Tucked away in the Ozarks, Bentonville, Ark. is a bountiful host of arts and culture, outdoor attractions including the world class OZ Trails network and culinary experiences unlike anywhere else. Just two hours from Tulsa, this rapidly growing city is home to a variety of attractions that make it a wonderful location for a holiday getaway.
OZ Art NWA’s effort to incorporate art into everyday life is transforming downtown Bentonville into an outdoor art museum bookended by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its contemporary art satellite, the Momentary. Visitors can enjoy art on view throughout the streets and trails of the town as well as inside the impressive art exhibitions. At Osage Park, six art installations blend in with the beauty of the natural setting to create a rich outdoor art experience.
Guests of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art can delight in the holiday spirit at North Forest Lights, where visitors take a magical nighttime walk through an immersive holiday light and sound experience. Patrons can also book two-hours inside a cozy North Forest Snow Globe for the ultimate family-friendly holiday experience, where they can enjoy blankets, meals and specialty cocktails.
Holiday festivities in the downtown square begin Nov. 20 when the downtown square will be ablaze with lights to ring in the season. Just down the street, The Rink at Lawrence Plaza will open for the winter, where families can ice skate on the region’s only permanent outdoor ice-skating rink.
As the Mountain Biking Capital of the World™, Bentonville contains an expansive network of multi-use trails fit for adventures during every season. From mountain biking and e-biking, to hiking and trail running, the commonly temperate weather in Northwest Arkansas allows for the opportunity for the OZ Trails network to be enjoyed year-round.
When it comes to outdoor attractions in Bentonville, the sky is the limit. Fly OZ offers thrilling scenic flights in which three riders embark on a 30-minute flight with the opportunity to see the Ozarks from the air.
Food-lovers have plentiful opportunities for culinary exploration throughout Bentonville. Adventure seekers can dine at Louise after enjoying a flight through the sky at Thaden Field. At 8th Street Market, foodies can select from a variety of vendors and even enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors at the brand new Outdoor Social District. Patrons of the market can warm up with a deliciously hot bowl of ramen from CO-OP, or try a sustainably sourced meal at The Preacher’s Son, which is located inside a historic and thoughtfully restored church near the Bentonville Square.
As the holiday season approaches, Bentonville offers a wonderful mix of art, adventure and appetizers that make it one of Arkansas’ best kept secrets and an ideal destination for a family-friendly getaway.
Runway Group bio: Runway is a holding company making investments in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality, and businesses committed to moving Northwest Arkansas forward. More information about Runway Group can be found here.
