Bentonville has gained a reputation for great mountain biking, so Mark put it top on his list. On the first full day, we all rented bikes from Phat Tire Bike Shop, packed picnic lunches, and spent the day testing our skills on the extensive Slaughter Pen network of trails. Mark tore it up and was lovin' every minute of it!
Early evening brought us to the town square, where we enjoyed a caffeine fix and snacks at Onyx Coffee Bar. We then visited the Walmart Museum, reflecting on the life and legacy of philanthropist Sam Walton, founder of the company whose first store opened in Bentonville as a "5 and dime".
Mark returned to the trails the next day for more biking just with Adam, exploring other trails in the area. Meanwhile, the girls and I did some hiking in nearby Bella Vista, visited lovely, tree-hidden Cooper Chapel, and ate a yummy lunch at Meld Kitchen and Sandwich Bar. Later that afternoon, we grabbed beers at Bike Rack Brewing Co, then visited the free Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Along with its impressive indoor collection, the museum itself was an architectural gem, showing creativity and innovation in its design. Additionally, the extensive grounds had numerous walking trails interspersed with sculptures for outdoor exploration and even a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Before leaving Bentonville, we all enjoyed a tasty southern breakfast at The Buttered Biscuit, then brushed up on Civil War history with a visit to Pea Ridge National Military Park. On this spot, the Union commander Samuel Curtis routed the Confederate army, led by McCullough and McIntosh, for victory at Elkhorn Tavern in 1862.
Before stopping for the night in Russellville, we hiked the Pedestal Rocks Loop Trail to see the unique rock formations and amazing Ozark mountain views.
Next morning, we briefly visited Holla Bend Wildlife Refuge, which was disappointing due to a plethora of mosquitoes, limited walking trails, lack of upkeep, and birds in hiding. We found better luck on the Cedar Falls Trail at Petit Jean State Park, then drove to Hot Springs, where we spent our last two nights.
We stayed at the historic Arlington Hotel and Spa, where many famous guests have stayed, including hometown President Clinton and Al Capone. While waiting for an afternoon shower to pass, we enjoyed downtime in our room, and later, Adam and I shared drinks at the lobby bar.
First, we spent time exploring Hot Springs National Park, the only park where visitors are allowed to take something (natural spring drinking water). We learned much about the history of bathhouse culture through the self-guided tour of Fordyce Bathhouse along Bathhouse Row, then strolled along the brick-paved Grand Promenade and took a short hike to the top of Hot Springs Mountain. Back at our hotel that afternoon, I booked myself a spa appointment for "The Works", a traditional bathhouse experience complete with thermal bath soak, hot towel wraps, needle shower and cooling room, and a 30-min massage!
While in Hot Springs, we also visited Garvan Woodland Gardens, bursting with spring flowers everywhere! This was, needless to say, not Mark's favorite activity, but Abigail found much inspiration there for future drawing projects.
The last day was spent driving 7.5 hours back home to Austin, where our comfy beds awaited us, but we mostly enjoyed our adventures in Arkansas, the Natural State.
