Bentonville Is The Emerald Jewel Of The Collection

By Gene Yarbrough

Nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, Bentonville, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of world-class art, adrenaline-pumping mountain biking, and small-town charm, making it an ideal destination for a private plane getaway. Landing at Thaden Field (KVBT) immediately immerses you in the local aviation scene, named after pioneering aviator Louise McPhetridge Thaden.

The airport, also known as Bentonville Municipal Airport, is the only municipal, private jet airport in Northwest Arkansas, landing you minutes away from the vibrant downtown.

Upon arrival, pilots can enjoy the Legends Air Center at Thaden Field, which offers amenities such as precision fueling, local transportation arrangements, accommodation bookings, and pilot sanctuaries for flight planning. There's even a restaurant, Louise at Thaden Field, named of course in honor of Louise Thaden, where you can dine while watching planes take off and land.

Bentonville's cultural crown jewel is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This free-admission museum, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, houses a vast collection of American art, from iconic pieces by Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell to contemporary works.

Beyond the museum's galleries, five miles of trails wind through the surrounding 134-acre Ozark forest, featuring outdoor sculptures, native plants, and waterways, inviting visitors to connect with nature and art simultaneously. The North Forest Trail, for instance, is a 1.5-mile loop with moderate slopes, showcasing outdoor sculptures and hundreds of spring-blooming dogwoods. Crystal Bridges also hosts the Bachman-Wilson House, a relocated and reconstructed Usonian home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Bentonville is also a renowned destination for mountain biking, recognized as a global capital for the sport. The city's extensive trail system, including the Slaughter Pen system, offers routes for all skill levels, from beginners on the All-American and Seed Tick Shuffle trails to experts on Scott Allen Alley and Medusa trails.

Beyond art and biking, Bentonville boasts a range of attractions. The Walmart Museum provides a glimpse into the history of the retail giant, featuring an interactive exhibit with a hologram of Sam Walton and memorabilia, alongside a scenic outdoor trail. The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, housed in a lovingly restored 19th-century home, serves as a botanical garden, event venue, and museum, offering free tours and a gift shop with locally made goods.

For those seeking more outdoor activities, Osage Park offers wetlands, a boardwalk, picnic areas, a climbing gym, and courts for tennis, pickleball, and archery.

Bentonville seamlessly integrates art, nature, and outdoor adventure, providing a multifaceted experience for visitors arriving by private plane. From the serene beauty of the trails to the cultural richness of the museums and the thrill of mountain biking, this Ozark gem promises an unforgettable journey.

FMI: www.visitbentonville.com/