Known across the region for its impressive antiquing scene, Lincoln County is packed with shops and hidden gems where history lives in the form of furniture, collectibles, and oneof-a-kind pieces. Beyond the antiques, Lincoln County offers walkable historic squares full of shops and restaurants, scenic backroads, fresh and local food, and plenty of history to explore. You can start your day with coffee on the square in Fayetteville, wander through a few stores, find some treasures, and then spend the rest of your day outdoors.
The deep history of the area shows up in places like Camp Blount, where thousands of Tennessee volunteers once gathered during the War of 1812. Today, the preserved site offers trails and interpretive areas that tell the story of the people and events that helped shape the state. Nearby, Wells Hill Park provides a mix of interesting history and beautiful scenery.
The outdoors continues to play a big role across the county, especially along the Elk River. With multiple access points and local outfitters like Elk River Canoe Rental, it's easy to spend a day on the water. For those who prefer to stay on land, Pebble Creek Golf Course offers a relaxed way to take in the scenery, while annual events like the Slawburger Festival and the Host of Christmas Past bring energy into downtown Fayetteville.
The antiques, the history, local businesses, events, and wide open space all come together to create a destination that's easy to explore without a strict plan. Take your time and see what you find!
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES
DINING OPTIONS
Rick’s Barbecue
Local barbecue chain dishing up sandwiches, baked potatoes, and other comfort food.
The Revolutionary Tavern
Main Ave S, Fayetteville
Restaurant with a “revolutionary atmosphere” serving diverse options with a full bar.
Cahoots Restaurant
Classic eatery featuring steaks and burgers in an old jailhouse building.
Java Road Cafe
Laid-back coffee shop featuring breakfast and lunch, plus coffee drinks and pastries.
Montana Coffee Company
Coffee shop specializing in high-quality coffee alongside baked goods and light bites.
Whistle Stop Bakery
Family-owned bakery crafting specialty cakes and desserts using fresh ingredients.
Edz Wings
Laid-back eatery with a bar serving varieties of chicken wings, burgers, and more.
Ken’s Fast Foods
Serving classic fried comfort food, local burgers, and old-fashioned ice cream.
Marvin’s Family Restaurant
Old-school outpost featuring a buffet of traditional Southern comfort food.
Paislee’s Place
Offering delicious Southern cooking, breakfast plates, lunch specials, and desserts. Old Taft Depot
College St E, Fayetteville 918 Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville 1104 Old Railroad Bed Rd, Taft 505 College St W, Fayetteville 4130 Thorton Taylor Pkwy, Fayetteville 147 Railroad St, Petersburg
College St E, Fayetteville
Casual restaurant dishing up a wide-ranging menu that includes burgers, pies, and BBQ.
LODGING OPTIONS
The Elk Loft
High-end, 2-bedroom rental on the second floor of a historic building on the square.
The Sasquatch Shack
2-bedroom, 1-bath tiny home Airbnb located on 10 private acres just outside of town.
Give My All for Tennessee
A high-rated vacation rental loft located in historic downtown Fayetteville.
Enchanting Castle Hall
189 Hamestring Rd, Fayetteville 201 Main Ave S, Fayetteville 105 Main Ave S, Fayetteville 100 Main Ave N, Fayetteville 501 Oak St, Fayetteville
A penthouse rental on the square built in 1902 and filled with beautiful antiques.
UNIQUE SHOPPING OPTIONS
The Market at Buckley Farm
A local farm offering pastured meats, handcrafted soaps, specialty foods, and gifts.
Pilaroc Farms
A local source for quality beef, pork, bison, chicken, and lamb products.
Connie’s Country Produce
A local market offering a vibrant array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants.
Pea Ridge Farm
A seasonal source for fresh local vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Sissy’s Antiques & Interiors
A spacious, well-lit shop featuring a wide array of antiques, including furniture.
West Side Antiques
An inviting shopping experience with a wide variety of gifts, antiques, and vintage finds.
Fayetteville Antique Mall
Antique mall offering one-of-a-kinds, homeware, and heirloom items
Flashback Antique Mall
Hard-to-find, mid-century, signs, cast iron, Pyrex, Jack Daniel, and military items.
Kaylee’s Korner
217 Main Ave S, Fayetteville 1622 Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville
Consignment, thrift, and antique shop featuring vintage pieces, jewelry, and furniture. Generations
Antique store carrying a variety of vintage and used goods, offers repair services.
Red Heels Wright Doors
A small country general store for gifts, groceries, flowers, sandwiches, and more.
Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville 202 Russell St, Petersburg 178 Patrick Rd, Fayetteville 2687 Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville 25 Boonshill Rd, Fayetteville 250 E Prospect Rd, Fayetteville 208 Main Ave S, Fayetteville 115 Main Ave S, Fayetteville 112 College St E, Fayetteville PLEASE
EAST
CAHOOTS RESTAURANT
JAVA ROAD CAFE
KEN’S FAST FOODS
BIG CREEK WINERY
FAYETTEVILLE
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WELLS HILL PARK
Just south of Fayetteville sits the 114-acre Joy Gleghorn Nature Preserve at Wells Hill Park, home to a 3.2-mile out-and-back hiking trail leading to a waterfall.
From the parking area, the hike begins near a pavilion with picnic tables. The trail itself is not clearly marked, but the route becomes easier to understand once you get started. Head toward the dried up creek and the worn path near the woods, then follow the creek upstream. In dry weather, this section is simple enough to cross. The dry streambed can come back to life after rain, meaning more mud and more creek crossings. These are the best conditions for optimal waterfall flow, but sturdy shoes would be a good idea.
One of the most memorable landmarks you’ll pass by early in the hike is an old concrete structure, believed to be connected to Fayetteville’s historic water system. The area around Stream Mill Hollow was once home to the Fayetteville Gravity Flow Water System, completed in 1899. That system helped move water to a reservoir above town and was considered an impressive engineering accomplishment for its time.
As the trail continues, the hike begins to take shape. Think of the route like a cross, with a main north-south corridor through Steam Mill Hollow and shorter side trails branching east and west. A key intersection appears roughly two-thirds of a mile from the parking area. From there, hikers can explore the side arms of the trail, where the waterfalls are the main reward.
The east side includes a small scenic cascade and, with careful footing, a view of a waterfall estimated at around 20 feet. The west side leads to Rainy Falls, a two-drop waterfall that is often described as one of the highlights of the hike. Visitors can access the bottom of both drops, though reaching the lower one may mean walking up the creekbed.
It is not a manicured trail, and that is important to know before you go. The route is manageable if you stay oriented along Wells Creek and use the main intersections as guideposts. If you’re spending a day in Fayetteville, Wells Hill Park makes a great addon after lunch or between antique shops.
FAYETTEVILLE
TENNESSEE WHISKEY COUNTRY
Fayetteville offers a strong starting point for visitors interested in experiencing Tennessee’s whiskey heritage. Located just 20 minutes from the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, this community gives travelers a convenient home base with its own unique connection to the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
One of the most visible additions to Fayetteville’s role in whiskey tourism is a striking two-story mural in the heart of downtown. Painted on the side of Dragonfly Gallery & Design, “White Dog and the Spirit of the Process” serves as both a photo stop and a storytelling piece. Created by muralist Megan Lingerelt, with help from artist Jeanne Seifried, the artwork draws inspiration from the early stages of whiskey production.
The name “white dog” refers to raw distillate before it enters the barrel, and the mural brings that concept to life through a playful, energetic dog moving through glowing sugar maple trees. These trees represent the charcoal used in the Lincoln County Process, a defining step that gives Tennessee whiskey its smooth character. The warm tones and soft light give the mural a sense of movement and energy, making it feel connected to both the craft and the landscape.
Beyond the mural, Fayetteville’s location places visitors within easy reach of several well-known distilleries. Jack Daniel’s remains the anchor attraction, but Prichard’s Distillery in nearby Kelso provides a smaller, more intimate experience. Founded in the late 1990s, Prichard’s was one of the first legal distilleries to operate in Tennessee after Prohibition, helping spark the state’s modern whiskey revival.
Visitors can tour a globally recognized distillery, explore a craft operation, and then return to Fayetteville for a relaxed evening. The mural downtown serves as a reminder that whiskey culture here is not limited to what happens inside a barrelhouse. It is also about creativity, community, and the stories that connect past and present.
ENCHANTING CASTLE HALL FAYETTEVILLE
SISSY’S
A WALKABLE DOWNTOWN
The historic square is compact and easy to navigate, which makes it ideal for visitors who want to explore without a strict plan. Everything sits within a few blocks, from shops and restaurants to coffee stops and sweet treats. A good place to start is with a slow walk around the square. Fayetteville has built a reputation as an antique destination, and it becomes clear quickly. Stores like Sissy's Antiques & Interiors and Flashback Antique Mall sit right downtown, surrounded by even more antique and specialty shops. Browsing here can easily take up a full morning.
From there, it is easy to transition into a mid-day break. Java Road Cafe offers a relaxed spot for coffee and light bites, whether you are starting your morning or taking a break between shops. Just next door, Whistle Stop Bakery draws visitors in with fresh baked goods that feel like a reward after a morning of exploring.
When it is time for a full meal, downtown Fayetteville has begun to build a strong food scene of its own. The Revolutionary Tavern is one of the newest additions on the square and has already created a lot of buzz. The restaurant blends history with a modern Southern menu, offering everything from hearty meals to craft cocktails. Of course, no visit to the square feels complete without ending with something sweet. Right across the street, Pythian Parlour is a favorite stop for ice cream on a warm afternoon. It is an easy addition to your walk and a perfect way to slow things down before heading to your next stop.
While the shops and restaurants give downtown its everyday charm, Fayetteville’s event calendar is what keeps people coming back. Monthly First Saturdays bring extra energy to the square, with extended shopping hours, activities, and a lively atmosphere that encourages people to linger. Each summer, the Slawburger Festival takes over downtown with live music, food vendors, and a celebration of one of the town’s most unique local traditions.
Downtown Fayetteville offers a walkable, welcoming experience that is easy to enjoy and even easier to return to.
PEBBLE
DOWNTOWN
FRESH FROM THE FARM
One of the best ways to experience Fayetteville is through its farms. Across Lincoln County, family-run operations offer everything from fresh produce and locally raised meats to seasonal experiences that bring visitors closer to the land.
A great place to begin is The Market at Buckley Farm. Along with fresh meats and seasonal items, one of the standout features at this farm store is their take-and-bake meals. These ready-to-go dishes are perfect for visitors staying nearby who want something easy but still locally sourced.
On the other side of town, Pilaroc Farms has built a strong following for its quality meats, especially its bacon. The farm focuses on raising and processing its products with care, giving visitors a chance to take home something that reflects the flavor of the region.
Biard Mountain Berry Farm offers a different kind of experience. During blueberry season, visitors can head out to the fields for u-pick berries. It is a relaxed, family-friendly activity that works just as well for a quiet morning as it does for a group outing.
A short drive to Taft brings you to Lyon Family Farms, another must-visit stop, especially in the fall. Throughout the growing season, the farm produces a wide range of crops including squash, pumpkins, okra, and bell peppers. From mid-September through the end of October, their annual fall festival fills the property with activities like a corn maze, u-pick pumpkins, rides, and food vendors. It is a lively, all-ages experience that draws visitors from across the region.
Closer to downtown Fayetteville, the seasonal open-air farmers market offers a more casual way to shop locally. Running from April through October, the market is located under a pavilion on Lincoln Avenue South. It is open daily, though vendors vary from day to day, so it is best to drive by and see what is available. When vendors are set up, you can expect to find fresh produce, seasonal flowers, and homemade goods like jams and jellies.
These stops are just a starting point. Lincoln County is home to many more farms and roadside markets, each offering something a little different.
