We Were Born to Run (no, really)
What is it that makes us crave the thrill of exploration?
If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself looking longingly at departing flights overhead and wondering, “Where are they going?” A couple of my neighbors have even become addicted to flight-tracking apps because the curiosity of it is too much. Before you know it, we’re living vicariously, even if just for a second, through strangers some 20,000 feet overhead.
So many of us feel that little nudge inside telling us all too frequently to go travel, go explore. For me, it’s at least anytime the seasons change. I find myself feeling due for a flight or a long road trip. It’s that same little voice that drives us around the next corner of the trail or over the next hill just to see what’s there. It makes us crave to step foot in a city we’ve never been to or see the view from a mountain we haven’t stood on yet.
As it turns out, there’s a very scientific explanation for it. In recent years, researchers have identified the DRD4-7R gene—better known as the “Wanderlust Gene.” It’s thought to be a remnant of the human exodus from Africa and of course a driving factor for the nomadic types. All that to say, if you’re feeling restless and ready to travel all the time, it could actually be in your DNA.
Researchers say it’s only present in about 20% of the population, but I have to wonder if towns like Bentonville don’t have an unusually high concentration of those “Wanderlust Gene” carriers. With miles of trails, beautiful parks, and worldclass dining, there’s no shortage of exploring to be done right in the city limits.
That said, it’s also the perfect basecamp to jump off into adventure in any one of the awe-inspiring parks that the Natural State has to offer. Or if that’s not quite far enough to satisfy your ancient inner-nomad, go see our friends at Thaden Field to jet off somewhere new or jump on a helicopter with your bike.
For this issue, we’ll focus on some places to explore right here in Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas. Some of them may be familiar to you, and if that’s the case, I’d encourage you to go explore them one more time. After all, you can hike the same trail the same way a dozen times, but it can feel brand new if you hike it from the other direction.
Hopefully, this issue gives you something new to explore or something familiar to rediscover. Take someone along with you who hasn’t seen it yet. And if you have to rationalize the time away, just remember—you can’t help it. It’s in your DNA.
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER
@BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Katriel Daniels | katriel.daniels@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Claire McFarland
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
women’s wellness partners nwa
1-7 : FreshGrass and Rule of Three
Photography by Michelle Bazis
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Bentonville BBQ Festival
Photography by Claire McFarland
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT TAKE THEIRS!
“Loved working with Lily! She is definitely on her toes with every aspect of real estate as my buying agent and selling agent. We completed at least 12 transactions together in NWA before we moved back to Nebraska. Hire her!! “
-Jeremy and Amber
“Lily was literally the BEST realtor we’ve ever worked with. She was knowledgeable, professional and accommodating in everything regarding the sell of our home. She put us first in all decision making and made the process as stress free as possible. If you ’ re looking for a realtor PLEASE use Lily Dighero. She truly is the best in the game, I can’t recommend her enough. We are so blessed to have been connected with her!”
-Taylor and Paymon
Bee Organized NWA Can Help Prep Your Home For Sale
Bee Organized NWA is not just an organization company. Their Bees swoop in to purge, pack, stage, and style while making your home the Buzz of the town. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Tara and her team know just how to assist the Realtors and homeowners to make your property shine.
T1D Youth from Fayetteville to Represent Arkansas at Congress
Jackson Grabow (13), from Fayetteville, AR, was chosen by Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, to join a delegation of their peers and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C., this summer at Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress.
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Photography by Tara Yarbrough, Owner
This magazine exists because Wyatt said ‘Yes.’
Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.
Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?
Bentonville City Lifestyle
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BENTO
N V I L L E
Any Northwest Arkansas transplant can attest to the recreational jackpot that is Bentonville. Whether you hail from another outdoorsy hotspot, a big city, or a small rural town, there’s no denying the top-shelf options available locally for the leisure outdoorsman, wildlife enthusiast, or adrenaline athlete. Some of the options that spoil us are thanks to the stewardship of the Peel Compton Foundation. The organization’s diverse catalog of properties pays homage to Bentonville culture and the natural beauty of the Ozarks, all of which can be seamlessly incorporated into our everyday lives. Explore one of these Peel Compton Foundation properties any day of the week.
Peel Compton Foundation www.PeelCompton.org info@peelcompton.org 479.254.3870
COMPTON GARDENS OSAGE PARK
Compton Gardens and Arboretum is named after Dr. Neil Compton, the man who helped to establish Arkansas’ Buffalo River as the nation’s first National River. Explore six acres of native flowers, Champion Trees, and woodland animals. A walking path weaves throughout the conservation area, offering a peaceful sanctuary to all who wander.
While exploring Compton Gardens, be sure to visit the newly renovated home of Dr. Compton. Opening to the public in late July, the home features an interactive exhibit with details about the current garden and arboretum as well as Dr. Compton’s trail blazing story.
Neighboring Thaden Fieldhouse, Osage Park encompasses Lake Bentonville for a serene 12-acre wetland ecosystem. Explore the park’s floating boardwalks and bike paths while navigating between the waterfront airstrip and family playground area before making your way to the pristine pickleball courts and friendly dog park - where you’ll often find a group of local food trucks to fuel your experience. Open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Also near Bentonville Lake is Peel Compton's Quiver Archery Range, open Wednesday–Friday from 2 pm - 7 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 8 am - 7 pm. Admission is $20 per person; memberships are available. 1701 SW A St. • TheQuiver@PeelCompton.org
COLER MOUNTAIN BIKE PRESERVE PEEL MUSEUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN
Now boasting one of the biggest jump lines in Bentonville, COLER Mountain Bike Preserve offers more than 17 miles of trail accommodating all skill levels. Enjoy the creekside greenway, which winds beautifully through the preserve, stopping at The Rise [185 steps equivalent to 11 flights of stairs] to test your endurance, or Airship Coffee to refuel. COLER’s campsite is also a great option for a staycation adventure.
The two-story, 14-room Italianate style home, with its hipped roof, rectangular tower, and arched windows, was completed in 1875. The accompanying building, which functions as a museum store, is an example of what a more traditional homestead looked like at the time. The land on which the Peel Mansion is built was purchased by Samuel West Peel in 1872, is decorated with expansive gardens featuring native perennials, an herb garden, an apple orchard, and more. Samuel West Peel is best remembered as the first native-born Arkansan to be elected to the United States Congress.
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Rafe Ann Du Bois, CRPC™
Financial Advisor 13020 N Hwy 71, Ste 104 Bentonville, AR 72712 479-273-9058 rafeann.dubois@edwardjones.com
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Financial Advisor 1100 Mallard Place Ste C Bentonville, AR 72712 479-271-0488 d.jones@edwardjones.com
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Financial Advisor 3401 SW 2nd St, Ste 101 Bentonville, AR 72712 479-925-7579 daniel.paul@edwardjones.com
CENTRAL AMERICA AT THE CIGAR DISTRICT
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MICHELLE BAZIS & CLAIRE MCFARLAND
THE BENTONVILLE BUSINESS REPRESENTING GENERATIONS OF TOBACCO FARMERS
Located four blocks west of The Momentary on 6th street, Bobby and Johnna Duncan opened The Cigar District, with its rooftop lounge and premium retail store, for cigar enthusiasts and the cigar curious alike. For the Duncans, each handrolled cigar tells a story about family traditions and cultural craftsmanship worth experiencing in the same way we soak in the romance of a moody cocktail lounge or honor generational legacies while touring a vineyard.
According to Bobby, most tobacco used in cigar making is sourced from farms in Central America: The Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Benefiting from a similar climate, many of these farms originated from seeds and knowledge that fled Cuba during the revolution led by Fidel Castro, resulting in the US Trade Embargo for all Cuban products, including cigars.
The Cigar District
200 SE 6th Street Bentonville, AR 72712
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Soil and climate affect cigar products as much as any plant-derived specialty. The Duncans explain that cigars originating from the Dominican Republic are light and smooth, often described as “creamy”. A Davidoff cigar, for example, pairs well with an espresso. “All the elements that go into making a great cigar, they're the best at,” Bobby says. The Cigar District is the appointed merchant for Davidoff in NWA.
Another exclusive product to The Cigar District in NWA are Atabey Costa Rican cigars. “What makes Atabey unique is they’re exported to Spain, where the cigars are put through a series of humidors - each with a different type of cedar - for years after they’re rolled.”
COSTA RICA HONDURAS
NICARAGUA
“Probably the most popular cigars in the U.S., the tobacco is grown in Nicaragua,” says Johnna. “I find Nicaraguan tobacco to be very peppery.” With a spice-forward profile, Nicaraguan cigars like Espinosa, Johnna says, should pair nicely with a Cabernet or even a Dr. Pepper. The Cigar District offers a range of Espinosa Cigars, a brand founded by Cuban-born Erik Espinosa.
Where Nicaraguan cigars lean spicy, the Duncans describe Honduran cigars as, "Typically, more earthy." Folks interested in a completely different cigar experience might enjoy brands like Oscar Valladares and Aladino, both available at The Cigar District.
FreshGrass BTS: BENTONVILLE
Preparing The Annual Festival Celebrating Grassroots Music
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS & CLAIRE MCFARLAND
What does it take to put together one of Bentonville’s cherished annual music festivals? FreshGrass Bentonville, organized in partnership with the FreshGrass Foundation, recently celebrated its fifth festival at The Momentary. A weekend filled with local and international musicians, spanning multiple stages, as well as craft makers and local vendors, requires a community of committed folks
dedicated to offering the best possible grassroots experience.
Will Eubanks is the director of music and production for The Momentary, but began his career with the venue as a production manager. "My history with Crystal Bridges actually goes back to ten years ago when they first started doing the North Forest concerts,” he said. “Having been a local musician for many years, this position has been really important to me, knowing that we give a platform to local artists.”
Eubanks claims The Momentary is an ideal venue for festivals, especially for the community it serves - a community that loves quality entertainment but also wants to be up early for a group ride or coffee meeting. There’s a certain demographic, he says, that wants to be out there, but they have families and can’t spend days camping and surrounded by questionable substances. “I think the venue really lends itself to being a new way of experiencing a festival like FreshGrass. I've got kids of my own, and I can bring them to this festival.”
With an all-ages, family-friendly demographic in mind, and a passionate foundation at the planning table, efforts to coordinate the next FreshGrass Bentonville begin right after the current festival ends. “We took about two weeks off to catch our breath,” Eubanks shared. “Then we're immediately back into planning for the next one.”
Starting with the budget, as most events do, the FreshGrass planning team hashes out programming and marketing first, which Eubanks says takes four or five months. “We're having conversations like, ‘What did we do last year that was successful? What did we do that wasn't successful? How do we message things differently?’ That's the back and forth for months until we finally get to the point where we're ready to announce.”
With the event framework in place, this is when operations and specialty curators get involved. “We set the two main stages, and then start thinking about what other things are going to happen, like the artists on the smaller stages, the vendors, and the pop-up activations,” Eubanks said. “It’s these other things that make a festival.”
One of these special, festival-forming elements is the House of Songs’ Songrider program. Founded by musician Troy Campbell, House of Songs [HOS] aims to create a network of talented individuals who can support each other as they navigate the music industry. One of the ways Campbell achieves this mission is by finding innovative ways to capitalize on opportunities, like FreshGrass, to connect and promote local artists.
“Last year I pitched Songrider because I'd run into Peter Stevenson [HOS project and grants manager],” Campbell shared. “He was a grant writer and an avid biker, and he ran a nonprofit for a symphony up north. He said, ‘I just want to do things that involve music and I love biking.’ So I said, ‘I have an idea.”
Three months before FreshGrass 2024, Campbell and Stevenson approached the planning team with an idea to merge local musicians and NWA bike organizations for an experience that would inspire new songs, which they would
perform at FreshGrass. “I said, How can we add value to your festival? I need people to see more people who are aspiring.”
This year, a collection of local performers with styles ranging from hip-hop and mariachi to country and folk shared their NWA biking stories through song on the Momentary’s RØDE House stage. The tone of their lyrics encompassed themes of humor, peace, camaraderie, and Ozark appreciation.
“We've had a long-standing relationship with House of Songs in this festival,” Eubanks said. “I feel like this is a thing that's going to stick for a while.”
With another successful festival in the books, this is a sentiment local musicians and fans can expect from FreshGrass Bentonville as a whole.
Looking forward to more festival experiences at the Momentary? This October, modern music lovers can experience MOMENTOUS, a multi-day EDM festival, featuring internationally acclaimed artists and local stars spanning stages across Bentonville's Momentary campus.
House of Songs Songrider performers, Trio Las Hermanitas Alvarez
Experience Arkansas Heli Biking
OZ Trails Heli Will Take Your Next Bike Adventure To New Heights
Pick your poison - gravel or single track - and load up at Thaden Fieldhouse for an OZ Trails Heli excursion. Taking off from Legends Air Center at Bentonville’s Thaden Fieldhouse, each A-Star Helicopter can accommodate five individuals, in addition to the pilot. Led by Chief Pilot, Stan Kartes, OZ Trails Heli charters premium NWA cycling adventures, with ‘awe-worthy’ experiences perfect for hosting special guests or celebrating occasions.
Once settled into the six-seater helicopter, known for its performance and comfortable cabin, you and your guests will witness the Natural State from a vantage point that exposes new layers of the land you love to explore on two wheels. Nothing paints an adventurous picture quite like a heli-biking excursion out of Bentonville.
To book one of these four OZ Trails Heli destinations, or to explore one of the many other private charter options available from Thaden Field, contact Legends Air Center’s Charter and Event Coordinator, Sophie Lowe, for a personalized quote.
LegendsAirCenter.com 479-254-0817
“Expect to feel taken care of. This is not an ordinary experience, so expect out of the ordinary service.”
Heli hop to the Arkansas-Missouri border for direct access to Bella Vista’s Little Sugar Trail system. Opt for an E-MTB and maximize your miles, tagging on a little Back 40 before connecting to Blowing Springs for some fun at Wonderland. Wrap this wild ride with a cool beverage at Gear Garden. From $165 per seat.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
This ever-evolving recreational gem offers world-class mountain biking for all skill levels and enough miles of trail to fill your day. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is a destination unlike any other in Arkansas, with rolling boulder fields and sprawling mountain views. From $495 per seat.
Devil’s Den State Park Eureka Springs
There’s something for everyone at Devil’s Den. Bring a group and select your loop, then enjoy hours of scenic Arkansas trails featuring dazzling rock formations and ethereal waterfalls. From $385 per seat.
With trails as eclectic as the town, Eureka Springs is a destination worth considering for your OZ Trails Heli adventure. Explore more than 18 miles of world-class MTB trails at The Great Passion Play, or spend the day lapping downhill trails at Lake Leatherwood Bike Park. From $220 per seat.
DRINKS UP ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT
Crafting Cocktails with Fresh Garden Ingredients
Summer is here and what better way to quench your thirst than with drinks crafted from the season’s fresh produce? Embrace the natural sweetness of sun-ripened fruits and the invigorating zest of garden-fresh herbs. From crisp berry infusions to fragrant herbal blends, enjoy the art of crafting delicious and revitalizing beverages that celebrate the fresh flavors of summer.
LIME MINT
OSE MOJITO
Ingredients:
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar (or simple syrup, to taste)
• 2 ounces white rum
• 1 ounce rose water (adjust to taste, as it can be potent)
• Club soda or sparkling water
• Garnish: Mint sprigs, lime wedges, edible rose petals (optional)
Instructions: Muddle:
Place the mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add sugar. Use a muddler to gently crush the mint and lime. Pour the white rum and rose water into the glass. Stir well. Fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, a lime wedge, and, if desired, edible rose petals.
PEAR FIZZ
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Gin (or Vodka)
• 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
• 1 oz Pear Liqueur (or Pear Juice)
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 sprig of Rosemary
• Sparkling water
• Garnish: Rosemary sprig, grapefruit slice, pear slice
Instructions:
Place the rosemary sprig in a cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle the rosemary to release its oils. Add the gin (or vodka), grapefruit juice, pear liqueur and lime juice to the shaker. Add ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a grapefruit slice, and a pear slice.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS JULY 2025
JUNE 26TH
Wheel I - 6 Week Class
Fifth Street Studio | 6:00 PM
A course designed for true beginners, teaching students the basics of throwing pottery. Meeting weekly for six consecutive weeks, two hours per class. Students will have access to all equipment and materials needed for throwing pottery, including clay, firing, and tools for class. Thursdays beginning June 26th. Cost $315.
JULY 4TH
An Evening at Orchards Park
Orchards Park | 9:30 PM
Celebrate Independence Day with a classic fireworks show at Orchards Park, hosted by Bentonville Parks and Recreation. Live music begins at 7 pm with fireworks starting at 9:30 pm. Concessions will be available. Personal fireworks prohibited.
JULY 11TH
Johan Kagen and Crowe Boys
The Momentary | 8:00 PM
Friday, July 11th, spend an evening at the Momentary’s RØDE House enjoying the talented Jonah Kagen and Crowe Boys. Their acoustic-driven indie sounds share profound stories
CONTINUED
JULY 12TH
Not Your Nonna’s
Crystal Flats | 1:00 PM
From Chef Meleah and Hostess Hannah, The Local NWA welcomes foodies to join its fifth Not Your Nonna’s supper club experience, this time highlighting Italian classics with an Arkansas twist. Merging classic dishes with Southern flair, this 21+ dinner at Crystal Flats includes six courses, and seating is limited. Learn more on Instagram @TheLocal_NWA.
JULY 16TH
Karoke Night
The Ledger | 6:30 PM
Have a song in your heart? Wanna have a sing-along with friends? Stop by The Ledger Building for Karaoke Night with drinks, light bites, and good vibes! Ages 21+. 6:30 - 9:00 PM.
JULY 19TH
Yoga in the Garden
Peel Museum & Botanical Gardens | 8:00 AM
Grab your mat and bring a friend to join Yoga Story for FREE morning yoga. Available at 8 am every Saturday in July at Peel Botanical Garden.
