Bentonville, Arkansas
/Spring and Fall in Bentonville are the perfect times to hike, stroll, bike and see the amazing art. This small town is a perfect vacation spot right around the corner from the Crystal Bridges Art Museum of American Art campus. A quick ride-share ride from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, this trip can easily be enjoyed without a rental car.
Stay
21c Bentonville Located right on the Bentonville town square and a short walk to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This 104-room boutique hotel is also a 12,00 square foot contemporary art museum. We love this hotel group and the staff is amazing. If you don’t get a chance to stay here you should stop in and see the art. Free docent tours are on Wed and Fri at 5pm.
The Eugene Rent this beautiful midcentury modern three bedroom home to be close to the hike and bike trails and downtown Bentonville. The price is great and it has a beautiful pool.
The Nelson This four bedroom home has a warm, comfortable, stylish vibe. Suble Willie Nelson themed home sleeps up to 16. Located in the premier resort community of Bella Vista with golfing, fishing, swimming, Foosball and an outdoor fire pit. Less than 9 miles from Downtown Bentonville.
Eat
The Preachers Son Chef Matthew Cooper uses local, sustainably sourced, and 100% gluten free ingredients to make a magical experience any foodie would love. We had such a wonderful dinner we went back again during our short stay. Check out the Under Croft Bar hidden behind the door marked “Coat Room” inside the restaurant or a simple door marked “Bar” under a side archway. This dark and romantic bar is a perfect spot to sip a drink. There is also a lovely rooftop terrace if the weather is nice. Feathered Empty Nest Tip Make a reservation here prior to your trip. You do not want to miss the chance to have a meal here
The Hive Located in the 21C Hotel led by chef Matthew McClure serves refined country cuisine in a comfortable setting surrounded by modern art. The bar serves interesting drinks and a selection from the restaurant menu.
The Pressroom This light filled restaurant serves the best breakfast and brunch in Bentonville, also serving lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is comfortable and casual.
Tuck and Trotter Owner and Executive Chef, Rob Nelson has created a very casual, affordable and gourmet. They have a gluten free menu available and are located right off the town square.
Eleven restaurant In the glass center of the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art museum serving brunch, lunch and dinner, reservations suggested.
Bike Rack Brewing Company Visit the 8th Street Market Tap Room for small batch beer, food and live music. Open 7 days a week.
Play
Crystal Bridges Art Museum of American Art - Opened in 2011 by the Walton Family Foundation, this celebration of American art is a wonderful vacation destination. The campus includes a massive museum and hiking trails full of art. Crystal Bridges app on iTunes or Google App Admission is free.
Feathered Empty Nest Tip Slow down and grab a bite at museum coffee cart or High South Food Truck
Crystal Bridges Library features more than 50,000 volumes pertaining to American art and art history, plus archives containing personal papers and other artist ephemera, and access to several online resources.
Outside the museum Crystal Bridges has a 120 acre campus full of amazing art all along hike and bike trails. You can stroll for days through the trails or even ride mountain bikes.
Along the trails
Frank Lloyd Wright House the Bachman-Wilson House was relocated to the Crystal Bridges campus and is an example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s mid-century, classic Usonian architecture. Reservations are required.
The Way of Color James Turrell’s daily light exhibition, located on the Art Trail, is open for the sunrise experience every morning approximately 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise. Precise times vary according to the time of year. The sunset experience begins about 10 minutes before sunset. Each experience takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Feathered Empty Nest Tips Reserve your tour tickets ahead of time to ensure admission & Check out the Crystal Bridges map download the CB outdoor app on iTunes
Downtown Bentonville has a cute town square with lots of shops, outdoor art, Walmart museum and a weekend farmers market
Annual Events
February Crystal Bridges Valentines Events
May Bentonville Film Festival & Spring Into Summer Craft Fair
October Spanker Creek Farm Arts & Crafts Fair It’s Fall Y’all Craft Fair
November Friends of James Beard Sunday Supper benefit
December Annual Christmas Corgis - Downtown Bentonville Parade
Quarterly Downtown Bentonville Art Stroll
We love visiting here and we are planning a second trip. There is so much to do in this laid back, friendly and art filled town. We think you’ll love it as much as we do.
Feathered Empty Nest Guide to Bentonville, Arkansas
