I’ve decided that, if summertime Aspen and Austin had a baby, his name would be Bentonville. I am madly in love with the town. Situated in the tip-top corner of the state in the mountains, the air is pure and the environment is rich. An artful backdrop hangs behind every experience, restaurant and ritual. During our most recent visit, Alex and I found our iPhones showing close to 25,000 steps from the never-ending adventure of a sunny Saturday in town. Make plans to make your way up to Northwest Arkansas. You won’t be disappointed.
21C MUSEUM HOTEL
Bentonville’s emphasis on the arts is epitomized in this hotel brand, known for its lobby galleries and artful approach to hospitality. The 21c is perfectly located off the Bentonville square within steps of these restaurants to follow.... And the best part? The hotel is the trailhead of a dedicated art walking path to Crystal Bridges.
CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
This free permanent collection of Alice Walton's is housed on the most architecturally impressive campus with the most magnanimous works of art from essentially every period…ever. Period. Venture out to the trails and paths that are speckled with sculpture, Chihuly glass, and more surprises. You’ll find yourself entertained by the vast mountain biking community, who clears the Crystal Bridges paths as if they’re flying.
PREACHER’S SON
I’ve dined here both times I’ve visited Bentonville, and I continue to be impressed. The hallowed church-turned-immaculate restaurant—yes, they’ve reused the pews—is such a dramatic setting for fine dining. I absolutely love the moody pairing of candlelit tables reflected in the restored stained glass windows. Alex and I split the ribeye for two with onion marmalade and horseradish, and we were both blown away. I started with the crudo, and it was perfect.
UNDERCROFT BAR
Late-night libations are extra moody beneath the bustling Preacher’s Son main floor. We enjoyed a takeover tiki concept while there, complete with extravagant decor, rum punches and extra eclectic music. Keep apprised of their latest pop-up concepts to keep the esteemed cocktail bar on the top of everyone’s list!
ONYX COFFEE
Start your day at the headquarters of Onyx, an esteemed coffee roaster with a coffee lab right in the heart of the Bentonville square. Specialty lattes are worth splurging on.
BENTONVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Saturdays beginning at 7:30 a.m., the streets of the Bentonville Square suddenly fill with fresh produce stands, meats and cheeses, flowers and crafts. Listen for live music, and look out for puppies galore!
THE MOMENTARY
A warehouse-turned-contemporary house of timely Crystal Bridges art exhibits is a newer gift to the city of Bentonville by the Walton family. A trio of galleries take you through a powerful visual storytelling experience. Then, whether you’re in need of caffeine (again, by Onyx) or a cocktail, the onsite food and beverage concepts could arguably stand on their own. I didn’t get a chance to visit the Momentary’s rooftop bar, which opens at 5 p.m., but I’ve been told it’s one of the best around.
WRIGHT’S BARBECUE
I am a proud Memphis barbecue gal, and yet I found room in my heart for Wright’s Barbecue. Reminiscent of Texas-style with smoked meats made each morning ‘til sold out, Wright’s stays focused and does so flawlessly. We inhaled the smoked brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage. The macaroni and cheese is special.
SWEET DREAM CREAMERY
Find the ice cream stand in a mini food truck park behind the 21c, and your life will be forever changed by the salted Oreo flavor. Trust me. Take a cone to-go for a stroll, or sit on the shared patio to bask in the sun.
