A New American Town - Bentonville, Arkansas

Join our conversation with Amy Springer, sports sales manager at Visit Bentonville, to explore how a hometown kid helped shape a destination that wins over event owners and fans alike. From elite turf complexes and ESPN-ready gyms to walkable hotel-to-field access, Amy explains why Bentonville converts first-time visitors into repeat partners. We dig into the nuts and bolts of sports tourism: prospecting the right events, elevating existing tournaments, and delivering “unreasonable hospitali...

Craig Zedeker with Scott Adventure Lab joins us to chart how a college curiosity became a career shaping how riders buy, build, and belong. We talk about the scrappy early days of Competitive Cyclist, from eBay listings and Rubbermaid parts tubs to pioneering online for riders across the country. Scott Adventure Lab, a welcoming hub where anyone can walk in, rent a cruiser for the Razorback Greenway, or dial in a race machine with pro-level service. We get into what makes the shop tick: Crai...

This conversation with 21C Bentonville reveals how access to contemporary art can redefine everyday life. We welcome General Manager Claire Thompson and Marketing Manager Micheala Boyd to share how a Louisville-born vision took root in Northwest Arkansas and became a living, walkable hub where galleries, great food, and community intersect. We explore the origin of 21C Museum Hotels and why Bentonville’s downtown location—steps from Lawrence Plaza, the Slaughter Pen trailhead, and the Crysta...

We sit down with Alison Nation, CMO of Visit Bentonville, to trace how a small city stitched together art, trails, wellness, and hospitality into a destination that keeps turning editors’ heads from New York to London. Crystal Bridges fuels the cultural surge with a major expansion that doubles gallery space. The Compton brings fresh momentum to the downtown hotel scene, while 8th Street Gateway Park strengthens a car-light loop that moves from Razorback Greenway to Applegate Trail and up to...

Dive into the natural beauty of Bentonville this fall with guests Samantha Best from Crystal Bridges Museum + Arboredum and Megan Love from Compton Gardens. Discover the wonders of fall in Northwest Arkansas, from changing foliage to wildlife preparation for winter. Learn about arboretums, native plants, and how to be a good steward of outdoor spaces. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, this episode of "A New American Town" offers insider tips on experiencing the best ...