Understand, Appreciate, Love, Protect
Long before publishing a magazine, I spent about 7 years working as a Naturalist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Naturalists sometimes also go by the title ‘interpreter,’ meaning they translate more deeply the natural world to those who are interested.
We’re innately drawn to the exploration of the world around us. As kids, we dig, turn over rocks, dive to the bottoms of rivers. As adults, we take the exploration more seriously, maybe with better gear. As a species, we’ve looked to the stars and deep into the oceans, willing to risk the deprivation of our most basic needs for a glimpse at understanding what else exists around us.
As ingrained in us as exploration is, so also is a very human urge towards ownership. We become territorial over the places we love. Conservation and preservation put these two urges at odds with one another. We don’t want to see the places we love affected negatively by others.
Enos Mills, who in many ways pioneered the field of interpretation, led more than 250 hikes up Long’s Peak, accompanied over the years by hundreds of visitors. Mills likely struggled with the same conflicted feelings of sharing what he treasured with so many, but ultimately he decided upon the idea that would later become the foundation for Freeman Tilden’s philosophy: "Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection.”
Some famed naturalists, like Edward Abbey, have been less optimistic, and for just cause. It would be irresponsible to consider only the optimism of Tilden and Mills without also recognizing the reality that increased visitation to the places we love comes with risks of its own.
I think that’s exactly the point, though. These conflicting ideals–the push and pull of progress and preservation–gives us the balance we need to share what we love to the goal of protecting it.
That’s a hard balance to hold within ourselves in a place as special as the Ozarks. But if I could challenge you (and I) to one idea as the trails become more crowded and the rivers more congested—choose optimism. Wave to a tourist on the Buffalo, smile at someone on the trail, pick up someone else’s can or wrapper with the hope that they’ll someday do the same. Because, though there are giants who have led the charge, no place has ever been preserved by one person alone.
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER
July 2026
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
Jennifer Purifoy | jennifer.purifoy@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Andi Darling, Ellison Bynum-Hyman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andi Darling, Blake Garrison
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ellison Bynum-Hyman
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
ALEX
LA FUENTE
MICHELLE BAZIS
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A Mo Willems Exhibit Makes Debut at the Scott Family Amazeum
This interactive exhibition invites its audience to view and play by exploring the concept of opposites through hands-on experiences, art-making activities, and artist-led performances. The exhibition will inspire every visitor to create and respond to art in their own unique ways. "Maybe the oldest member of your family and the youngest member of your family can create their own opposites and see how their art styles mix and are different," said Mo Willems.
Momentary Announces Momentus Lineup
Momentous will feature an exciting and diverse group of internationally recognized electronic music artists and rising stars. The festival will be headlined by Grammy-nominated New York City-based duo SOFI TUKKER, with additional performances by Hiroko Yamamura, Channel Tres (DJ Set), The Faint, Cut Copy (DJ Set), Annie-Claude Deschênes, J. Worra, Sextile, VNSSA, X-Coast, and Rin Peisert
by Carter Kirkland
Bentonville Selected for 21c Artadia Award
The 21c Artadia Award is a long-term partnership that annually provides $15,000 to one artist living and working in the unique creative communities where 21c Museum Hotels are located. The 21c NWA Award application is an open call–beginning June 25–free to apply, and available to visual artists currently living and working within Bentonville and Washington Counties, Arkansas.
Photography
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Mayor Stephanie Orman and Velocity NWA Founder Kourtney Barrett Celebrate Bentonville's Bikeable Way of Life
THE BENTONVILLE WAY
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLISON BYNUM-HYMAN & CLAIRE MCFARLAND
Traffic is a growing pain. We see evidence of this bittersweet ache throughout Bentonville, whether we’re running errands on Walton or navigating Downtown around mealtimes. Thankfully, our oneof-a-kind biking culture helps break up the saltiness of packed parking garages and lengthy commutes.
“Twenty-three years ago, if you were in Bentonville, you had to go to Fayetteville for everything,” recalls Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman. “Now, we get to stay in Bentonville. I think that shows the evolution of the area.”
Orman and Velocity NWA Founder, Kourtney Barrett, recently collaborated on a Ride to Work campaign, demonstrating the ease of mobile meetings and the perks of exploring a growing Bentonville by bike.
For Barrett, Ride to Work Wednesdays is about more than getting from one place to another. It is culture-building in motion, a form of community engagement that inspires residents to experience Bentonville at street level and better understand how connection, mobility, and shared perspective shape a growing city. “In Bentonville, we like to do things a little bit differently,” Barrett says. “On a bike, the bigger picture comes into focus.”
I can attest to this truth. After joining Social Ride Bentonville for one of its Monday rides from Archie’s Sandwichery, I saw a side of Bentonville that is best explored via Greenway rather than my go-to single-track. The mellow ride began with cruising down Central past Conifer to the Amazeum, then looping back through Walmart Campus and The Momentary grounds before ending at the Square.
This infrastructure is a priority in the City’s work to make alternative mobility a pillar of the Bentonville lifestyle.
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"If you want to socialize and connect with people, it's easier to do it on a bike. That's a big part of the Bentonville experience."
"We've created so many spaces in Bentonville, where I feel like I can do my perfect day every day in some different way."
“There was a lot of intentionality with creating infrastructure that makes you want to slow down,” Orman said. “We want you to connect with your community. But along with that, we’re always concerned about safety. It’s important for us to help educate the public and learn how we make mobility safe for everybody.”
This is where the Mayor’s collaboration with Barrett comes into play. Barrett’s work through Velocity NWA focuses on behavior strategy, educational storytelling, and brand activation. She and her team work with Walmart and community leaders on initiatives, including Ride to Work Wednesdays, Active Commuter Academy, and a bike share program. Each program is part of a larger campaign to create welcoming opportunities for locals to become a part of the Bentonville area bike culture.
“The Active Commuter Academy is a free educational resource, brought to you by Walmart, where we collaborate with the police department, the parks department, the fire department, the Mayor, the school district…all of these different collaborators on what safe bike commuting looks like. Then we require you to complete this eight-minute educational video before you receive your e-bike rebate.”
We can thank Walmart and the Walton Family Foundation for the Bentonville E-Bike Rebate program. The goal is to increase buy-in for alternative transportation by easing the financial burden of e-bike ownership. Eligible applicants can receive a
$800 to $1,600 rebate on the purchase of an e-bike, e-cargo bike, or adaptive e-bike.
“With the e-bike rebate, I purchased an e-cargo bike, and that’s the bike of choice now,” Barrett said. “No matter what the day brings, my bike can do it all.”
If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘Despite living in the biking capital of the world, I’m not much of a biker,’ Orman hopes her Ride to Work video with Barrett serves as encouragement.
“It’s important to me that we encourage everyone to try biking in whatever way they are comfortable,” she said. “I’m not nearly as good on a bike as Kourtney, but I want everyone to experience our trails and be able to do it with their families. We have some amazing bikers here, so when you see them invite someone who is not at the same level, I think that makes our biking culture very special.”
“When our leadership shows that they can hop on a mountain bike and ride with other women, that’s inspiration,” Barrett added. “That’s the whole point of the Ride to Work program; just showing how easy and fun it is.”
Both Orman and Barrett explained that the invitation is as important as the ‘Yes.”
“Kyla Templeton really got me started riding in the very beginning,” Barrett shared. “It didn’t take long, and Allyson de la Houssaye, Lauren Pickman, Ashley Patterson, and Ashley O’Reilly…so many of these women were like, ‘Let’s ride together.’”
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She’s talking about the genesis of Women of OZ, a women’s cycling group that Orman says helped her get reacquainted with her bike and local trails.
Barrett sees that inviting spirit as one of Bentonville’s greatest cultural strengths. In her view, the biking community is not defined only by its trails or infrastructure, but by the willingness of people to bring others along. “You’d be hard-pressed to find someone here who would say no to joining you on a ride or helping you learn,” Barrett says. “That’s the spirit of Bentonville. We all have the opportunity to shape our local culture every day, and that’s something each of us has to take ownership of.”
And isn’t this the heart of it all? The Bentonville Way is one that is welcoming, social, and collaborative. It’s a place brimming with enthusiasm for the outdoors, entrepreneurial spirit, and neighborly support. It’s both ambitious and easy-going, and many of us are navigating this rare lifestyle on a bike.
If the options feel overwhelming, or group activities feel intimidating, take note from Orman or Barrett’s ideal ‘bikeable’ day in Bentonville to get started.
“We’ve created so many spaces in Bentonville, where I feel like I can do my perfect day every day in some different way,” Orman says. “I would probably start by getting on one of our bikes at City Hall and riding down Main to 8th Street. Then, take that
infrastructure over to the Walmart Campus; there’s a new coffee shop I need to check out. Depending on the day, I’d ride back Downtown to stop by the Farmers Market or hit the Crystal Bridges Trail before having brunch or lunch with my family.”
For Barrett, the ideal bikeable day starts at work with ‘moving meetings’ or biking to a luncheon. At the end of the workday, you’ll find her riding and socializing via her e-bike.
“Most likely, I will see people I know also commuting or at a cafe,” she said. “I love progressive stops with unexpected interactions that continue the efficiency of the day. You can do it all on a bike. If you want to socialize and connect with people, it’s easier to do it on a bike.”
She says she likes a slow start and end to her days, offering a moment for quiet reflection.
“Entrepreneur or not, most of us move through our days with urgency,” she adds. “But biking reminds us to slow down, enjoy nature and the relationships we’ve built, plus stay connected to the place around us. That’s a big part of the Bentonville experience, and it’s what makes this community easy to love.”
For more information on Ride To Work events and Active Commuter Academy, visit www.velocitynwa.com and follow @ridetoworkwednesdays on instagram.
GET TO KNOW GNARGO
ARTICLE BY ANDI DARLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS & CLAIRE MCFARLAND
THE BENTONVILLE-BASED CARGO BIKE BRAND CUSTOMIZING CRUISERS FOR A RICHLY DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF RIDERS
Gnargo Bikes began as a COVID project for Zach Springer and Elysia Contreras Springer, which grew into something much bigger than either of them expected.
While the business officially opened in 2022, the idea of Gnargo began long before that, sparked by Elysia’s long morning commute in the Twin Cities. With a toddler and an infant in the back seat, she found herself reflecting on her own quality of life and if there was a way to have a more peaceful beginning to her day.
Together, she and Zach started looking for an affordable cargo bike that incorporated upcycling and sustainability. They eventually learned that their dream bike would need to be built.
That decision led them to Pedal it Forward in Northwest Arkansas, a community bike shop that restores used bikes to give and sell to people in need. Their partnership functions like this: Every time Gnargo buys a $50 donor frame, that money goes to repair two more bikes that Pedal it Forward can give or sell to someone in need; one deal gives the community three more bikes.
From there, the focus shifts completely to the buyer and their needs. Whether it’s a mom making a morning commute or a college student running between classes, Gnargo devotes itself to creating a bike that works perfectly for their customers’ lifestyles. Drawing on their backgrounds in design and teaching, Zach and Elysia built a feedback-based business that is always evolving. While one of Gnargo’s goals is to create affordable and sustainable bikes, their other goal is to provide a joyful experience by helping riders feel more connected not only to the environment but also to their community.
“Community is woven in as a constant for us,” Elysia said. From their donor frames to the customers they attentively listen to, to the team they have carefully gathered around them, including John Schoffner. Joining Zach and Elysia early on as their ‘third co-founder,’ he brings creative problem-solving and fabrication skills to the Gnargo garage. “I call him our wizard, because he has an amazing engineering brain and just knows how to make things work.”
Gnargo reflects a deliberate and deeply felt commitment to doing things differently. That intentionality extends to who they hire. In a male-dominated industry, Gnargo has made a conscious decision to hire female talent.
As the lead fabricator, Taylor Muff came to Gnargo straight out of welding school, eager to gain hands-on experience, but found more. Muff discovered joy in her work through Gnargo’s customers. Reflecting, she says, “My favorite part of the process is seeing every customer’s personality coming back in their bikes.” By starting with the frame, Muff only explores the skeleton of the bike, welding each bone together before she sends it off to the finishing and assembling team.
When asked what it was like working at Gnargo, her immediate response was, “They never limit me,” she said. Gnargo pushes her beyond her personal expectations into a place of excitement and exploration. A prime example of this exploration is a custom pottery bike Muff built for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art that spins the throwing wheel while you pedal.
At Gnargo, that kind of challenge is nothing out of the ordinary. Growth is something that is explored every day. An example of this growth is an exciting partnership with Bosch Motors.
“This means we now have a premium build option for both our trishaws and our cargo bikes,” Elysia explains. “It’s a high-quality, future-proof motor system solution as we see more regulations and laws stateside.”
It’s that shared sense of possibility between the founders and coworkers that makes Gnargo feel less like a workplace and more like a family. The newest addition to that family is CC Nicholas.
Nicholas has found a home at Gnargo as an assembly tech and unofficial content manager. From the moment she joined the Gnargo team, she said she saw Zach and Elysia as leaders, not bosses. “I didn’t have to prove myself,” Nicholas said. For her, the work extends beyond personal experience.
Gnargo is dedicated to building bikes for the elderly through their partnership with Cycling Without Age and for people with disabilities. This unique dedication is the heart and soul of her role. For Nicholas, bikes aren’t just a mode of transportation; they are joy, connection, and a moment to breathe when the world becomes crowded. “Starting your day with nature makes you so much happier,” she says.
Each Gnargo bike is part of a bigger story that is written by the community. Their brand activates individuals and pushes industry standards with attentiveness and care.
CC Nicholas
“EACH GNARGO BIKE IS PART OF A BIGGER STORY THAT IS WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY.”
Elysia Contreras Springer
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
AMERICA’S MUSEUM ART
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opened the doors to its highly anticipated expansion project in early June 2026. Designed by Safdie Architects, the addition seamlessly extends the iconic "bridge" motif, weaving an architectural figure-eight through the Ozark forest, deepening the museum's famed integration of art, architecture, and nature.
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MICHELLE BAZIS
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Celebrates Landmark Expansion
According to Safdie Architects’ Founding Partner, Moshe Safdie, the vision for this second phase was established before Crystal Bridges ever broke ground on phase one. He recalls discussing the 25-year plan with museum founder Alice Walton, who said, “Why wait 25 years?”
This project is a major flex on multiple fronts. They said, ‘World-class art doesn’t belong in Arkansas.’ They said, ‘You can’t build it in the middle of a forest.’ They said, ‘Nature and craft don’t belong in a fine art museum.’ In every way that time, industry, and physics have said “No,” “Impossible,” or “Why?” Walton and her team have said, “Why not?” And, “Watch this!”
Curatorially, the addition provides a platform for a more expansive view of American narratives. The new galleries, including a new Contemporary American Art Gallery and a North Exhibition Gallery–equipped with a bespoke skylight system—allow for transformative curation with major inclusions for Indigenous art, craft, and sculpture. Inaugurating the new temporary gallery space is Keith Haring in 3D, the first exhibition dedicated to exploring the iconic artist’s work in three dimensions.
The addition also brings new ways for visitors to engage with the property, including a splash pad and creative learning center dubbed The Hub. The Hub was designed as a nexus for curiosity and connection, featuring a community gallery and lounge, artist-in-residence studios, a ceramics studio, and a digital art studio. "There’s an artist in all of us," says Marissa Reyes, Chief Learning and Engagement Officer at Crystal Bridges. “The Hub is a place for you to feel that creativity and artistry within you.”
“You might not be able to see it all in one day,” says Crystal Bridges Executive Director Rod Bigelow. This puts the museum on par with many of the larger institutions around the world and increases the odds of repeat visitors. Anticipating this marathon museum experience, visitors will be able to pause for reflection and refreshment at Quartz + Honey, a new café central to the new glass bridge, both offering unobstructed views of the museum’s surrounding nest.
Ten years ahead of schedule, in alignment with the Nation’s 250th birthday, Crystal Bridges has reaffirmed its position as a divergent and industry-shaping art institution with this unprecedented demonstration of growth, solidifying its place as America’s Art Museum.
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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
The Road Trip EXPERIENCE
“THE RV IS ABOUT THE ROAD TRIP EXPERIENCE. OUR RVS OFTEN GO OUT TO THE NATIONAL PARKS, AND THE FAMILY IS TOGETHER THE WHOLE TIME.”
Owned and operated by Tracey and Michelle Smith, Sugarbear Express RVs is a Northwest Arkansas brand that deals in open road exploration. A concept born from the Smith’s favorite excursions and developed into an opportunity for other families to create the same core memories.
Tracey and Michelle met at the University of Arkansas where she played volleyball and earned her Master’s in teaching, and
SMITH'S 'SUGARBEAR' REMOVES BURDEN OF RV OWNERSHIP SO MORE CAN ENJOY OPEN ROAD ADVENTURES
he studied criminal justice. Michelle went on to teach and coach volleyball at Bentonville High School, while Tracey made a career in transportation management. The couple raises their three young girls on a healthy diet of outdoor adventure, taking them on camping and fishing trips each year, which ultimately inspired the investment in the original Sugarbear.
“Sugarbear is his name for me,” Michelle said about her husband. “I always wanted to be a mom, and I loved to bake.”
“We saw a big motor home come through the neighborhood when we first got married, and we thought, ‘One day we’re going to get one of those and name it The Sugarbear Express, and it’ll have a bear on the back with a plate of cookies,” Tracey adds. “Fifteen or so years later, we bought the first Sugarbear.”
The couple wanted their own RV, and with his background in transportation, Tracey had the idea to rent it out from time to time to help cover the investment.
“A lot of people will miss out on these experiences because RVs are expensive,” Michelle said. “That’s where we come in. We bought the first Sugarbear RV in 2019, and now we have around 30 rentals in our fleet, including RVs and towables.”
The success of Sugarbear Express is a charming story. They started small, casting their line–so to speak–and got a bite right away.
“We were on the way back from Texas, and I’m not the greatest with technology, so I accidentally made the site go live,” Michelle sheepishly shared. “But we had a booking before we got home.”
With options ranging from their $85 per night “Boo Boo” pull-behind camper and drivable “Sugarbear” RVs, to the luxury “Big Bear” rig fit for festival season, the couple has curated options for every appetite.
“Sometimes we have people book an RV, and they’re not camping in it; they just want to keep the family together,” Michelle said. “The RV is really about the road trip experience. Our RVs often go out to the National Parks and the family is together the whole time.”
Considering when and where to go, the Smiths recommend campsites with full hookups for the most comfortable experience, including sewer, water, and electric. Spring break weeks and summer months book out quickly, so Michelle says, “If you see any availability, reserve it, it won’t last.” Late August through October are also popular months for Sugarbear RV rentals because of fall foliage and festival season.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS’ PASTIME
INSIDE THE COMMUNITY AND TRADITIONS OF NATURALS BASEBALL
To step into a baseball stadium is to participate in a timeless American ritual. All the senses are activated. The crack of the bat, the murmur of the crowd, the nostalgic ballpark smell. The mythology of the game—stats, stories, and superstitions—turns the atmosphere into an entire ecosystem of experience.
ARTICLE BY BO SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
In Northwest Arkansas, a Naturals game blends small-town Americana with the energy of one of the country’s fastest growing regions. Every summer, families gather under stadium lights for hot dogs, fireworks, and good, old-fashioned ballgames.
As a Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the Naturals offer fans an opportunity to watch future major league talent before the rest of the country gets the chance. Alumni include Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Eric Hosmer.
The Naturals bring to Arvest Ballpark an intimate atmosphere without losing any of the liveliness of ballpark tradition. Sightlines are good from anywhere in the stadium, which is easy to navigate, and the tickets are affordable. What’s more, the overall vibe is intentionally family-oriented and community-centered.
A unique culture has formed around the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. People from all over the region gather for the experience. Little league kids run around in team jerseys, cheering on their favorite players, and many sport Naturals jerseys and merchandise. Meanwhile, longtime fans and former baseballers reminisce in the stands.
Locals are invited to participate in the rituals alongside game day staff. A student choir may sing the national anthem to kick off the game, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear a young kid announce, “Play ball!” with fans of all ages leading stadium cheers.
A number of traditions can be regularly anticipated as well. Postgames on Friday nights light up the sky with fireworks. On Sundays, kids run around the bases. At every game, kids will gather around the dugouts for autographs, baseballs, and interactions with the coaches and players.
Conversations here flow as naturally as the innings themselves. Families catch up between pitches, kids lean over the railings hoping for a foul ball, and longtime fans keep scorecards or debate players and prospects from seasons past. Even people who rarely follow baseball find themselves pulled into the rhythms of the evening. The pace of the game invites people to settle in, slow down, and stay present for a few hours under the stadium lights.
The ritual of America’s Pastime brings together many of the things people crave most: community, tradition, competition, and entertainment. Here, the baseball players are heroes, the flow of the game structures the evening, and ballpark fun becomes an embedded memory that families carry home with them.
Naturals games are Northwest Arkansas’ Pastime. Year after year, families return to Arvest Ballpark for the traditions, the atmosphere, and the simple enjoyment of a summer evening at the ballpark. The players change, the seasons pass, and the standings reset, but the ritual remains much the same.
INSIDE CAMPFIRE RANCH LITTLE SUGAR
The Iconic Bella Vista Property Reimagined For Travelers and Locals Looking for Gorgeous Views and Genuine Connection
ARTICLE BY BLAKE GARRISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS & CLAIRE MCFARLAND
THE HISTORY: 101 CHELSEA ROAD
Built in the 1970s as a private family home for George and Boyce Billingsley, 101 Chelsea Road–now home to Campfire Ranch Little Sugar–has deep roots in the story of
Bella Vista. Boyce was the stepdaughter of John Cooper Sr., the visionary behind Bella Vista Village, connecting the property back to the early development of the community. The home was originally designed by renowned Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones, whose influence can still be seen throughout the lodge in its use of natural materials, thoughtful gathering spaces, and connection to the Ozark landscape.
After its time as a private residence, the property later became the Inn at Bella Vista, operated by Beverly and Bill Williams for 25 years. When Campfire Ranch began restoring the property, the goal was never to erase its past, but to honor what made it special and carry it into its next chapter.
The renovation preserved the original details that give the lodge its unmistakable character: native stonework sourced from Arkansas limestone, warm cedar paneling, terracotta tile, original fireplaces, and the architectural elements that have made 101 Chelsea Road so special for decades.
One of the most beloved features of the property remains the expansive back patio, with sweeping views overlooking the Bella Vista landscape. Rather than redesigning the lodge, the goal was to thoughtfully modernize the space while preserving the craftsmanship, natural materials, and connection to the outdoors that made the original home so unique.
Today, Campfire Ranch Little Sugar represents the next chapter of 101 Chelsea Road, continuing its legacy as a place where people gather, slow down, connect with nature, and experience the beauty of Bella Vista.
A TRUE TRAILSIDE LODGE
As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow into one of the country’s premier mountain biking destinations, Campfire Ranch Little Sugar offers one of the most unique locations for riders looking to experience the region’s world-class trail systems and the new OZ Trails Bike Park. Guests can roll directly from the lodge onto the Little Sugar trail network and ride straight to the
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“From its earliest days, 101 Chelsea Road has always been a property designed around connection.”
bike park, creating a true trailside experience that blends adventure, hospitality, and community.
Located just minutes from the park by car and connected through the surrounding trail system by bike, the lodge was designed around the rhythm of a great riding trip. Wake up surrounded by the natural beauty of Bella Vista, enjoy freshly brewed local coffee, spend the day on world-class trails, and return to a place built for recovery, connection, and sharing stories from the ride.
With bike-focused amenities, comfortable accommodations, and gathering spaces designed for community, Campfire Ranch brings the classic mountain lodge experience to the trails of Northwest Arkansas.
A GREAT GATHERING PLACE
From its earliest days, 101 Chelsea Road has always been a property designed around connection. Since opening as Campfire Ranch Little Sugar in October 2025, the lodge has continued that legacy by becoming a gathering space for experiences that bring together the best parts of Northwest Arkansas: trails, music, nature, and community.
One example has been the lodge’s partnership with Friends of Arkansas Singletrack (FAST) and House of Songs for a series of community events built around biking and live music. The events began with group rides leaving directly from the lodge onto the Bella Vista trail system. Riders returned to food, drinks, and
intimate songwriter performances on the back patio overlooking one of the best views in Bella Vista. The final event brought the experience full circle, with artists joining the ride and creating and performing original music inspired by their time on the trails.
From company retreats and brand gatherings to family celebrations and community events, Campfire Ranch offers a setting that feels different from a traditional venue. With overnight accommodations, expansive shared spaces, direct trail access, and one of the most recognizable views in Bella Vista, the property creates opportunities for groups to step away from the everyday and genuinely connect.
A PLACE FOR GENUINE CONNECTION
At the heart of Campfire Ranch is a belief that the best travel experiences are built around people.
While beautiful properties and access to the outdoors create the setting, it is the human connection, conversations, and shared experiences that create lasting memories long after the trip is over.
At Campfire Ranch Little Sugar, that philosophy comes to life by creating an experience that feels less like a traditional hotel and more like being welcomed into a home. Whether guests are traveling across the country to ride the trails, gathering with friends and family, or simply exploring Northwest Arkansas, the goal is to create a place where people feel comfortable, connected, and like they belong.
Campfire Ranch believes hospitality is about more than providing a place to sleep. It is about creating spaces where people slow down, spend time outside, build relationships, and feel a genuine connection to the places they visit and the people they meet along the way.
JULY 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAYS
Thursday Pizza Nights at Turnbuckle Farm
821 NW McNelly Rd | 6:00 PM
Turnbuckle Farm is more than just a place to grow food — it’s a place to gather, learn, and connect. Each Thursday–weather permitting–Turnbuckle invites folks to gather for family-style pizza nights with live music.
SATURDAYS
Layover at Louise
Louise at Thaden Fieldhouse | 5:00 PM Who doesn’t love new ways to discover and enjoy live, local music?! This summer, Louise at Thaden Fieldhouse started offering live music on the patio every Saturday from 5 - 9 pm. The schedule features a variety, so be sure to follow @louise_thadenfield on Instagram for updates.
JULY 1ST
Bentonville Mid-Week Market
Bentonville Square | 11:00 AM
Your favorite market, now midweek! The Wednesday Market brings the same producer-only goods you love from Saturdays, complete with fresh, seasonal finds and the friendly faces behind them. Join us on the A Street Promenade every Wednesday from 11 AM–3 PM to restock your market favorites. It’s the perfect excuse to step away from your desk and enjoy Downtown Bentonville at lunchtime.
JULY 2ND
Line Dancing at Brothers
Brothers Meethouse | 7:00 PM
Dust off your boots and meet us on the dance floor every Thursday from 7-9 pm at Brothers Meethouse! Line dancing is FREE, all dance types are welcome, and we’ll have an instructor leading lessons so you can learn the steps before the music really gets going. Grab your crew, come early for BBQ + drinks, and get ready for a Thursday night full of dancing, good music, and even better company.
JULY 18TH
Kids Rave Lawrence Plaza
214 NE A St, Bentonville, AR | 5:00 PM
Dive into a vibrant, kid-friendly dance party at Lawrence Plaza Splash Park. Kids Raves combine music and movement, creating a dynamic atmosphere where children can dance and splash to their heart’s content.
Birdwatching Made Simple
EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.
START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP
If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”
Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.
Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS
Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”
Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”
Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.
KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY
Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work— birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.
To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders—compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.
Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.
WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS
Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.
For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.
