Nows the best time of year to visit Bentonville, Arkansas, where nature and art come together.
ROBBIE CAPONETTO
The neon cowgirl surveys the scene from her perch on the old Benton County jail.
It greets me when I step out in the morning and return in the evening.
Local trails provide biking options ranging from smooth rides to adventurous climbs.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Each of these brief interactions sparks a little joy during my weekendin Bentonville.
And thats exactly why the cowgirl is there.
ThisNorthwest Arkansas cityhas committed to making public art130 works and countinga regular part of life for residents and tourists.
The Preacherâs Son occupies a restored church building.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
As I wandered around the square, I saw art everywhere I lookedeven without setting foot in a museum.
Eye-catching murals ranging from funky abstract florals to M.C.
Escher-like mazes are scattered all over the city.
Try the Preacher’s Son elevated roasted chicken.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
There are several public art maps available, and I could have spent the entire day treasure hunting.
The building dates back to 1904 and still has the airy feel of a sanctuary.
Upon closer inspection, I found that it was actually a quilt.
Many galleries inside Crystal Bridges are filled with natural light.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
The quilt is from OZ Art NWAs collection.
OZ says these displays do more than beautify the city.
Some groups conduct biking tours that take people through town to learn about the art.
Dale Chihulyâs Sole dâOro, displayed at Crystal Bridges, is made of over 1,300 bits of hand-blown glass.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
These experiences have blossomed organically, and we love that.
This is just one of many efforts to boost the regions creative scene.
One of the groups goals is to encourage developers to include publicly accessible art.
Buzz Around Town Be sure to walk through the Bachman-Wilson House during your visit to the Crystal Bridges museum.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
After dinner, I ducked into the underground bar Lady Slipper for a nightcap.
Its Wileys reinvented vision of Italian High Renaissance artist Raphaels 1506 work of the same name.
Is that an actual Kehinde Wiley painting?
Bring a friend to Yeyoâs to split the delicious taco sampler.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
I asked the bartender, my mouth agape.
I saw a video of them installing it.
This remarkable piece is also courtesy of OZ Art NWA.
Hillfolk is a textile studio and gift shop that offers specialty yarns and other supplies.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
What makes Crystal Bridges different from so many other museums is that it was created in harmony with nature.
I spent some time wandering around the property, soaking in the scenery and the outdoor installations.
At Yeyos, chef and founder Rafael Rios prepares some of the best Mexican food in the region.
Order the Pan Roasted Striped Bass at The Hive.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Theres also a ramen restaurant, a yoga studio, and a brewery, among other businesses.
Like art, the trails are public amenities that appeal to visitors too.
And those two assets can work in tandem.
In the preserve, sculptures are sprinkled throughout the wooded landscape; many are accessible only by bike.
Outside, a Cadillac limousine covered in thousands of coins stops passersby in their tracks.
And these pieces arent just for decoration like the art youll find in most lodging options.
Its woven into everyday life in a way that anyone can appreciate.
As the massive neon sign scrawled across The Momentary proclaims: You Belong Here.
