Recently I started a new series called LOCAL LOVE. I wanted a spot to dedicate to my city and everything I love about living here. Whether you live in Northwest Arkansas or perhaps have never heard of it, I’m happy to show you around through the eyes of myself and my little family.

* * * * *

When Todd and I moved to Fayetteville in 2004, the Wilson Park castle was one of our first stops. In fact, this picture was taken there right after we drove our moving van from Memphis to our new home in Northwest Arkansas.

A lot has happened since then (besides learning the harsh lesson that I can’t pull off blonde hair). We don’t look like babies anymore, but we’ve shared this very spot with our own baby over the last four years. Long before I ever made it to Fayetteville, Todd grew up playing here and now Iris gets to build her own childhood memories around the castle. Last weekend she caught tadpoles in the little pond with one of her friends and today we just stopped by so that Iris could burn off some energy.

Wilson Park has always been one of my favorite things about Fayetteville. There’s swimming in the city pool, picnics in the grass, playgrounds for the kiddos, exploring the creek, countless birthday parties to attend, walking the trail… but ask anyone their favorite thing about Wilson Park and, chances are, they’ll say the castle. It’s unique, weird, and beautiful all at once. And that, is as Fayetteville as you can get.