Bentonville, Arkansas

 For a couple of days we are stopping over in Bentonville, Arkansas.  Thirty years ago I used to come to Bentonville to do school work.  There was nothing at all here then, just the mountains of Northwest Arkansas.  Today is another world.

Sam Walton’s original store, opened in 1950 when he was 32 years old.

This is, of course, Sam Walton’s home and the birthplace of Walmart.  The little town has been totally reshaped is a very positive way with parks and street side restaurants abounding.  There is a growing young population and people are biking everywhere.

On the trail to the museum.

We came here to visit the Crystal Bridges Art Museum, the project of Walton daughters, now celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Trish and I were excited about the museum, but had no idea that the garden and woodland trails surrounding were so beautiful and also filled with art.  

We are in a B & B right beside the gardens and we have walked and walked.  The gardens are also right in downtown Bentonville and the 37 mile bike path passes through.  We are most impressed at this little town and are having a wonderful time being here.  

Next we will take you inside the museum itself.