Time After Time

Lose yourself in the sights and sounds of Fayetteville

Dear incoming UA students:

You're about to start a new life here in Fayetteville, and we couldn't be happier for you. It's a great town. You'll make friends, you'll learn lots, and you'll grow up, too. You'll figure out a lot about life along the way. Much of what you learn in college will stick with you forever. That's been our experience, at least.

But our congratulations come with a caveat, too. Bad habits die hard, so take this to heart.

You should not procrastinate. Instead, you should be diligent in your school work. Allow a lackadaisical attitude now, and that's what might stick with you, not a passion for learning.

But we're also realists here at What's Up! We know about distractions, and we know about deadlines. This story was filed much closer to deadline than we care to admit. (OK, fine. Pieces of this story came in late.)

If you want to kill some time in Fayetteville -- as a reward for completing study sessions, of course -- we know a few spots that will help. What follows are seven time-killing sessions that make you forget to look at your phones and then wonder what happened to your afternoon.

Enjoy, but be careful, because you might get sucked in for hours.

The stop: Razorback Greenway

The synopsis: Take the trails for a bike ride, a walk or a run

How much time you'll lose: Depends on how fast you bike or run and how far you choose to explore beyond the main path

How to make your watch hands spin: The Razorback Greenway spans 37 miles from south Fayetteville to Bella Vista, passing through Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville along the way. That 37 mile tally does not include any of the trails -- both paved an unpaved -- that intersect with the Greenway and take users on other journeys. Adjacent attractions include Wilson Park and Lake Fayetteville, for instance. Pieces of the Greenway have existed for years, but the full length was just dedicated in early May.

The Greenway is both biker and runner friendly, and it's not uncommon to see deer or other animals making a crossing there, too.

There are several water fountains stationed along the trail, but it's also a good idea to bring some snacks and hydration of your own, particularly if your trek is on the strenuous side.

Info: nwatrails.org

-- Kevin Kinder

The stop: Dickson Street Bookshop

The synopsis: A bookshop in the heart of the Fayetteville entertainment district, specializing in used and out-of-print works.

How much time you'll lose: The 20 minutes it would take to quickly peruse the entire shop up to the hours to could take to find the perfect book in the maze of seemingly endless options.

How to make your watch hands spin: Floor-to-ceiling shelves and rogue stacks in nearly every corner hold an estimated 100,000 books that fill the 8,000 square feet of the Dickson Street Bookshop. You read that right; 100,000 books in that unassuming, red brick building at the corner of Dickson Street and School Avenue. For more than 35 years, the shop has been a haven for local book lovers, and has more recently gained international attention for its character and commitment to lining the shelves with books on every subject.

If searching through the maze for the perfect book by yourself seems daunting, the staff of bibliophiles is happy to help you find pre-loved works on architecture, folklore, cooking, wars, politics, languages and anything in between. Really -- anything. Robin Hood and Russian history each have their own entire section.

Info: facebook.com/DicksonStreetBookshop

-- Jocelyn Murphy

The stop: Arkansas State Parks

The synopsis: Five state parks are within 50 miles of Fayetteville -- Devil's Den, Hobbs, Lake Fort Smith, Prairie Grover Battlefield and Withrow Springs. Hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, kayaking and geocaching are available.

How much time you'll lose: An afternoon or the entire weekend.

How to make your watch hands spin: Hike the 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail at Devil's Den. This trail through Ozark National Forest leads backpackers deep into the hills and hollows of the rugged scenic Ozarks.

Info: arkansasstateparks.com

-- Kelly Barnett

The stop: Iams Dog Park at Bryce Davis Park

The synopsis: Located at 1595 N. Dartmouth Ave. in west Fayetteville, the park includes play areas for large and small dogs, a drinking fountain for people and their four-legged friends, a pavilion, select pieces of agility equipment, picnic tables and benches.

How much time you'll lose: Fayetteville parks including the dog park are open from daylight until 11 p.m.

How to make your watch hands spin: The 3-acre dog park is located in a 26-acre community park, which offers two additional pavilions, open green space, a scenic pond, swings, playground, two half basketball courts and a restroom.

Info: accessfayetteville.org

-- Becca Martin-Brown

The stop: Fayetteville Public Library

The synopsis: Grab a cup of coffee in the lobby and spend some time pursuing the stacks or just enjoying the view of the mountains to the south from a cozy chair.

How much time you'll lose: Two floors, more than 275,000 items to browse including more than 39,000 movie titles -- not to mention comfy chairs and free Wifi.

How to make you watch hands spin: As a student you are eligible for a free library card that will give you access to not only books, DVDs and audiobooks but also free downloadable music, thousands of e-books, audiobooks and popular magazines. The library is a host to a wide variety of free programming including local, national and international authors and entertainers.

Info: faylib.org

-- Becca Martin-Brown

The stop: Arkadia Retrocade

The synopsis: Play games at a retro arcade with classic consoles.

How much time you'll lose: You can play all day for one price, and the arcade is open for eight hours on weekdays and extended hours on the weekend. So, at least eight hours?

How to make your watch hands spin: A throwback to classic arcades of the 1980s, Arkadia charges a flat fee of $5 for entry and then turns you lose on a variety of arcade games. They come from the '80s, too, with options such as Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat and PacMan. There's also a selection of video game consoles and televisions at the ready, with original Nintendo, Sega Genesis and even Atari to choose from.

Arkadia is an all-ages venue and served light snacks.

There's also an adult-venue option of the concept. Dickson Street Social Club features several arcade games and large-scale Jenga, which are also free to play during operating hours. It's a 21-and-older venue that typically opens at 5 p.m. There's a cover charge later in the evening, but it's free earlier in the day.

Info: facebook.com/arkadiaretrocade and facebook.com/dicksonstreetsocialclub

-- Kevin Kinder

The stop: Little Bread Company

The synopsis: Drink coffee, snack on delicious baked treats and visit with dear friends.

How much time you'll lose: Pop in for a quick post-workout snack or stay for a couple of hours to catch up on life with old friends. The baristas and bakers quickly learn visitors' names and favorite orders. Be warned, the quaint little spot fills up quickly on Saturdays being just a few steps from the Fayetteville Farmers' Market.

How to make your watch hands spin: Select a homemade pastry -- might I suggest the plate-sized cinnamon roll? -- pull up a table or grab a book and head to the stone courtyard shaded by an ivy trellis for quiet reading time.

Info: littlebread.com/

--April Robertson

NAN What's Up on 08/21/2015

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