Bentonville, Arkansas might just be one of the hippest small towns in America. With a great food scene, scenery made for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the best art museums in the United States, Bentonville is a great weekend getaway for anyone looking for small town charm with lots of character. I spent a weekend getting to know this city and loved my mini getaway!

Here’s a quick travel guide to Bentonville to help you plan your trip:

Where to stay in Bentonville

Hampton Inn, Rogers

Cost: $80-130 per night

Unless you’re a local, it’s hard to tell where Bentonville ends and Roger begins. Roger can be described as the big-box sister city to Bentonville, but if you’re willing to drive the short 5-miles to Bentonville, you can get a hotel for a lot less. The Hampton Inn in Rogers is a great option because of its location, free parking and free breakfast included in your stay.

I opted for the Hampton Inn on my trip to Bentonville and it was great. The hotel looked to be recently updated and was clean with friendly, helpful staff.

21C Museum Hotel, Bentonville

Cost: $200-300 per night

If you’re looking to splurge on a weekend getaway, the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville offers a unique experience for guests and is within walking distance of downtown restaurants, bars and the Wal-Mart Museum. If you are unfamiliar with the boutique hotel chain, the 21C describes itself as a “boutique hotel, contemporary art museum [and] cultural center.” The hotel also includes a robust restaurant and bar that utilizes fresh, local ingredients and an ever-evolving menu.

TIP: Even if you do not stay at the 21C, you can visit their contemporary art galleries for free. Just check-in with the front desk and they can give you directions to all the galleries.

Airbnb

Cost: $70-130 per night, on average

There are a variety of unique stays listed on Airbnb worth considering. Bentonville is known for its biking community, and many Airbnbs include free bikes and/or access to biking trails within minutes of their property. Airbnbs are always a great option to get a more local perspective, and Bentonville’s layout puts most Airbnbs within close proximity to downtown.

Top things to do

Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art

Probably the best-known attraction in Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art lives up to its reputation as a museum that pushes boundaries. The museum features a large cafe and restaurant you can visit before or after you tour the galleries. Additionally, you can visit the incredible walking trails and sculpture gardens surrounding the property. The museum and parking are free.

Buy local at the world’s cutest bookstore

The Two Friends Bookstore has a fantastic curation of bestsellers and also lesser-known gems. In addition to the selection of books on the tall shelves, the bookstore also includes a cafe serving up coffee, wine and beer, and a small selection of food options. If you’re a reader (or just believe in supporting independent bookstores!) this place is worth checking out.

Take a tour of town on the numerous bike paths

Avid bikers can take comfort knowing there are over 28 miles of bike paths in this small community. You don’t have to bring your own bike to participate. Bike rentals are available at a variety of shops including Phat Tire, where you can rent a bike for as little as $40 a day.

Visit The Momentary’s rotating exhibitions

Located in an old cheese manufacture, The Momentary is Bentonville’s newest arts center. The Momentary is a project out of the Crystal Bridges Museum and features large-scale contemporary art exhibitions, a performance venue and a small cafe. Like the Crystal Bridges Museum, the Momentary is free.

Learn more about local artists at Art on the Square

Located in the town square, Art on the Square is a small gallery that brings together about a dozen local artists work on display. The store of owned and operated by the artists, so a visit will definitely include a chat with one (or more!) of them. Oftentimes you’ll find them working on a new piece. The art includes price points for all types of budgets and tastes.

Other things to do:

- Visit the Walmart Museum

- Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Bachman-Wilson house

- Join an outdoor tour with 37 North Expeditions

Where to Eat & Drink

Scotch and Soda

A perfect stop for cocktail hour, Scotch and Soda boasts top-notch mixology and a refined, sleekly-designed environment. Their cocktails are worth the price, as they create unique spins on classic favorites and showcase their skills through signature menu items. The bar also includes a small menu of delicious bites to go with your cocktails.

Sushi House

If you want a wild ride, head to the Sushi House in a small strip mall south of Bentonville. The fast-paced restaurant includes a variety of sushi styles with a pen and paper selection process. The sushi isn’t the best you’ll ever have, but it’s 100% worth the price you’ll pay. And as a heads up, you’ll receive a roll and a half of freebies throughout the evening – Order accordingly.

Onyx Coffee Lab: The best coffee in Bentonville

A local morning favorite, Onyx Coffee is a hip, high-end coffee shop and roaster. The coffee is excellent and honestly worth the price. They have a couple of locations, but the one in downtown Bentonville is large with a neat vibe. They also sell a small selection of pastries and breakfast items to choose from if you’re craving something more than a caffeine fix.

Natural State Brewing Company

If it’s a nice day, it’s worth traveling to Natural State Brewing Company for their patio alone. The brewery favors German-style beers and includes a daily food trunk on-site.

Crepes Paulette

There’s nothing quite like Crepes Paulette. This unique eatery is serving up folded, burrito-like crepes filled with interesting flavor profiles. Locals line up with long wait times during busy hours for a taste.

Other places to try:

- The Preacher's Son

- The Hive

- Rolling Taco

Explore on. – K