When you think of Arkansas, much less Bentonville, what do you think of?
If you’re thinking craft beer, world-class art museum, mountain biking capital of the world, aviation, elevated cuisine, vibrant street art, internationally distributed coffee, and about a hundred more wildly unexpected and fulfilling adventures, then congratulations because you are SPOT ON in your NW Arkansas assessment!
I was so excited to partner with Visit Bentonville to create a long weekend agenda fit for a family all while catering to a date night.
Arkansas is a hidden gem of a Midwest state that most people overlook, as they tend think of it as merely the birthplace of Walmart, or a lost region in the middle of the map. Believe me when I say it is SO MUCH MORE!
Early on moving from Chicago to Kansas City, I was introduced to Bentonville as a nearby road trip not to miss, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Flash forward five years later and WE MADE IT! And man, did we ever experience the most epic time seeing, tasting, feeling, smelling, and loving every ounce of this silent assassin of a U.S. cultural town.
I rounded out our 3-day, 3-night agenda that is easily replicatable and a sure-fire way to soak up the entire journey Bentonville, AR offers for an unforgettable getaway.
Be sure to visit @visitbentonville / @bikebentonville and www.visitbentonville.com for a deeper dive into additional things to explore, places to stay, and events that are updated regularly.
We have NO DOUBT you will love this town just as much as our group did; all you have to do is take this agenda and run with it as well as add on your own finds to complete your Bentonville Bucket List trip!
*For additional photos on these destinations, visit @kansascitybucketlist on Instagram
----> Night 1:
The Preacher’s Son: Dinner + Drinks | Rustic American cuisine and craft cocktails served in a church building built in 1904
21c Museum Hotel Bentonville: Hotel Stay | Hotel, contemporary art museum and home of @thehivebentonville in the heart of #bentonville
The Preacher's Son:
21c Museum Hotel Bentonville:
----> Day 1:
Onyx Coffee: Coffee + Breakfast | Café, roasting & consulting company dedicated to the art and science of coffee
Downtown Bentonville: Self-guided Town Square Walking Tour (free) | Building and promoting a welcoming, lively #DowntownBentonville
Pressroom: Lunch | Community restaurant, bar, coffeehouse and meeting place located off the Bentonville Square
The Walmart Museum + The Spark Cafe: Historical Museum Tour (free) + Ice Cream Shop | The Walmart Museum features Walton’s 5&10, a world-class exhibit gallery and The Spark Café Soda Fountain
Crystal Bridge Museum of American Art – Art Museum (free) | A world-class collection of American art, stunning architecture, and 120 acres of Ozark forest with five miles of trails
Onyx Coffee:
Downtown Bentonville:
Pressroom:
The Walmart Museum + The Spark Cafe:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art:
----> Night 2:
Bike Rack Brewing Co. + 8th Street Market: Brewery + Outdoor Market | Modern Market Exchange
Yeyo's El Alma de Mexico: Dinner | Yeyo's Mexican Grill features the most authentic south-of-the-border street fare. Our mission is to transport you to the bohemian streets of Mexico.
The Momentary: Live Music & Contemporary Arts Indoors & Outdoors (free) | Contemporary visual, performing, and culinary art. Satellite to @crystalbridgesmuseum.
Doubletree Hotel: Hotel Stay | At our more than 600 hotels around the world, our priority is creating meaningful moments that make you feel special
Bike Racking Brewing Co. + 8th Street Market:
Yeyo's El Alma de Mexico:
The Momentary:
----> Day 2:
The Buttered Biscuit: Breakfast | Honest breakfast with high quality ingredients
The Scott Family Amazeum: Children’s Museum (paid admission) | Where creativity and curiosity rule! Hands-on interactive museum for families.
Thaden Field + Louise: Aviation Fieldhouse + Lunch | Flying Club Community of Aviators + Modern All Day Cafe
Bentonville Brewing Company: Craft Brewery | Bentonville's very own production craft brewery and tasting room
The Buttered Biscuit:
The Scott Family Amazeum:
Thaden Field + Louise:
Bentonville Brewing Company:
----> Night 3:
Oven & Tap: Dinner | Wood-fired Cuisine
Oven & Tap:
----> Day 3:
Ozark Mountain Bagel Co.: Breakfast | Spreading joy, love and cream cheese in NW Arkansas, serving made from scratch, water-boiled bagels
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve + Airship Coffee Roasters: Biking + Hiking Trails and Coffee Shop | An outdoor destination for all walks (or rides) of life + Outside coffee shop