Bentonville, Ark.
Bentonville is a growing metro area that regards culture as essential as commerce. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art celebrates art and nature in a sprawling estate nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The permanent collection highlights American works dating back to the Colonial era, and temporary exhibits include works from some of America’s most celebrated artists as well as those lesser known. The magnificence of Crystal Bridges’ architecture is matched only by the beautiful nature surrounding the museum. Several nature trails offer visitors the opportunity to take in flora.
While in Bentonville, stay in style at the 21c Museum Hotel. Combining a luxury hotel with a contemporary art space, the 21c is a boutique hotel offering a variety of suites and packages. The hotel also boasts a fine dining restaurant, The Hive, highlighting the best of Arkansas cuisine.
See where it all began for Sam Walton at the Walmart Museum. Visitors can shop at Walton’s 5&10 as well as take part in an interactive exhibit that tells the story of the evolution of Walmart from a small storefront to the international corporation it is today. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream from The Spark, an old-fashioned soda fountain.
The Museum of Native American History pays homage to America’s indigenous cultures. With artifacts and relics dating back more than 14,000 years, the museum tells the story chronologically in its exhibits with an audio tour. Be sure to see the complete skeleton of a woolly mammoth.
Don’t forget to pack the bikes when heading to Bentonville. The Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Trail offers more than 20 miles of singletrack trails that range from easy to moderately intense. If biking isn’t an option, hiking is also allowed on the scenic trails.
