Bentonville

Beyond the Walmart Lens

While most visitors associate the town with its corporate giant, Bentonville’s cultural pulse now beats in its surprisingly vibrant arts scene. The Crystal Bridges Museum, though widely advertised, is just the gateway to a network of smaller galleries tucked into repurposed warehouses along the historic square. Strolling these spaces, you’ll encounter works from regional Native American artists that reflect the Ozark plateau’s geology and folklore. Pair the visual experience with a visit to the local craft brewery, where the tap list rotates to showcase hop varieties grown on nearby farms, offering a taste of the area’s emergent agritourism.

Cycling the Trail of Three Rivers

The city’s flat terrain and an expanding network of bike lanes make it ideal for a leisurely ride that links three waterways: the Razorback, the Little, and the Osage. Starting at the restaurant‑filled Strip, cyclists can follow the dedicated path to the newly restored riverfront park, where interpretive panels explain how the rivers powered early timber mills. The route’s quiet side streets reveal mid‑century modern homes, many of which participate in the “Open House” programme each spring, allowing visitors to glimpse local design sensibilities without leaving the bike.

Seasonal Food‑Farm Crossroads