Recommendations
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Our wedding venue! You'll have access to two galleries during cocktail hour at our wedding, but there is so much more to the newly expanded museum worth seeing. Even if you've been to Crystal Bridges before, its expansion increased its size by 50% last summer, and there's plenty that will be new to you. Admission is free, and the museum is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Momentary
If you want a smaller art museum, The Momentary always has a unique exhibit on. It's right beside 8th Street Market, a great place to grab food or a drink.
Lady Slipper
This is among our favorite cocktail bars in Bentonville. There are so many around the downtown square, you really can't go wrong. Other favorites include Undercroft, Scotch & Soda and The Hive (located inside 21C Museum Hotel).
Junto
We both think Junto is one of the top restaurants we've visited in NWA, with sushi and more Asian dishes. Upscale restaurant with great service, great drinks, great atmostphere. The beef bao buns are amazing.
Bentonville Brewing Company
One of our favorite casual breweries with plenty of outdoor seating, and probably our pick for best beer in the area. Christina likes the Soulshine Kolsch, and Cory likes the Space Goose IPA.
Scott Family Amazeum
For our friends traveling with kids, this interactive children's museum is a great place to bring the family right next to Crystal Bridges.
Archie's Sandwichery
This is a little shop with very big sandwiches near downtown Bentonville. Christina likes the Millhouse, and Cory likes the Big Baller.
Yeyo's El Alma de Mexico
One of our favorite places for Mexican food located at 8th Street Market, a big complex of shops and restaurants near The Momentary. We like to get a taco plate to go and eat it around the corner at Bike Rack Brewing, but sitting and eating at Yeyo's is great, too.
Prelude Breakfast Bar
With locations in Rogers and Fayetteville, this is our favorite breakfast in NWA. Get a pancake flight and choose three different options to try.
Natural State Beer Company
Can you tell we like breweries? A newer favorite of ours with a great patio. We often park here to run or bike on the Razorback Greenway trail.
Onyx Coffee Lab
Onyx is a must-visit in NWA, with locations in Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville. The Springdale cafe is newest and closest to our house. We recommend the Onyx Delight or an iced mocha.
Susan's Restaurant
This classic Springdale diner is great for breakfast or lunch. Cory's favorite is the "Pig Sooie" omelette, and save room for pancakes or pie.
Pizzeria Ruby
Go early and be prepared for a wait, but Pizzeria Ruby is always a hit. It's hard to decide what to order between their pizzas, pastas, appetizers and creative specials. Our favorite pizza: The Spicy Italian Boyfriend.
Wright's Barbecue
Wright's is the best barbecue in the area, with locations in Johnson, Rogers and Bentonville (but Johnson is the original). You can't go wrong with anything here.
Crisis Brewing
We had our first date at this cozy Fayetteville brewery. Get a Boland's Irish Red and pet the brewery's two resident cats, Max and Mabie.
Fayetteville Historic Square
Downtown Fayetteville has great shopping on the square and Block Street. Peruse the boutiques, visit the farmer's market on Saturday, or grab breakfast/lunch at Little Bread Co., burgers at Hugo's or a cocktail at Guisinger or Maxine's.