Originally published on 5/22/2019 here.
Welcome to Springdale! As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Northwest Arkansas region there are always new things popping up and fun things to do from dining, to drinking to fun outdoor attractions. We've rounded up some of the top things to eat, see and do and the most 'grammable spots. Whether you're a local, new in town or just passing through, here's a list of some top-notch places you can't miss.
What to Eat (and Drink!)
*Breakfast/Brunch*
Susan's Restaurant - Looking for home-style, southern cooking? This is your spot! Susan's is a true Northwest Arkansas classic breakfast spot with everything from omelets to chicken fried steak and they open EARLY at 6 a.m.
Bites & Bowls - Sweet waffles, savory waffles, salads, smoothies and yogurt bowls can all be found at this adorable newly-opened spot in Springdale. *Insider Tip:* Get a savory waffle for your meal and split a sweet waffle for dessert, the cajeta (goat's milk caramel) and banana is to die for!
Green's Power Juice - If you are looking for a bit healthier options, Green's Power Juice is the place to go. They specialized in healthy juices and smoothies, a perfect way to start your day!
Neal's Cafe - For good home cooking like grandma used to make, be sure to stop by Neal's. Neal's has been a go-to in Springdale for over 70 years and is still owned and run by the Neal family. It's rumored that Don Tyson and Sam Walton had many business meetings over a meal at Neal's.
*Lunch/Dinner*
Springdale Taco Tour - Taqueria Guanajuato and Charly's Taqueria are leisurlist favorites, but take the full Taco Tour in Springdale and see for yourself, tag @leisurlist and #SpringdaleTacoTour in your photos!
Sammich Love and Big Sexy Food - Both of these restaurants in Downtown Springdale are owned by Chef Brent Hale, winner of Guy's Grocery Games on Food Network and local celebrity chef. Sammich Love offers a variety of signature SAMMICHES as well as classic deli creations and Big Sexy Food (food truck) is known for colossal and unique burgers, sandwiches and stuffies.*Insider Tip*: Get the mozzarella spring rolls at Big Sexy Food with your beer at Bike Rack!
Venesian Inn - Although it is technically in Tontitown it's close enough to Springdale that we had to include Venesian. This classic Italian eatery has been operating in NWA for over 60 years. They are known for the spaghetti and fried chicken (sounds odd but so good) and the ROLLS, omg the ROLLS. Try not to fill up on them before your meal.
Wright’s Barbecue - Technically located in Johnson (halfway between Fayetteville and Springdale), but we'd hate for you not to know about this delicious BBQ joint. They are consistently voted best BBQ in the area and the brisket is not to be missed, go early before they sell out.
R & R’s Curry Express - R&R's is known for amazing Indian food, especially curries. We personally love the Palak Paneer, Keema Samosas and Garlic Naan but you can't go wrong with most anything on the menu.
Feltner Brothers - Feltner Brother's is a family run local burger joint, located just west of Springdale in Tontitown and in Fayetteville. They are known for fresh, delicious burgers, fries and milkshakes. Try the islander or "brobecue" burgers.
Lake Fayetteville Food Trucks - This off-the-beaten-path food truck park is full of deliciousness from raspados (Raspados Mimis) from Mexico to Chinese platters (Ying Chang’s Hmong & Chinese Hot Food) and everything in between. The food truck park is located near the entrance of Lake Fayetteville and next to Lewis & Clark Outfitters. Most of the trucks are open every day from 11am to 8 pm but closed on Sundays.
Patrick's Burgers - Patrick's is known as the home of the old fashioned burger and it definitely lives up to the name with classic griddle-cooked burgers (classic dairy bar style), fries, Frito chili pies and more. You can't go wrong with the cheeseburger combo of burger, fries and a drink for $5.88, a classic meal for a great price.
MJ Pizzeria - MJ is a chef-inspired fast casual dining restaurant, featuring an amazing wood-fired oven that turns out some of the best pizza and pasta you will ever have. Our go-to items are the wood-fired meatballs to start, the farm fresh egg pizza and the hand-rolled pappardelle pasta. You seriously can't go wrong with anything on the menu though.
*Happy Hour/Drinks*
Black Apple Crossing - Black Apple is the only Cidery in the state of Arkansas and they are known for amazing seasonal ciders (strawberry is currently on tap for the Summer), trivia, live music and other events roughly every night. They are dog-friendly, have a patio and are located Downtown on Emma Ave with easy access to the Razorback Greenway.
Bike Rack Brewery - Located just down from Black Apple you will find the Springdale location for Bike Rack. Grab a beer or coffee, play board games, pick up food at the food truck, or just hang out. They are also dog-friendly!
The Odd Soul - Also located on Emma, this local pub serves up cold drinks, hot pizza, and trivia nights.
Emma Ave. Bar & Tap - Also located on Emma (notice a trend here?), Emma Avenue has only Arkansas beers on tap, a full bar, live music and patio.
Sassafras Springs Vineyard - Sassafras is located on the border of Fayetteville and Springdale and features a beautiful winery, wedding chapel and event space with a two-tier patio, plenty of wine and even wood-fired pizzas to enjoy with your drinks.
Saddlebock Brewery - Saddlebock specializes in microbrewed craft beers, great food and great views. They are dog friendly and often offer tours of the brewery during the week. Don't skimp on the food selection, they serve AMAZING food.
Mothership - A new addition to Downtown Springdale, Mothership specializes in burgers, beer and rotating art.
*Desserts*
Vargas Fruteria - If you're looking for an out-of-the-box ice cream experience (and some of the best Instagrammable food), check out Vargas for bubble waffles, rollup ice cream, fruit cups and more!
Smudgies - Also an out-of-the-box ice cream experience, this shop adds in donuts and cereal - because, why not?
Roll Up Creamery - Have you ever tried roll up ice cream? Now is your chance. What starts out as a liquid base is poured onto a frozen plate and rolled into a cylinder shape. Additional ingredients and toppings can be added and are highly encouraged.
Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe - If you prefer cookies, petit fours, cupcakes and cakes then you must stop by Shelby Lynn's. They are known for their beautiful designs (they made Savvy Shields - Miss America 2017's wedding cake) but the taste is out of this world as well. Stop by while you explore Downtown Springdale!
*Coffee/Tea*
Onyx Coffee Lab - The original Onyx Coffee Lab location. This shop features a siphon bar, Kyoto cold brew towers, a meeting room, and a drive-through coffee bar, as if that wasn't enough with their nationally award-winning coffee (Did you know they just made the first exclusive Stan Lee Coffee.
Trailside Coffee Company - Located in the Phat Tire Bike Shop, this is your perfect mid-bike ride pit stop. Be sure to say hi to Charlie the dog inside!
What to See
*Outdoor Attractions*
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks - They have twelve themed gardens, plus Arkansas' only butterfly garden. Need any other reasons to visit?
Walter Turnbow Park - This is a great gathering place in the heart of downtown where you will find the farmer's market and regular festival events, plus there's free Wi-Fi!
Lake Fayetteville - Deceiving name, but it's totally on the border of Springdale and Fayetteville and you will find a beautiful lake, riding, hiking and biking trails and a disc-golf course in the park.
*Music/Art/Theater*
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History - The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History tells stories of the Arkansas Ozark, plus, it's free admission.
Arts Center of the Ozarks - The Arts Center of the Ozarks is a venue for great entertainment and great educational opportunities, with participatory, interactive and multicultural events.
*Sports*
Arvest Ballpark - Arvest Ballpark is the home of the Naturals, a Double-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals! Their season consists of 140 game schedule with 70 home games and 70 road games and is five months long, beginning in early April and finishing Labor Day weekend. They often have themed games like dogs in the park and fireworks for Summer holidays!
What to Do
*Shopping*
*Downtown Springdale*
Most of the shops in Downtown Springdale are located on Emma Avenue or within walking distance of Emma so park along the street (free parking) and start exploring! We recommend checking out Hello Local first. They supports local small businesses by sharing their story and making their product readily available to the public. Plus you can pick up merch to represent your love of NWA including Oz Trails merchandise. Next to Hello Local you will find The Avenue, this shop offers clothing and goods that are ethically made and eco friendly. A great place to find gifts! Across the street is a new shop, Dela Deville's Vintage. They feature vintage and vintage-inspired clothing! Just down the street from Dela Deville's you will find Sire Mercantile, a trendy women's boutique.
*Har-Ber Side of Springdale*
We call it the Har-Ber side of Springdale because it is near Har-Ber High School, just off the interstate and near Arvest Ballpark. Here you will find Onyx Coffee Lab, Feltner Brothers, Smudgies and more great shopping. here are a few of our favorite shops:
3130 Boutique - A modern women's boutique where you feel right at home as soon as you walk in and are greeted by the owner.
Euna Mae's - A one-of-a-kind kitchen shop, owned by author, speaker and people feeder, Amy Hannon. You will find beautiful kitchen and housewarming gifts here along with beautiful finds for your own home. Cooking Classes are also offered regularly. If you stop in when Amy is there, tell her leisurlist sent you!
*Active Activities*
Ride or Walk on the Razorback Greenway - Fun fact, the Springdale portion of the Razorback Greenway is one of the prettiest parts of the entire trail, if you don't have a bike you can rent one at Phat Tire for the day and take off on the trail just outside their doors, ride over to Lake Springdale and beyond!
Play Disc Golf in J.B. Hunt Park - Officially the most popular disc golf course in the state, according to the UDisc Disc Golf App.
Mountain Bike at Fitzgerald Mountain - If you are interested in mountain biking (beginner or more advanced, there are options for both), check out Fitzgerald Mountain. New, incredible trails can be found in abundance here.
Jones Center - If it is a bad weather day or you are just looking for a place to workout indoors, stop by the Jones Center. They have the only indoor ice rink in the region, two swimming pools, fitness center, and more.
Most 'Grammable Spots
*Downtown Springdale*
Other areas in Springdale
Bayyari Park / Fitzgerald Mountain
So did we miss anything? What are your favorite places in Springdale? Post photos on your Instagram tagging @leisurlist and #itsonthelist and let us know!
Comments