Last week, the New York Times published its latest installment of the iconic “36 Hours” travel series — and the destination was Bentonville, Arkansas. If you haven’t read it yet, go read it now. We’ll wait. We’ve been grinning about it all week.
The Feature
Writer Emily Cochrane spent a weekend doing what visitors to Bentonville do best: eating, riding, exploring, and being surprised at every turn. The piece captures Crystal Bridges, the cycling culture, the food scene, and the unmistakable energy of a small city that’s growing with intention. The “36 Hours” series has covered Paris, Tokyo, and New York. Seeing Bentonville in that company isn’t something we take lightly.
Our Properties in Print
The Compton earned a featured mention — Cochrane called it a serene, upscale stay in the heart of downtown, with rates starting at $360 per night. Motto by Hilton was highlighted for its compact, design-forward rooms and Japanese-inspired cuisine, starting at $160 per night. 21C Museum Hotel and its restaurant, The Hive, appeared as a longtime anchor for art-minded visitors. And then there was this, about Cafe Louise at Thaden Field:
A hearty breakfast with a view of the city’s private planes — the kind of only-in-Bentonville moment that catches you off guard.
We couldn’t have said it better.
What It Means
A New York Times feature doesn’t change a city overnight, but it confirms a trajectory. This is validation for everyone who has poured energy into making Bentonville what it is — the trail builders, the chefs, the artists, the community leaders, and yes, the developers. Bentonville earned this spotlight. If the article inspires you to visit, we’ll be here — probably on bikes, probably heading to dinner on the Square.