EXPLORE
BENTONVILLE

21c Museum Hotel

This boutique hotel houses a rotating exhibits of 21st century art (hence the name, 21c) open for viewing twenty-four hours a day. This combined with the High South cuisine at The Hive restaurant and bar and the hotel’s cheeky collection of green penguins is gaining it national recognition as the place to visit in the south. 200 NE A St, Bentonville, (479) 286-6500, 21cmuseumhotels.com/bentonville

Amazeum

The Scott Family Amazeum offers 50,000 square feet of exhibits, meeting and learning spaces for children and families. The state of the art museum features a Tinkering Studio, water area, climbable tree canopy and an exploratory wet lab, while an acre of outdoor space provides for year-round learning experiences inspired by the seasons. 209 NE 2nd Street, Bentonville, amazeum.org

Compton Gardens

With 6.5 acres of native and woodland gardens, Compton Gardens is not only a favorite public park for Bentonville residents, it’s quickly becoming a regional destination garden and special event venue. Roam the trails for peaceful, quiet views, as well as native plant collections and small wildlife. 312 N. Main Street, Bentonville, (479) 254-3870, peelcompton.org

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Explore the history of America from colonial times to present at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, home to more than two thousand important works of American art as well as traveling exhibits. The museum’s architecture, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, and the 120-acre grounds are as much a part of the Crystal Bridges experience as the art inside. 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, (479) 481-5700, crystalbridges.org

The Momentary

This satellite location of Crystal Bridges opened in early 2020 inside a decommissioned Kraft cheese factory. The Momentary celebrates contemporary visual, performing, and culinary arts with rotating exhibits from world-renowned artists. Grab a drink inside the stunning 1960s-inspired Tower Bar, a latte at Onyx Coffee Lab’s Millenial pink coffee bar, or enjoy the views from the courtyard with street fare from the Momentary Food Truck. 507 SE E St, Bentonville, (479) 367-7500, themomentary.org

Museum of Native American History

Get a glimpse inside the lives of America’s first inhabitants with relics dating back as far as 14,000 years in the past. The museum is divided into five different time periods that guide you through the constantly shifting lives of the Native American people. Admission is free and the complete woolly mammoth skeleton is a must-see. 202 SW “O” Street, Bentonville, (479) 273-2456, monah.us

The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens

Amidst the new and burgeoning businesses popping up all over town, the home of Civil War Colonel Samuel West Peel sits like a relic from another time. The first native Arkansan elected to Congress, Col. Peel built the villa tower Italianate mansion for his wife and children in 1875. Carefully preserved over time, the mansion and gardens are now open for tours throughout the week and available to rent for special events. 400 S. Walton Boulevard, Bentonville, (479) 254-3870, peelcompton.org

Wal-Mart Visitors Center

Downtown Bentonville’s Wal-Mart Visitors Center is a three-part experience: first, take a step back in time when you visit Walton’s 5&10, the dime store that started it all, now stocked with old-fashioned candies and games. Next, take a stroll through The Wal-Mart Museum, with interactive displays, vintage products and historical facts about Wal-Mart and the Walton family. Finish your visit with a milkshake from The Spark Café, an old-fashioned soda fountain offering up sweet treats from another era. 105 North Main Street, Bentonville, (479) 273-1329, walmart.com

8th Street Market

This community-focused food hub within walking distance of The Momentary offers fresh food and drinks from a variety of vendors, including Bike Rack Brewing Co, Coop Ramen, chocolates from Markham & Fitz, cold-pressed juices from Juice Palm, Mexican street food from YeYo’s, and worldly-fair from the kiosks at South Market. 801 SE 8th St., Bentonville, 8stmarket.com

Aoi Sushi House

Across from 21C Museum Hotel, enjoy downtown Bentonville’s fresh take on sushi and Japanese cuisine at Aoi Sushi House. 222 Northeast A Street Bentonville, (479-364-2145, aoibentonville.com

Bar Cleeta

Fresh oysters, caviar service, charcuterie & cheese, and an array of shared plates span the menu meant for sharing at Bar Cleeta. Eclectic wines from around the world focus less on pedigree and more on pairability with the cuisine. Inspired by the season, craft cocktails are composed with classic recipes, fresh ingredients and  pantry spices. 110 NW 2nd St., Suite 110, Bentonville, (479) 553.7006, barcleeta.com

Crepes Paulette

Formerly housed in their wildly popular food truck, Crepes Paulette has offered up sweet and savory crepes to adoring fans since 2010. Grab a seat inside or on the patio in their new brick-and-mortar location on the ground level of downtown’s Thrive building. 100 SW 8th Street, Bentonville, (479) 250-1110, repespaulette.com

Eleven at Crystal Bridges

For lunch with a side of breathtaking views, try Eleven at Crystal Bridges. The casual eatery located inside the museum’s front entrance offers southern staples prepared from ingredients found nearby. Enjoy these delights while taking in the beautiful architecture, as the restaurant itself is suspended over water and offers views of the museum on all sides. 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, (479) 418-5700, crystalbridges.org/eleven

The Hive

Admire the galleries inside Bentonville’s 21c Museum Hotel then duck inside its mid-century mod restaurant and bar, The Hive. The Hive’s particular breed of southern cuisine is inspired by Arkansas ingredients and sourced close to home, for an overall vibe that’s refined yet familiar. 200 NE A Street, Bentonville, (479) 286-6575, thehivebentonville.com

Onyx Coffee Lab

Just off the downtown square, this vibrant, open, and welcoming shop serves as a hub for locals looking for latte art, iced drinks, house made toasts and pastries, or locally sourced and roasted coffee. Adjacent to the farmers market and bustling square, Onyx Coffee Lab features a 360-degree, white-tiled bar that utilizes the industry’s best equipment. 100 NW 2nd St., Bentonville, (479) 715-6492, onyxcoffeelab.com

Oven & Tap

Named for its custom built wood-fire pizza oven and tap wall, Oven & Tap boasts an extensive collection of tap beers, house-made cocktails, and perfectly crisp pizzas. Dine in and enjoy the curated collection of local art adorning the walls, or order a bottle of wine to-go. 215 S. Main St., Bentonville, (479) 268.5884, ovenandtap.com

The Preacher’s Son

Housed in a restored, historic church, The Preacher’s Son offers fine dining made from sustainably-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the extensive wine list with views of the spectacular art-glass windows created by local artist George Dombek. Don’t forget to head downstairs to check out their speakeasy-style Undercroft Bar. 201 NW A St., Bentonville, (479) 445-6065, thepreachersson.com

Petit Bistro

Upon arrival at Petit Bistro, you’ll think you’ve been invited to dinner in a rustic family home. The cozy French-Mediterranean eatery is located inside an old, stone farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Owner Dario Amini brings his European background to Northwest Arkansas in dishes such as the petit filet mignon, mussels basquaise and blackened sea scallops. 2702 N Walton Blvd., Bentonville, (479) 464-9278, petitbistro.biz

Pressroom

Pressroom offers up a variety of favorite coffee drinks, including an Almond Joy mocha and honey vanilla latte. Get your coffee to go or stick around and enjoy the laid back-yet-artsy atmosphere, enhanced by exposed brick walls and local art. If you’re looking for a menu stocked with contemporary cooking trends—think vegan, gluten-free and small plates—stick around for bánh mì at lunch or avocado chevre crostini at dinner. 121 W Central Ave., Bentonville, (479) 657-2905, pressroomcoffee.com

Table Mesa Bistro

After a jaunt around Bentonville’s charming downtown square, stop in at the popular Table Mesa Bistro for modern Latin cuisine with a twist. The romantic yet lively atmosphere lends itself to anything from date nights to family outings, and offerings such as pan-seared Mahi Mahi tacos, house guacamole and an extensive wine and cocktail menu make for a can’t-lose dining combination. 108 E. Central Ave., Bentonville, (479) 715-6706, tablemesabistro.com

Tavola Trattoria

The menu at Tavola Trattoria abounds with Italian and Mediterranean favorites from antipasti and pizza to entrees served individually or family style. Favorites include the veal Saltimbocca served with a marsala wine reduction, prosciutto and wild mushroom ravioli, or the U District pizza topped with figs, goat cheese, mascarpone and truffle oil. On a nice day, enjoy balcony or sidewalk seating. 108 SE A Street, Bentonville, (479) 715-4738, tavolatrattoria.com

Tusk & Trotter

This downtown brasserie is a cultivated mix of favorite Ozark flavors executed with a bit of French flair. As its name implies, inventive pork dishes using nearly the whole hog are the star of Tusk & Trotter, but the menu is certainly more than just meats. With offerings such as house-made risotto balls and a “Vegetarian Picnic” plate, there’s something for everyone at this High South gastropub. 110 SE A Street, Bentonville, (479) 268-4494, tuskandtrotter.com