The Hurried Hostess' Guide to Bentonville, Arkansas

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Welcome to Bentonville, y’all!
Earlier this month I had the opportunity to go to this eclectic town in Northwest Arkansas. It has a “Stars Hollow” kind of feel to it, with a unique mixture of American history and new age hipster. It’s quaint charm features craftsman homes, beautiful parks, and tons of small businesses. Home to one of the largest retail stores in the world - Walmart - this town is anything but a thriving metropolis. It’s got a small town feel that is perfect for families of all ages, but with something for everyone to enjoy! There’s restaurants for every taste, activities for the kiddos, and family friendly fun that’s sure to keep everyone entertained!
If you’re looking to stay right in the heart of downtown, I recommend the 21c Museum and Hotel. It’s one block from Bentonville Square and is within walking distance of all of the downtown happenings. Not only are the rooms luxurious, but the hotel also features a free museum to guests and non-guests alike! And since the museum is located in the hotel lobby, that means the artwork is available for viewing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The art changes every 10 months or so, but the current installation is called “The Future is Female”. It features the work of female artists all expressing themselves through their craft.
How about grabbing a bite to eat downstairs at the in-hotel restaurant, The Hive? Unlike most hotel restaurants, this eatery was definitely not an afterthought! The first thing you’ll notice is Johnston Foster’s art installation - Buzzkill. Using all recycled materials, he creates a scene where you feel like you’ve stepped right into a honeycomb. At the Hive, Chef Matthew McClure is the driving force between this restaurant’s success. McClure is the only chef in Arkansas to achieve the distinguished honor of being a James Beard award finalist, 6 years running. And let me tell you, his food is not only beautiful, but it’s also executed perfectly and is packed with tons of flavor.
Looking for something to do? How about taking a walk through Compton Garden? They have some beautiful nature trails you’ll enjoy strolling through. Are you more of a thrill seeker? Compton Gardens has an awesome mountain biking trail that you can go up, down, and hit the curves on.
Crystal Bridges is a completely free museum that you could easily spend an entire day at. Whether it's checking out the permanent exhibits, The Color Field in the North Forest, or enjoying the sounds of the Summer Forest Concert Series, this amazing museum is just fantastic! Don’t forget to check out the Eleven restaurant there and grab a table by a window, so you can enjoy the stunning view that Moshe Safdie created in this architectural stunner of a building. At the museum, you’ll see works of art from all of the different art movements, and everything is laid out in chronological order, so you’ll see how art as we know it has changed and evolved over time. Make sure to also head outside to the Color Field as well. The Color Field is an outdoor sculpture exhibition that highlights bold colors and pops of vibrancy throughout the background of the North Forest. These contemporary pieces are fun, bold, and interactive - so get ready to immerse yourself in color and fun at this exhibit.
If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, make sure to go to the center of town for the farmer’s market! This was one of my favorite events of the entire trip! At the farmer’s market, you’ll meet the local artisans, farmers, and artists all eager for you to see their wares.
While you’re downtown, make sure to stop by Remedy Road for a little shopping. Their mission to do good and help others is super inspiring and their clothing and goods are adorable too! Pressroom has some tasty food as well. The fried chicken sandwich and fries are super tasty and will keep you going after a morning of playing at the splash park at Lawrence Plaza. You can also have dinner and cocktails in an old church at the Preacher’s Son or find a new outfit at the Label.
If you’re looking to get off the main drag, you’ll want to head over to the 8th street market. There, they have a cool new restaurant called “The Holler” with shuffleboard, Sweet Freedom Cheese where you can sample cheese from all over the world (and even order a grilled cheese sandwich), and also Markham and Fitz Chocolates.
So take a hike, go for a bike ride, grab an ice cream cone, enjoy a picnic in the shade, or sit on a patio and watch the day go by. Bentonville is a beautifully kept city with all of the small town charm and big city amenities you could ever want.
To see more about this beautifully unique city, check out the full blog post at hurriedhostess.com/where-to-s...
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[@StacyAnderson]

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[@thehandyhelper6319]

Great content!

[@leenavuor7049]

So much small town charm and surprisingly lots to do. Thanks for sharing Stacy!

[@StacyAnderson]

Thanks Leena! It really is the BEST little town!

[@thomasholley2558]

I've been researching places that I might like to live, and thanks to this video, Bentonville AR is my number one contender.

[@StacyAnderson]

Thomas Holley it’s such a cool town! The downtown area has tons of restaurants and activities all within walking distance. I can’t wait to go back!

[@jlr43100]

It's even better now.

[@StacyAnderson]

Oh I bet! I need to head back up that way soon!

[@lorenheard2561]

Very pleasant and enticing video.Loved it,great filming!

[@StacyAnderson]

Glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to check out some of my other travel videos while you're here :)

[@SiembraconDayami]

Love ❤️ Arkansas

[@StacyAnderson]

It’s so beautiful!

[@jamisonhughes4593]

#recovered awesome video!

[@StacyAnderson]

Thank you! ❤️

[@steveo7767]

Live there!

[@steveo7767]

Just be prepared as sales tax is HIGH!

[@StacyAnderson]

Nice!

[@steveo7767]

@@StacyAnderson Yeah other than sky high taxes and crappy drivers LOL.

[@flamengoeomelhor]

I'm going to Bentonville next week. If I visit the 21C hotel's lobby not being a guest, will I be kicked out?

[@StacyAnderson]

Nope! The exhibits and restaurant are all off of the lobby, so there’s no issue with non-customers visiting.

[@michaeloyler552]

I live in Bentonville, and it sucks all you did was talk about down town and the museum....

[@StacyAnderson]

Sorry you feel that way. I enjoyed my time while I was there and I think other tourists would too!

[@elizabethschreffler9182]

Sir, may I ask you why you think Bentonville socks? Thank you Sir.

[@michaeloyler552]

@@elizabethschreffler9182 Oh my grammar is bad! I mean it sucks that all the video did was walk around down town, and see the museum... There is soooo much more to do in Bentonville. Bentonville is amazing lol

[@anymjohnson1729]

@@michaeloyler552 Mr. Oyler, I understood the Same thing! That Bentonville Sucks, but you meant otherwise. Thanks for Clarifying!!