Like our favorite pair of jeans, we grow more comfortable with a city the longer we live in it. We find our favorites and fine-tune our routines, but in a budding place like Bentonville, there’s never a shortage of new experiences to be had. This city is evolving every day with calculated edits and dynamic additions to help maximize the work-play lifestyle. With a little curiosity, some intentional exploration, and a few neighborly recommendations [like these], we can continue making the most of this blossoming community and grow our list of Bentonville experiences to love, season after season.
Float Little Sugar Creek
Arguably, one of the most underused assets in the Bentonville area is Little Sugar Creek. Less than two miles north of the highways 71 and 49 intersection, this winding waterway flows from Bella Vista to the Elk River in Southwest Missouri. For a relaxing paddle, pack a cooler picnic and put-in at the southeast corner of the Allen’s Food Market parking lot. This family-friendly float features clear waters for turtle spotting, turquoise swimming holes, playful rapids, and a blue heron nesting ground. A popular takeout spot can be found along Dogwood Drive near Bella Vista Country Club’s 18th hole.
Brunch with Pilots
There’s dinner theater and then there’s LOUISE at Thaden Fieldhouse. Named after aviator and Bentonville-native, Iris Louise McPhetridge Thaden, LOUISE is situated west of Lake Bentonvile with perfect patio views of the Bentonville Airport. Stop by any day between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy your favorite breakfast, brunch or lunch meal while watching the runway buzz with activity.
Neon Sign Scavenger Hunt
Bentonville has a thing for neon signs. But more than park or business signage, the nooks and crannies of Downtown Bentonville can turn sign spotting into a scavenger hunt. Hidden amongst alleyways and discretely decorating corner facades, you’ll find glowing works like a sassy cowgirl, a billiards playing clown, or an eight point star. Head south along A Street and cut across The Momentary grounds on your way to 8th Street Marketplace and watch neon accents evolve into iconic installments and public art sculptures.
City Views Worth Climbing For
While exploring Bentonville’s network of neon signs, work your way to the top of the Ledger building for panoramic views that stretch beyond the new Walmart Campus toward the western fingers of Beaver Lake. For gold-medal worthy golden hour views, there’s no competing with The Momentary’s Tower Bar. The meticulously curated atmosphere of this lounge is worthy of a mid–century James Bond meet cute. Enjoy craft cocktails or mocktails and hors d'oeuvres while watching the city fade from vibrant oranges and pinks to dusky blues and purples.
Coffee with Kittens
Coffee culture runs strong - like the drink - in Bentonville. Naturally, this adventurous, artsy, and entrepreneurial town would redefine the act of enjoying java. We have designer coffee on the square, pours in the park, and brews in a bike shop, but have you experienced coffee with kittens? If relaxing with adoptable pets while eating vegan treats and sipping Costa Rican coffee sounds like your idea of a good time, visit Third Space Coffee inside Best Friends Pet Resource Center.
Take The Long Way Home
Bentonville is surrounded by growing suburbs and quaint towns. Now and then, turn on your favorite soundtrack and take the long way home. Northwest Arkansas’ is full of beautiful and winding roads with unbeatable Ozark views and sprawling country estates. Along your journey, you might come across small town specials like Hiwasse Mercantile, a modern general store in Gravette, or Joyhouse Coffee’s uplifting mural in Cave Springs.
This lounge is worthy of a mid–century James Bond meet cute.