Why You’ll Love Visiting Bentonville Arkansas

As the saying goes, you save the best for last – and that’s the truth of our cross-Arkansas road trip! After 6 full and fulfilling days of bouncing around the state including stops in Hot Springs and Eureka Springs, we finished off our road trip by visiting Bentonville, Arkansas.

While researching where to visit in Arkansas, Crystal Bridges Museum kept popping up as a leading attraction. Not only does it feature an impressive collection of notable artists, but what really catches your eye is that the museum’s exoteric design looks like an art piece itself.

Then, I saw photos from a recent art installation around the museum gardens by my all-time favorite artist, Dale Chihuly. At that moment, I knew I’d like Bentonville Arkansas, I just didn’t realize how much!

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Here are my top reasons for why you’ll love visiting Bentonville Arkansas, and may just never want to leave!

The Art Scene

You’ll quickly fall in love with Bentonville once you’ve gotten a taste of its art scene. From prominent painters to Frank Lloyd Wright architecture to modern street art, the town in fabricated on a culture of craftsmanship. And the best part is that most of its arts and cultural centers are free to the public. This is due to the kind sponsorships of some big, local names, like Walmart.

Crystal Bridges Museum

As mentioned before, this museum not only showcases a world-renowned art gallery but the structure itself is an art piece. Perhaps the name Moshe Safdie doesn’t ring a bell, but I guarantee you’ve seen pictures of his work around the world, including the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore.

Among Safdie’s architectural masterpieces is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art right here in Bentonville, Arkansas. The series of pavilions, encircling two koi ponds, harbor works from praised artists like Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Georgia O’Keeffe. There’s a large dining hall bounded by the ponds so no matter which direction you face, you’re sure to enjoy a stunning view.

There are also over 4 miles of walking trails winding through the museum’s 120-acre site. Visitors will be awestruck by the distinct pieces scattered throughout the surrounding Ozark landscape. Two of my favorite artists, Dale Chihuly and Yayoi Kusama, have permanent works hidden within.

North Forest Lights

We were fortunate to be in town for opening weekend of Crytal Bridges’ North Forest Lights. This experiential display of light and sound after dusk will tingle your senses as you wander around the museum’s gardens to observe the installations. The special exhibition is $22 for adults and will continue running until April 4th, 2021.

The Momentary

The Momentary is a new contemporary art satellite to Crystal Bridges in downtown Bentonville. Transformed from an old 63,000 sq. ft. cheese factory, the space is now used for special exhibits, performing arts, and culinary experiences. The museum, which was founded by the Walton family, is also free to visit.

Along with the main gallery, the area features a few dining options. You can grab a drink at the chic top-floor bar of The Tower with 360º views. There’s also a local coffee favorite, Onyx Coffee Lab, and the outdoor Rode Bar and indoor Breakroom.

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Murals and Public Art in Bentonville Arkansas

When I say there are literally art pieces all over the city, I’m not joking! It’s a different experience walking the streets day to night as the colorful canvases of street art and neon signs will stop you in your tracks. Consider it a fun scavenger hunt to see how many pieces you can find! Some might be where you least expect them 😉.

Public art is such a HUGE part of Bentonville, Arkansas’s culture that there’s a whole section dedicated to it on the Visit Bentonville website. You can learn about all 100+ pieces and where to find them.

The Foodie Scene

I rarely visit a town where I’m satisfied with every meal. But, Bentonville, Arkansas beat the odds – every meal exceeded my expectations. And honestly, there were at least 10 other restaurants on our list that we couldn’t make it to. Here are some of my favorites:

Preacher’s Son

It didn’t take long to realize that Bentonville would be the highlight of our Arkansas road trip. Actually, it took about 2 minutes to be exact. Upon arriving in town just before sunset, we decided to head straight to the acclaimed Preacher’s Son restaurant. Stepping out of our rental car, we gasped synchronously as we turned around to see the candy painted sky hiding behind the neoteric restaurant.

This chic, modern eatery is a highlight when visiting Bentonville, Arkansas due to its emblematic facade and unique anecdote. What once served as a church, was converted into a restaurant through the Ropeswing Group, in collaboration with Chef Matt Cooper. Chef Matt’s father was actually a preacher at another church across the street for 40 years. The restored church also features a rooftop bar beside the steeple and a cozy “speakeasy” in the undercroft.

While we awaited our coveted reservation, we grabbed a drink on the rooftop to admire the adjacent Bentonville water tower standing prominently before the glazed sky.

Chef Cooper brings together the flavors of his Southern and Pacific Northwestern roots in the same way that he hopes to bring friends together in this sacred space. The menu is gluten-free and all ingredients are sourced from local producers.

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Louise Cafe at Thaden Field

Louise Cafe offers a memorable dining experience that you’ll definitely not want to miss during your visit to Bentonville, Arkansas. While you enjoy gourmet cooking, you can gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the small planes and helicopters hitting the skies.

Located at Thaden Field, a small airport just a couple miles from downtown, you’ll walk through the glider port to get to the restaurant. I expected an experience like this to come with gourmet prices, but dishes range from $10-20. You might even want to inquiry about helicopter tours over the surrounding Ozarks while waiting to be seated!

8th Street Market

If you’re undecided on what to eat, head over to the 8th Street Market. With a dozen food establishments, including a few rotating trucks, you’ll definitely find something to satiate your appetite. You can choose between American, Mexican, and Asian cuisines or just head straight for dessert.

Here’s my recommendation for a perfect night at 8th Street Market:

1. Start with dinner at Yeyo’s. Grab a few tacos or their oh-so-delectable burrito bowl.
2. Then, head over to Markham & Fitz for a locally-crafted chocolate treat. While they’re known for chocolate bars, their chocolate liqueur drinks might also tickle your fancy.
3. Lastly, head over to The Holler to hang out with friends over a full bar of drinks and shuffleboard.

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The OG Walmart Scene

Who else loves Walmart? ✋Personally, I’m a huge fan – it’s a one-stop shop for everything you need. When I discovered that Walmart was founded in Bentonville and hosts a museum, I was stoked to learn about the company’s history. Although there’s no gigantic SUPER-Walmart like I hoped, there are Walmart stores and office buildings literally on ever corner of town.

The free Walmart Museum is conveniently located right in Bentonville’s town square. It stands in the place of the original Walton’s 5&10, which is the predecessor of Walmart. You can still see some of the original ceiling tiles that are mismatched because Sam Walton was offered a cheaper price if the tiles were sold ‘as is’. He was a man of bargain deals, realizing that saving money on expenses meant he could offer customers better prices.

Unfortunately, the museum was closed during our visit due to COVID restrictions. They are offering a free virtual tour in the meantime.

The Spark Cafe

One of Sam Walton’s favorite things in life was ice cream, butter pecan to be exact. So, he decided to open up an ice cream shop adjacent to the museum in the town square, called The Spark Cafe.

Today, the shop maintains its old soda fountain interior decor and serves Yarnell’s ice cream. Produced nearby in Searcy, Arkansas, Yarnell’s was actually the first ice cream sold at Walmart. They’ve even created a special flavor called Spark Cream in Walmart’s blue and yellow colors, exclusively sold here.

And the best part is the price! One scoop starts at only 50¢! They also have a wide selection of shakes, sundaes, and floats.

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The Cycling Scene

Pedaling along a creek, through farmlands, and over rolling hills is some of the terrain you can expect when biking through Bentonville. I was quickly sold on the city when learning of its 100’s of miles of biking trails right out your backdoor. Upon visiting, it’s clear that this community is built around biking.

Whether you’re a mountain biker or road cyclist, make sure to reserve time to hit the trails through the surrounding Ozarks and neighboring towns. Not traveling with a bike? No worries! Gearhead Outfitters has a wide selection of mountain, road, and electric bikes to rent for either a 1/2 or whole day.

I recommend the Razorback Greenway, a 36-mile paved path that connects Bentonville to Fayetteville. You can pick it up anywhere in town as it travels directly through the center. Or, head north by way of several paved and dirt roads to end up in Missouri!

Check out Bike Bentonville and OZ Trails websites to see all the nearby trails you can explore and local communal rides you can join.

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Where to Stay in Bentonville, Arkansas

No matter where you choose to stay, all the hotels are a short drive, walk or bike to the town center.

21c Museum Hotel

Is it a hotel or a museum? Well, the name says it all. It’s both! Bentonville Arkansas hosts one of the (9) 21c Museum boutique hotels around the country. Located right off of the town square, you’ll walk directly into an art gallery when entering the lobby. Although we weren’t allowed passed the 1st floor due to COVID restrictions, the front staff told us that every floor and public space features artwork.

If you’re not familiar with 21c hotels, you probably haven’t heard about the penguins. Each of their hotels has a different hued penguin mascot – Bentonville’s is lime green. Guests are able to reserve one of the large portable penguins to take to their room, pool, gym, etc.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton

The DoubleTree Suites is a great accommodation option for couples and families alike. Conveniently located only a mile from downtown and all the attractions, the rooms are extremely spacious, clean, and homely. There’s a restaurant, pool and fitness center on-site, although these were closed during our visit due to COVID.

This is definitely a bike-friendly hotel as it’s super close to the Razorback Greenway as well as many other trails. I was actually surprised by how many other visitors were rolling their bikes into the hotel as we arrived.

RECAP: Why You’ll Love Visiting Bentonville, Arkansas

• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
• The Momentary
• The Walmart Museum
• Public Art and Murals
• Preacher’s Son
• Louise Cafe at Thaden Field
• 8th Street Market
• 100’s of miles of bike riding trails

A huge thanks to Visit Bentonville, Yeyo’s, Crystal Bridges Museum, and Gearhead Outfitters for making this an unforgettable trip to Bentonville Arkansas.

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