On a quest to find a “hidden gem” for a weekend getaway, I queried a well-traveled friend who recommended Bentonville, Arkansas — home to Walmart’s global empire. Admittedly, Bentonville wasn’t on my vacation radar, but it should have been. Located in the Ozark region of Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville blends artistic expression, thrilling outdoor activities, and farm-to-table culinary delights, making it an unforgettable three-day symphony.

Celebrating Art, Music, & Culture

Bentonville is immersed in an artistic ambience. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired masterpiece, is a world-class collection venue spanning five centuries of American creativity. I wandered through sun-dappled trails linking the museum’s eight pavilions, taking extra pause to soak in all it had to offer. The free admission felt like a gift, and I spent most of my time there in awe of this magical destination, taking moments to reflect as I sipped coffee at the on-site café. CrystalBridges.org

Next, I popped into The Walmart Museum for a dive into retail history and to get a glimpse of Sam Walton’s red Ford pickup truck. Walton’s 5&10 store offered a bevy of throwbacks, including nostalgic candy and toys, and I enjoyed the Spark Café’s vintage soda fountain featuring Arkansas-made Yarnell’s ice cream. Corporate.walmart.com/about/walmart-museum

Another not-to-be-missed destination is The Momentary, a contemporary visual and performing arts space in a repurposed cheese factory. From interactive installations to live music, culinary experiences, and seasonal markets, it’s considered an extension of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. TheMomentary.org

Biking & Hiking

Art isn’t confined to walls in Bentonville, but breathed with the landscape of rolling, verdant hills. Dubbed the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” Bentonville boasts dozens of miles of world-renowned biking paths.

I rented a mountain bike from a local outfitter and hit the Slaughter Pen Trails, a vast network of trails ranging from beginner to expert, with routes winding through forests and over rocky ledges. After completing a beginner-level route, I tackled intermediate loops with switchbacks to take in scenic, elevated views of the surrounding Ozark landscape. Stopping at a trailhead food truck for a gourmet taco, I chatted with fellow riders, including families on e-bikes. It was invigorating, and a perfect antidote to my routine back home. Oztrails.com/trail-locations/slaughter-pen

Downtown Vibes

Bentonville’s vibrant downtown is a charming, walkable hub of Victorian architecture and indie flair. I strolled past eye-catching murals and one-of-a-kind boutiques before dining at one of the many restaurants clustered in the area.

With farm-to-table menus, traditional and modern takes on High South cuisine, and authentic international cuisine, it’s no wonder that many Bentonville restaurants are named James Beard Award Semifinalists year after year. There are too many restaurants to cover in detail, but for me, The Preacher’s Son was a unique highlight. The deconsecrated church turned upscale eatery dishes out a tantalizing array of appetizers and entrees. Or stop by the rooftop bar (Celeste) for snacks, leveled-up cocktails, wine, and beer. The scene in its basement speakeasy, Undercroft, buzzes with an eclectic group of patrons enjoying live jazz, highlighting Bentonville’s evolution into a cultural hotspot.

Check out VisitBentonville.com/food-and-drink for more information about Bentonville’s restaurants and food scene.

Lasting Memories

After I returned home, Bentonville lingered like a favorite novel — filled with unexpected depth and a few delightful twists. It’s a reminder that true escapes lie in places far from the maddening crowd. If you’re seeking balance amid beauty, plan a trip to Bentonville. VisitBentonville.com