March 21, 2025 • 18 mins
Join Visit Bentonville with travel creator and influencer Amy Eastin of Everyday Outdoor Family about the best family road trip to Bentonville, Arkansas!
Amy shares her expert tips on biking downtown, exploring scenic trails, and visiting top family-friendly spots like the Amazeum and Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. From unforgettable meals to outdoor adventures, Amy discusses how her family made the most of Bentonville’s unique attractions and why they keep coming back. Tune in for essential advice on planning a perfect family getaway to Bentonville, and get insider recommendations for outdoor fun, dining, and much more!
Read more about Amy's family adventures in Bentonville, Arkansas: https://everydayoutdoorfamily.com/weekend-in-bentonville/
A New American Town is here to help you plan your trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. From guides, events, and restaurant highlights. Find all this and more at visitbentonville.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Natalie Stika (00:10):
Welcome to New American Town.
I'm Natalie with VisitBentonville and today I'm joined
with travel creator andinfluencer Amy Easton of
Everyday Outdoor Family.
She focuses on highlightingunique destinations and family
fun, successfully hiking,backpacking and paddling with
three kids.
She has explored 20 plus statesand three countries with her
family.
Today, we're going to be divingin on how you can have the best
(00:32):
family road trip to Bentonville, Arkansas.
Amy, we are so excited to haveyou on the podcast and share
with all of our listeners all ofyour secrets and wealth of
knowledge.
Hi, I'm happy to be here, andwealth of knowledge Hi, I'm
happy to be here.
So you visited us in November.
We were so excited to host you,but you've been here more than
once before.
Can you tell me more about allyour experiences here?
Amy Easton (00:56):
Sure, I think I've been to Bentonville at least
four times in the last two years.
I like it, so I just keepcoming back.
I came for a girl's trip onesummer and we had a really good
time.
And then I brought my family afew times.
We came for a scavenger huntthat happened in Bentonville and
(01:17):
then also just for a fun familyweekend as well.
Natalie Stika (01:22):
scavenger hunt.
That sounds so much fun.
Amy Easton (01:25):
I did not, but actually another creator, Coley
Ray she did, I know she's beento Benton Village.
She was actually who I foundout about it for the first time.
Natalie Stika (01:36):
Oh wow, yeah, we love her.
That's so cool that you guyshave like a little group going
on.
And you've been.
You've had so many differentkinds of experiences here.
That's really exciting to learnabout.
I you've been.
You've had so many differentkinds of experiences here.
That's really exciting to learnabout.
I know in November you visitedduring the holiday season.
What were some of your initialtakeaways?
Amy Easton (01:54):
Well, it's hard to top the lights in the square.
That was just completelystunning and beautiful, and then
our family kind of got to bikethrough them at nighttime, which
just made it even more magical.
Natalie Stika (02:08):
Yeah, that's amazing.
What about the time wheneveryou were on your girls trip?
We?
Amy Easton (02:12):
went to the momentary.
There's that rooftop bar, powerbar.
Yes, oh my goodness, that wasso much fun and it was just the
perfect spot for a girls trip.
We ate a lot of really goodfood and then biked and hiked
through the day.
Natalie Stika (02:28):
It was perfect yeah, yeah, tower bar is really
a wonderful view, and nowthere's a the buckyball, which
is this light up artwork just atthe base of it.
It's, it's stunning.
So, yeah, it sounds like you'vebeen in a huge outdoor
adventure throughout yourtravels, but in Bentonville you
specifically, have talked aboutbiking and hiking multiple times
(02:48):
already, so do you have anytips for families that are
wanting to bike around town?
Amy Easton (03:09):
We biked on the roads, we biked on paved paths.
We didn't have any problemsgetting around.
There was one day where weliterally just never got in our
car.
We stayed at the Downtowner andwere able to just bike around
the downtown and then we bikedall the way out Coler Mountain
Bike Preserve and we just had agreat time.
It was so much fun and so easyto get around and the kids loved
(03:30):
it.
I got to pull all three of themon my bike I have an e -bike,
luckily, so my son rides behindme in his car seat and then my
twins rode in a kind of like apull behind stroller sort of
trailer situation and they lovedit because they could see
everything and basically anytimethey wanted to stop, we just
(03:52):
got out.
They played in the creek, weexplored.
Natalie Stika (03:55):
It was awesome yeah, and for anyone not knowing
, the downtowner is one of ourAirBnbs in town, but seriously,
almost everywhere you stay, youcan just walk out your front
door and then bike around andyou don't have to get in your
car, which is so special, andthat's one thing that makes a
visit here just so different.
We always encourage people toget bikes, and you brought your
(04:17):
own bike, which is so exciting,and that your kids know exactly
what they're getting into withthe, the trailer and your son
behind you.
What were their favorite thingsabout biking around?
Amy Easton (04:29):
I think they just liked that they could see
everything and experience it ina different way.
Instead of being on roads wherethe views are kind of boring,
you're going down trails andthey got to see all the trees.
They waved to all the dogs, somany dogs.
Natalie Stika (04:45):
There are a lot of those?
Amy Easton (04:47):
Yeah, they loved petting all the dogs.
Natalie Stika (04:51):
That's awesome, yeah, so did you start downtown
and then make your way throughCrystal Bridges first, or Coler,
I'm forgetting.
Amy Easton (05:00):
I think we went to.
We started in downtown and thenwe went Coler and and then we
biked to Crepes, Paulette forlunch and then went back to
downtown and sort of exploreddown there.
Natalie Stika (05:14):
Yeah, that's awesome.
Out of all the experiences here, aside from biking, what are
some of your favoritefamily-friendly activities?
Amy Easton (05:22):
We went to the Amazium.
It's the children's museum andmy kids absolutely loved that.
The only hard part of that spotwas getting my kids to leave,
because I think they just wantedto move in.
But it was a really coolexperience.
They had a lot of fun doing allthe different activities and I
think we spent like maybe fouror five hours there and they
(05:45):
still wanted to stay longer.
Natalie Stika (05:47):
Yeah, that's a museum is so special and like it
caters to so many differentages of kids, hands-on learning
yeah.
What were their favorite thingsabout the museum?
Amy Easton (05:59):
They really liked the shopping area.
It looked like a little Walmart, which was adorable.
They put on the vests and Ikept getting served like raw
chicken and things like that.
There was a little restaurantarea so they kept bringing me
all the food and were likewhat's your order?
And we did that for a long time.
It was really sweet and theyloved all the climbing and I was
(06:21):
glad that they could get somewiggles out before we headed
home that day.
So then that way, before we gotin the car for a road trip,
they were all runned out.
Natalie Stika (06:31):
If you're interested in learning more
about Amy's visit with herfamily, don't forget to follow
her on social media at EverydayOutdoor Family.
Read her blog from VisitBentonville, titled A Family Fun
Weekend in Bentonville,Arkansas, on her website
everydayoutdoorfamily.
com, or go to the show notes tosee more.
That's exactly what you want asa parent, right?
(06:53):
I know I probably would alwayssay that every time of year in
Bentonville is perfect, but whatis your favorite time of year
to visit?
Amy Easton (07:02):
I really like coming whenever it's late fall and
also early spring, because inKansas City, where I live, it's
just a little bit colder.
So I've been twice now at theend of October, beginning of
November time, and the trees areall beautiful and it's not too
(07:28):
cold there, like it's already alittle bit cold in Kansas city,
but it's warmer there and it'sjust stunningly beautiful.
And then same with thespringtime, like if I, if you
can come in March.
Like in Kansas city today it's80 and tomorrow it might snow,
so it's all over the place, butif you drive three hours south
to Bentonville, it's just lovely.
Natalie Stika (07:49):
Yeah, it is.
We do that on purpose.
We have a have a thing withmother nature.
Amy Easton (07:55):
I believe it um.
Natalie Stika (07:59):
What is something that you always return to here,
that you like?
Everyone must make sure thatthey get there, ok, so I have a
slight obsession with CrepesPaulette.
Amy Easton (08:11):
I have celiac disease and I can't eat gluten,
and so it's pretty rare for meto be able to eat crepes.
But they have these really goodgluten free crepes and my kids
love it too.
They have this window wherethey can look through the window
and watch them make everything,and so they are just mesmerized
by them making these crepes,which means that I actually get
(08:34):
to relax, which is bizarre.
Whenever we're waiting for food, usually my kids are pretty,
you know, like when's it coming,and things like that.
So, and then they just love thecrepes too, like they have
savory ones and they have sweetones.
Natalie Stika (08:48):
I was gonna ask and yeah, yeah, we always get
one of both.
Amy Easton (08:53):
Like my kids love the Nutella and strawberry.
Um, and then I there's one thathas like ham and maple syrup
and eggs and cheese and it is sogood and seriously I've driven
out of my way on road trips tostop in Bentonville just for
these crepes it really is thatgood and it's so special.
Natalie Stika (09:13):
I also have celiac, so I can totally,
totally relate.
They are made with buckwheatand it just makes everyone have
a wonderful experience.
And they're really good on thego too.
You don't have to sit there andwait.
You can grab them, becausethey're wrapped up perfect in
aluminum foil.
Take them on a picnic so specialum so good so you travel with
your kids so much and for thepeople listening that want to
(09:35):
have that amazing family triphere in Bentonville, um, what
are some packing essentials thatyou bring whenever you go on an
outdoor adventure?
Amy Easton (09:44):
Well, if you can bring your bike, I'd highly
recommend it.
I know you can rent bikes inBentonville, but that's
definitely the best way to getaround if you can swing it.
Our family we always bring kindof the basic hiking essentials
sunscreen, water, backpack.
(10:04):
It's good to have a change ofclothes.
There are some really awesomecreeks in Bentonville and, like
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, mykids always like to get in the
water there, so it's good tohave a change of clothes.
Sometimes we've worn our rainboots and that's been a good
move.
So, yeah, basically anythingthat you think you'll need to
(10:25):
get outdoors, you probably willwant it in Bentonville.
Natalie Stika (10:29):
Yeah, true, that's.
That is such so many goodrecommendations.
The creeks here are so specialand cooling off in the summer is
a must, whenever you guys arehopping between all the outdoor
excursions what are some?
(10:53):
Of your other favorite diningoptions.
Amy Easton (10:55):
Let's see.
So the Buttered Biscuit Is thatright?
Yes, yes, okay, yeah, theButtered Biscuit is really good.
They've got a lot of goodgluten- free options.
When we came for the girls trip, I actually made my friends go
like three times because I wasjust so excited about being able
to get gluten-free chicken andwaffles and gluten-free cinnamon
rolls and all these things Ican't find otherwise, and
(11:17):
biscuits.
Natalie Stika (11:22):
Yeah.
Amy Easton (11:22):
So good, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, so good, so good.
And then last time also, eighthstreet market was a really cool
spot.
There's a lot of good eateriesthere.
I think we ate at a place, aMexican place, called Yeyos Is
that right?
Yeyos yeah, and oh, it was sogood.
Um, there's just like thatwhole area has a lot of really
(11:44):
good options.
The downtown has quite a fewgood options as well.
You have to get the ice creamfrom the Spark.
Yes, you have to get the icecream from the Spark.
It's super cheap and the kidsloved it and we just got a cup
or a cone and then walked aroundthe downtown.
(12:05):
It was really nice.
Natalie Stika (12:07):
I know I love that.
Our community does that.
Like everyone just gets icecream and hangs out on the
square.
It's like really a movie, butit's just normal life here.
It's so special.
Really exciting news theWalmart Museum just opened back
up this last weekend and so theSpark ice cream shop and soda
fountain is back open in theiroriginal location, which you
(12:29):
need to come and check out,since you were here when the
truck was on the square.
Amy Easton (12:33):
Yes, yeah, I was surprised last time.
I didn't realize it would beunder construction, but they
made it.
They did a good job of makingit feel really seamless.
But I will be excited to goback and see the inside, now
that it's all been remodeled andredone, and everything.
Natalie Stika (12:46):
It's phenomenal.
Yeah, that is a must forfamilies now, since we haven't
had that for like two years,close to two years.
It looks really great.
There's a second floor now andyou'll be happy to know that
there's 100% gluten-free brewerynow downtown called Stoic Brews
their whole.
They have food to pizza,calzones, tons of nachos, tons
(13:08):
of things that are gluten free,and it's already such a hot spot
, oh that sounds amazing.
Amy Easton (13:15):
I need to go right now.
Natalie Stika (13:17):
Yeah for whoever is looking for some gluten-free
food or just normal food.
It's good too, yeah that'sawesome.
Amy Easton (13:24):
I will definitely put that on my list for next
time I'm there.
Natalie Stika (13:27):
Yeah, Speaking of next time.
What are some things that youalready know.
You want to go back to andexperience.
Amy Easton (13:34):
Well, every single time we come to town, we go
Coler Mountain Mountain BikePreserve just because it's such
a unique and special spot withthe airship coffee right there
and the kids always loveexploring.
We did camp there one time whenwe came in town for the
scavenger hunt and I'd like toget back there and camp there
again.
It's actually included in myblog of my favorite places to
(13:58):
camp within three hours ofKansas City because it is just
such like a nice facility.
I called it the four seasons ofcampgrounds because the
bathroom looks like it wasdesigned by like a world-class
architect and the whole.
Just the vibes are so great, soI'd like to get back there for
(14:20):
a camping trip.
We need to get back to CrystalBridges.
My kids really love all of thetrails around there and I would
love to get back and exploreOsage Park.
We haven't really explored thatarea and we drove past it and I
saw the playground and itlooked like some wetlands, and
(14:41):
so we need to plan another tripso we can check that out.
Natalie Stika (14:48):
Yeah, that's so cool to hear your experience
Coler Campground.
I really haven't been able tohead over there or spend time
camping since I live here, but Ihave heard that the facilities
are just phenomenal and sounique, very different, and I
feel like that's a lot of ourattractions here, like Osage
Park is so unique.
There are beautiful and open tothe public pickleball courts
there, dog parks, a playgroundthat is actually themed on the
(15:11):
airport.
We have an airport right thereon Osage Park, lake Bentonville,
with a cafe inside and so manyother special things.
You could spend a whole day atOsage Park and you wouldn't know
it.
Other special things.
Amy Easton (15:25):
you could spend a whole day at Osage Park and you
wouldn't know it.
Yes, my kids love any sort oftransportation, so they would
love to watch the planes, andthey might actually eat their
food if there were planes thatthey could watch.
Natalie Stika (15:36):
Yeah, that's a good tip.
Well, whenever you're thinkingof your next trip, what are some
big things that you take intoconsideration and how?
How has Bentonville, you know,hitting all the right points for
you and your family to comemultiple times?
Amy Easton (15:55):
You know it, I was trying to think about this for
this podcast because, like, whatis it about Bentonville that
makes it so special?
And it's just a really hardthing to encompass in a few
words.
But I think if I had to sum itup, it would be the vibes, and I
(16:15):
think that it just those goodvibes come from lots of
different things, like thefriendly people, the great art
scene, the great trails, thenatural beauty, and it just has
this like fun, funky feeling,like it's got this small town
feel with big city amenities andyou just have to go and
(16:35):
experience it for yourself.
Natalie Stika (16:37):
It's completely unique, so true.
You have to see it if youhaven't been here before.
It's so hard to explain andit's so special.
And you are speaking likeeverything that I always say to
all my friends and family that Iwant to join me here.
And yeah, it's the vibes, Iagree.
So what's next for you?
(16:58):
Are you planning another tripto Bentonville soon?
What's been on the back of yourbrain?
Amy Easton (17:05):
So I'm not sure when I'm going to be back in
Bentonville hopefully sometimethis year.
I have a good friend that movedto Fayetteville, and so that's
a reason to come back toNorthwest Arkansas sometime soon
.
We are for spring break.
We're going to head south, soif our route takes us through
(17:27):
Bentonville, I'm 100% stoppingat that brewery on the way down.
Yeah, I knew you were going tosay that.
Natalie Stika (17:35):
That's awesome Cool.
Thank you so much for joiningus today, amy.
That's a wrap for today'sepisode, but don't forget to
visit Bentonville, and we'rehere for you to help navigate
things to do, where to eat andstay and what's going in our new
American town.
Give us a follow on socialmedia, sign up for our
newsletter and check out ourwebsite at visitbentonvillecom.
(17:58):
Thanks for listening.
Welcome to New American Town.
I'm Natalie with VisitBentonville and today I'm joined
with travel creator andinfluencer Amy Easton of
Everyday Outdoor Family.
She focuses on highlightingunique destinations and family
fun, successfully hiking,backpacking and paddling with
three kids.
She has explored 20 plus statesand three countries with her
family.
Today, we're going to be divingin on how you can have the best
(00:32):
family road trip to Bentonville, Arkansas.
Amy, we are so excited to haveyou on the podcast and share
with all of our listeners all ofyour secrets and wealth of
knowledge.
Hi, I'm happy to be here, andwealth of knowledge Hi, I'm
happy to be here.
So you visited us in November.
We were so excited to host you,but you've been here more than
once before.
Can you tell me more about allyour experiences here?
Amy Easton (00:56):
Sure, I think I've been to Bentonville at least
four times in the last two years.
I like it, so I just keepcoming back.
I came for a girl's trip onesummer and we had a really good
time.
And then I brought my family afew times.
We came for a scavenger huntthat happened in Bentonville and
(01:17):
then also just for a fun familyweekend as well.
Natalie Stika (01:22):
scavenger hunt.
That sounds so much fun.
Amy Easton (01:25):
I did not, but actually another creator, Coley
Ray she did, I know she's beento Benton Village.
She was actually who I foundout about it for the first time.
Natalie Stika (01:36):
Oh wow, yeah, we love her.
That's so cool that you guyshave like a little group going
on.
And you've been.
You've had so many differentkinds of experiences here.
That's really exciting to learnabout.
I you've been.
You've had so many differentkinds of experiences here.
That's really exciting to learnabout.
I know in November you visitedduring the holiday season.
What were some of your initialtakeaways?
Amy Easton (01:54):
Well, it's hard to top the lights in the square.
That was just completelystunning and beautiful, and then
our family kind of got to bikethrough them at nighttime, which
just made it even more magical.
Natalie Stika (02:08):
Yeah, that's amazing.
What about the time wheneveryou were on your girls trip?
We?
Amy Easton (02:12):
went to the momentary.
There's that rooftop bar, powerbar.
Yes, oh my goodness, that wasso much fun and it was just the
perfect spot for a girls trip.
We ate a lot of really goodfood and then biked and hiked
through the day.
Natalie Stika (02:28):
It was perfect yeah, yeah, tower bar is really
a wonderful view, and nowthere's a the buckyball, which
is this light up artwork just atthe base of it.
It's, it's stunning.
So, yeah, it sounds like you'vebeen in a huge outdoor
adventure throughout yourtravels, but in Bentonville you
specifically, have talked aboutbiking and hiking multiple times
(02:48):
already, so do you have anytips for families that are
wanting to bike around town?
Amy Easton (03:09):
We biked on the roads, we biked on paved paths.
We didn't have any problemsgetting around.
There was one day where weliterally just never got in our
car.
We stayed at the Downtowner andwere able to just bike around
the downtown and then we bikedall the way out Coler Mountain
Bike Preserve and we just had agreat time.
It was so much fun and so easyto get around and the kids loved
(03:30):
it.
I got to pull all three of themon my bike I have an e -bike,
luckily, so my son rides behindme in his car seat and then my
twins rode in a kind of like apull behind stroller sort of
trailer situation and they lovedit because they could see
everything and basically anytimethey wanted to stop, we just
(03:52):
got out.
They played in the creek, weexplored.
Natalie Stika (03:55):
It was awesome yeah, and for anyone not knowing
, the downtowner is one of ourAirBnbs in town, but seriously,
almost everywhere you stay, youcan just walk out your front
door and then bike around andyou don't have to get in your
car, which is so special, andthat's one thing that makes a
visit here just so different.
We always encourage people toget bikes, and you brought your
(04:17):
own bike, which is so exciting,and that your kids know exactly
what they're getting into withthe, the trailer and your son
behind you.
What were their favorite thingsabout biking around?
Amy Easton (04:29):
I think they just liked that they could see
everything and experience it ina different way.
Instead of being on roads wherethe views are kind of boring,
you're going down trails andthey got to see all the trees.
They waved to all the dogs, somany dogs.
Natalie Stika (04:45):
There are a lot of those?
Amy Easton (04:47):
Yeah, they loved petting all the dogs.
Natalie Stika (04:51):
That's awesome, yeah, so did you start downtown
and then make your way throughCrystal Bridges first, or Coler,
I'm forgetting.
Amy Easton (05:00):
I think we went to.
We started in downtown and thenwe went Coler and and then we
biked to Crepes, Paulette forlunch and then went back to
downtown and sort of exploreddown there.
Natalie Stika (05:14):
Yeah, that's awesome.
Out of all the experiences here, aside from biking, what are
some of your favoritefamily-friendly activities?
Amy Easton (05:22):
We went to the Amazium.
It's the children's museum andmy kids absolutely loved that.
The only hard part of that spotwas getting my kids to leave,
because I think they just wantedto move in.
But it was a really coolexperience.
They had a lot of fun doing allthe different activities and I
think we spent like maybe fouror five hours there and they
(05:45):
still wanted to stay longer.
Natalie Stika (05:47):
Yeah, that's a museum is so special and like it
caters to so many differentages of kids, hands-on learning
yeah.
What were their favorite thingsabout the museum?
Amy Easton (05:59):
They really liked the shopping area.
It looked like a little Walmart, which was adorable.
They put on the vests and Ikept getting served like raw
chicken and things like that.
There was a little restaurantarea so they kept bringing me
all the food and were likewhat's your order?
And we did that for a long time.
It was really sweet and theyloved all the climbing and I was
(06:21):
glad that they could get somewiggles out before we headed
home that day.
So then that way, before we gotin the car for a road trip,
they were all runned out.
Natalie Stika (06:31):
If you're interested in learning more
about Amy's visit with herfamily, don't forget to follow
her on social media at EverydayOutdoor Family.
Read her blog from VisitBentonville, titled A Family Fun
Weekend in Bentonville,Arkansas, on her website
everydayoutdoorfamily.
com, or go to the show notes tosee more.
That's exactly what you want asa parent, right?
(06:53):
I know I probably would alwayssay that every time of year in
Bentonville is perfect, but whatis your favorite time of year
to visit?
Amy Easton (07:02):
I really like coming whenever it's late fall and
also early spring, because inKansas City, where I live, it's
just a little bit colder.
So I've been twice now at theend of October, beginning of
November time, and the trees areall beautiful and it's not too
(07:28):
cold there, like it's already alittle bit cold in Kansas city,
but it's warmer there and it'sjust stunningly beautiful.
And then same with thespringtime, like if I, if you
can come in March.
Like in Kansas city today it's80 and tomorrow it might snow,
so it's all over the place, butif you drive three hours south
to Bentonville, it's just lovely.
Natalie Stika (07:49):
Yeah, it is.
We do that on purpose.
We have a have a thing withmother nature.
Amy Easton (07:55):
I believe it um.
Natalie Stika (07:59):
What is something that you always return to here,
that you like?
Everyone must make sure thatthey get there, ok, so I have a
slight obsession with CrepesPaulette.
Amy Easton (08:11):
I have celiac disease and I can't eat gluten,
and so it's pretty rare for meto be able to eat crepes.
But they have these really goodgluten free crepes and my kids
love it too.
They have this window wherethey can look through the window
and watch them make everything,and so they are just mesmerized
by them making these crepes,which means that I actually get
(08:34):
to relax, which is bizarre.
Whenever we're waiting for food, usually my kids are pretty,
you know, like when's it coming,and things like that.
So, and then they just love thecrepes too, like they have
savory ones and they have sweetones.
Natalie Stika (08:48):
I was gonna ask and yeah, yeah, we always get
one of both.
Amy Easton (08:53):
Like my kids love the Nutella and strawberry.
Um, and then I there's one thathas like ham and maple syrup
and eggs and cheese and it is sogood and seriously I've driven
out of my way on road trips tostop in Bentonville just for
these crepes it really is thatgood and it's so special.
Natalie Stika (09:13):
I also have celiac, so I can totally,
totally relate.
They are made with buckwheatand it just makes everyone have
a wonderful experience.
And they're really good on thego too.
You don't have to sit there andwait.
You can grab them, becausethey're wrapped up perfect in
aluminum foil.
Take them on a picnic so specialum so good so you travel with
your kids so much and for thepeople listening that want to
(09:35):
have that amazing family triphere in Bentonville, um, what
are some packing essentials thatyou bring whenever you go on an
outdoor adventure?
Amy Easton (09:44):
Well, if you can bring your bike, I'd highly
recommend it.
I know you can rent bikes inBentonville, but that's
definitely the best way to getaround if you can swing it.
Our family we always bring kindof the basic hiking essentials
sunscreen, water, backpack.
(10:04):
It's good to have a change ofclothes.
There are some really awesomecreeks in Bentonville and, like
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, mykids always like to get in the
water there, so it's good tohave a change of clothes.
Sometimes we've worn our rainboots and that's been a good
move.
So, yeah, basically anythingthat you think you'll need to
(10:25):
get outdoors, you probably willwant it in Bentonville.
Natalie Stika (10:29):
Yeah, true, that's.
That is such so many goodrecommendations.
The creeks here are so specialand cooling off in the summer is
a must, whenever you guys arehopping between all the outdoor
excursions what are some?
(10:53):
Of your other favorite diningoptions.
Amy Easton (10:55):
Let's see.
So the Buttered Biscuit Is thatright?
Yes, yes, okay, yeah, theButtered Biscuit is really good.
They've got a lot of goodgluten- free options.
When we came for the girls trip, I actually made my friends go
like three times because I wasjust so excited about being able
to get gluten-free chicken andwaffles and gluten-free cinnamon
rolls and all these things Ican't find otherwise, and
(11:17):
biscuits.
Natalie Stika (11:22):
Yeah.
Amy Easton (11:22):
So good, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, so good, so good.
And then last time also, eighthstreet market was a really cool
spot.
There's a lot of good eateriesthere.
I think we ate at a place, aMexican place, called Yeyos Is
that right?
Yeyos yeah, and oh, it was sogood.
Um, there's just like thatwhole area has a lot of really
(11:44):
good options.
The downtown has quite a fewgood options as well.
You have to get the ice creamfrom the Spark.
Yes, you have to get the icecream from the Spark.
It's super cheap and the kidsloved it and we just got a cup
or a cone and then walked aroundthe downtown.
(12:05):
It was really nice.
Natalie Stika (12:07):
I know I love that.
Our community does that.
Like everyone just gets icecream and hangs out on the
square.
It's like really a movie, butit's just normal life here.
It's so special.
Really exciting news theWalmart Museum just opened back
up this last weekend and so theSpark ice cream shop and soda
fountain is back open in theiroriginal location, which you
(12:29):
need to come and check out,since you were here when the
truck was on the square.
Amy Easton (12:33):
Yes, yeah, I was surprised last time.
I didn't realize it would beunder construction, but they
made it.
They did a good job of makingit feel really seamless.
But I will be excited to goback and see the inside, now
that it's all been remodeled andredone, and everything.
Natalie Stika (12:46):
It's phenomenal.
Yeah, that is a must forfamilies now, since we haven't
had that for like two years,close to two years.
It looks really great.
There's a second floor now andyou'll be happy to know that
there's 100% gluten-free brewerynow downtown called Stoic Brews
their whole.
They have food to pizza,calzones, tons of nachos, tons
(13:08):
of things that are gluten free,and it's already such a hot spot
, oh that sounds amazing.
Amy Easton (13:15):
I need to go right now.
Natalie Stika (13:17):
Yeah for whoever is looking for some gluten-free
food or just normal food.
It's good too, yeah that'sawesome.
Amy Easton (13:24):
I will definitely put that on my list for next
time I'm there.
Natalie Stika (13:27):
Yeah, Speaking of next time.
What are some things that youalready know.
You want to go back to andexperience.
Amy Easton (13:34):
Well, every single time we come to town, we go
Coler Mountain Mountain BikePreserve just because it's such
a unique and special spot withthe airship coffee right there
and the kids always loveexploring.
We did camp there one time whenwe came in town for the
scavenger hunt and I'd like toget back there and camp there
again.
It's actually included in myblog of my favorite places to
(13:58):
camp within three hours ofKansas City because it is just
such like a nice facility.
I called it the four seasons ofcampgrounds because the
bathroom looks like it wasdesigned by like a world-class
architect and the whole.
Just the vibes are so great, soI'd like to get back there for
(14:20):
a camping trip.
We need to get back to CrystalBridges.
My kids really love all of thetrails around there and I would
love to get back and exploreOsage Park.
We haven't really explored thatarea and we drove past it and I
saw the playground and itlooked like some wetlands, and
(14:41):
so we need to plan another tripso we can check that out.
Natalie Stika (14:48):
Yeah, that's so cool to hear your experience
Coler Campground.
I really haven't been able tohead over there or spend time
camping since I live here, but Ihave heard that the facilities
are just phenomenal and sounique, very different, and I
feel like that's a lot of ourattractions here, like Osage
Park is so unique.
There are beautiful and open tothe public pickleball courts
there, dog parks, a playgroundthat is actually themed on the
(15:11):
airport.
We have an airport right thereon Osage Park, lake Bentonville,
with a cafe inside and so manyother special things.
You could spend a whole day atOsage Park and you wouldn't know
it.
Other special things.
Amy Easton (15:25):
you could spend a whole day at Osage Park and you
wouldn't know it.
Yes, my kids love any sort oftransportation, so they would
love to watch the planes, andthey might actually eat their
food if there were planes thatthey could watch.
Natalie Stika (15:36):
Yeah, that's a good tip.
Well, whenever you're thinkingof your next trip, what are some
big things that you take intoconsideration and how?
How has Bentonville, you know,hitting all the right points for
you and your family to comemultiple times?
Amy Easton (15:55):
You know it, I was trying to think about this for
this podcast because, like, whatis it about Bentonville that
makes it so special?
And it's just a really hardthing to encompass in a few
words.
But I think if I had to sum itup, it would be the vibes, and I
(16:15):
think that it just those goodvibes come from lots of
different things, like thefriendly people, the great art
scene, the great trails, thenatural beauty, and it just has
this like fun, funky feeling,like it's got this small town
feel with big city amenities andyou just have to go and
(16:35):
experience it for yourself.
Natalie Stika (16:37):
It's completely unique, so true.
You have to see it if youhaven't been here before.
It's so hard to explain andit's so special.
And you are speaking likeeverything that I always say to
all my friends and family that Iwant to join me here.
And yeah, it's the vibes, Iagree.
So what's next for you?
(16:58):
Are you planning another tripto Bentonville soon?
What's been on the back of yourbrain?
Amy Easton (17:05):
So I'm not sure when I'm going to be back in
Bentonville hopefully sometimethis year.
I have a good friend that movedto Fayetteville, and so that's
a reason to come back toNorthwest Arkansas sometime soon
.
We are for spring break.
We're going to head south, soif our route takes us through
(17:27):
Bentonville, I'm 100% stoppingat that brewery on the way down.
Yeah, I knew you were going tosay that.
Natalie Stika (17:35):
That's awesome Cool.
Thank you so much for joiningus today, amy.
That's a wrap for today'sepisode, but don't forget to
visit Bentonville, and we'rehere for you to help navigate
things to do, where to eat andstay and what's going in our new
American town.
Give us a follow on socialmedia, sign up for our
newsletter and check out ourwebsite at visitbentonvillecom.
(17:58):
Thanks for listening.
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