Live in Fayetteville and you’ll be in a small city with a buzzing downtown area, yet surrounded by nature. Fuel up on local free-range eggs at The Farmer’s Table Café in the morning before hiking and kayaking around peaceful Lake Sequoyah in the afternoon. Cheer on the Razorback baseball team at the Baum Stadium on a Saturday and feast on chicken wings next door at Foghorn’s Wings Burgers & More restaurant, then spend Sunday biking along Mud Creek Trail with friends, until you find a picturesque picnic spot.

Historic Downtown Fayetteville Square is a great place to start exploring the city. Buy flowers and veggies at the Farmers’ Market from Spring to Autumn, then in the winter see the trees lit up for the free Lights of the Ozarks festival as you ride a camel and tuck into funnel cake from a food truck. All year round, catch a show at the Walton Arts Center before devouring a grilled Ham-on-Cheese sandwich at Hammontree’s restaurant and dancing the night away to live country bands at George’s Majestic Lounge.

When you feel like getting away from it all, load up on outdoor gear from Uncle Sam’s Safari Outfitters and drive 15 minutes from downtown to walk around Lake Fayetteville and explore the beautiful Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. To clear your head between classes, head to the swimming pool and miniature castle at historic Wilson Park, less than 20 minutes’ walk from University of Arkansas campus, or commute to class and beyond along the city’s extensive trail network.