What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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8 WHAT'S UP! MAY 29-JUNE 4, 2022 An angler in a fishing kayak takes in the quiet at Lake Sequoyah. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Flip Putthoff) The Roads Less Traveled Expert offers tips for quieter spring excursions FLIP PUTTHOFF NWA Democrat-Gazette P opular outdoor destinations in our little corner of the state get even busier during the "big three" summer holiday weekends. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, though it's still spring on the calendar. School's out, swimming holes grow warm enough for a dip, and sweat on the brow tells us, yeah, it's summertime. The region's marquee outdoor hot spots can be at their busiest this first holiday weekend of summer. Fortunately the tiara of outdoor opportunity in these parts shimmers with little gems of nature-filled destinations that aren't on everyone's holiday radar screen. Here are some ideas for a quieter weekend away from the crowds. But first, it's important to think back on the real reason why we observe this holiday, formerly called Decoration Day. It's to remember those who have passed on before us, especially those who died in service to our country. Peaceful Paddling This unofficial kickoff of summer means water to lots of folks packing a picnic lunch ready to hit the lake. Kayaks are all the rage nowadays, and the region is dotted with small, quiet lakes ideal for dipping a paddle. Among the area's watery gems are Lake Sequoyah in southeast Fayetteville and Lincoln Lake 4 miles north of Lincoln. Lake Sequoyah is a kayaker's dream. After paying a small boat-launch fee at the lake office, paddle south under the one-lane bridge into the wilds of the lake's upper end. Here sloughs and bays call out for exploring. Paddlers glide under trees, hear all kinds of bird songs and see waterfowl on the wing. Later this summer — real summer — water lilies and water lotus flowers are bright yellow blooms among mats of lily pads on this upper part of Lake Sequoyah. The reservoir is 389 acres situated on 1,400 acres of Lake Sequoyah City Park. Fayetteville purchased the land in 1958. Call the lake office at 444-3475 for information. Lincoln Lake is equally as dreamy. The 98-acre reservoir has been described as a flooded Devil's Den State Park. Bluffs and boulders cradle FEATURE