Fayetteville has grown from a small college town into one of Arkansas’s most vibrant cities—and its “love local” spirit is easy to feel after hours. I sat down with Natural State Aesthetics team members Cassie Heymann and Katie Lundstrum to hear how they plan a night out in Fayetteville. They’re partial to evenings that support the same community that supports them. The word count of this article isn’t long enough to list all their favorites!
1) Start on Block Street
If you live nearby, Cassie says her favorite way to start the night is simply a walk downtown. Block Street is an easy place to set the tone—historic, lively, and full of spots that feel unmistakably Fayetteville.
2) Paint (and snack) at Wild Brush Revival
When you want an activity beyond eating and drinking, Wild Brush Revival is a lively creative option. Founded by former art teacher Leslie Wright, it’s part paint studio, part gathering place—where you can order appetizers or a drink and settle in to make something. Cassie says it’s been a favorite for the NSA team, and also for her kids, especially on Farmer’s Market Saturdays.
3) Browse Pearl’s Books
For a cozy local bookstore with real personality, Katie loves Pearl’s Books. “When I grew up in Fayetteville, we had Nightbird Books,” she says. “When it closed, there was a void. Pearl’s filled that gap—new finds, old finds, and that homey feeling a lot of people missed.” Even a short stop here adds to the evening.
4) Get inspired at A Bold Collab
A Bold Collab, co-created by Andrea Brooks and Claire Pongonis —is a new pop‑up at the intersection of art, design and style. They so beautifully showcase local makers and rotating collections. Matt Miller’s studio, just off Block Street, has hosted the first and most recent pop-ups. Cassie loves being able to meet the artists and hear the stories behind the pieces. It’s a reminder that the Fayetteville art scene is both accessible and remarkably talented.
5) Dinner at Calle
Eventually, it’s time for dinner. Calle is a vibrant newer addition to Block Street serving Latin cuisine paired with great outdoor seating. The whole menu is filled with hits but the Pan de Yuka and the Salsa Trio are this group’s favorites.
6) Curtain call at TheatreSquared
For NSA, a truly Fayetteville evening often ends with live theater. They love opening nights at TheatreSquared, appreciating the work of actors, writers, designers, and the many hands that bring a production to life.
As a Show Sponsor of TheatreSquared’s “The Book Club Play” (Jan. 28–Feb. 15), Natural State Aesthetics is proud to support a world-class theater that gives our community another reason to gather downtown.
“We all really enjoy living in Fayetteville,” Cassie says. “We’re grateful to have spaces like TheatreSquared that continue to foster connections, conversations and beautiful evenings together.”