If you're looking for your next weekend trip, put Bentonville, Arkansas on the list. In about the time it takes to drive to Dallas, you're surrounded by nature, charming town squares, and some of the best food and coffee around.
My family made the trip recently, and I'm already planning when we can go back.
The Drive Is Shorter Than You Think
Bentonville sits roughly 3.5 to 4 hours from Oklahoma City, right around the same drive time as Dallas. That makes it an easy weekend trip. Leave Friday after work, and you're checking into your hotel in time for dinner.
Downtown Squares That Feel Like a Hallmark Movie
Bentonville's downtown square is the kind of place you picture when someone says "charming small town." We strolled the square, listened to live music, and grabbed ice cream from a few different shops. Dinner was just as good. We found spots the whole family enjoyed, no small feat with kids.
Coffee Worth the Trip Alone
Onyx Coffee Lab started right in Northwest Arkansas and has been ranked among the best coffee shops in the world. We stopped in for brunch, and the coffee lived up to the reputation. The atmosphere was just as good as the drinks.
Trails That Connect the Whole Town
One of the coolest things about Bentonville is how much of it connects by trail. My husband biked through a nature reserve right in town and found a coffee shop you can only reach by bike or on foot. That kind of detail is what makes this area stand out from a typical roadtrip stop.
Museums and More
Beyond the food and the trails, there are museums worth carving out time for if your trip runs longer than a weekend.
Why We're Already Planning to Go Back
Between the charm, the access to nature, and the food and coffee scene, this is one of those trips that's easy to fall in love with. We're already talking about going back in the fall to catch the foliage.
If you haven't made the trip from Oklahoma City to Northwest Arkansas, put it on your list.
Looking for more on what makes life in the Oklahoma City area so good, from easy weekend trips to the neighborhoods people love? Grab my free Living in OKC Guide here.
I'm Angela Cheatwood, Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty Elite, serving Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Edmond, Tuttle, and Newcastle. Your home is my forte.
