Charming Downtowns and Main Streets to Explore in Arkansas & Louisiana

Fayetteville | Image credit: shuttersv/Shutterstock.com

The charm of Arkansas and Louisiana can be found in their appealing towns and cities. Arkansas and Louisiana’s downtown and main street areas are where you’ll find locally-owned shops and unique dining experiences. Let’s look at some of these intriguing Arkansas and Louisiana communities.

Bentonville, AR

Bentonville is a medium-sized city home to just over 55,000. It is most famed for its status as the birthplace of Walmart. Its lively downtown and picturesque natural surroundings make this city an Arkansas hotspot.

Downtown Bentonville is home to many shops, restaurants, and a bustling business district. The Walmart global headquarters and the Walmart Museum can be found here. There are several other incredible museums, including the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Scott Family Amazeum children’s museum. Cafes, breweries, antique stores, record shops, and high-quality Southern restaurants give this thriving area a trendy feel with plenty to explore.

Fayetteville, AR

Fayetteville is a historic Arkansas city that offers visitors and residents much to do. Home to the University of Arkansas, there is a lively college-town feel, and it is the perfect place to catch a football game. Visit nearby Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, which was the site of a pivotal Civil War battle. 

Fayetteville’s Downtown Square features upscale fashion boutiques, trendy cafes, and stores selling local handmade goods. Dickson Street is the entertainment center of Fayetteville, home to live music venues, dynamic bars, an arts center, and a theater venue that has hosted some big-name entertainers. Fayetteville’s downtown is vibrant, energetic, and exciting.

Van Buren, AR

Van Buren is a quaint city located along the Arkansas River by the Oklahoma border. With a modest population of around 23,000, it is a pleasant and welcoming city with historic architecture and plenty of cultural attractions to enjoy. The downtown is a rousing area with much to admire.

Downtown Van Buren is on a restored Victorian-style historic main street area. There are several blocks of charming shops and breweries, delicious restaurants and bakeries, inspiring galleries, and a vast array of public art. It includes landmark buildings like the King Opera House, a Victorian performance venue from the 1800s, and the Crawford County Courthouse, which dates back to 1842 and remains in use today. It is a scenic downtown with riveting historical attractions.

Covington, LA

Covington is a historic and charming Louisiana city not far from New Orleans. Nestled near three rivers, it is a scenic community that has exciting nature to explore. But if you are looking to spend a day in Covington, we’d recommend you head straight for this city’s vibrant downtown area.

Downtown Covington is on the National Register of Historic Places, with pristine architecture and quaint town squares. The downtown has more than 25 restaurants to choose from with delicious options, as well as a museum, art galleries, and quaint local shops. Enjoying the antique shops, browsing the art galleries, and unwinding in the local cafes is an excellent way to spend a day.