Fayetteville
Around Fayetteville
Photo: Brian Stansberry · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Tennessee · 36k people
Fayetteville
Where the hills hold their stories
Red Clay
Welcome to Fayetteville, where the Elk River runs through town and the square is the heart of it all. Come for the barbecue, stay for the friendly folks and the easy pace of life.
Clubs for Fayetteville
No clubs for Fayetteville yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Fayetteville. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Fayetteville. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Lincoln County Courthouse Historic brick courthouse at the center of the town square.
- Fayetteville City Park Community park with playgrounds, ball fields, and a pool.
- Elk River River running through town, popular for canoeing and fishing.
- Tims Ford Lake Large reservoir about 20 miles north, known for boating and fishing.
- Fayetteville Square Historic downtown square with shops and restaurants.
- Lincoln County Museum Local history museum housed in the old jail.
- Outdoors Canoe or kayak the Elk River
- Outdoors Fish at Tims Ford Lake
- With kids Fayetteville City Park
- With kids Tims Ford Lake
- Evenings Live music at local bars
- Evenings Square socializing
- Locals love Meat-and-three diners
- Locals love Barbecue joints
Through the year
- Lincoln County Fair August Annual county fair with livestock shows, rides, and local food.
- Elk River Canoe Race April Paddlers race down the Elk River in spring.
- Fayetteville Fly-In September Aircraft display and fly-in at the municipal airport.
- Fayetteville Farmers Market May through September Weekly market with local produce, crafts, and baked goods.
Humid subtropical climate with hot, muggy summers and mild winters. Best to be outdoors in spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal – mild temperatures and lower humidity.
Getaways
- Huntsville, AL U.S. Space & Rocket Center and vibrant downtown.
- Shelbyville, TN Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds.
- Tullahoma, TN Gateway to Tims Ford Lake and Short Springs State Natural Area.
- Winchester, TN Tims Ford State Park and lake access.
Local flavour
Rooting for Tennessee Volunteers (NCAA), Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA), Nashville Predators (NHL)
Eat and drink
- Fried chicken Poultry is a major local industry; fried chicken is a staple.
- Barbecue Southern-style pork barbecue with vinegar-based sauce is popular.
- Sweet tea A ubiquitous Southern drink, served at every meal.
- Chicken and dumplings Comfort food often found at local diners and family gatherings.
Where people go
- Meat-and-three diners Casual restaurants serving a meat choice with three sides.
- Barbecue joints Smokehouses and pit-style eateries.
- Antebellum homes
- Dairy bars Seasonal soft-serve stands and drive-ins.
Heritage and traditions
Fayetteville is proud of its historic courthouse square, the natural beauty of the Elk River and Tims Ford Lake, and its friendly Southern hospitality.
This time of year in Fayetteville
- Friday night football Fall High school football brings the community together.
- Fall harvest festivals Fall Celebrating the agricultural season with local produce.
- Fayetteville Farmers Market Summer and Fall Weekly market featuring local produce and crafts.
- Fayetteville Fly-In Fall An aviation gathering with vintage aircraft and demonstrations.
Say it like a local: “fixin' to” — about to
Festivals
- Lincoln County Fair July A traditional county fair with rides, livestock shows, and local food.
- Elk River Canoe Race Spring A fun paddling event down the Elk River.
- Fayetteville Square Music Series Summer Live music on the historic square during summer evenings.
- Fayetteville Farmers Market Summer and Fall Weekly market featuring local produce and crafts.
- Fayetteville Fly-In Fall An aviation gathering with vintage aircraft and demonstrations.
Landmarks with a story
- Lincoln County Courthouse Historic courthouse on the square, a centerpiece of the town.
- Lincoln County Museum Showcases local history and artifacts.
- Antebellum homes Several preserved homes from the 19th century.
- First Baptist Church A historic church with a long community presence.
- Old Jail A former county jail from the 1800s, now a historic landmark.
Food traditions
- Barbecue Smoked pork and ribs are a staple, often served with sweet tea.
- Fried catfish A local favorite from nearby lakes and rivers, often at family gatherings.
- Meat-and-three Lunch tradition with a choice of meat and three vegetables, common in local diners.
- Sweet tea A sweetened iced tea that's a Southern essential.
- Chicken and dumplings A comforting home-style dish passed down through generations.
Music and arts
- Country music A strong tradition with local musicians and live performances.
- Bluegrass Popular in the region, with informal jam sessions.
- Folk art Crafts like quilting and woodworking are valued.
A little history
- 1819 Fayetteville was founded and named after the Marquis de Lafayette.
- 1809 Lincoln County was established from Bedford County.
- 19th century The county was a major cotton producer in the 19th century.
- Civil War era The area saw skirmishes and Union occupation during the Civil War.
- 19th century The Lincoln County Process for Tennessee whiskey was developed in this county.
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day High school basketball in winter
- Outdoors Canoe or kayak the Elk River
- Outdoors Fish at Tims Ford Lake
- With kids Fayetteville City Park
- With kids Tims Ford Lake
People speak with a Southern drawl typical of Middle Tennessee, using phrases like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'.
Only here
- The Lincoln County Process, a charcoal filtering method used in making Tennessee whiskey, is named after this county.
New here? A few tips
- Be ready for hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- Take time to explore the historic courthouse square and its shops.
- Try the local barbecue and sweet tea.
- Get to know your neighbors; Southern hospitality is real.
- Learn to say 'y'all' – it's a friendly greeting.
Make this page better
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Part of Huntsville area
Nearby
Every areaShelbyvilleTennesseeWhere the walking horse reignsLewisburgTennesseeWhere the Duck River flows through the heart of Tennessee.TullahomaTennesseeWhere the highland meets the sky.WinchesterTennesseeWhere the mountain meets the valleyPulaskiTennesseeWhere every road leads to a familiar face.HuntsvilleAlabamaWhere the South meets the stars.LawrenceburgTennesseeSmall-town charm on the Natchez TraceDecaturAlabamaRiver city, Southern soul
Fayetteville, TN. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.