Bentonville: A Treasure Trove of Art, History, and Adventure

Immerse yourself in the charming allure of Bentonville, Arkansas, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. This captivating city artfully combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, drawing in visitors with its world-class museums, vibrant culinary scene, and flourishing arts district. Known as the birthplace of Walmart, Bentonville surprises with trails that invite exploration, quaint downtown boutiques, and history around every corner. Pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey as you discover the enchanting sights and sounds of Bentonville, Arkansas. Your adventure in the Natural State starts here!

There’s something truly captivating about the beauty of Arkansas. It offers unique sights that will make any journey worthwhile. Check out the exciting things you can do in Arkansas in our guide.

Explore Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Take a guided tour of the museum’s permanent collection

If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to take a guided tour of the museum’s permanent collection. You’ll learn about the history of American art and see works from some of the most famous artists in the country.

The guides are knowledgeable and passionate about art, and they’ll provide insights into each piece that you may not have noticed on your own. The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other works that span from colonial times to contemporary pieces.

Some notable artists represented include Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. You’ll get to see iconic works like Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter” or O’Keeffe’s “Jimson Weed/White Flower No.1.”

Check out the rotating exhibits and installationsThe rotating exhibits at Crystal Bridges are always changing, so even if you’ve been before there will be something new to see.

These exhibitions often feature contemporary artists or focus on specific themes or movements in American art history. Recent exhibits have included works by Dale Chihuly, Ai Weiwei, and Yayoi Kusama.

In addition to traditional artwork displays, there are also installations throughout the museum that engage all your senses. For example, there is a room filled with neon lights that change colors as you move through it or a sound installation that mimics bird calls in nature.

Walk the trails and bridges that connect the museum’s buildings

Not only is Crystal Bridges a world-class art museum but it is also situated within beautiful natural surroundings which makes for an unforgettable visit. Gorgeous walking trails connect the different buildings throughout Crystal Bridges’ campus allowing visitors to enjoy sculptures outside while taking a leisurely stroll.

The museum’s architecture also stands out as a work of art in itself. There is a bridge that spans the museum’s lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains while walking across it.

Overall, taking the time to take in all that Crystal Bridges has to offer is well worth it. With a remarkable collection of American artwork, engaging installations, and beautiful nature trails, this museum provides guests with an inspiring and immersive experience they won’t forget anytime soon.

Visit the Walmart Museum

If you’re interested in the history of one of the biggest retailers on the planet, then a visit to Bentonville’s Walmart Museum is a must. Nestled in the heart of downtown Bentonville, this museum is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the legacy of Walmart, its founder Sam Walton, and his family.

Learn about the history of Walmart and its impact on Bentonville

The museum’s exhibits are rich with information and artifacts tracing back to the founding of Walmart in 1962. You’ll learn about how Sam Walton built his business from one small store into a retail powerhouse that now operates over 11,000 stores around the world. You’ll also see how Walton’s philosophy of low prices for customers was achieved through innovative supply chain management techniques.

The museum also sheds light on how Walmart has impacted not just Bentonville but communities around the globe through job creation and philanthropy. It’s fascinating to see how this small-town store has become such an integral part of American culture.

See Sam Walton’s original 5 & 10 store

The highlight of any visit to The Walmart Museum is undoubtedly seeing Sam Walton’s original 5 & 10 store, which is still preserved as it was when he opened it in 1950. It’s amazing to think that this tiny variety store was where it all began for one of America’s biggest companies.

Browse through vintage merchandise and souvenirs

Another fun aspect of The Walmart Museum is browsing through their collection of vintage merchandise from throughout the company’s history. From retro toys to old-school electronics, there are plenty of cool items that will take you back in time.

You can also find some unique souvenirs at the gift shop, such as Walmart-branded coffee mugs and T-shirts. Whether you’re a fan of Walmart or just love learning about the history of American business, The Walmart Museum is an essential stop on any trip to Bentonville.

Mountain Biking at Slaughter Pen Trail System

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that will get your heart pumping, look no further than the Slaughter Pen Trail System. This network of trails is perfect for mountain bikers of all skill levels and offers a variety of terrain to explore. The trails wind through forests, over hills, and around lakes, providing riders with plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery.

Rent a Bike from a Local Shop

If you don’t have your own bike or are traveling from out of town, there are plenty of local shops where you can rent one for the day. Some popular options include Phat Tire Bike Shop and Mojo Cycling. These shops offer high-quality bikes at reasonable prices and can help you choose the right bike for your skill level and riding style.

Hit the Trails for Some Adrenaline-Pumping Fun

The Slaughter Pen Trail System offers something for everyone, from easy beginner trails to more difficult ones that will challenge even experienced riders. If you’re new to mountain biking, start with one of the easier green trails such as All American or Ozark Greenway. For more experienced riders looking for a challenge, try some of the blue or black diamond trails like Blowing Springs or Rock Solid.

Enjoy Scenic Views of Nature While Getting Exercise

One of the best things about mountain biking in Bentonville is getting to enjoy beautiful views while getting exercise. The Slaughter Pen Trail System winds through wooded areas and past lakes, giving riders plenty of opportunities to take in stunning scenery along their ride. And with over 20 miles of trails to explore, there’s always something new to see.

If you’re looking for an exciting outdoor adventure in Bentonville that will challenge and exhilarate you, look no further than the Slaughter Pen Trail System. Rent a bike from a local shop, hit the trails for some adrenaline-pumping fun, and enjoy scenic views of nature while getting exercise.

Shop at the Bentonville Farmers Market

Supporting Local Businesses and Meeting Friendly Faces

The Bentonville Farmers Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to get their hands on locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, and artisanal products from the area. Taking place every Saturday morning from 7:30am-1pm in downtown Bentonville, the market is a great way to support small businesses in the community while also enjoying some tasty treats. One of the best things about the market is its friendly atmosphere.

Whether you’re chatting with local farmers about their latest crop or getting recipe ideas from fellow shoppers, you’ll feel right at home among the hustle and bustle of vendors selling their wares. Plus, since everything is locally sourced, you can be sure that you’re getting fresh ingredients that were grown with care by passionate experts in their fields.

Sampling Fresh Produce and Delicious Treats

Of course, one of the main reasons to visit any farmers market is for the food! And at the Bentonville Farmers Market, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from.

Depending on the season, you might find everything from juicy berries and ripe tomatoes to homemade jams and artisanal cheeses. But it’s not just fruits and veggies – there are plenty of other tasty treats available as well.

Maybe you’ll want to grab a freshly baked croissant for breakfast or a gourmet tamales for lunch. Or perhaps you’ll pick up some local honey or handmade soap as a unique souvenir from your trip.

Whatever your tastes may be, it’s worth taking your time as you browse through each vendor’s table so that you don’t miss out on any hidden gems. Be sure to bring plenty of cash as many vendors don’t accept credit cards, but rest assured that every penny spent goes back into supporting local businesses in our vibrant community.

Cooking Class at The Preacher’s Son Restaurant

Southern cuisine with a modern twist is the highlight of the dining experience at The Preacher’s Son restaurant, and now you can learn how to create these dishes yourself by taking one of their cooking classes. With professional chefs guiding you through the process, you’ll get hands-on experience and learn invaluable tips and tricks for bringing out the best flavors in your food. During the class, you’ll learn how to make some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, such as crispy fried chicken with honey butter and classic shrimp & grits.

You’ll also be introduced to lesser-known Southern specialties that are just as delicious but not as well-known outside of the region. One thing is for sure: you will leave this class with a newfound appreciation for Southern cuisine and a desire to recreate these dishes at home.

Learning How to Make Southern Cuisine with a Modern Twist

The recipes featured in The Preacher’s Son cooking classes showcase traditional Southern flavors combined with contemporary techniques and ingredients. For example, their take on biscuits and gravy includes homemade buttermilk biscuits topped with a rich mushroom cream sauce instead of traditional sausage gravy. This reinvention of a classic dish is just one example of how this restaurant takes traditional Southern favorites and makes them unique.

You’ll also have the opportunity to use fresh produce from their own farm-to-table garden located on-site. As you cook alongside the chefs in their state-of-the-art kitchen, you’ll have access to all kinds of tools, techniques, and ingredients that will help you elevate your own cooking skills – even if they don’t involve Southern cuisine specifically!

Get Hands-On Experience with Professional Chefs

One of the best things about taking a cooking class at The Preacher’s Son is getting personal instruction from experienced chefs who are passionate about what they do. They’ll teach you everything from knife skills to flavor profiles, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get feedback on your techniques.

The hands-on experience of a cooking class is especially valuable because it allows you to see, smell, and taste what a dish should look like at every stage of the cooking process. This means that even if you don’t consider yourself a great cook going into the class, you’ll come out with newfound confidence in your abilities.

Enjoy Your Delicious Creations Afterwards

After all the hard work is done and the dishes are complete, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! The Preacher’s Son offers small group classes so that everyone can enjoy their creations together in an intimate setting.

Pair your dishes with some wine or cocktails for a well-rounded culinary experience. In addition to taking home recipes for all of the dishes cooked during class, you’ll leave with newfound confidence in your cooking abilities and an appreciation for Southern cuisine like never before.

Hike or kayak at Lake Bella Vista

Bentonville is surrounded by natural beauty, and Lake Bella Vista is no exception. With its pristine waters and scenic surroundings, this hidden gem provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whether you want to hike or kayak, Lake Bella Vista has everything you need for a day of outdoor fun. The lake offers several hiking trails that cater to various skill levels.

There are leisurely walks around the lake’s perimeter, as well as more challenging hikes up steep inclines with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Additionally, visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards from nearby vendors to glide across the serene waters while taking in the stunning scenery.

Rent kayaks or paddleboards from nearby vendors

Lake Bella Vista has a wide range of water activities available for visitors to enjoy. Local vendors offer rentals for kayaks and paddleboards at reasonable prices. With these rentals, visitors can explore every inch of the lake at their own pace while admiring the beautiful natural surroundings.

Kayaking on Lake Bella Vista is an excellent opportunity to explore hidden coves and secluded areas that cannot be accessed by foot. Paddleboarding provides a great core workout while offering stunning views of nature’s beauty all around you.

Bentonville has something for everyone who loves adventure or relaxation in nature. From exploring Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to renting kayaks or paddleboards at Lake Bella Vista, this small town packs a big punch when it comes to things to do and see. Visitors will enjoy being immersed in local culture at Bentonville Farmers Market and learning about Bentonville’s history at The Walmart Museum.

And don’t forget about Slaughter Pen Trail System for some mountain biking thrills! By immersing yourself in Bentonville’s natural beauty, you will come away feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and inspired.