WHILE everyone and their mother seems to be on holiday in Italy and Japan, travelers looking for something different need look no further.
A city on American soil has just been named one of the most underrated destinations in the world.
TimeOut Magazine named Bentonville, Arkansas, a top pick for a humble yet charming getaway.
“Of all the villas I’ve visited (and there are many), Bentonville is by far my favorite,” wrote editor Virginia Gil.
“It’s surprising how much this charming little town in Arkansas brings to the table.”
Bentonville is a nature lover’s paradise, with trail options for biking, running and walking, many leading to the Coler Mountain Bike Reserve, which features more than 17 miles of cross-country, rock and dual slalom trails.
Art and museum fans will appreciate the city’s unusual Crystal Bridges Museum, owned by Walmart heiress and billionaire Alice Walton.
In the first five years of its opening, the museum attracted more than three million visitors, or nearly the population of the entire state of Arkansas.
Along with free entry, diverse exhibits and advanced architecture can make the museum attractive to the masses.
To begin with, Crystal Bridges acquired a New Jersey home designed by renowned American architect Frank Llyod Wright and moved the entire structure to the museum.
If the renovated Bachman-Wilson House isn’t impressive enough, there’s also Norman Rockwell’s original Rosie the Riveter.
When it appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in the 1940s, the drawing became pop culture iconography and a symbol of female empowerment.
The attraction also features popular modern art, with works by Yayoi Kusama and singer-songwriter Jewel, as well as art classes, workshops, lectures and summer camps.
Although there is an entry fee for temporary exhibitions, visitors can purchase free tickets here.
Bentonville also has an active nightlife, including several breweries, speakeasies, and bars.
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The Momentary Bara contemporary art space that is part of Crystal Bridges, it used to be a 63,000-square-foot cheese factory turned performing arts venue.
The Hive, a culinary experience led by chef Micah Klasky, is held in a 12,000-square-foot art gallery and includes rotating contemporary art exhibits and installations.
It should be mentioned then that the city’s local food scene is nothing to scoff at either.
Three Bentonville restaurants have been named 2022 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists.
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The Hive, The Preacher’s Son and Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico were recognized for Best Chef: South, Outstanding Hospitality and Best Chef: South again, respectively.
This year, the city returned to the list, with two chefs recognized for their achievements.
Chefs Matt Cooper of Conifer and Rafael Rios of Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico were the only two chefs from Arkansas to make the list.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
