In addition to the incredible geography of the Ozarks, Arkansas can claim one of America's most celebrated architects,
E. Fay Jones, as a favorite son. An apprentice to Frank LLoyd Wright, Jones became best know for his poetic interpretation of organic design, which is evident in the many houses and other structures he designed. I had the great fortune to hear Jones speak while in architecture school. Unlike the "starchitects" of today, Jones was a soft spoken, almost humble gentleman of immense talent. In addition to Jones, other cultural icons hail from The Natural State, including
Johnny Cash, founder of
The Band, Levon Helm, and Oscar winner
Billy Bob Thornton. With luminaries such as these, the good people of Arkansas can be proud of their state and its citizens for their contributions to the cultural landscape of the good ole USA.
And yet Bentonville still remains the quintessential small American town, complete with locally owned storefronts, village squares and friendly citizens. However, like any urban enclave with yuppies and millennials around every corner, you can get a nice 20 ounce white mocha latte for a cool $4.75 at the
Pressroom, a local coffee/breakfast/brunch/lunch eatery, complete with un-painted concrete floors, exposed galvanized ductwork and funky objects de art. Trendy is as trendy does! There are multiple food choices in Bentonville to please the palette of any discerning vagabond.
THE 21C AND A WADDLE OF PENGUINS MAKE A THING GO NICE
Our destination in Bentonville was the art centric
21C Museum Hotel. Strategically located in downtown Bentonville, the 21C brings one of the best examples you will ever find of a "concept" hotel to this small community, a magnet for vendors and entrepreneurs from all over the globe. Visionary hotelier Kentuckians
Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson have embarked on a completely new approach to the boutique hotel. The sleek, minimalist design by
Deborah Berke Partners combines with great service and uncompromised comfort to create a truly unique hotel experience for nomads and vagabonds in search of the best. And it doesn't cost a fortune. At $199 per night, our deluxe king, complete with fabulous bed, large couch, table and a massive, subway tiled shower/bathroom, exceeded any standard you would expect in a large urban four star hotel, sans the snooty concierge. The staff at the 21C was fabulous.
And to further heighten the "this is a different kinda place" vibe, the owners of this sweet little boutique number decided to insert penguins, lime green at Bentonville, around every corner. According to
OurInventionGeneration Blog, the idea for the penguins came as a result of a visit to an art exhibit in Venice where several red penguins were being displayed. Upon noticing positive reactions to the penguins, eureka! The placement of penguins everywhere in the 21C enhances the already unique quality of this hotel wrapped around a vibrant art museum. You can get my take on the
Louisville 21C, the first of what will hopefully be many more to come, from my post back in March 2011.
For a town of 35,000, Bentonville offers many ways to enjoy a unique blend of commerce, nature and simple small town pleasures. If American art is your thing, then Bentonville is your place. You can enjoy work from Audubon to Warhol by taking about a twenty minute stroll from the 21C to Bentonville's
Crystal Bridges Museum, designed by international architect
Moshe Safdie. There is actually a designated trail from the hotel to the museum. Funded by the Walton family, with a collection estimated at $488 million, this world class museum, with its sweeping curved metal roofs, polished concrete and locally harvested wood is designed to create an exceptional experience surrounded by innovative architecture and art. And get this - It's free! That's right, due to the Walton endowment for operational costs, the museum is completely free to all. Though lunch in the glass walled restaurant,
Eleven, is a bit pricey, it's a small price to pay to enjoy world class art for free. Finally, a stroll down one of the many art laden paths through the Arkansas woods is a great way to end the day for vagabonds desirous of enjoying nature and art at its best.
And after wandering around Bentonville or visiting the Crystal Bridges for an art filled afternoon, dining in is the recommended choice -
The HIVE. This well appointed eatery showcases a unique blend of locally grown everything, which has come to be known, in some circles, as
High South Cuisine. And do not skip dessert! As they say in some parts - It don't git no better!
ACAPELLA BY ANY OTHER NAME - THIS IS THE BEST OF THE BEST - PENTATONIX DOES CHRISTMAS IN PERFECT FIVE PART HARMONY 
