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In a land of opportunity, northwest Arkansas overflows in accomplished dreams and realities hoped for. Large and small businesses alike sprout and quickly flourish in this blessed, college town; families move here in hopes of entertaining the "good life"; and college students arrive with visions of bettering themselves, and more importantly, attending a few Razorback games while doing so.
Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a land of opportunities. Whether you travel to Fayetteville on business, with your family, to attend college, or even to explore the natural scenery, you will quickly find, as cliché as it may sound, there really is something for everyone.
At the age of 14, Renée Hunt took her first French class; she loved it and knew immediately that she wanted to learn everything she could about the language and its people. She continued her studies through college and decided to take a job teaching French at Fayetteville High School. Her husband, Terry, who had obtained joint degrees in business management and fine arts, took a job as a stockbroker, and the two started a family. While Renée was teaching full time she realized her love for the French went beyond simply teaching the language - she developed an interest and appreciation for European antiques. It wasn't long until Renée strengthened her connections and began selecting, purchasing, and restoring antiques…on the side.
Four children later, and while juggling three jobs, the couple examined their lives and realized stress was taking its toll and changes needed to be made.
"Teachers aren't known for taking risks," Renée said. "I was overloaded by trying to keep both jobs going, and then on Oct. 1, my husband came home and said, "That's it; I'm done. I put in my resignation and my last day as a broker will be Oct. 31." At first I was really shocked and told him that he couldn't do that. But he looked at me and said, "Renée, do you want me to live? I'm dying." And that was it; I knew what we both needed to do."
The couple directed their talents and ambition towards opening an antique store specializing in European antiques.
On Jan. 1, 2004, the couple found and secured the perfect location at 200 W. Dickson St. The couple knew the sooner they could open the store the better, so they immediately set to work.
"My husband directed all his energy and worked so hard; we accomplished so much in such little time," Renée said. "We literally took an empty concrete room and transformed it. We hand-painted the floors and walls, including the faux brick on the walls, did all the woodwork, hand-planted the French garden out front and selected the furniture on display. Then we opened the store on Feb. 28, just under two months later.
The store, French Metro Antiques, now boasts of approximately 7,000 square feet, including storage, offices and showrooms, with items ranging from small to large. The store favorite is a large armoire that was recovered from a European castle. This piece will put you back $35,000 and has been in the family of Louis XV…until now.
"You know we love what we do and love being business owners, but we live no differently than we did before," Renée said. "We still travel to France as a family, we have a lovely home and a few luxury European items, but more than that, we're doing exactly what we've always wanted to do."
Right down the road is the Oooh La La Boutique, and the day I was there we were met at the door by the cutest-and most hip-Yorkshire terrier in town. Complimenting the store, the little yorkie was "dressed to the nines" in some of the latest pet jewelry designs.
Charlotte and Jason Withrow, the storeowners, have stocked this boutique full of the season's hottest purses, shoes, and accessories. Taylor Owen and Laura Powell, who are students at the university, agree that working for the boutique definitely has its perks.
"On top of meeting new people, I would say that the best part is getting to see all the new stuff, " Powell said. And she adds that while the Tylie Malibu accessory line is an all-time favorite, they will be getting the new Gucci hobo purse soon.
Mason's On The Square and By Request are two retail boutiques that specialize in pricier items. Seven jeans, AG jeans, Armani, Kate Spade and Gucci are just a few of their brands and their items range from big sunglasses, skirts and cropped jackets to purses, jewelry and the season's hottest blouses. Both offer a wide-range of luxury items, and you're sure to find the perfect outfit for any occasion.
If reading is your style-just off the square sits the Fayetteville Public Library, or Blair Library. This state of the art center was named the 2005 "Library of the Year."
To end our outing in Fayetteville, we chowed down at Taste of Thai. I like to think I am experienced when it comes to cuisine, but for some reason I was a little concerned-perhaps because this restaurant choice was offered by Preston, a childhood friend, who lives in Fayetteville,…and his choices, in general, worry me at times!
The flavorful aroma put me at ease when I first sat at our table, then the helpful wait staff made my entrée selection a breeze. Preston and I went with the garlic pepper chicken and Sarah (AY's creative director) chose the teriyaki chicken.
The interesting element in this restaurant is that you choose the style of food you want first; for example, I chose garlic pepper. Then you choose chicken, beef, or pork, and then you decide on the level of hotness (1 being mild and 5 being fire-hot). Who would have known that ordering could be so much fun?!
Preston came through and our meal was fantastic. Our food was prepared and served within 20 minutes, and the wait staff was extremely attentive and helpful. If you're in the mood for delicious, ethnic food…Taste of Thai is second to none.
The Arkansas Razorbacks. Enough said. How can anyone write about Fayetteville without touching on the U of A and our Razorbacks. I've often been told by my out-of-state friends that they've never seen the level of loyalty to sports like they have with Razorback fans. It's so extreme that these out-of-towners are intrigued and even want to learn how to "call the hogs."
The university represents many things to Arkansas. To some it's a place that will eventually change their future, allowing them to earn a degree, further their athleticism, develop lifelong friendships, and many times, even find their spouses. To others the U of A represents a place in their past, and thinking of it stirs memories of events that have created who they are today.
But to most Arkansans, the university and the Razorbacks represent a statewide bond…a positive experience passed down from one generation to the next. After all, that's exactly what makes Arkansas' pride so strong. It doesn't matter whether or not you attended school here, or even if you are a huge UALR Trojans, ASU Indians, or UCA Bears fan, I'll be willing to bet you share a hot dog with a friend at a Razorback game (of some sort) this year.
If by chance, you've never been to a Razorback game or if it has been quite some time, I urge you to rearrange your schedule and head to "the hill" for just one game. Trust me, you'll enjoy it, and the magic of the season and the thrill of the game will keep you returning for years to come.
With all this talk of Fayetteville, though the heat of an Arkansas summer is still in full force, I can almost imagine a slight chill in the air… the sight of a huge crowd in red and the cheer of fans as the Arkansas fight song begins to play. There's no better time to visit Fayetteville than in the fall. Take a road trip, just as the weather is starting to cool off and the leaves are barely turning. Arkansas is beautiful and you'll enjoy the scenery. Make sure that your destination ends in northwest Arkansas; spend a couple of days there and revel in the friendliness of the people, variety of scrumptious eateries and the fabulous shops.
I'm going to apologize now for my outburst, but I can't think of a better way to end this story than with a big 'old Arkansas…WOOO PIG SOOIE! GO HOGS!!
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