Explore the Beauty

Words by Abby L. Johnson Photos courtesy Visit Bentonville

As the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, Bentonville, Arkansas, has plenty to offer beyond the trails, including an incredible art scene, breathtaking views, and culinary delights.

Day One

After arriving in charming Bentonville, start the morning with a twist on an authentic French crepe from Paulette’s Crepes. Then take a stroll through the historic downtown district and pop into the many boutiques and small businesses that line streets. For a quick caffeine fix, try Onyx Coffee Lab, a modern coffee shop that takes a meticulous approach to craft coffee. For a casual lunch or dinner, the kitschy Cajun restaurant, Flying Fish, offers up fried fare. Walking through town, visitors may find themselves wandering into Block Street Records vinyl shop where patrons can get lost in the bins, or to find the perfect classic read for a quiet evening in, head to Once Upon a Time Books.

Day Two

For the adventurous traveler, Bentonville is renowned for her beautiful and challenging mountain biking trails. Some travelers bring their own bikes, or rentals are available at one of the many local bike shops. Hit the dirt and ride through Compton Gardens, or find the trails adjacent to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s sculpture walk, part of the city’s impressive modern art museum. Stunning sculptures line the pathway to the museum, where curious visitors will find work from the likes of Rothko, Rockwell, and O’Keefe, as well as pieces from more contemporary artists. Architecture buffs will be stunned by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson house located on the museum grounds. Finish the night with dinner at Preacher’s Son, an elevated restaurant located in a reimagined church, and enjoy dining under beautiful stained-glass art windows. After dining on the local, seasonal fare, sneak downstairs into the secret speakeasy for an after-dinner arti-sanal cocktail.

Day Three

Head to the 8th Street Market and explore the plethora of food trucks and sample the best they have to offer. For dessert, make sure to visit Markham & Fitz, the local chocolate company serving up artisanal sweets alongside a curated selection of drinks. If that sweet tooth isn’t yet satisfied, Olly Makes Bakery is just down the road. Find a rotating selection of baked goods made from scratch and served in a cozy kitchen. Finish the tour of the town with a final stop at The Momentary, a smaller modern art museum that focuses on exploring the issues of our time through art. After walking through the galleries, take the elevator up to the rooftop for a drink at the Tower Bar. Sit back and gaze over the cityscape as you start to imagine what life would be like if you moved to Bentonville.

Discover more weekend vacation spots here.