Date:  July 31, 2024  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Lawrence Knox  |  

As this corner of the state continues to flourish, opportunities for relaxation and recreation abound

As the communications director for the Northwest Arkansas Council, enjoying his community and helping it to thrive is in the job description for Nate Green. Originally from Camden, he moved here almost a decade ago, giving him the opportunity to experience the region first as a newcomer and now as an almost native. During this time, he has not only seen the population rise, but also witnessed new additions to the cultural scene, outdoor attractions, and more. Here, he shares a bit about the growth of the region along with a few of his favorite ways to enjoy all it has to offer.

Q: Tell us a bit about the role of the Northwest Arkansas Council and how you work to help the community.
A: The Northwest Arkansas Council is a nonprofit regional organization that was founded in the early 1990s by major players in the community, including Sam Walton, J.B. Hunt, and Don Tyson. Initially there were two big projects—the Bentonville airport and creating the four-lane highway to Fort Smith—they undertook. Today, physical infrastructure is still a focus but we also address quality of life, housing, healthcare, talent attraction, and other important community issues. Our role is to connect the right people in the right places to get things done.

Q: It’s often reported that this area of the state is the fastest growing region. Where are you seeing this growth?
A: Growth is everywhere here; it’s on every corner. If you drive down the street, you will see the new Walmart campus being built, hotels going up, and so many other projects. It’s cool to be a part of it and see how it’s changed in such a short amount of time. For the Council, it’s the possibility of what Northwest Arkansas can become if we address the growth in a smart way. It’s an exciting time to live and work here.

Q: What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy downtime in Northwest Arkansas?
A: There are so many, and they’ve evolved through the years. We now have two young children so a lot of my downtime includes going to places they can enjoy as well, like having pizza at Oven & Tap in Bentonville or Pizzeria Ruby in Johnson Square. My son is also really into planes, so we like to go to Louise at Thaden Field to watch them take off and land. If they want to run around, we head to the food trucks at 8th Street Market.

Assuming we have a babysitter, we love to get a reservation at Heirloom in downtown Rogers or have a drink at Pinky Swear or Scotch & Soda. On more casual nights, we grab a bite at Bentonville Taco & Tamale.

Outside of food, Crystal Bridges is, of course, the number one attraction. The temporary exhibits have been amazing and the permanent collection is always a great choice. I also try to go to TheatreSquared in Fayetteville whenever I can.

Q: What about the outdoors? Are there any places you recommend for enjoying nature?
A: Outdoor recreation in the Ozarks is phenomenal. The mountain biking and cycling culture is especially huge here. There have been so many investments made in developing trails. Northwest Arkansas has more than 700 miles of trails, including 562 miles of natural surface trails for mountain biking and 204 miles of paved paths that are connected by the 40-mile Razorback Regional Greenway. The Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is extra cool because you can bike or hike and then stop at Airship Coffee in the middle of the trails. As for events, I also love going to the LPGA Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. It’s held the last week of September at Pinnacle Country Club and is a fun time to get out and be with friends in the community.

Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover Northwest Arkansas.

Downtown Bentonville

Find a new houseplant—and learn how to keep it alive—at Fayetteville’s Pink Fern Plants + Home.

Bentonville’s 8th Street Market is a popular place to dine alfresco—you can even bring your pup.

Pop into Urban Cellar Winery, a neighborhood wine bar on the Fayetteville Square and enjoy a glass or a flight (shown below).

Shop furnishings, gifts, and designer-curated finds at Casey Sarkin Home.

Benches near the fountain in the center of the Bentonville Square are a great spot to enjoy a treat.

Start your day with a latte at Summer Moon Coffee.

SHOP
Take home a piece from MIXD Gallery (mixd.gallery) in Rogers where all the art is crafted by emerging and established artists who are living and working in the Ozarks. Open Wednesday-Sunday, they often host exhibits and events featuring the more than 60 artists who showcase their work here. In Fayetteville, pop into Casey Sarkin Home (caseysarkininteriordesign.com) to browse a mix of furniture, accessories, antiques, and gifts—all curated by her designer eye. On the Fayetteville Square, visit Heirloom Candle Bar (heirloomcandle.co) where you can select a vessel, a wick, and a scent before pouring your custom candle.

DINE
Make taco night a bit more festive with a trip to Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co. (tacoandtamale.com). This area favorite serves go-tos like chicken, shrimp, and pulled pork tacos alongside locally inspired offerings like Sweet Potato Delta Tamales and Ark-Mex enchiladas, which you can have topped with beef chili. Offering lunch, dinner, and a delightful weekend brunch, Mockingbird Kitchen (mockingbirdkitchen.com) in Fayetteville prioritizes local and seasonal ingredients. Try The Mockingburger, made from grass-fed beef and served on an Ozark Natural Breads brioche bun, or the smoked duck breast that comes with sauteed greens, a smash of sweet potatoes, and molasses barbecue sauce. For a dessert or daytime treat, don’t miss Superfine Sweets Shoppe (superfinesweetshoppe.com) in Bentonville. Try one (or all!) of their 12 flavors of ice cream along with cookies and specialty desserts.

VISIT
Charm and history abound at the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden (peelcompton.org) in Bentonville. Tour the historic Italianate home that dates back to 1875 along with the stunning gardens, which feature eight different stops where you’ll see everything from roses and cutting flowers to an apple orchard and vegetable garden. Just down the road, check out The Momentary (themomentary.org) where you can experience visual and performing arts, culinary endeavors, live music, and even yoga and meditation. Check their full calendar online for upcoming events.

Heirloom Candle Bar on the Fayetteville square.

Building mural by Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhnessie in Bentonville. Follow their artistic collaborations on Instagram, @jessieandkatey.

Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co.