ROAD TRIPS

Road Trip Review.

Spring has sprung, we made it through the winter, and it’s the perfect time to reward yourself with a little road trip. The drive itself from Kansas City through southern Missouri and into Arkansas is breathtaking any time of year, but the bright greens of freshly growing grass will be sure to put a spring in your step as you make your way to Bentonville: home of great eats, beautiful hikes, and, of course, the world-renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. You can’t go wrong wandering around this darling little town, where friendly locals will be happy to give recommendations– but, just in case, here are some suggestions for a fun-filled weekend itinerary:

Fuel up before your museum visit at Onyx Coffee Lab, a coffee roaster that has risen to fame for its dedication to finding the finest coffees in the world with transparency of practice. Located just off the quaint town square, this location is the company’s first custom built shop. The 360-degree white-tiled bar is stunning, with baristas mixing up unique seasonal concoctions with on-trend ingredients like turmeric, matcha, and even chili powder.

The main attraction, of course, is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which this spring will showcase Crafting America, featuring over 100 works in ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, glass, and more unexpected materials and representing a diverse story of the American craft from the 1940s to present day. Highlighted artists will include Ruth Asawa, Peter Voulkos, Jeffrey Gibson, Sonya Clark, and more. The recent acquisition Companion Species: Speech Bubble by Marie Watt (Seneca) will also be on view, as well as the breathtaking permanent collection of American art that catapulted the museum into fame.

Onyx Coffee Lab

21C Museum Hotel

WHERE TO STAY?

For art lovers, the 21C Museum Hotel, of course. Each floor – in fact, each room – is home to unique art. The hotel is like an extension of the museum itself, complete with art galleries (open to the public, even if you aren’t staying the night) throughout the lobby.

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Stop by The Hive for brunch, a fabulous dinner, or a quick round of handcrafted cocktails. The 21C’s love of art extends beautifully to their menu, where Chef Matthew McClure pays homage to the culinary identity of Arkansas with refined Southern plates featuring local ingredients — like the sorghum roasted duck with pecan relish.

Walking to Crystal Bridges from 21C Hotel is a breeze. The winding hiking path from the town square takes you past unique sculptures and beautiful landscapes with the signature Arkansas table rock. After the museum, if you’re craving exhibits of a more nostalgic nature, the Walton 5 & 10 pays homage to American retail giant Walmart, telling the story of the Walton family. The gift shop is a blast to the past with all kinds of toys and candy you may have long since forgotten, but that you will be tickled to remember.

For more culinary adventure, head to town favorite Flying Fish for a bite. The oysters on a half shell pile high on tin platters and go great

Chef Matthew McClure's regionally inspired cuisine at 21C Museum Hotel's restaurant, The Hive.

alongside some fried jalapeño chips and homemade hush puppies. Dine in or takeout is quick and fresh, so if you prefer to grab your grub to go and take it to a brewery patio, Bike Rack Brewing Co. is the perfect spot to wash it down with a cold one. Head to their location on 8th Street to take in the colorful murals while you sip on their signature brew, the Urban Trail, a crisp, refreshing beer with a low hop profile. If you’re feeling bold, the Angus Chute oatmeal stout has plenty of flavor. Don't miss the many shops throughout the 8th Street Market building– Markham & Fitz has some of the state's best bean-to-bar chocolate, and Sweet Freedom Cheese has everything you need for your next picnic.

For a memorable evening out, be sure to snag a reservation at Preacher’s Son. Nestled inside of a restored church with soaring ceilings, Chef Neal Grey has created one of the most unique dining experiences around, and diners flock in from all over the nation to experience his cuisine, which revolves around the seasonality of Northwest Arkansas’s finest ingredients. You’ll find nods to both classical training and Southern heritage here, too, with dishes like Coq au Vin with mushrooms and dirty rice, and shrimp & grits with chicken chorizo and farm-fresh egg. Don’t miss a trip downstairs to Undercroft, an intimate speakeasy where you can imbibe in well-crafted cocktails in an ambiance like no other.

Art, great food, cold drinks, a beautiful drive . . . there’s nothing like a little getaway to welcome a new, fresh season of life after a challenging year for all. Wishing you happy and safe travels!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Petrow is a culinary, travel and lifestyle photographer based in the Midwest, following her lens coast to coast and beyond. Anna’s wide-ranging clientele includes James Beard award winning restaurants, multinational corporations and international newspapers and magazines. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Food & Wine, Fathom, Jetsetter and beyond.

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