A Local’s Guide to Bentonville, Arkansas

The Trails | From Mountain Biking to the Casual Stroll

Bentonville has been declared The Mountain Biking Capital of the World and you will soon see why! Whether you are ready to take a simple morning walk, a trail hike or jump on a mountain bike, this area has got you covered. Not only does Bentonville have some of the world’s best mountain biking trails, we also have a paved trail called The Greenway, which is a 36-mile trail that connects all the major cities in Northwest Arkansas (NWA). There are also plenty of road and gravel riding options as well. There are numerous shops around town where you can rent mountain bikes or even E-bikes if that is more your speed. Check out bike rentals at the following locations:

• Spoke Adventures

• Phat Tire Bike Shop

• Mojo

• Gearhead Outfitters

• Encore Rentals

• Buddy Pegs Family Bike HQ

• Smiley Bike Rentals

• The HUB Bike Lounge

• Oz E-Bikes

The Museums

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Bentonville is home to Crystal Bridges Museum-a world-class museum of American Art. Here you will find works of art from Rockwell to Warhol thanks to the vision of founder Alice Walton, daughter of Sam Walton (founder of Walmart). This museum not only has some of the best American art in the country but includes stunning architecture by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. In the surrounding acres you will find a classic Usonian house by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright…a MUST see! Within these 120 acres you will also find works of art sprinkled among the landscape as you walk around some of my favorite trails in the NWA. They also host rolling exhibitions that you can visit for a small admission price. An example of this is the current exhibition called “Anne Leibovitz at Work” where you can observe the portraits of the famed photographer. This museum is completely free to visit thanks to the generosity of the Walton Foundation. Traveling exhibits may require a ticket for entrance and may charge a small fee depending on the exhibit. Be sure and check out their website before you visit.

The Momentary

A sister property to Crystal Bridges, The Momentary houses an ever-changing collection of contemporary art. This museum is housed in an old Kraft Cheese Factory. The industrial vibe is the perfect backdrop for contemporary art, visual and performing arts, culinary experiences, festivals and more. With an outdoor greenspace and stage, you never know who will be popping up in concert here. General admission is always free but tickets may be needed for concerts, festivals, and experiences, so be sure and check the website for current events and details. The Momentary also has two unique bars. The Rode Bar has a fun outdoor patio with walk up/bike up service. The Tower Bar is at the top of The Momentary building and is accessible to the public in the evenings (the day time is exclusive to members). Here you will find amazing cocktails with a rotating seasonal menu and can take in amazing views of Downtown Bentonville.

The Walmart Museum

The Walmart Museum is housed in the original Walton 5 & 10 that started it all! The museum is temporarily called The Walmart Heritage Lab and is currently located in The Ledger building while they undergo a renovation (set to reopen Spring 2024). Here you will get a history of one of the world’s largest & successful retailers. Walking through the exhibits you will get a feel for the history, culture & brand that has made Walmart what it is today. If visiting the Heritage Lab, be sure to also check out The Ledger Building. The world’s first bikeable building, in the heart of downtown Bentonville, there’s a lot to take in once you get to the top and lookout over all of downtown Bentonville. Be sure and pop inside and grab a coffee from one of my favorite local coffee shops, Airship Coffee.

Downtown

First Fridays & Saturday Farmer’s Market

Most people who are familiar with Gilmore Girl’s will tell you the downtown Bentonville square could be straight out of Stars Hollow. With its charming fountain in the center of the square and constantly changing landscaping, the downtown square is where locals and visitors find themselves strolling and visiting for hours. First Friday is held the first Friday of each month and is always themed based on the month. Here you can expect to wander the night away, visiting art booths, food vendors and listening to live music. Farmer’s Market is held on Saturday mornings. Not only will you find incredible art vendors but all the streets around the square are bustling with produce vendors, local meat and cheese suppliers, flower vendors and all the freshest fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Typically you will find local musicians popping up on the square or throughout the streets filling the air with their trade. Need a Gluten Free option…check out Ollie’s Makes Bakery. Located just off the square you can find my favorite gluten-free baked goods but go early…they are wildly popular on Saturday mornings!

There are so many great places to eat and drink in Bentonville! Here is a quick list of some of my favorites!

Favorite Restaurant

Conifer

One of the newer restaurants in Bentonville, Conifer features my favorite chef in NWA Matthew Cooper. Conifer is a 100% gluten-free restaurant, but you would never know it. The menu is constantly changing so that they can provide only the best and freshest ingredients that are in season. Along with their changing menu is a revolving cocktail menu that never disappoints. I will say if the blue cornbread or buffalo style mushrooms are on the menu…they’re a MUST! Conifer was also recently named the #2 Best New Restaurant in the South by Southern Living Magazine!

Favorite place for Happy Hour

The Meteor or The Hub

Ok, I couldn’t decide between these two because I always end up at one of the other. I will say the Aperol Spritz at The Meteor is my favorite afternoon drink hands down! They also offer great salads and pizzas as a lunch option and a great selection of wines to either drink there or take home with you. The Hub also has amazing happy hour cocktails and light snacks. The Birria tacos are delicious and their Mules, Ranch Waters or Palomas are a perfect pairing!

Favorite Coffee Shop

Airship & Onyx

These two coffee shops have multiple locations around town. The new Airship on A Street is my new favorite place to meet up with friends, discuss upcoming trips with clients or work a few hours while sipping a cappuccino. You will also find Airship in the lobby of The Ledger building and the coolest location is on the Coler Trail!

The Onyx in downtown Bentonville is always a scene. Here you will run into locals and visitors alike and don’t be surprised if you bump into a celebrity or two in town to meet with Walmart.

Other Favorites

Preacher’s Son - Not only do they have a gorgeous dining space inside of an old church. They also have two unique bars.

The Undercroft is located in the basement and has all the vibes of a New York speakeasy. They also house a rooftop bar with a close up view of Bentonville’s iconic water tower and a fun casual outdoor space to catch up after a full day of exploring the city.

AOI | THE BEST sushi in NWA. Also check out their sister restaurant BLU for fresh seafood dishes.

The Hive @ 21 C - This bar located in the 21 C hotel has a great seasonal cocktail menu. Needing a snack, try the hot honey fries and have them melt pimento cheese on top. You will sound like a local in no time with that order!

Table Mesa - Great for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Bentonville Taco & Tamale - Best Cheese Dip in NWA!

Oven & Tap - Perfect appetizers. Try the wood fired Edamame, Fried Mozzarella or Pimento Cheese (Local tip: Order the Salt & Vinegar potatoes to dip in the Pimento Cheese.)

Peddler’s Pizza - Great casual atmosphere and delicious wood-fired pizzas. Enjoy with a local Bike Rack beer or their coconut mojito on the patio where you may find live music on weekends.

Louise - Perfect for eating brunch and watching planes at the Thaden Fieldhouse.

Lady Slipper - The perfect post dinner drink & late night snack spot. Be sure and try the Espresso martini.

8th Street Market

Just a few blocks from the square, check out 8th Street Market. Here you will find:

Bike Rack Brewing - Great place to grab an afternoon beer after a long ride.

Sweet Freedom Creamery - Get their mongers choice charcuterie board to enjoy with your Bike Rack Beer or one of their great selections of wine.

CO-OP - The BEST ramen I have ever had. I have the Spicy Tori Paitan at least once a week in the colder months.

YeYo’s - Delicious Mexican food that uses local ingredients to support the community. Most of their menu is naturally gluten free as well!

Post Dinner Sweets

The Spark - Normally housed in the Walton 5 & 10, The Spark is currently located in a food truck parked right on the square. Think old fashion cones and sundaes at old fashion prices.

Tavola - Yes, this is an Italian restaurant off the square but has our favorite dessert, Desiree’s Cake. They also serve a great French press coffee!

Trash Ice Cream - All the mix-ins you can think of to design your own custom creation.

Superfine Sweet Shoppe - Hand Scooped ice cream, cookies and specialty desserts.