A Postcard From North-West Arkansas
By Melissa Tilling
I’m in the North-West of Arkansas in the American South, and my trip starts in Rogers, a town of rail, apple and chicken history.
Brick buildings line the streets and quaint shops evoke an era of timeless charm and Americana. Energy for the day comes courtesy of my new, truly sustainable, coffee heroes Jon and Andrea Allen, who roast ethically sourced coffee beans for their ONYX coffee Lab using solar power – it’s become a beacon for coffee aficionados. After breakfast, I immerse myself in the history of the region at the Rogers Historical Museum and the Daisy Airgun Museum.
Arkansas is perfect for an eco road trip with lots of EV charging points for electric-car rental
In nearby Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (founded by Alice Walton of Walmart family fame), merges art with the natural landscape. An architectural marvel, it houses five centuries of American art and contrasts well with the Museum of Native American History, which tells the rich stories of America’s First Nations. Everywhere I look a globally recognised brand is present. Most notable is Walmart, which is synonymous with Rogers and Bentonville, and founder Sam Walton and his family have made an incredible impression through philanthropy and the economic growth of the area. The Walmart Museum Heritage Lab (while the Walmart Museum is refurbished) is
a fascinating story of the family and their company. Sadly, Sam has passed but he lives on in hologram form to narrate his story.
You'll find plenty of historical landmarks, cultural institutions, natural wonders and eclectic dining
Next we head south to Fayetteville. Its vibrant energy as a university town is unmissable, with a charming town square with shops and eateries, plus the Clinton House Museum (where Bill Clinton lived with Hillary). It tells the story of the 42nd President’s time here and his journey to the White House.
To the east of Rogers and Fayetteville is the stunning Lake Atalanta and the Hobbs State Park Conservation Area, and the whole area is a cyclist and walkers heaven with hundreds of miles of marked trails to explore. I’ll definitely return for more.
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This is a feature from Issue 20 of Charitable Traveller.
by net effect