Date: October 27, 2020 | Photography: Beth Hall |
Engaging artistic and culinary experiences in Northwest Arkansas make these two towns worthy of a weekend trip | A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
The word “power” is visible in a piece of Nick Cave’s installation currently at The Momentary.
21C Museum Hotel, Bentonville
Permanent installations and rotating exhibits make this boutique hotel a must-visit, whether or not you plan to stay the night in one of its luxury suites. Visit the hotel restaurant, The Hive, to dine and drink among the art: Johnston Foster’s “BuzzKill” depicting a hive of bees is on view overhead and all around. 21cmuseumhotels.com
8th Street Market, Bentonville
This gathering place bills itself as a “community-focused food hub.” Here, you’ll find food stalls at the South Market, food trucks outside, permanent restaurants such as Yeyo’s around the perimeter, and The Holler—a restaurant, bar, and shuffleboard hangout all in one—at the center of it all. 8stmarket.com
Crystal Bridges, Bentonville
Currently on exhibit at Crystal Bridges is the much-anticipated “Ansel Adams in Our Time,” a collection of more than 100 of Adams’ most iconic works shown in context with the work of 24 of his contemporaries and successors. crystalbridges.org
Honeycomb Kitchen Shop, Rogers
With a storefront in downtown Rogers as well as a robust online shop, Honeycomb Kitchen Shop offers artisan goods, cookbooks, hostess gifts, and cooking and baking tools perfect for chefs and kitchen amateurs alike. honeycombkitchenshop.com
Levi’s Gastrolounge & Lowbar, Rogers
For burgers, beer, and a creative take on pub grub—including mac ‘n’ cheese, sliders, and fish tacos—head to Levi’s. The outdoor patio means you can dine in while staying socially distant; however, the eatery also offers pick-up and local delivery. levisgastrolounge.com
Louise at Thaden Field, Bentonville
Looking for a dining experience unlike any other? Visit Louise, the on-site cafe at municipal airport Thaden Field where you can take in views of the nearby runway while you dine. On weekends, a brunch menu featuring Southern staples such as biscuits and gravy is available until 3 p.m. louise.cafe
The Momentary, Bentonville
Opened in February, this satellite location of Crystal Bridges is a multidisciplinary space for visual and performing arts. On view through January 3 is “Nick Cave: Until,” a colorful, immersive mixed-media exhibition by the contemporary sculptor and performance artist. themomentary.org
Onyx Coffee Lab, Rogers
This location of Onyx coffee is a three-story, 30,000-square-foot headquarters for the brand, which has become an award-winning titan of coffee production in Northwest Arkansas. Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee and stay a while to take in the ambience of the Instagram-worthy space. onyxcoffeelab.com
Two Friends Books, Bentonville
Originally started as a pop-up shop, Two Friends Books now boasts a brick-and-mortar storefront stocking new and used books as well as a small menu of drinks, snacks, and sandwiches. The owners also organize a monthly book club and Saturday storytime, both currently virtual. twofriendsbooks.com
The Rusty Chair, Rogers
Located in downtown Rogers, The Rusty Chair touts a collection of “antiques and cool stuff”—the perfect store for folks who like to poke around for treasures. You’ll find everything from antique books and ceramics to lamps, paintings, rugs, and other home décor. therustychair.com
The Undercroft, Bentonville
This cozy bar is located underneath The Preacher’s Son and, as such, is named as a nod to the restaurant’s previous life as a church. Starting November 23, the bar hosts the Miracle Christmas Pop-up Bar, a festive, kitschy atmosphere for holiday cocktails that runs through the end of December. undercroftbar.com
Urban Forge, Rogers
Urban Forge is a locally produced line of iron furniture and home décor founded in 2018 as an offshoot of Stone County Ironworks in Mountain View. This showroom gives shoppers the opportunity to see the artisan-made projects—which are shipped all over the world—up close. urbanforge.com
