Date: July 18, 2018 | Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton | Photography: Beth Hall |
Discover Northwest Arkansas: There’s more than ever to love about the fastest-growing corner of the state
Above: Puritan Coffee & Beer in Uptown Fayetteville Apartments + Shops.
To say there’s a lot going on in Northwest Arkansas would be an understatement. The area encompassing Benton and Washington counties was named one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas in March by the U.S. Census Bureau—in fact, it’s estimated that by 2019, the Bentonville-Fayetteville-Rogers-Springdale area will be one of the country’s 100 largest metro areas. That’s big both for the local economies and our state as a whole.
On the other hand, it’s hard to look at these communities nestled in the Arkansas Ozarks as one unified region when each town has its own distinct identity. For example, Fayetteville is the heart and home of the Razorbacks, but it’s also a hub for innovative new businesses (thanks to organizations like Startup Junkie). Bentonville might be synonymous with Walmart and Crystal Bridges, but it has also earned a name for itself as a world-class foodie destination.
If you’re visiting the area soon, all we have to say is good luck—chances are you won’t be able to fit it all into one long weekend getaway! Whatever you choose, you’re sure to leave inspired to start planning your next return to NWA.
WHAT TO DO >>
Antiques, live music, and the great outdoors—there’s something for everyone in Northwest Arkansas
Get Into the Groove
Fayetteville Roots Festival // August 22–26
Though the “roots” in Fayetteville Roots Festival’s name implies the genre of its musical lineup, it also has a wider meaning centered on the spirit of the fest. Unlike many music festivals, it’s held in an urban setting, which encourages festivalgoers to visit local markets, shops, and restaurants, and, in turn, fosters a sense of community. To that end, “roots” also describes the celebration of food that’s so central to the Southern experience. This year, the Fayetteville Roots Festival features headliners Mavis Staples, Gillian Welch, Josh Ritter, and the Turnpike Troubadours among others at various stages across town, plus chefs from across the country (including some from Arkansas’s favorite eateries). Ticket options offer a variety of music and tasting opportunities. Visit therootsfest.org for more information.
Spin Your Wheels
With miles of trails and a beautiful Ozark Mountains setting, Northwest Arkansas is a prime and popular destination for cyclists. In August, as throughout much of the year, there are several events for cycling enthusiasts, including the 50-Mile Gravel Grinder (August 4 in Siloam Springs) and the Tour de Cure (August 18 in Bentonville), which benefits the American Diabetes Association. If you’re into swimming and running as well, you might try The Eurekan (August 10–12 at Holiday Island just outside Eureka Springs), a “super-sprint” triathlon that’s a great first-time event for newbies to the three-sport challenge. Find information about these events and more at bikenwa.org.
Hunt for Treasure
No need to plan a trip to Round Top, Texas, for excellent antique and vintage pickings—flea markets and antiques stores packed with finds seem to be heavily concentrated in this corner of the state. We have a few recommendations: Stop by High on the Hog, Southern Mercantile Antiques, and Daisies & Olives in Prairie Grove for well-curated collections; 410 Vintage Market in Fayetteville for anything and everything midcentury modern; Blue Goose Antiques in Fayetteville for decor with a farmhouse or French country feel; and the “Homestead” booth at True Treasures in Bentonville for beautiful pre-loved textiles, pottery, and baskets. If you like to do your own digging, Yards and Yards of Yard Sales in Eureka Springs (August 3–4) might be worth checking out. Stop by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce for a map to get started.
Above: Puritan’s “Chi Chi Rodriguez,” a lemonade topped with cold brew, at the new location of Puritan Coffee & Beer in Uptown Fayetteville Apartments + Shops.
WHERE TO GO >>
There’s so much to try in NWA that we couldn’t possibly list everything. Here are a few suggestions—some new, some tried and true
EAT
Mod Restaurant & Social, Bentonville
The team at MOD, which stands for “Modern Ozark Dining,” strives to offer just that—a modern dining experience based on ingredients and techniques inspired by Ozark traditions. Executive chef Josh Walters’s Peppered Pork Chop and Hot & Crispy Chicken are at the top of our list to try. mod.restaurant
Ziggywurst, Siloam Springs
German fare seems to be having a moment, and we can definitely see why. If you’ve never tried schnitzel or spätzle, now is the time! Ziggywurst has both on the menu, as well as Polish sausages, fish and chips, and sweet crepes. ziggywurst.com
Cathead Biscuits, Fayetteville
Not to be confused with the recently opened Cathead’s Diner in Little Rock, this Cathead is of the food truck variety. Opened in 2017, chef KT Epperson’s menu, which includes bison gravy and fried Spam, is a must-try for brunch Thursday through Sunday. arsagas.com/cathead-biscuits
Fork & Crust Pie Company, Fayetteville and Rogers
Did you save room for dessert? If so, head to one of Fork & Crust’s two locations to choose a slice of one of the many simple (Caramel Apple) and not-so-simple (Whiskey Bacon Pecan) varieties on owner Lori Rae’s extensive menu. forkandcrust.com
Above: The American Pale Ale, Cream Stout, and Indian Pale Ale are among Ozark Beer Co.’s most popular brews.
DRINK
The Grounds Coffee & Food, Fayetteville
Nestled between Pigmint Floral Studio and Garden Living Supply Co. is The Grounds, a coffee shop offering gourmet espresso and pour-over creations as well as beer, wine, cakes, and other nibbles. shopgardenliving.com
Puritan Coffee & Beer, Fayetteville
Puritan prides itself on taking beer and caffeine equally seriously. Its new location uptown shares space with Burton’s Creamery, a local frozen yogurt brand. Keep an eye out for special events, like trivia nights themed around The Office or Marvel vs. DC Comics, or—our favorite—an adult spelling bee tournament. puritancoffeebeer.com
Core Brewing & Distilling Co., Springdale
Now with locations all over Arkansas, you can visit a Core taproom in almost every corner of the state. But Springdale is where this local brewery got its start, before its beers could be found in more than 500 bars and restaurants across the country. A staff favorite of ours is the Arkansas Red Ale. facebook.com/coreofarkansas
Ozark Beer Co., Rogers
“Hard Work. Honest Beer.” That’s the motto of Rogers brewery Ozark Beer Co., which strives to reflect the hardworking culture of the region. Their taproom is a community gathering place; past events include art exhibitions, yoga classes, and clay-building (to make your own beer mug, of course!). ozarkbeercompany.com
Undercroft, Bentonville
Located in the basement of The Preacher’s Son restaurant (the “undercroft” of the re-purposed church, technically) is this dark and cozy bar with the intimate feel of a speakeasy, despite its size. Sidle up to the bar to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail from their signature menu. undercroftbar.com
Above: Plan to go shopping with your pup in tow? Marley Mack Boutique is a dog-friendly shop.
SHOP
Marley Mack Boutique, Fayetteville
Marley Mack is a women’s apparel boutique located in Uptown Fayetteville Apartments + Shops, a mixed-use development off Steele Boulevard. The shop carries casual looks that transition easily from day to nighttime wear. facebook.com/marleymackboutique
Dandy Roll, Rogers
Home décor store Dandy Roll specializes in vintage maps and prints, all sourced and curated from antiques shops near and far. Subjects including botanicals, medicine, birds, typography, and, of course, maps are all guaranteed to be between 50 and 100 years old, depending on the category. dandyrollprints.com
Ash & Ember, Siloam Springs
In addition to stocking new pipes, cigars, and special tobacco blends, this gentlemen’s shop offers restoration for estate pipes as well as great gifts for dapper men—think beard oil, mustache wax, and bow ties. ashemberpipes.com
Euna Mae’s, Springdale
If the kitchen is your favorite room in the house, you’ll love visiting Amy Hannon’s vintage-inspired sundry shop, Euna Mae’s—which is named after her beloved grandmother. While you’re there, snag a copy of her cookbook, Love Welcome Serve. eunamaes.com
Bathetopia Bath Boutique, Siloam Springs
Bathetopia has all the ingredients you need to make your own organic skin, pet, and house-cleaning products with personalized scents. Bestsellers include bath salts, salt scrubs, in-shower lotions, and body mists. bathetopia.com
Above: Vintage prints and maps abound at Dandy Roll in Rogers.
SEE
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
Crystal Bridges is home to the much-anticipated exhibit “The Beyond: Georgia O’Keeffe and Contemporary Art” through September 3. On view are O’Keeffe’s famous larger-than-life florals as well as landscapes, still lifes, and studies of the human form. crystalbridges.org
Stage Eighteen, Fayetteville
Stage Eighteen is a community performance venue, bar, and art gallery. Recurring events include Comedians NWA Open Mic on the second and fourth Thursday of the month and the monthly Open Mouth Reading Series, which this month is August 12 and features poet Analicia Sotelo. stage18live.com
Arkansas Public Theatre, Rogers
This theater company has been operating for 32 years, the past 10 of which have been celebrated on the stage of the historic Victory Theater in downtown Rogers. A production of the biblically based Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs from July 27 to August 12. arkansaspublictheatre.org
STAY
21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville
True to its name, rotating fine arts exhibits make this boutique hotel a unique stay. Be sure to plan for a meal or cocktail in the hotel’s restaurant, The Hive, which has been named a semifinalist five years in a row for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef award thanks to the talents of chef Matthew McClure. 21cmuseumhotels.com
The Chancellor Hotel, Fayetteville
Among The Chancellor’s many promising amenities—a gym, a pool, 6494 Bistro & Lounge—its most popular might be its proximity to the Fayetteville Square, which is just a block away. hotelchancellor.com
Aloft, Rogers
This hotel chain has become known for its sleek, modern design and upscale experience. It’s also pet-friendly, which makes traveling a cinch if you have a furry one in tow. aloftrogersbentonville.com
Favorite Places to Multi-Task
These forward-thinking businesses in Northwest Arkansas defy categorization
The Holler: A Local Hangout, Bentonville
Work meets play at this 10,000-square-foot multi-use space at 8th Street Market. High-speed Internet connections and co-working spaces mean you can hold a business meeting there one minute, then turn around and call dibs on one of three in-ground shuffleboard courts for a well-deserved break the next. The Holler opens later this summer. alocalhangout.com
Pour Jon’s Coffee & Vinyl Shoppe, Siloam Springs
There’s probably no other coffee shop in the state that puts as much focus on the music playing as the beans being brewed as Pour Jon’s. Watch their calendar for BYOV (bring your own vinyl) nights and “Vinyl Brunch” in addition to live music and open mic nights. pourjons.com
Skylight and The Cutting Room, Bentonville
After a movie at Skylight accompanied by dinner from The Cutting Room, you might never settle for popcorn and Junior Mints at the theater again. The Cutting Room’s restaurant offers gourmet takes on classic bar foods (like hot dogs topped with Thai mustard and gouda mac and cheese) plus a full bar, complete with boozy milkshakes. Skylight’s screens show first-run movies and special engagements. skylightcinemas.com
Two Friends Books & Records, Bentonville
The “two friends” behind Two Friends decided to remedy the lack of an independent bookstore in Bentonville by starting a series of pop-up shops selling used and new books and records. Their next event runs August 23–26 at Onyx Coffee Lab in downtown Bentonville, so you can sip a cup of java while you browse their collection. twofriendsbooks.com
This section is made possible by support from Blue Goose Antiques, By Request, In Season, M Grace at Home, Pigmint Floral Studio, Romance Diamond, Ropa Boutique, Southern Mercantile Antiques, Walton Arts Center, and Weathered Goods.
