By Elizabeth Strickland
About three-and-a-half years ago, the first day of class back from winter break consisted of trudging across campus in -3 degree weather with wind that felt as if I lived in the Artic Circle rather than Fayetteville. While the recent snowstorm brought even colder temperatures, at least 2021 brought about 10 inches of snow to Fayetteville along with those record low temperatures. It was a nice reprieve from the monotonous days sat at your desk, glued to Zoom and schoolwork. Those of you with in-person classes may have even gotten to benefit from a week’s worth of snow days.
Now that the winter weather appears to have left Arkansas (for now), I am hopeful to see more activities and masked students outside around campus as the weather gets nicer. Whether it’s having RSO meetings in person that were previously virtual or doing homework at the Greek Theatre with your roommate, spring brings lots of liveliness and new opportunities to campus and to Fayetteville. Keep reading for some of my favorite spring activities that Fayetteville has to offer!
1. North Forest Lights at Crystal Bridges
On now through April 4, 2021 after sunset. Tickets can be ordered online on the Crystal Bridges website.
Crystal Bridges in Bentonville is much more than its permanent art collection in the main museum. (Still if you haven’t been at all yet, you are missing out!) My recommendation would be to go to the museum in late afternoon, maybe go grab dinner in Bentonville, and return to view this nighttime exhibit. Behind Crystal Bridges, they have an extensive wooded area, which is home to the North Forest Lights. Their website advertises to “enjoy an enchanted nighttime walk through the woods featuring dynamic, nature-inspired lighting elements, and immersive soundscapes.” Fun Fact: The lights in the tree pictured below respond to the sound of your voice and change color accordingly!
2. Basketball at The Palace (aka Bud Walton Arena), Baseball at Baum Stadium & Other Athletics!
Razorback Athletics have taken great efforts to maintain student seating and participation at sporting events, so there will be plenty of opportunities to experience a baseball or basketball game! While home games for the women’s team have wrapped up for the season, the men’s basketball team has one more game in Bud Walton this season on March 6th—at least for regular season play. Meanwhile, baseball opened up play at Baum Walker Stadium last weekend (Feb. 25-Feb. 28) against Southeast Missouri State. Razorback Baseball is ranked #1 in the nation for the first time ever, and could provide a great outdoor activity this spring!
If you are interested in giving some smaller sports some love, check out the schedules for our softball, soccer, and track and field teams! Schedules for all sporting events can be found on the Arkansas Razorbacks Official Athletics website, and information on how to get student tickets are sent to UARK emails.
3. The Fayetteville Farmer’s Market
There are a lot of classic activities to do on a weekend in Fayetteville. There are lots of opportunities for hiking, coffee shop visits, and quality time outdoors at Wilson Park; however, a Saturday morning excursion to the Farmer’s Market at the Square ranks very high on that list. It usually opens back up around March, which is the perfect time for pretty flowers, fresh fruits & veggies, and lots of dog sightings. It’s the first time you see Fayetteville and its residents out and about from the cold winter months, and it is the perfect way to welcome spring to Fayetteville.
4. Day Trip to Eureka Springs:
If you are looking to get out of Fayetteville for the weekend and want to explore a bit more of Arkansas, the perfect spot is Eureka Springs. Only an hour drive from Fayetteville, it is strongly reminiscent of a Colorado ski town but in Arkansas. It is a quaint town with lots of shops and restaurants. You can take pictures at the rainbow steps, take a haunted ghost tour, or visit the giant Jesus statue. It’s a great way to discover a new part of Arkansas unlike anything you will find in the Fayetteville area.
(They also have amazing ice cream shops if you are an ice cream lover like me!)
Needless to say, there are lots of ways to make Fayetteville and the surrounding areas fun in the spring. Take a well-deserved break from school and get out and explore!
