetteville and the history of the entire country.
The city also became popular for its local celebrations and festivities that both locals and tourists have come to love.
But with the many things to do in this city, it can be confusing where to start.
Check out 20 of the best things you can do while in Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Find out everything there is to know about Fayetteville’s humble beginnings up to its current development when you stop by the Lincoln County Museum on Main Street.
The museum is located at the Borden Milk Plant, a historic dairy processing plant in the city.
Get a closer look at Fayetteville’s pioneer life, local industry, schools, professions, districts, and more by checking out the museum’s featured exhibits.
The museum is also home to the second-largest agricultural display in the state.
Check out antique tractors, historic implements, and how food was traditionally prepared in this exhibit.
You can also visit the museum’s military room and marvel at the wide collection of items from numerous wars and conflicts, including those from the space and missile defense industry.
Walk on the same path as General Andrew Jackson as you tour the land of Camp Blount Historic State Park on Huntsville Highway.
This historical site is where the seventh president of the US gathered his troops for the Creek Indian War in 1813.
William Caroll, General John Coffee, David Crockett, and Dr. McKinney were some of the notable personalities who joined General Jackson in this fight.
This then led to the beginning of a campaign that overthrew the Red Stick forces at Horseshoe Bend in 1814.
Today, this 40-acre land still holds a piece of significant history that shaped Tennessee.
Explore three historic trails as you unravel the stories of the war of 1812, check out the Wayside Informational Markers, and snap a photo of the Volunteer Statue dedicated to Tennessee’s First Volunteer.
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Don Davidson Park is a natural gem on Wilson Parkway.
Known for its multiple grass fields and walking trails, this park is home to many wildlife and native plant species.
It also has a disc golf course and a basketball court.
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Its marked trails offer a peaceful refuge from the usual buzz and hustle of the city’s downtown area.
And if you’d like, you can take your picnic break to this park where the beautiful landscape is bountiful.
If you’re traveling with your furry companion, then you might also like Don Davidson Park’s dog park.
Enjoy a relaxing day away from the bustling Fayetteville streets at Stone Bridge Memorial Park on Thorton Taylor Parkway.
This park commemorates the historic Stone Bridge, a lost stone arch bridge over Elk River built in 1861.
The bridge was later destroyed by a flood in 1969, but not before General Sherman marched over it during the Civil War.
Today, locals flock to this memorial park to spend a cool and calm day, enjoying the fresh breeze.
Aside from having outdoor seating, locals also like spending their time in the park feeding the ducks and geese.
You can’t possibly leave Fayetteville without trying the infamous Slawburger.
This signature Fayetteville burger is a creation by Lee McAllister’s great grandfather, who combined his mustard-based slaw on freshly grilled hamburgers.
Enjoy the sweet and sour flavors of the slaw while indulging in the taste of a perfectly juicy burger.
You can find this signature creation in a number of restaurants, including Honey’s Restaurant on Market Street, Ken’s Fast Foods on College Street, and Market Street Grill.
Fayetteville also holds a Slawburger Festival in commemoration of this dish.
Ichabod, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Fayetteville will surely bring you back in time with its classic buildings and historical sites.
It is also one of the earliest areas to have a courthouse in the entire country, further adding to its historical significance that shaped the city’s culture and ideals.
Along with the city’s picturesque infrastructures, the downtown area also serves as a tourist favorite in Lincoln County.
Get lost in the bustling streets as you explore the city’s rich business district.
Small businesses plague the streets, so you might want to check out every stall there is to get the best shopping experience.
When in the market for authentic whiskey, Tennessee surely has all the best brands.
And the city of Fayetteville takes pride in its very own distillery on Smith Mill Road.
Southern Pride Distillery started as a small-batch artisan distillery in 2012, following the Trentham family’s recipe that has been preserved over the years.
The distillery uses locally-grown corn while sourcing water from a natural spring within the property.
Indulge in the malty, smoky, and briny taste of their whiskey collection, ranging from charcoal-filtered Tennessee Whiskey to twice-barreled and distilled Double Barreled Tennessee Whiskey.
You can also check out their authentic Tennessee Moonshine collection and choose from eight different flavors.
The Fayetteville-Lincoln County Arts Center on Main Avenue is the ultimate hub for art aficionados.
The arts center is home to visual, conceptual, and performing arts.
Enroll in several classes spearheaded by professional artists and hone your creative skills.
From paint classes to ceramics, you can learn just about anything inside this arts center.
The Fayetteville-Lincoln County Arts Center also sponsors scholarships for the arts, dance, and music to gifted students.
Every week, the arts center holds independent art centers where people of all ages can enjoy free weekly art activities.
Planning to spend the holidays other than your own home?
At Fayetteville, you’ll get to have a one-of-a-kind holiday experience by attending the Host of Christmas Past.
Enjoy the festivities with shopping, food, and fun all the way from downtown Fayetteville.
The annual tradition started 50 years ago and has since then become a much-awaited event that begins in late November.
Feel the Christmas spirit as you wander the streets filled with lights and decorations that will make you wonder whether you’re in Fayetteville or in Santa’s village.
Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Fayetteville is home to several historical sites, including the famous Pythian Building.
Built by a fraternal order known as the Knights of Pythians, this building served as the organization’s meeting place while doubling as a rental space for professionals and several businesses.
The Pythian Building is also home to Fayetteville’s first public library, which was run by a women’s club known as “The Round Dozen.”
If you’re looking to have a unique staycation experience, you can try renting out the penthouse of the Pythian Building.
The 3,000-square-foot penthouse is advertised as “Castle Hall” and has all the amenities for modern-day living.
The building was also listed in the Mulberry-Washington-Lincoln Historic District in 1984, making it all the more exciting since you’re essentially walking on sacred ground.
Who says fishing is only for adults?
Fayetteville hosts a Kids Fishing Day at Stone Bridge Memorial Park every year for kids up to 12 years old.
The fishing rodeo is an event organized by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, Walmart, Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, and the Lincoln County Mayor and Commission.
You can take your kids out to the park and have them try their hand at catching some heavyweights and win the grand prize.
Over 2,500 pounds of catfish are stocked into the pond for this event.
Poles, tackles, and bait are usually provided for the participants, but it’s recommended that your kids have their own equipment.
Nothing beats the classics.
And if you’re looking for some decor that will remind you of the good old days, head over to Sissy’s Antiques on Main Avenue.
The shop prides itself on having something for everyone.
English, French, and American antiques adorn the aisles.
Take your pick from intricate glassware, painted furniture, repurposed pieces, and vintage collectibles.
You’ll also find a great selection of old-school mirrors, lamps, dining tables, and more.
Collectors are also in for a real treat with the store’s collection of old tools, knives, coins, and arrowheads, among others, that will surely make a great addition to the living room wall.
Cahoots Restaurant on Market Street will definitely take your dining experience to a whole new level.
The restaurant is built from the remnants of an old city jail and fire station.
As you step inside, you’ll even see the metal cells that were used to transport the prisoners who were working on the Fayetteville roads.
The restaurant maintained the jail and fire station-style interior with brick walls and dim lighting surrounding the area.
The restaurant serves a wide range of Mexican dishes like beef and chicken burritos and enchiladas.
There’s no denying that Fayetteville is a home for the classics一including cars.
Cruzin’ Downtown is an annual event in downtown Fayetteville that pays homage to antique cars.
Feast your eyes on dozens of curbside classics that still prove to be a showstopper when gracing the streets.
If you’ve got one of your own, you can participate in the event and even win the “Best in Show” competition.
You’ll also get to enjoy a day of live music, food, and entertainment alongside this much-awaited event.
Located on Wells Hill Road, Wells Hill Park is considered a local favorite for hiking and trail running.
The entire trail spans a total of 5.1 kilometers and is generally considered an easy route.
Drown in the sound of chirping birds and freshwater that flows from the waterfall nearby.
Despite having a rocky trail, Wells Hill Park is adored by adventurers for its lush green forests, wildflowers, and peaceful environment.
On average, it’ll take about an hour and 20 minutes to complete this trail.
Tee up because, at Pebble Creek Golf Club, you are in for a jolly golf adventure.
This 9-hole regulation course facility features wide open green spaces and Bermuda fairways.
This makes for challenging swings and putts.
Its natural views alone are enough to guarantee a second visit!
So, invite a friend over or begin your golf retreat by yourself and play against your skills.
Every golfer at every skill level is welcome to try out the course.
Pebble Creek Golf Club is on Lewisburg Highway.
Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the city’s public attractions is Fayetteville Square and its eye-catching historical courthouse.
Completed in 1815, this brick courthouse served the community’s political and economic industry.
By 1874, a newer Italianate structure replaced it.
Ichabod, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Several years later, the square’s courthouse stands as a beacon of historical significance, along with the influx of modern business establishments.
At the western portion of the square is the oldest building, the Dragonfly Gallery.
Within the property, you’ll also find other historic buildings, including the Pythian Building—which was the meeting place of the Knights of Pythians—and Wright’s Store—which was a dry goods store back in the 19th century.
Fayetteville Square is on Main Avenue South.
If you come by the city during the summer, you shouldn’t forget a visit to Fayetteville Municipal Pool.
This zero-entry public pool features a spiraling slide and a challenging climbing wall.
For the little ones, the facility has a designated kiddie pool with a spraying fountain.
Adorning the pool facility’s interior is an ocean-inspired mural created by local painters.
It showcases vibrant sea creatures, mermaids, and a sunset on the horizon flanked by mountains—a tribute to Fayetteville’s charming nature attractions.
Admission is only $5!
Beat the summer heat at Fayetteville Municipal Pool on Winchester Highway.
In the mood for some indoor entertainment?
Carriage House Players has your back!
This performing arts theater group has a wide variety of performances catered to the artistic and theater preferences of every visitor.
From comedy acts and serious dramas to child-friendly musicals, this theater company has some of the best live entertainment available within Fayetteville.
Most of the company’s shows take place in Lincoln County Museum Theater on Main Avenue South.
But for large production pieces, Lincoln County High School’s Adnia Rice Theater may have to host them.
There’s never a dull moment at any Carriage House Players show, so be sure not to miss it!
Fayetteville is indeed a city that’s rich in history, and you’ll pretty much see such influences in its culture and people.
It is also arguably one of the best places to visit while in Tennessee, thanks to several entertainment and art hubs that locals and tourists greatly admire.
Fayetteville is definitely a city with the perfect combination of adventure and tranquility in its tourist destinations and historic sites.
So, if you haven’t thought about Fayetteville being on top of your must-visit list, you might want to reconsider putting it on top of your priority destinations.
It’ll surely take you more than a few days to experience all there is to do in this wonderful city.
Adventure awaits you at Fayetteville, so book your trip today!
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