Bentonville was recently named the No. 1 destination on Travel + Leisure’s list of Top Places to Travel in 2026, solidifying the city’s growing reputation as one of America’s most dynamic travel destinations.
Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford appeared on NBC’s Today Show on Jan. 6 to talk about the outlet's recently published list of top travel destinations for 2026. While destinations highlighted during the segment included major cities and attractions like Colonial Williamsburg, Salt Lake City and Seattle, Gifford mentioned Bentonville first, noting it is a favorite of Today Show host Al Roker.
“Bentonville is really unique,” Gifford said. “It’s a cultural destination with one of America’s best museums, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. What’s happening this June is they’re unveiling all these new galleries and education spaces—114,000 square feet, focusing on American artists. It really has come into its own.”
Gifford went on to talk about Bentonville’s expanding slate of cultural and outdoor recreation offerings, including the Bentonville Film Festival, new public spaces such as 8th Street Gateway Park and the city's extensive trail network.
“If you want a destination that feels like a bit of a surprise, I would say go down to Arkansas,” Gifford said. “It’s also a really big mountain-biking destination, and it has a great hotel, the 21c Hotel. It’s a really unique place to check out.”
The Today Show recognition builds on multiple recent Travel + Leisure stories highlighting Bentonville, including their December 2025 story on the opening of the city's newest boutique hotel, The Compton. These mentions reinforce the city’s appeal to travelers in search of refined culture, outdoor adventure, unique dining and lodging options and unexpected experiences.
Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville, the city’s destination marketing organization, said moments like the Today Show mention reflect years of patient work and community collaboration.
“Bentonville's growing recognition as a one-of-a-kind destination didn’t happen by accident,” Griffith said. “It’s the result of a shared vision and a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including our partnerships with local businesses and attractions and making sure journalists and influencers experience our city firsthand. When they ride our trails, visit our museums and dine at our restaurants, it's easy to understand what makes Bentonville so special.”
Visit Bentonville’s approach focuses on authentic storytelling, strategic PR relationships and immersive media-familiarization tours that showcase the city’s art, culinary scene, trails and natural assets. That strategy has helped position Bentonville as what national outlets have described as “America’s New Capital of Cool.”
“This recognition belongs to the entire community,” Griffith said. “From our trail designers and museum staffers to our chefs, hoteliers, artists and small business owners, everyone plays a role in shaping the Bentonville experience. We’re proud to help share that story.”
