There’s something quietly revolutionary about dating your own town—about choosing curiosity over routine and realizing that romance doesn’t always require a plane ticket. Sometimes, it’s waiting just down the road, disguised as a croissant, a book spine, or a late-night cup of decaf.
My day begins at 7:30 a.m. with a craving—specifically, something French. That craving leads me to standing in line at a little-known gem in Lowell, Arkansas: Maison Mouret. This lovely, family-owned bakery feels like a secret passed between friends. If you’re lucky, their four-year-old might help you choose your order, offering opinions with the confidence only a child can possess. Go early—they sell out every single day. Their croissants are made entirely from scratch using a traditional three-day process, and it shows. Flaky, buttery, perfect. The kind of pastry that makes you slow down without trying.
Naturally, a croissant begs for coffee. And coffee, for me, also asks for a book. So I head to the walk-up window on Emma Avenue in Springdale—Onyx Coffee Lab. The beans, the precision, the quality—it’s evident in every cup. Let’s be honest, in the coffee world, no one does it better than Onyx. Over the past few years, they’ve taken the coffee world by storm. And somehow, impossibly, we have them right here in our own backyard.
With coffee in hand and reading on my mind, I’m off to Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville. I love letting a bookstore guide me—watching which titles pull me in tells me so much about where I am and what I’m focusing on. Owned by husband-and-wife team Daniel and Leah Jordan, Pearl’s is warm, intentional, and dog-friendly. I leave with a book that feels like it chose me.
After that, it’s time to do a little work. Working from home can be isolating, which is why I love setting up shop at The Puritan Coffee & Beer House on Dickson Street. It’s pretty much everything you want in a coffee shop: great coffee, kind staff, food trucks outside, plenty of seating, and even a solid beer selection. Two hours of Wi-Fi with purchase—which I actually love. It keeps people coming and going, sparking conversations and movement. Open late, welcoming, unpretentious. A solid 10/10. Yes, by now I’ve had way too much coffee—and that’s okay.
After finishing an edit for a client, I decide it’s time for fun. All work and no play, right? One of my favorite places in Fayetteville is Block Street Records. Locally owned and endlessly cool, it attracts every kind of music lover with new and vintage vinyl, CDs, tapes, posters, and gifts. It’s a place that reminds you how powerful it is to hold art in your hands.
Since it’s winter, I wander into Himalayan Mountain Shop, where handcrafted clothing, jewelry, incense, and singing bowls from Nepal, India, and Bhutan fill the space. The textiles are impossibly soft, rich with texture and story. And why not stop by Alchemy Macarons while I’m nearby? Fifteen flavors daily, all handcrafted using fine chocolates and house-made jams. As a food photographer, I never eat them right away. I’m currently working on a fine art project studying the healing frequency of color, so these macarons become both subject and muse—photographed, explored, admired before finally being enjoyed.
On the way home, I make a stop at my absolute favorite shop: Bloom Cheese in Fayetteville. I inevitably leave with at least one triple-cream brie—and usually two other cheeses I didn’t plan on. Chatting with the owner, Ali, is always a joy. The day before, I’d picked up an organic, locally made sourdough from Turnbuckle Farms, so I already know what my late-night snack will look like. Add some marinated olives, and honestly, it’s perfection.
But the night isn’t over yet.
This evening, I took myself out to Atlas for dessert and coffee at the bar. I love taking myself on dates—showing myself a little love. I wear my new red dress with an oversized, chic sweater. It doesn’t matter what you order there—it’s all good—but I always come back to coffee. Decaf, of course, served in an individual French press. For a moment, it feels like dining in Paris. I’m falling in love with my city.
I end the night driving past the Christmas lights around the square, then stopping at the Mount Sequoyah overlook. Today took my breath away—igniting my senses with aroma, taste, texture, sound. Proof that adventure doesn’t always require leaving. Sometimes, it just asks you to look closer.
And maybe—just maybe—to date where you already are.
— Meredith Mashburn
Meredith Mashburn
Contributor
Meredith Mashburn is an acclaimed photographer based in Northwest Arkansas whose lens turns everyday moments into compelling visual stories. From her bio:
With over 25 years of experience in editorial, commercial, fashion, and lifestyle photography, Meredith brings an intuitive eye, vibrant creativity, and deep respect for her subjects to every project. Her work spans industry and emotion — from magazine editorials and brand campaigns to evocative portraits — always grounded in authenticity and connection. Meredith’s projects go beyond stunning imagery; they reflect her belief that photography can spark conversation, foster empathy, and elevate the human experience.
