While Bentonville is near picturesque wherever you are, we have the lowdown on some
of the most Instagrammable spots on and around the Bentonville Square.
1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Northwest Arkansas natives know this spot well. The museum hosts a growing permanent collection and seasonal exhibitions of artists from Rothko to O’Keeffe. Photography is allowed (without flash) throughout the museum, so you can use art to make art! Areas with large windows give you the natural light you need for your next profile picture, and dimly lit, black-walled galleries set the right mood for those darker feeds. Show off your cultured side! A fun detour to make is the Crystal Bridges Trail – This meandering trail connects the museum to downtown, and is perfect if your feed is all about floral tones. This stroll is full of sculptures, thriving greenery, a waterfall and an overlook of the museum.
3. The Record – This fun, modern event space is located just off of the square. There is a picture perfect courtyard with a wall of flowing ivy and a bright, red neon sign that is always on at night. While the courtyard is always picture ready, their doors are only open to the public during public events like The Little Craft Show. However, you may get lucky and find someone setting up or tearing down an event that is willing to let you pop in!
4. 21c Museum – After you capture your photos at Crystal Bridges and make your way down the art trail, you’ll find yourself on the beautiful square of downtown Bentonville. Our next stop is… more art! The 21c Museum Hotel not only welcomes overnight visitors but invites community members to enjoy their seasonal rotating exhibitions of photography, sculpture, and film. Even the restaurant located off the lobby, The Hive, is filled with art waiting to be featured on your feed!
5. 8th Street Market – This stop has a little something for everyone. The eateries and shops aren’t just to chow down on delicious meals or indulge in all of your chocolate fantasies. They also offer up a colorful atmosphere. #Nofilter photos have never been so easy. 8th Street Market’s newest addition and “local hangout”, The Holler, is a beautiful space to look like you’re doing work, eat a meal, play shuffleboard or use as the backdrop of your next photo shoot. They have made every seating nook, corner, hallway and table picture-worthy and will give you the 80’s camp vibe we (your 7 followers) have all been waiting for. Just down the way, Markham & Fitz gives you another backdrop. This chocolate shop is the perfect gold foil, Rifle Paper Co. inspired aesthetic for your fitness-gram’s chocolate cheat day. Everything from the dainty gold silverware, to the bright and airy natural lighting, is calling to be photographed. The shops aren’t the only Instagrammable thing at 8th Street. Use the vibrant murals outside to add a pop of color to your feed.
6. Block Street Records – Are you looking for an even more hipster aesthetic? We know just the record shop for you. Block Street Records just recently opened a Bentonville location off the square. The vinyl shop is great if you want your feed to give off all the vintage feels, and maybe pick up the newest Leon Bridges album in the process.
Walk home with your new record, art pamphlets, and chocolate, and start posting your tasty photo adventure around downtown Bentonville! (Link to Brick Ave. website map of local shops).
