Mer Wilder
Author
Mer Wilder

Mer Wilder is the Web and eNewsletter Manager at Visit Bentonville and a regular author of blog guides exploring the best of Bentonville, Arkansas. She moved to the region in 2023, bringing with her a deep love of bikes, trails, and storytelling. A former bike shop owner and cross-country tourer, Mer also draws on years of experience organizing climbing communities and building inclusive outdoor spaces. Her writing blends local insight with a spirit of adventure.

Welcome to Bike Fest!

We’re celebrating everything bike-related and showing off what makes Bentonville such a great place for riders of all kinds. Kicking off with E-Mobility Day and running through May 25, the festival is packed with events—we just want to make sure you get to enjoy it all. Purchase Tickets Day…

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Bentonville Summer Getaway Guide

Make Bentonville, AR, your summer getaway! Voted second in USA Today’s Top 10 Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Adventure and third in Time Out Magazine’s 16 Best Cities For A Weekend Getaway, Bentonville is a hub for arts, culinary, and outdoor experiences. Here’s your guide to planning a great…

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Walkable & Bikeable Downtown Hotel Round Up

Downtown Bentonville is easy to explore on foot or by bike, offering the feel of a small-town community in the heart of a thriving city. It’s an ideal spot for a car-free getaway—especially if you're flying in on one of our 26 nonstop flights and planning to get around on two wheels. Skip the…

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Welcome to Bentonville, Half Marathon Runners!

🌧️ RAINY DAY RUNNER'S GUIDE The race may be postponed until Sunday, but we've got lots for you to enjoy throughout our city! Here's how to make the most of your unexpected free day in Bentonville: Special Runner Promotions Show your race registration at these participating businesses for…

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Compton Gardens and Arboretum: Reopening Fall 2025

Dr. Neil Compton, a Benton County native and dedicated obstetrician, became a pivotal conservationist driven by his love for the Ozark landscape. His passion for hiking and canoeing fueled his fight to protect the Buffalo River. As president of the Ozark Society to Save the Buffalo River in the…

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The New Walmart Museum Experience

The wait is finally over—the Walmart Museum is back and better than ever! Reopening in its original home on Bentonville Square, the museum once again stands in the historic Terry Block building, first built in 1888. Every brick was carefully reconstructed, staying true to the space’s history, with…

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