Trails are well marked and beautifully landscaped. Photo Chrystal Bridges
The weekend in Bentonville, Arkansas has just enough and not too much for a peaceful and pleasant getaway. There are still spots of brilliant color in the woodlands and cityscapes. A Bentonville highlight is Chrystal Bridges and because this town is the business center of Walmart, you’ll find plenty of hotel and dining choices.
This weekend getaway is easy on the budget. Be sure to pack your walking shoes, a camera and be prepared for those quick temperature changes so typical of fall in the Ozarks.
The Not To Be Missed site on this weekend agenda is Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The website always has a listing of special current events and exhibits. The museum is as delightful and accessible on the inside as it is on the outside.
- Exhibits – The collection includes Charles Wilson Peale’s and Gilbert Stuart’s portraits of George Washington; Asher Brown Durand’s Kindred Spirits; and Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter. This is a rare opportunity to see masterworks from artists like John Singer Sargent, Thomas Eakins, William Merritt Chase, Thomas Hart Benton, and Andy Warhol.
- Dining – ELEVEN “Featuring modern American comfort food that is equal parts welcoming, delicious, and inspirational” Lunch: Mon, Wed – Fri, Sun | 11am to 2:30 pm Saturday | 11am to 2:30 pm Reservations are not required for lunch service. Dinner: Wed and Fri | 5 to 9 pm Reservations are recommended for dinner service.
- Trails – Crystal Bridges Trails and Grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily.Do not pass up the outdoor exhibits and trails. With 3.5 miles of trails winding through beautifully landscaped Ozarks. Trails are clearly marked and many trails are accessible.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: 479-418-5700 GPS: N36.381784 W94.203429
In anticipation of too much rich holiday fare, we shoot for simple, affordable dining.
Where to eat. Every fast food restaurant is near by. If the weather is delightful pick up a “To Go” order and make lunch a picnic.
We chose a hotel that includes breakfast. So, that’s a short stroll to the hotel dining area. There are plenty of choices from healthy to indulgent. And the coffee is ready and waiting for you.
Taco Bueno – They have a big variety of typical Mexican fast food choices. Keeping it simple is always the best idea. Tacos, chips salsa, burritos. Dine in to take advantage of the spicy salsa bar. Taco Bueno, 1302 SE Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 273-6694
Chic Fil A – Good choice for dine-in or carryout. Service is always fast, courteous. The salads are always a good choice. Chicken comes fried or grilled. Service is fast and the food is hot. Which makes those waffle fries even better.
Chick-Fil-A, 209 S Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR, Phone: (479) 273-3100
Coffee Shop. Kennedy Coffee Roasterie – Just the kind of artsy yet casual place we like to linger over coffee. Oh, hope that they are not sold out of cookies. Because you’ll want to get one to go, too. 2501 SE 14th Street, Suite 1, Bentonville, AR 72712, Phone: 479.464.9015
Fashionable, roomy suites have plenty of space to work and to relax. Did we mention fresh baked cookies? Happy hour cocktails? Spotless rooms? Free wifi?
Where to stay. Hotels with breakfast included fit our leisurely weekend lifestyle. If thats not your style,
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are always fresh and hot. 1502 S.E. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone: 479-273-0168We stayed at Comfort Suites. Actually, I thought this hotel was new or newly remodeled. Decor is modern and up-to-date. If you are in town on business, their business center is well equipped and well stocked with every thing you need.
The hotel looks clean and new though it is 7 years old. I like that kind of well-cared-for hotel, clean and meticulous with friendly, helpful staff.
Comfort Suites 2011 S.E. Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR, US, 72712, Phone: (479) 254-9099, Fax: (303) 536-5572 Pet friendly, smoke free Enjoy free beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Plus, there are fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon.
More to do.
- University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. If you plan to catch a UofA Razorbacks football game, consider staying in Bentonville. Hotels fill fast on home game weekends and room discounts are scarce.
We caught the spirit at the tailgating parties.
Pea Ridge, one of the most pivotal Civil War battles. Historians and nature lovers will especially appreciate this beautiful and well preserved National Treasure.
At this point, the war was just a year old and every soldier was a volunteer. No one thought the was would be a long or bloody war. It is the most intact Civil War battlefield in the United States.
- Beaver Lake
Join the parades, lighting ceremonies, caroling even sit on Santa’s lap. Celebrate at the skating rinks, holiday arts and crafts festivals and warm up with steamy hot chocolate in more than 60 participating communities.
Join the 2013 Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights from Thanksgiving through the Christmas holiday. Get your copy of the 2013 Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights brochure at these sites.
The trails at Chrystal Bridges are perfect for bird watching, dog walking, nature photography.
Closest airport: Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA)
