We all look forward to taking time off. The fantasy of a week or two away from work and chores, filling your cup with recreational activities, and maybe even enjoying a delightful change of scenery—dreamy, right? But oftentimes the reality is that you end up feeling like you need a vacation upon returning from vacation, especially for families with younger kiddos.
Maybe it’s time to plan a different kind of vacation. One filled with true rest and rejuvenation, healthy eating, mindful relaxation, fitness activities, and purposeful connections to nature. In Bentonville, there are countless opportunities to enjoy a health-inspired vacation. Read on to learn how to create the ideal wellness vacation in our city.
1) Discover mindful fitness classes
Bentonville locals are always seeking out ways to engage the community with intentional fitness activities. At each of the locations below, you'll experience calm, welcoming, and empowering environments and groups of people focused on similar goals.
- Yoga Story
- Cocoon Yoga Lab
- Sundar Yoga
- Blake St. Wellness — For Blake St. members there are several wellness opportunities including a gym, yoga studio, treatments, swimming pool, hot tub, bikes, and locker rooms.
- SunnyDays — Founded by Tara Loop, SunnyDays organizes yoga sessions exploring the outdoor environment to focus on broadening your mind and awakening your senses.
Sunday Reset at the Momentary. Courtesy of Cocoon Yoga Lab.
2) Enjoy clean eats in town
With Bentonville being a central location in a rich agricultural region, there’s a kaleidoscope of flavors and award-winning restaurants that will leave you wanting more. Check out the delicious options below:
- Sunny's, located just off the Bentonville Square, has their very own sunroom making for a relaxing and fresh environment. Their tasty menu includes healthy options made from fresh ingredients like smoothie bowls, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more.
- Conifer maintains an entirely gluten-free menu resourced from farm-fresh ingredients. Be sure to book a reservation in advance for this popular restaurant, located in Downtown Bentonville.
- Crisp and Green, located off SE 14th St, encourages a healthy lifestyle beyond just dining with a casual, in-house menu and exciting community fitness events.
- Snack Lab, located on SE 28th St, serves healthy smoothies, bowls, snacks, grab and go meals, and more.
- Olly Makes Bakery, located in Downtown Bentonville, focuses on gluten-free bakery treats made from scratch using predominantly organic ingredients.
- Farmers Market is a Bentonville staple. Located on the Bentonville Square every Thursday evening and Saturday morning, you can find fresh produce, pet lots of cute dogs, and enjoy a beautiful walk around the heart of Bentonville.
- Red Barn’s the first 'agrihood' in Arkansas, amplifying a rural allure just minutes away from Downtown Bentonville. Check out their 2023 Barn Dinner Series, or find them on the Bentonville Square during the Saturday morning farmers market.
Photo by Drager Creative
3) Immerse yourself in nature
Enjoy some fresh air and get some much-needed R&R in our beautiful Bentonville parks.
Pack a picnic, book, and blanket, and soak up the sunshine at one of the following locations:
- Compton Gardens
- Osage Park + Lake Bentonville
- Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
- Park Springs Park
- Crystal Bridges Trails
Photo by Drager Creative
4) Find peace in art
A mindful way to boost one’s mental health and overall well-being is by seeking out art experiences, according to a study by Museum Next. Bentonville has unique art experiences both outdoors and indoors, a majority of them being cost free.
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a world-class art museum nestled within 120-acres of native Ozark Forest. General admission is always free, and the art continues on the trails which are open every day from sunrise to sunset.
- The Momentary is a contemporary art gallery and performance venue located in the heart of Bentonville. Admission to the galleries is always free. Bonus: keep an eye out for wellness-oriented community programs, like Sunday Resets—a monthly yoga practice taking place outside on the Green or in the art gallery.
- The Museum of Native American History takes visitors on a 24,000-year journey back in time and features a collection of over 10,000 ancient Native American artifacts and contemporary Native American artwork. Admission is completely free.
- Oz Art NWA makes art part of everyday life in Bentonville with their dynamic network of art, artists, events, and experiences popping up in unexpected places. Visit their website to learn where you can find OZ Art around town.
Photo by Drager Creative
Pro Tip: To add to your wellness getaway, most destinations in Downtown Bentonville are just a bike or walk away from one another.
