The Glow of Bentonville
Southern Living|September 2023
Pack your bags. Now's the best time of year to visit this Arkansas city where nature and art come together
LISA CERICOLA
The Glow of Bentonville

THE NEON cowgirl surveys the scene from her perch on the old Benton County jail. She's clad in a white tengallon hat, and her red lips are blowing smoke from a gun barrel-she's a glamorous, glowing Bonnie looking for her Clyde. Created by Texas neon artist Todd Sanders, the sculpture, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, hangs across the street from the 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville, where I'm staying. It greets me when I step out in the morning and return in the evening. Each of these brief interactions sparks a little joy during my weekend in Bentonville.

And that's exactly why the cowgirl is there. This Northwest Arkansas city has committed to making public art-130 works and counting-a regular part of life for residents and tourists. While most of these pieces are on display year-round, there's no better time to view them than autumn, when the Ozark Mountains are aglow with color and the weather is ideal for taking it all in. One unexpected pleasure of my visit was discovering that Bentonville is compact and walkable (or bikeable-more on that later), making it an easy art-filled escape that doesn't require traveling far.

START AT THE SQUARE

During my first afternoon, I set out to explore the town square that's fringed with red- and gold-leaved trees. It's small but densely populated with restaurants, bars, and locally owned stores such as Once Upon a Time Books, Phat Tire Bike Shop, and Remedy Road (a boutique that stocks ethically and globally sourced clothing and home goods). The square's main draw for out-of-towners is undoubtedly The Walmart Museum and Walton's 5&10, the original general store that Walmart founder Sam Walton opened in 1950. Both are undergoing extensive renovations and are set to reopen next spring, but a temporary space called The Walmart Museum Heritage Lab is located just two blocks off the square.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von Southern Living.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von Southern Living.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS SOUTHERN LIVINGAlle anzeigen
It's Pasta Night, Y'all!
Southern Living

It's Pasta Night, Y'all!

A little bit Southern, a little bit Italian, and ready in just 30 minutes

time-read
4 Minuten  |
March 2025
MAKING MY WAY IN Savannah
Southern Living

MAKING MY WAY IN Savannah

This historic Georgia destination welcomes around 15 million tourists each year. Among them are visitors like me who have disabilities and unique travel challenges. Thankfully, the Hostess City of the South lives up to its nickname

time-read
10 Minuten  |
March 2025
the MAGIC of MANATEES
Southern Living

the MAGIC of MANATEES

Meeting Florida's most loved marine mammals on their own turf-er, surf Admire manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
March 2025
Making Room To Grow
Southern Living

Making Room To Grow

A women-led team helps a young family reconfigure their 100-year-old Birmingham house to accommodate their evolving needs

time-read
5 Minuten  |
March 2025
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Southern Living

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Get to know Oklahoma's vibrant capital city by exploring each of its distinctive boroughs

time-read
8 Minuten  |
March 2025
The Mystery of the Whataburger
Southern Living

The Mystery of the Whataburger

When the talk of the town leaves you hungry for updates

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
REINVENTING THE WHEEL
Southern Living

REINVENTING THE WHEEL

Designer Andrew Howard summons every color under the sun in this merrily maximalist abode in St. Simons Island, Georgia

time-read
5 Minuten  |
March 2025
Brights of Spring
Southern Living

Brights of Spring

Nashville's Cheekwood in Bloom festival welcomes new growth in Technicolor style

time-read
4 Minuten  |
March 2025
The New Rules of Neutrals
Southern Living

The New Rules of Neutrals

From vibrant hues to softer tones, shades of blue and green are replacing the basics

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025
Green Energy
Southern Living

Green Energy

Take advantage of peak-season Swiss chard, from leaf to stem

time-read
1 min  |
March 2025