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4 Reasons to Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Combining the power of art with the beauty of nature, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a place to celebrate the American spirit. The museum was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenes nature has to offer. Truly, the blend of this thoughtful architecture with the incredible beauty of the Ozarks makes this a destination worth driving to. 4 Reasons to Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art How It Got Its Name Along the west side of the upper pond walkway, you'll find a stone grotto made of large boulders that are covered quartz crystals. These beautiful formations of nature are abundant in Arkansas and are the namesake for the museum. The grounds stretch across 120 acres of beautiful Ozark landscape and have over 4 miles of trails that wind throughout the site.  Considered a "must-see" experience, these trails were designed to inspire the imagination by connecting the land with its history as you enjoy beautiful works of art outdoors. Collections That Span Centuries With over 1,000 individual objects of art from 7 different collections, Crystal Bridges offers something for every art enthusiast. Whether you prefer watercolors from the 1700s or the more modern artistic expressions of the 20th century, you'll find it here. Their collections are grouped by the following categories: State of the Art 2014 Artist Self-Portraits Outdoor Art Recent Acquisitions Labor and Industry Print Collection:1859-1989 Alfred Stieglitz Collection Drawings and Watercolors: 18th Century and 19th Century Frank Lloyd Wright House No visit to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art would be complete without a tour through the Bachman-Wilson House.  An example of Frank Lloyd Wright's classic Usonian architecture, and originally built along the Millstone River in New Jersey in 1956, the museum acquired this structure in 2013. It was taken apart, transferred, and then reconstructed at the museum in 2015, and represents the residential architecture Wright developed during the Great Depression for the average middle-class family, and it shows off a distinct mid-century modern design. Unique Experiences & Traveling Exhibitions Debuting with immense popularity and public enthusiasm, the North Forest Lights experience has returned for a second season at Crystal Bridges. This awe-inspiring light show has an extended season this year that opens September 1, 2020, and continues through April 4, 2021. Additionally, temporary exhibitions and special art presentations are scheduled all throughout the year for guests to enjoy and often feature traveling pieces from other art institutions. A visit to the museum is a great way to enjoy a lot of art in one place, but it's not the only way. Why not drive your own personal piece of art? The new award-winning Telluride has a ground-breaking design sure to please even the toughest art critics. Check out our inventory at Crain Kia of Bentonville and be one step closer to enjoying the finer things in life every time you get behind the wheel.

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5 Favorite Places to Grab a Bite in Bentonville, AR

Bentonville, AR is home to many wonderful restaurants featuring all types of food, from seafood and sushi to barbecue and American. You will never find yourself in Bentonville without a unique place to dine, but of course, food is only one factor that goes into choosing a restaurant, with atmosphere and friendly service impacting that decision as well. After considering these factors, we have identified our five favorite places to grab a bite. 5 Favorite Places to Grab a Bite in Bentonville, AR Pressroom If you're looking for a great cup of coffee and a light lunch, the Pressroom will deliver every time. Known for its espresso-style drinks, Pressroom's mochas, cappuccinos, and coffees are certain to beat out any chain's drink hands down. Patrons can also dine from a contemporary menu that includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options while they enjoy the artwork on the walls, open mic night, or frequent music events. Eleven For an elevated evening dining experience, locals and tourists alike head to Eleven, an elegantly-designed restaurant located inside Bentonville's newest architectural wonder the Chrystal Bridges Museum. The dining room features ceiling-to-floor windows that overlook the museum's pond. The restaurant is open for lunch as well, but the dining experience for the midday meal is not as formal as it is in the evening. Featuring new American food, diners can enjoy a cosmopolitan experience surrounded by art and sculpture. Live music and cultural events at Eleven round out the ideal museum visit. more Fred's Hickory Inn In Arkansas, barbecue is sacred, and no restaurant does it better than Fred's Hickory Inn, which has been a favorite of Bentonville for more than four decades. Dine on classic barbecue fare, including pork ribs, beef brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches, while enjoying the authentically rustic atmosphere that the log cabin setting conveys. Blu Fish Marketplace Seafood lovers will delight in the lively environment of the Blu Fish Marketplace, a restaurant that features shrimp, lobster, halibut, crab, and salmon, all of which are flown in fresh every day. There is even a sushi bar for patrons looking to incorporate some Asian flavors into their lunch or dinner. Meld Kitchen + Sandwich Bar Sometimes you only have time for a quick sandwich, and that's where Meld Kitchen + Sandwich Bar shines. This restaurant boasts fast and efficient service along with freshly baked bread, crisp salads, flavorful soups, folded sandwiches, and zesty pizzas. Whether you're looking for an affordable place to take the whole family or a fast place to grab a bite before heading back to work, Meld Kitchen + Sandwich Bar will fit your needs. Bentonville, Arkansas may not be known as the foodie capital of the world, but there is certainly no shortage of wonderful places in Bentonville to grab a quick bite or sit down for a formal meal.  If you're in the mood for a different type of food that isn't on this list, visit Crain Kia of Bentonville, where a local resident can provide you with many additional choices.

3 Insta-Worthy Sites in Bentonville

Are you visiting Bentonville, Arkansas, and looking for the best locations to take some Insta-worthy pictures? Bentonville is a charming city with many picturesque places — it's just a matter of knowing where they are. Luckily for you, we've done the hard work for you and created this list of several locations you can snap your next profile pic. Scott Family Amazeum If you're in the mood for a more funky look for your Instagram photoshoot, be sure to check out the Scott Family Amazeum. This museum boasts an estimated 50,000 square feet of exhibits and learning areas that are fun for kids and adults alike. Learn everything you could ever need to know about the Arkansas culture and its history while snapping some creative pics at the various exhibits. A few of the most popular exhibits include the Hershey's Lab, the General Mills Lift, Nature Valley Water Amazements, and the 3M Tinkering Hub. Plus, the Scott Family Amazeum has an acre of outdoor space that offers a gorgeous background for creative photos. The museum is located at 1009 Museum Way in Bentonville, Arkansas. Bentonville City Square If you're looking for a more traditional outdoor photo-op, the Bentonville City Square is the perfect place to visit. Located in the middle of downtown Bentonville, Bentonville City Square is home to parks, trails, museums, restaurants, and retail stores. Take a stroll in the Compton Gardens that feature the Crystal Bridges Trail for some epic Insta-worthy views. On Saturday, enjoy a large farmer's market where you can find some of the freshest produce and homemade goods in the area. Plus, Bentonville City Square is dog-friendly, so be sure to bring along your furry friend. The Bentonville City Square is located at 1 East Central Ave. more Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a gorgeous museum with various photo-ops throughout. The museum features several pavilions set around two spring-fed ponds with several art galleries and a glass-enclosed gathering hall. Inside the museum, you'll find a picture-worthy library with more than 50,000 books on art, a restaurant set atop a glass-enclosed bridge, and several gorgeous exhibits. The collection you'll find at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art spans five centuries of American art that begins in the Colonial era and goes all the way through to current day artwork. Once you've explored the inside of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, take a walk on one of the trails that cover the 120-acre park that leads you right into downtown Bentonville. The tails you can explore include the Orchard Trail, the Rock Ledge Trail, the Tulip Tree Trail, the North Forest Trail, and the Art Trail. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is located at 600 Museum Way in Bentonville, Arkansas. Be sure to tag us in your most Insta-worthy shots! Or, if you find another picturesque location you think we should add to our list, drop us a line over at Crain Kia of Bentonville.

4 Places to Enjoy the Nightlife in Bentonville

Bentonville is as an adventurer's paradise with mountain bike trails, botanical gardens, and swimming holes. The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down, though. Kick up your heels at the following nightspots around Bentonville. Bike Rack Brewing Co. Bars Bike racks have long been meeting places for children arriving at school or preparing to make their way home. Bike Rack Brewing Co. played on this nostalgic association and created the adult equivalent with its nightspots. Today there are three Bike Rack Brewing Co. bars in Bentonville, each with its own unique vibe. The Experiment on the bike trail in Bentonville's Arts District is the original. The 8th Street Market brings community and their love of food and together. A third location in Downtown Springdale is an all-day beer and coffee bar. All three locations serve the iconic local ales and oatmeal stout Bike Rack Brewing Co. is famous for. Undercroft It's easy to miss Undercroft if you don't know it's there. Minimalist signage directs patrons to this vintage cocktail bar. It's hidden underneath The Preacher's Son, a former historic church that's now a modern restaurant. The cocktail menu celebrates classic speakeasy libations. There are also few modern signature drinks for guests with a sense of adventure. If you're not sure what to order, don't worry. The friendly mixologists will happily steer you in the right direction. Ramo d'Olivo If a good vino appeals to your palette, check out Bentonville's wine bar, Ramo d'Olivo. It serves more than 200 different wines by the bottle and many by-the-glass options. Small-batch wines are Ramo d'Olivo's specialty. They're perfectly paired with the bar's authentic Italian dishes. Live performances from local singer-songwriters provide the ambiance in this relaxed local nightspot. more Bentley's Beach Bar Bentley's Beach Bar is a quirky nightspot which brings coastal vibes to Bentonville. The nearest beach is miles away, but that doesn't worry the regulars. They love pretending it's a lot closer as they sip on colorful rum-filled cocktails. The venue hosts rowdy karaoke nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays and live bands on Fridays and Saturdays. DJs keep the tunes pumping. Bentley's is rarely packed, which leaves more space on the dance floor for you and a few friends to cut a rug. Bentley's stays open until 2 a.m. so it makes a great spot for last drinks. No matter whether you love enjoying a quiet drink or dancing til dawn, Bentonville has the perfect nightspot for you. So, don't retire once night falls. Enjoy all the nightlife this Arkansas city offers.

Best Spots for Biking in Bentonville

Bentonville is a bike lovers' paradise with more than 140 miles of trails made for exploring. Whether you love road or trail riding, you'll appreciate this Arkansas city's well-kept trails and bike-friendly culture. The following bike spots are some of Bentonville's best. Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park Don't let the macabre name put you off. Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park is an outdoor playground for off-road riders. There are more than 40 miles of single-track trails, including a path by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art adorned with public artworks. There's something for everyone here. Clean paths including the American and Seed Tick Shuffle trails suit newbies. If you want a greater challenge, you'll relish the rocks and huge berms on Scott Allen Alley and the Medusa trails. Adrenalin junkies also love the jump park and log rides. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve If you're confident on two wheels, head to Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. It's home to Arkansas' most challenging endure-style jump trail system, so it'll get your blood pumping. It's easy to forget how close the city center is as you take on the jump lines, hair-raising rocky passages, and massive gap jumps. The technical Rock Solid Trail and downhill run called Cease and Desist test even seasoned off-roaders. The Lunch Loop If road biking is more your speed, consider the Lunch Loop. This popular 16.5-mile track gets its name because you can complete the course in roughly an hour. That makes it perfect for lunchtime exercise to break up your workday. The Lunch Loop starts and ends on East Central Avenue. Riders travel east towards Little Flock before looping northwest to Bella Vista, then riding back to Bentonville. Expect to feel the burn around the hills of Little Flock Hill Road and Punkin Hollow. more Bella Vista Hills The Lunch Loop gives road riders a taste of the challenging Bella Vista hills before returning to Bentonville. If you're hungry for more, the Bella Vista Hills loop is for you. This path goes deep into the area with challenging ascents including Lambeth Climb and NE A Street. The loop from Bentonville to the Bella Vista Hills and back again is around 34 miles. Make sure you take it a leisurely pace while you can. You'll need to save your stamina for those brutal climbs. Razorback Regional Greenway Razorback Regional Greenway is a paved off-road trail system linking Fayetteville to Bentonville. Home to the Square 2 Square Bicycle Ride, cyclists and walkers enjoy this 40-mile pathway system all year round. The trail is mostly flat, so it's ideal for families. However, small children may not have the stamina to ride the entire way. Thankfully the trail connects to nearby town squares. Stop and refuel at a local restaurant before continuing your journey. Whether you're just learning to ride or you're a seasoned cyclist, Bentonville has high-quality bike spots for your riding pleasure. The city is home to picturesque trails in the Ozark Mountains and perfect paths on urban roads. Get out and enjoy them all in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Cool Off at These Bentonville Swimming Locations

With summer approaching, everyone is daydreaming about sunshine and swimming pools. When it comes to staying cool, Bentonville, Arkansas, has plenty of swimming locations to choose from. Here are just a few of the many pools and splash pads in the area. Bentonville Community Center You'll find a 25-yard indoor competitive pool and a family leisure pool featuring a slide and other fun equipment at the Bentonville Community Center. The daily admission rate is $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. If you plan to visit the pool often throughout the summer, you may want to look into their multiple-day package with 20 admissions, a monthly membership, or a yearly membership. Melvin Ford Aquatic Center There's fun to be had for the whole family at the Melvin Ford Aquatic Center. With a 50-meter competition pool that's great for laps and recreational swimming, and a one-foot deep wading pool and raindrop fountain that's perfect for young kids, you'll be able to entertain everyone all at one place. If you're looking for a thrilling experience, you can try their 13-foot diving well with two, one-meter diving boards. In addition to their regular activities, the Melvin Ford Aquatic Center has fun weekly events, including Mondays at Melvin and Wibit Wednesdays. Head to the pool every Monday for water volleyball, water inflatables, and free snacks. On Wednesdays, you'll enjoy playing on the Wibit, a floating obstacle course with features for sliding, jumping, and climbing. Both special events are available for no extra cost. The daily admission rate is $3 for adults over 18, $2 for kids ages 4 to 17, and free for children 3 and under. more Splash Park If you visit the Lawrence Plaza in the winter months, you'll find a skating rink and other fun cold-weather activities; however, during the summertime, the Plaza becomes a fun, interactive splash park for folks of all ages. The Lawrence Plaza Splash Park features over 80 water jets, plenty of seating around the park for those supervising, and various food trucks nearby for when the stomachs start grumbling. The Splash Park is open and free to the public from May to September. Kingsdale Swimming Pool The Kingsdale Swimming Pool has its grand opening on the Friday before Memorial Day and ends its season the Sunday after Labor Day. This swimming location features three pools, including a 23-meter pool for lessons and recreational swimming, a 17-meter pool specifically for adults, and a 10-meter wading pool for little children. Whether you're a member of the Bella Vista Property Owners Association or not, the admission fees are quite competitive. Members will pay $2 for ages 6 and up and $1 for ages 5 and under. Non-members are charged $4 for guests 6 and over and $2 for children 5 and under. You can also purchase monthly and seasonal passes. Whether you're looking for a good workout, a place to relax, or a fun time for the family, Bentonville has plenty of options to keep you cool and entertained all summer long.

Bentonville Museums to Visit During Summer Vacation

Bentonville, Arkansas, has quite a few cultural attractions that both visitors and locals will enjoy. If you're in the area, be sure you check out some of the following museums. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art If you're an art enthusiast, you'll love a visit to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Crystal Bridges features a one-of-a-kind collection of American art and beautiful architecture. While beautiful artwork is key, what makes this museum unique is the fact that it's located on 120 acres of Ozark woods with access to over four miles of trails. A bonus is that admission to both the museum and trails is free. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum features temporary exhibitions scheduled throughout the year, including traveling exhibitions from different institutions and special artwork presentations from various galleries. Crystal Bridges views nature as a form of artwork, which is why the staff there work hard to keep the property looking beautiful at all times. Its many trails offer its guests beautiful scenery, including natural springs, streams, and native plants and animals. more Scott Family Amazeum The whole family will have a blast at the Scott Family Amazeum. This hands-on museum features roughly 50,000 square feet of exhibits and educational areas designed to make learning fun for all ages. The interactive exhibits educate the guests on Arkansas's land, industries, and the people who developed its culture and keep it going. A couple of fun, permanent exhibits include The Cave and the Art Studio. At The Cave, you'll enjoy exploring a dark pathway through the cave, viewing crystalline rock formations, and watching the blind cavefish and bats in their natural habitat. You can end the experience by taking the rocky staircase to the top of the cave where you'll climb into the large bird's nest. You'll love engaging in hands-on exploration of the visual arts at the Art Studio. From the exhibits glass-walled painting area where you can use your imagination as you create artwork on the glass, to its creative workbench where you can give sculpting, origami, and other crafts a try, your whole family is sure to have a great time. Admission to the Scott Family Amazeum is free for members and children ages two and under. Adults and kids older than two pay a $10 fee. The Walmart Museum Walmart plays a role in many people's weekly lives; however, it's not too often that its history is considered as folks do their regular shopping. At The Walmart Museum, you'll discover its history through various exhibits and artifacts. As you explore the museum, you'll notice the original tin ceiling tiles and red and green flooring tiles from Walton's 5&10, Sam Walton's second store. These red and green tiles tell the story of Sam's desire to keep his costs low so that he could offer his customers the best possible prices, a core principle of Walmart that still holds true today. Whether you're looking for unique, creative, engaging, or all of the above, Bentonville has a museum that is sure to provide the experience you want.

Experience the History of Bentonville This Spring

You might not know it, but the Bentonville area actually includes several locations that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. When the weather gets nicer and spring and summer finally arrive, there's no better way to get active than to visit some of Bentonville's most historic locations. Here are some of our favorites. Downtown Square Downtown Bentonville is perhaps one of the most eventful locations in the Bentonville area. In addition to providing the typical downtown feel, the downtown area also includes entertainment for all members of your family no matter what time of year you plan to visit. That means plenty of restaurants and food trucks and a wide variety of unique shops and stores that you can try out as a family. The downtown also holds several events throughout the year including a farmer's market, parades, and art exhibits, so there's no shortage of entertainment. Peel Mansion If you're more into historical locations, Peel Mansion may be a more appropriate destination for you and your family. When you visit Peel Mansion, you'll be experiencing Bentonville as it was hundreds of years ago. Peel Mansion was once home to Samuel W. Peel, a local Congressman and businessman in the late 1800s. You can schedule a family tour of the museum or just pop in during normal museum hours, visit the property's Heritage Gardens and explore the mansion's outdoor grounds, and spend some time in the log cabin looking for the perfect Bentonville souvenir. more Pea Ridge National Military Park Pea Ridge National Military Park is actually a part of the National Park system. When you visit Pea Ridge, you'll be exposing yourself to the history of the Bentonville area in the late 1800s, specifically the Civil War era. There's plenty that your family can do on your next visit to this national park. You can hike the grounds and discover some of the local plant and animal species, directly experience the local history of the Civil War Era, or simply hop onto the park's 7-mile hiking trail to view the historic and natural sections of this park. Old Spanish Treasure Cave The Old Spanish Treasure Cave is one of the most unique historical locations in the Bentonville area. The cave is supposedly linked to the Spanish Conquistadors that trekked through the Bentonville area seeking treasure over 350 years ago. When you visit the cave, you'll be taken on a tour throughout the cavern and can put yourself in the shoes of the explorers from centuries ago. If you've never been to a cave system before, this is a great location to experience caves for the first time. Final Thoughts The Bentonville area has tons of historic locations that you can explore with your family this coming spring and summer. If the locations we introduced above don't necessarily interest your family, don't worry! By checking out the official Bentonville website, you can view the many other historic locations that Bentonville, Arkansas, has to offer.

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