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Some people want to check off all 50 states from their travel bucket list—I’ve simply never been one of them. While I’m sure each state has its charm, I’m generally sticking to the fan favorites, unless some unforeseen opportunity takes me off the beaten path. Which is exactly how I ended up in Arkansas.
When presented with the chance to check out a new lifestyle hotel in the heart of Bentonville, Arkansas, of all places, I welcomed the opportunity. As someone who loves to travel and has a genuine zest and appetite for new things, it seemed like a no-brainer. A few friends had actually raved about Bentonville, and I was curious enough to hop on a plane to see it for myself.
Aside from its claim to fame as the birthplace of Walmart, Bentonville is actually best known for its growing cultural and arts scene and for being the Mountain Biking Capital of the World™ (yep, it’s even trademarked).
After spending 72 hours in Bentonville, I can confirm that the town is charming, the arts scene is world-class, and the biking trails are unmatched. The other unexpected selling point? It's incredibly affordable. You can do and see so much and spend very little. I’m talking free events, activities and entertainment at every turn. Dare I say I even saved money during my three days in town?
So here’s exactly how I’d spend a few days in Bentonville to maximize your fun and minimize your spending.
Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
No visit to Bentonville is complete without a stop at Crystal Bridges—home to one of the world's most significant collections of American art. So, imagine my surprise when I found out admission is always free. Crystal Bridges is no rinky-dink small-town museum; it is a true destination for art lovers from across the globe, boasting stunning architecture, indoor and outdoor sculpture gardens, permanent and rotating galleries, 120 acres of Ozark nature, and priceless works of art throughout. Think works by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, Norman Rockwell, and numerous other luminaries in the field.
Despite hearing about its grandeur prior to my visit, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer size, scope and allure of this place. I’m usually the type of museum-goer that zooms through, takes a cursory glance and a photo or two, and says, ‘What’s for lunch?’ but a four-hour visit to Crystal Bridges genuinely left me wanting more. Having undergone a 100,000-square-foot expansion earlier this year (the additional galleries opened in early June), there’s no better time to visit and experience all that it has to offer. Again, totally free.
Check out the art and live music and The Momentary
The Momentary is another mainstay in Bentonville’s cultural scene, with globally renowned art exhibitions and live music that bring the community together. And yes, you guessed it: admission is always free.
Pop by The Momentary to explore their current exhibits, which happen to have big-time international appeal. British artist Lucy Sparrow chose The Momentary as home for her first museum exhibit in the U.S., called "The Beginning of Convenience." You’ll step inside an immersive time capsule installation of a 1980s-90s Walmart-inspired supermarket, featuring 20,000 hand-crafted supermarket products made out of felt that are such impressive replicas you’ll have to do a double-take. Check out the gift shop on the way out, where I could have spent the entire afternoon (and all the money I saved on admission and then some).
But that’s not all The Momentary has to offer: music lovers can come out every Wednesday evening to enjoy free live music from a mix of local and national artists. No tickets required and open to all ages, it’s a fun, wholesome activity for the family, a date night, or girls' night out.
Stroll through the farmers' market
Since 1977, Bentonville has hosted a farmers' market every Saturday, from 7:30–11am, that’s worth a visit if you’re in town. Spotlighting local growers and small businesses, this market is a perfect example of how this community comes together. The streets come alive with families, strollers, dogs, and groups of friends, as locals pick up their weekly hauls of seasonal, fresh produce and other goodies. You can enjoy samples along the way, and stock up on some favorite items to take home.
And if you’re lucky enough to be in Bentonville on the first Friday of the month (April-October), don’t miss ‘First Friday Live,’ which features free live music, entertainment, and interactive experiences from 150+ vendors in the heart of Downtown.
Embark on a Greenway Cultural Bike Tour
The Greenway Cultural Bike Tour, offered free for all guests of the Compton hotel where I stayed, runs every Saturday from 9-11 AM. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to dabble in biking and get a taste of the town in one fell swoop (without braving the more serious trails). The Cycling Concierge will put even the most beginner bikers at ease and show you the ropes before hitting the road for one of the most dynamic, picturesque ways to see some of Bentonville’s top attractions. You’ll pedal your way along the region’s paved greenway, covering about six miles of sights including Crystal Bridges, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, the new Walmart headquarters, the Momentary, 8th Street Market and more.
Visit the Walmart Museum
It feels wrong to visit the home of Walmart without taking a peek into the Walmart Museum, right? Situated smack in the center of Downtown, the museum actually sits on the exact site where Sam Walton opened the first Walton’s 5 & 10 in 1950. Admission is free, and visitors can explore the museum at their leisure, diving into Walmart’s history by each decade. Here you can find vintage toys, merch, commercials and photos that will take you on a walk down memory lane.
I guess it’s no surprise that Walmart’s hometown is one of the most affordable places I’ve ever been. In conclusion: Was Bentonville, Arkansas on my bucket list? No. Did it pleasantly surprise me? Absolutely…plus, I saved a few bucks for my next bucket-list trip. Girl math!
Where to stay in Bentonville, Arkansas
If I were blindfolded and dropped into the lobby of The Compton and given 50 guesses as to what state I was in, I would fail. This sprawling space is bright, sleek, modern and inviting, with so much natural light, greenery, and incredibly thoughtful design elements throughout. Perhaps most impressive is a hanging centerpiece made entirely of live dandelions—so delicate that they had to rewire the HVAC system to avoid destroying such a unique piece of art.
Opened this past December, The Compton sits in the center of the action, with the heartbeat of Bentonville right outside its front doors. Inside, you’ll find guests working from cozy nooks, grabbing a specialty coffee and a pastry at the café, Field Notes, or chatting with the Cycling Concierge about which of the many bike trails to embark on that day.
Guests can also enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel’s Tuscan-inspired steakhouse, Sestina, or a nightcap at The Eddy without ever leaving the property. If you do decide to leave the property (which I highly suggest, even though you may not want to!), you can access most of Bentonville’s attractions on foot, saving yourself the hassle and expense of Ubering from place to place.
While the stay itself isn’t inexpensive (rooms start at $400), the value comes from the many amenities and services The Compton offers at no additional cost to guests.
Given that Bentonville is the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, let’s dig a little deeper into the aforementioned Cycling Concierge. The Compton’s team of bike experts will help you navigate an otherwise overwhelming sea of options to determine what’s best for you—from leisurely rides for beginners to more complex trails for the adventure seekers. You can bring your own bike or rent one to enjoy any of their complimentary guided weekly rides. Plus, they’ll give you full princess treatment after returning, with cold towels and lemonade because you earned it.