Instead of Asheville, This Arkansas Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

Many travelers flock to Asheville, North Carolina, to embrace the city’s unique landscape. It’s undoubtedly cemented itself as the East Coast’s premier outdoor and arts town, offering endless outdoor adventures, a thriving food scene peppered with dozens of craft breweries, and that iconic Southern charm that dazzles us from start to finish. But what if I told you there’s an Arkansas town like Asheville where you can have a nearly identical experience with fewer crowds? Welcome to Bentonville, Arkansas. 

Why This Town Feels Like Asheville

Sitting pretty in the northwest corner of Arkansas, Bentonville boasts a lifestyle similar to Asheville's. While Asheville’s population (93,000) may have Bentonville beat (65,000), it’s Bentonville’s small-town charm that gives it a boost here. Both cities offer a chance to explore nearby mountain ranges, and if you thought the Blue Ridge Mountains were dreamy, just wait until you see the Ozarks. 

From bikes to breweries and everything in between, it's almost like these two are sister cities.

What You Can Do Here

The adventures in Bentonville never stop. Seriously, whatever activities you’re into, you can do them here in Bentonville. To give you some travel inspiration, here are some of my favorite things to do in Bentonville:

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Founded by Alice Walton (of the Wal-Mart empire), the Crystal Bridges Museum is an absolute must for anyone visiting the area. The museum features five centuries of American art with new exhibits always on the horizon. Take in the moment as you admire the original works of some of the greatest artists in American history—all with free general admission. After you’ve toured the museum, spend some time strolling through the 134-acre forest outside with even more sculptures to admire, including nearly five miles of trails. See what’s currently on view and learn more on the museum’s website. 

Bike Around

Bentonville is one of the most bike-friendly towns in the United States, and it prides itself on being the Mountain Biking Capital of the World. There is an extensive network of over 80 miles of trails that weave throughout Bentonville, connecting you to anywhere you want to go. I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid, but the old saying is true: you never forget! As soon as I hopped on, the muscle memory kicked in and away I went. Bike Bentonville has a fabulous trail map to help you navigate Bentonville on two wheels. 

If you’ve got the need for speed, head over to Oz Trails Bike Park, home to Arkansas’s first lift-served bike park! Here you can ride world-class trails from the summit to the base with the help of a specialty chairlift designed to bring you and your bike to the summit. 

Where to Eat in Bentonville

Foodies will thoroughly enjoy taking a bite out of Bentonville. Start your day off with a coffee from Onyx Coffee Lab, an award-winning specialty coffee roaster known for its high roasting standards, meticulous quality control, and radical transparency when it comes to the price paid to the farmer and import costs. Few companies offer up the level of transparency that Onyx does, and consumers have complete visibility into their coffee’s journey. 

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Tusk & Trotter, a snazzy gastropub that’s been a local favorite for over a decade. Wrights BBQ in Bentonville Square is another slam dunk, serving up some of the best pit-smoked barbecue in Arkansas. The sides here are as delicious as the main dishes; the mac and cheese and the coleslaw are my top picks!

Dinner at The Preacher’s Son is one you won’t forget. The elegant eatery is housed in a restored Gothic Revival Church, which adds such a unique atmosphere to the dining experience. From the curated cocktail menu to the ever-changing menu, this might just be the best restaurant in Bentonville.

For an extra special celebration, head over to Ryn. This farm-to-table restaurant boasts a “crop-to-kitchen” philosophy and an 8-to 10-course tasting menu that changes daily. For some of the freshest food around, served by some of the best chefs in town, you’ve got to go to Ryn. 

Plus, the views of Bentonville's rolling landscape are just a cherry on top.

Plan Your Visit

The only thing left in your adventure is to figure out where to stay in Bentonville. The Compton is my pick for lodging, and you can’t beat it. Not only is it in the center of town (so you’re within walking—or biking— distance to everything), but the hotel is practically brand new.

The lobby seating area is especially inviting, perfect for working, reading, or light conversations with fellow travelers, and the atmosphere is heavily inspired by the nature that surrounds Bentonville. From the all-day cafe (Field Notes) to the Tuscan steakhouse (Sestina) and the cocktail lounge (The Eddy), this is one of the most memorable hotels I’ve had the pleasure of staying in. There’s also a bike valet and a cycle service so you can go from bed to bike in mere moments!

For those seeing an alternative to Asheville, I think Bentonville might just check off all your boxes, and then some. I found it to be a breath of fresh air! Are you ready to explore one of the best small towns in Arkansas? Check out the Visit Bentonville website for even more travel inspiration and start planning your next Arkansas adventure today. 

Hungry for more? Check out these 15 quirky towns across America worth visiting.