Summertime is finally here, and Northwest Arkansas is brimming with fun activities perfect for a weekend getaway! The city of Bentonville in particular has grown tremendously in recent years, and offers a wide variety of museums, restaurants, and outdoor gems that attract tourists from all over the world.
Because this area offers so much, it's sometimes hard to narrow down where to actually start! As locals, we know a thing or two about all the best Bentonville spots, so we put together this guide to help you map out the perfect weekend in Bentonville, AR.
Saturday
Start off on the right foot
There is no better way to kick the weekend off than by visiting the Bentonville Farmers Market! It takes place on the iconic Bentonville Square, and features local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, arts and crafts. They also incorporate lively pop-up shops and musical acts which truly make the atmosphere come to life!
Bring an old quilt along with you, then grab some fresh produce from the local farmers to make the perfect picnic brunch!
When in Rome
Bentonville has been dubbed the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, and it is easy to see why! There are over 150 miles of biking trails open to the public, spanning from Fayetteville all the way to Bella Vista.
If you want to dip your toe in the water but aren't sure about a full on mountain biking excursion, don't fear! Oz E-Bikes is one of our favorite local businesses that provides city cruisers and electric bikes that make the experience easy and beginner friendly! Stop by their shop after the farmers market and they'll get you set up with a route on paved trails through the heart of the city.
An afternoon pick-me-up
Hop on your bike and head over to the Airship location at Coler Creek. This coffee shop is hidden in the woods, only accessible by a secluded trail. It's definitely a sight to see, and the coffee never disappoints -- we recommend an iced Lumberjack Latte!
Dinner time
After you return your bikes, it's time to get cleaned up for dinner! Bentonville is home to world-class cuisine options, many of which are within walking distance from each other in the Historic Downtown.
Because there are so many amazing local places to try, we recommend a progressive style dinner! Start with drinks and appetizers at Scotch and Soda, dinner at Tavola Trattoria, dessert at Superfine Sweet Shoppe and a nightcap at the Preacher's Son. It's sure to be an evening you won't forget!
Sunday
Brunch and brew
Time for more Bentonville local cuisine! We recommend the all-you-can-eat brunch at Table Mesa! They have classic breakfast items along with latin-inspired dishes such as butternut squash enchiladas, potato croquettes, and chilaquiles.
Pro tip: put your name on the list (there's probably going to be a short wait!) and head across the square to Onyx Coffee Lab! This is the heart of Bentonville coffee culture and has an array of blends for coffee connoisseurs to choose from. Odds are your table will be ready at Table Mesa right after your finish your morning brew!
Experience American art
After your brunch, hop in the car and head over to the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This free museum includes a permanent gallery with five centuries of American Art including pieces from Georgia O'Keefe and Gilbert Stuart. There are also rotating exhibits that never fail to impress! Crystal Bridges truly is a must-see while you're in town.
And that's a wrap!
Finish out this trip with a walk through 8th Street Market and The Momentary. There are modern art exhibits inside the Momentary, and The Market has fire pits, yard games, and yummy options for dinner.
It's the perfect place to end your trip with a bang!
These are just a few of the amazing things that Bentonville has to offer. Whether you're local or you're a tourist, this itinerary is always a crowd pleaser!
Thinking about taking it a step further and moving to Bentonville? Make an appointment with one of our New Home Specialists and they can help you get started on your journey to putting down roots in this amazing city! Discover why Schuber Mitchell Homes is the leading Northwest Arkansas Homebuilder.
