Northwest Arkansas Travel Diary — Go French Yourself

I cannot believe it's already September 3rd. Summer absolutely flew by but I am so ready to welcome Fall and layers with open arms. I also cannot believe my fox and I have not traveled to Northwest Arkansas yet. Well we did take Zoe to Eureka Springs for a quick overnight ghost adventure but I am missing those spontaneous long weekends in Bentonville and Fayetteville. It was such a habit of ours where we found ourselves in The Ozark's at least 6 times a year. Maybe we will just load the dogs in the car and head that way for Labor Day....hmmmmm. I just cannot sit still. I wish every weekend of mine was booked traveling.

I absolutely adore this part of the United States. NWA was my territory for work for two and a half years and I actually ALMOST moved there when I relocated from Dallas. I ended up actually having a residence in Tulsa where I kept my stuff and received mail but was in Northwest Arkansas two weeks of every month, sometimes more. It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in the Fall if you are searching for that gorgeous foliage and crisp weather you must spend some time there. Especially if you live in Oklahoma. It's a quick two hour drive. (3 hours on a motorcycle to explore the back roads) I met some of the most humble people here and let me tell you I experienced an Arkansas Razorback game and that was seriously one of the funnest experiences of my life! Go Hogs!

So when traveling from TUL, do make it a point to stop in Siloam Springs Arkansas. Siloam Springs, Arkansas has a population of about 16,000 and is located in the Northwest region. It is in the far northwest corner of the state on the border with Oklahoma and about 30 miles from Fayetteville, AR. We love the little downtown area so much. Just stroll and explore for a bit. Highly recommend coffee at Pour Jon's. I love the London pub feel and they have a great selection of vinyl too to browse and shop. I found an amazing Air record here once .

Continue on and go right to Fayetteville or go left to Bentonville. Giving you my favorite things to do in each place so enjoy.

FAYETTEVILLE:

1. The Farmer's Table Cafe: delicious brunch and or lunch in the cutest little house with a patio. Everything is farm to table and delicious.

2. Emelia's Kitchen: Absolutely one of my fave Mediterrean places on earth and located right on the fabulous Dickson Street. Everything is divine. Every single thing. You will definately want to stroll Dickson by the way. So many restaurants, bars, and shops.

3. Theo's: Upscale New American plates served in a clubby atmosphere with the best outdoor patio. Everything is delicious. I love the sliders. And fantastic wine menu and the best martini's in all of Arkansas.

4. Bordino's: Delish refined Italian dishes can be found here along with a fantastic weekend brunch and perfect wine list. Great patio too.

5. Greenhouse Grille: Green cafe with an on site garden crafting organic fresh dishes. I love their weekend brunch.

6. Hog Haus Brewing Company: I have never eaten here but I love love love the beer flights and upstairs patio overlooking Dickson Street.

7. Little Bread Company: This is our quick place to grab some coffee and the pastries are so incredible. Their baked goods get me into quite a bit of trouble.

8. Thep Thai Restaurant: Tom Kha heaven exists in Ark..I promise. This place is a gem with an on site garden as well. Highly recommend.

9. Nightbird Books: This is my favorite place for coffee and or an afternoon glass of champagne. It's also my favorite book store in the U.S.

10. The Inn at Carnall Hall: Such a fun historical place to stay and it's a quick walk to everything on Dickson. The Sunday brunch there is fabulous too!

11. Mae's Emporium: If you love vintage accessories, you will absolutely fall in love here. Everything is perfection. I have found so many special forever pieces here.

12. Grey Dog: This lovely biz started in an airstream and now has a lovely store on College Street. I always find some great sunnies here and wonderful vintage dresses.

BENTONVILLE

1. 21C Museum Hotel: This hip museum hotel is my favorite. I have probably stayed here at least ten times and it's just perfection. I even had a destination birthday party here (lucky number 34) with dear friends. Major perk....your furry companions can come along on the adventure too! The museum is free so even if you do not stay in the hotel you can certainly experience the art.

2. Crepe's Paulette: Seriously pretend Paris right here. This little French gem is so incredible. I love the savory crepe's as well as the sweet. So I suggest getting one of each and sharing! They always have wonderful French music playing and a French word of the day. If it's not too busy the owner will share some stories with you of his time in France.

3. The Hive: This is located in The 21C and their Sunday brunch is my favorite. The Hive Bar is a must as well.

4. Pressroom : You must go here for craft coffee. The breakfast is great too. Love their oats. And can drink endless latte's here.

5. The Bentonville Farmer's Market: This is a lovely Saturday morning event in the square that is not to be missed! Great way to explore the square too. New things are opening up daily so I feel like it's a different experience every time I visit. Do visit The Spark Cafe Soda Fountain too inside of the Wal Mart Museum. Travel back in time with a milkshake! Worth seeing.

6. Bentonville Trails: There is great hiking and cycling trails right by The 21C. I love this so I can get some exercise in. The pups love it too.

7. Chrystal Bridges Museum of Art:You must see the brilliance of Moshe Safdie. If I lived in NWA, I would seriously come here every weekend. It's beautiful and there is no charge to visit. I love touring the new exhibits and I love enjoying cupcakes and champagne over looking the gorgeous architecture. Still needing to see The Frank Lloyd Wright Bachman Wilson house and look forward to doing that soon.

Of course you cannot forget about Onyx coffee. They are the best and deserve a whole entire blog post dedicated to just them so stay tuned for that later with an interview component!

The best part about traveling for me is when you are Lin's girlfriend you travel the world on a BMW motorcycle most of the time and on days you are hot and tired and fed up with a five hour ride, you get detoured and then find a gem. We stumbled on War Eagle Mill and I met this cute sweetheart .

What are your favorite places in Northwest Arkansas?!

Shop the story here

Xo

Sam