NWA MEDIA FILE PHOTO

A warm, energetic welcome to Northwest Arkansas newcomers and visitors. We’re truly glad you are here, and the information in the following pages will help make your transition easier in many ways.

First, you should know that you are in one of the nation’s premiere areas when it comes to everything from employment to services, first-class homes, and wonderful restaurants to a wide variety of outdoor activities amid remarkable scenic beauty.

Moreover, the folks here are genuinely friendly, and that’s not just chamber of commerce talk.

Few places in the United States offer such a choice of livable com- munities than exist in this corri- dor that runs from as far south as Waldron in Scott County, north through Greenwood, Mansfield, Fort Smith and on up Interstate 540 to West Fork, Fayetteville, Johnson, Springdale, Lowell, Rogers, Bentonville and on through Bella Vista to the Missouri border.

Those who have chosen this unique part of Arkansas as their home already understand that is truly is a place with an ambiance that can best be described as spiri- tual in its nature.

ATHENS OF THE OZARKS
Fayetteville, also known as the Athens of the Ozarks for its nine forested hills, is an eclectic mix of a major-college town, thriving business community, an outdoor- lovers dream and a cultural and arts center. It’s also a community of fervent Arkansas Razorback fans and recently was recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s top five smaller towns to live and work. From trails and greenways to the ever-bustling and historic Dickson Street, this is a truly unique city.

Fans of the performing arts are sure to enjoy the nationally recognized Walton Arts Center, which opened in 1992 and now has plans to add a 600-seat audi- torium near its existing Dickson Street location. The current venue is host to all forms of arts programs and entertainment by artists ranging from local performers to internationally known stars.

There’s a visitor center in the city’s charming downtown square, and twice each week there’s a farmer’s market, where friends gather to fill bags with the latest produce, flowers and local handi- work.

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, a land-grant institution on 345 acres dedicated to serving the people of Arkansas, was recently named among the Carnagie Foundation’s most active research institutions. Its enrollment crept above 20,000 for the first time last year with 21,406 enrollment. Razorback athletic teams are perennial champions in various sports and always com- petitive.

ENTERTAINMENT ABOUNDS
Fine-arts supporters soon have a facility second to none in Crystal Bridges Museum of American Arts, which is scheduled to open near downtown Bentonville on Nov. 11. The museum will boast 201,000 square feet of ex- hibit space and 120 acres outside that will include a system of trails dotted with exhibits.

In addition to an impressive lineup of art pieces, Crystal Bridges also will provide interac- tive exhibits for both children and adults, guided tours both inside and outside, and an on-site restaurant offering fine dining.

The region is alive with history. For instance, be sure to pay a visit to the Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove Civil War battlefields and their accompanying museums.

OUR GREAT OUTDOORS

NWA MEDIA FILE PHOTO/SARAH BENTHAM • A CROWD GATHERS AT PINNACLE COUNTRY CLUB IN ROGERS DURING THE FINAL ROUND OF LAST YEAR’S P&G BEAUTY NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP, WHICH HAS BECOME A REGULAR SEPTEMBER STOP FOR THE LPGA TOUR.

At the northernmost tip of the corridor, Bella Vista offer 126 holes of golf and seven lakes in a recreational setting that takes a back seat to no other community in the country. Homes here may be more affordable today than in any other popular retirement- themed village in the country.

Northwest Arkansas also is known for its well-manicured country club and municipal golf courses. The Fayetteville and Springdale country clubs complement other layouts such as Pin- nacle Country Club in Rogers, which for several years has hosted the P&G Northwest Arkansas Championship, a stop on the LPGA Tour.

There also are plenty of public courses where for rea- sonable greens fees, golfers can enjoy an 18-hole course. These include nationally touted Stonebridge Meadows, which is part of the Bobby Jones Golf Trail. There is also The Creeks at Cave Springs, Prairie Creek Golf Course near Rogers, Big Sugar Golf Club in Pea Ridge, Razorback Park Golf Course in Fayetteville and Holiday Island near Eureka Springs.

Fayetteville also is the corporate home of Lindsey Management Co., which now has itssignature apartment complexes with golf courses in eight states. These layouts in both full and executive sizes at the center of the modern apartments are always challenging, as well as fun to play for reasonable green fees.

Northwest Arkansas anglers can choose from Beaver Lake just east of Rogers or a number of smaller but productive lakes, including Bob Kidd Reservoir near Prairie Grove, Lake Hindsville east of Fayetteville and Lake Elmdale near Springdale.

For those who prefer streams, scenic choices include the Buffalo National River about 30 miles east of Fayetteville and Springdale, which provides matchless scen- ery with its towering limestone bluffs and crystalline blue-green waters.

Other top-shelf area streams include the White River both below and above Beaver Lake, War Eagle Creek, the Kings River, the Mulberry River, Clear Creek, the Illinois River and Crooked Creek, a world-class brownie haven just west of Harrison.

TAKE A HIKE
With funding finally in place, the long-anticipated 34-mile Greenway trails system should be fully connected and completed in the near future.

This walking, hiking and bike pathway reaching from Fayette- ville to Bella Vista will offer an outdoor experience like no other in Arkansas and much of the country.

Folks will be able to make an enjoyable weekend of hiking the paved trail and spending the night in a hotel or bed-and-breakfast along the way, or take a bike trip to a favorite restaurant along the path.

The Greenway system will add another jewel to the crown of reasons that Northwest Arkansas is without question among the finest places in America to visit or call home.

Mike Masterson is an award-win- ning columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and has lived in Northwest Arkansas for much of his life.

For more than 100 years, University of Arkansas fans have held lofty expectations for their beloved Hogs. And one would be hard- pressed to identify a time when excitement was higher than now. Most preseason polls put the Razorbacks within the nation’s top 20, and some prognosticators believe they might con- tend for the national championship.

“It’s fun for our players to start the season off again this year ranked in the top 20. We take pride in that,” fourth-year head coach Bobby Petrino told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for a recent article. “But I still think it’s a situation where talk is cheap. We have to show it. We have to establish that we’re going to be there year-in and year-out.”

After struggling to a 5-7 record in Petrino’s debut season, UA improved to 8-5 in 2009, clos- ing with a 20-17 victory over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl.

AP/File Photo • Arkansas wide receiver Jarius wright hauls in a touchdown pass in front of ohio state defender devon torrence during the sugar bowl last Jan. 4 in new orleans. the buckeyes defeated the razorbacks, 31- 26, but later vacated all victories during the 2011 season because of NCAA rules infractions.

The Hogs were even better in 2010, finishing the regular season 10-2 and earning a Bowl Championship Series bid. Despite a 31-26 loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl last Jan. 4, the 10-3 effort earned UA the No. 12 spot in the final AP Top 25 poll.

“I felt like we were really close last year,” said Petrino, who resigned as head coach of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons to take the Arkansas job. “And that motivates me to work harder and get there, and before it’s over with I want to have a national championship. That’s something that really motivates me.”

Certainly, no issue looms larger in the coming season than how effective redshirt junior Tyler Wilson will be in replacing NFL-departed star quarterback Ryan Mallett. But Wilson has indicated the past two springs and in occasional game appearances that he is more than capa- ble of directing Petrino’s wide-open offense.

Wilson’s offensive supporting cast includes one of the nation’s speediest and most talented receiving corps, an all-Southeastern Confer- ence performer in running back Knile Davis and an experienced tight end in Chris Gragg. Graduation left holes in the offensive line, but size and talent is abundant among the candidates.

Meanwhile, with seven starters back, the senior-laden defense appears rock solid. De- fensive end Jake Bequette and safety Tramain Thomas both earned All-SEC honors last season and return as seniors.

UA home games are played at two locations. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fay- etteville is the Hogs’ on-campus home. It seats about 72,000 and underwent major renovations in 2000-01. The Razorbacks will open there Sept. 3 against Mis- souri State.

The Razorbacks’ “other home” is 54,000-seat War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, site of two games each year. For 2011, Little Rock games are New Mexico on Sept. 10 and Mississippi State on Nov. 19.

Ticket information for all UA sporting events is available by call- ing (800) 982-4647 or online at arkansasrazorbacks.com.

New Arkansas Razorback head basketball coach, Mike Anderson

Razorback Basketball
The basketball Razorbacks will have a fresh look this season, but one that will have a familiar ring for longtime fans.

Seeking an answer to more than a decade of mediocrity that has seen the Hogs advance no fur- ther than the second round of the NCAA tournament, UA officials lured Mike Anderson away from Missouri to become head coach.

Anderson, 51, was an assistant throughout Nolan Richardson’s 17 years (1985-2002) as UA head coach, during which the Razor- backs made three Final Four appearances, including winning the national championship in 1994 and finishing second in ’95.

Anderson is a firm believer in his mentor’s up-tempo style of basketball, so UA fans can expect plenty of action when the Hogs take the floor in late fall.

“When people come into this building, I want it to be two hours that’s sheer entertainment,” Anderson told the Democrat-Gazette shortly after his hiring. “If you leave from your seat to go to the restroom, you’re going to miss out on something. That’s the kind of atmosphere we want here.” Home games are played at BudWalton Arena on the UA campus in Fayetteville. The 2011-12 schedule is not yet set but will appear in Northwest Arkansas Newspapers as soon as it is finalized, and also online at nwaonline.com and wholehogsports.com.

Razorback Baseball

Tent Daniel in the 4th inning against the Arizona State University Sun Devils, during the 2011 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament

With one of the finest stadiums in the nation and a consistently competitive team, baseball is far more than a spring pastime for the Razorbacks and their fans.

The 2011 team finished 40-22 overall and 15-15 in SEC play, advancing to NCAA Regional competition at Tempe, Ariz., before eventually bowing out to Arizona State.

Roughly, the baseball season runs mid-February through the end of May, when the SEC Tour- nament is held. NCAA post-sea- son play is held in June.

UA home games are played at the plush Baum Stadium, with its 10,737 seats (8,237 chairbacks) and other amenities that are second to none.

Other UA Sports
Other varsity UA sports in- clude track and field and cross- country, in which the Razorbacks have won an unprecedented 40 NCAA national championships, including 12 straight NCAA indoor titles from 1984 to 1995.

That success played a role in the construction of top-shelf facilities including the Randal Tyson Track Center for indoor competition and John McDon- nell Field, named for the Hogs’ legendary former head coach.

Additionally, UA fields teams in women’s basketball, golf (men and women), gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis (men and women) and volleyball.

More information is available online at arkansasrazorbacks.com or wholehogsports.com.

Out in nature
The Buffalo National River is located about 100 miles east of Fayetteville and offers some of Arkansas’ most striking natural scenery.

Suited for all levels of canoeing, the 135-mile river has both whitewater stretches and long, lazy pools. Several businesses rent canoes and rafts and will shuttle paddlers between put-in and take-out sites.

More information is available online at nps.gov/buff or by calling the Buffalo National River park office at (870) 365-2700.

SPRINGFIELD, MO

The wild side
Springfield, MO. Located 105 miles from Lowell, Springfield is close enough to be a day trip, but has enough to keep a family busy for days.

Guests can visit 450 animals from 160 different species at Dickerson Park Zoo, where five themed, educational exhibits highlight birds and Missouri wildlife habitats. dickersonparkzoo.org or (417) 864-1800

Hands-On fun
The Discovery Center is a hands-on museum in downtown Springfield featuring three floors of exhibits that are interactive and educational. Includes exhibits for preschoolers and older children and adults. discoverycenter.org or (417) 862-9910

TULSA, OK

Sky’s the limit
Tulsa, OK, just a two-hour drive from North- west Arkansas, Tulsa offers world-famous museums, a nationally known zoo, a water park and more.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium re- cently received an upgrade to its plane- tarium dome, increasing projection to more than 3 million pixels. The dome shape of the theater helps create a realistic appearance of the night sky, now with increased clarity. tulsaairandspacemuseum.org or (918) 834-9900

One big museum
Dedicated to preserving American art, the Gilcrease Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of artifacts and art from the American West and also features a huge collection of American Indian relics. Surrounded by 460 acres, the museum’s 23 themed gardens are a must-see. gilcrease.utulsa.edu or (918) 596-2720

ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY

NWA MEDIA FILE PHOTO • LARGEMOUTH BASS ARE AMONG NATIVE GAMEFISH ON DISPLAY IN THE HUGE AQUARIUM AT DARDANELLE STATE PARK.

Water sports
Just two hours from Rogers, Lake Dardanelle State Park has much to offer, starting with a 10,527-square-foot, state-of-the-art visitor center with four aquariums.

The lake itself covers 34,300 acres of water and is known for great fishing. The park’s top-notch weigh-in pavilion, Lake Dardanelle is host to many national bass fishing tournaments. arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle or (479) 967-5516

Take a step back
Restored to its original Victorian glory, Van Buren’s downtown historic district offers six blocks of dining, shopping and art galleries. A destination of the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad, the historical district has been used for scenes in the TV mini-series The Blue and the Gray. vanburen.org or (800) 332-5889.

Cluster of Wineries
Although Arkansas may not have the acclaim of California or other areas among wine experts, the sandy soil and different microclimates near Altus are ideal for vineyards.

Thousands of guests to Wiederkehr Village each year enjoy tours of the grounds, along with authentic Swiss and European foods at the Weinkeller Restaurant, which has won multiple awards. Three additional vineyards— Chateau Aux Arc, Mount Bethel Win- ery and Post Familie Winery — also offer tours, wine tasting and more. fortsmith.org/things-to-do/arkansas_ Wine_country or (479) 468-WINE.

BRANSON, MO

Located 85 miles from Bentonville, Branson has something for every member of the family. Along with turn-of-the-century theme park Silver Dollar City, there is shopping, live theater, comedy acts, museums, fishing, boating and even extreme adventures such as zip-lining and helicopter rides.

cruise the lake: The Branson Belle is a four-deck paddlewheel showboat that lets guest enjoy gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake, musical entertainment, comedy acts and gourmet dining. Each cruise lasts two hours, with departures at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. showboatbransonbelle.com or (800) 475-9370

As of April, unemployment in a four-county area — Benton, Madison and Washington counties in Northwest Arkansas and McDonald County in south- west Missouri — had dipped to 5.8 percent, compared with 7.6 percent statewide and 9 percent nationally.

“There has been definite improvement … over the past year, but there is still higher unemployment than in the boom times,” said Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

From 2000 to 2005, the aforementioned four-coun- ty area never experienced unemployment greater than 4 percent. But by early 2010, it was at 7 percent.

Unemployment is affected by a number of factors, including supply and demand. If demand for goods and services is high, production and employment fall in step. Necessary and affordable products and services survive best during diminished economic times.

Health care is a sector that has shown considerable strength through the recent tough times.

“During the recession, healthcare employment [in Northwest Arkansas] actually increased,” Deck said.

Population growth and the aging of the baby-boom- er generation are two significant factors.

“As the population ages, there is an overall effect on adult health care and geriatric care,” said Steve Percival, vice president of Human Resources at Wash- ington Regional Medical Center. “The University of Arkansas nursing programs have nearly double the enrollment, gearing up in anticipation for the baby boomers requiring more health care.”

The median age of registered nurses also is increasing, according to the American Nurses Associa- tion, creating a critical need for nursing and residential care, hospi- tal employees and physicians.

Internally, the recession had little effect on health care, Percival said. “We did not layoff anyone,” he said. “We made changes to our expenses, but our employment outlook is very positive.”

Northwest Arkansas’ virility and ability to withstand the recession also is largely fueled by the stability of companies such as Walmart Stores Inc., J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., Tyson Foods Inc. and UA, said Deck.

Retail sales are rebounding nationally, benefiting the trade and transportation sectors. Restaurant, hotel and tourism sectors also are showing signs of an economic upswing.

“Trends in consumer behavior continued [despite the recession],” Deck said. “People would still go out to eat, although they cut back on the amount spent. Restaurants adjusted by offering deep discounts to keep customers coming through the door.”

In addition to spending less money, many people ate out less often, said Dave Godwin, managing partnerofSpringdale-based Restaurant Management Group, which operates MarketPlace Grill in that city. To avoid layoffs and keep the register ringing, Godwin and his staff created a fixed-price menu that allowed guests to select appetizers, entrees and desserts to get more for their money.

“This ‘Two can dine for $19.99’ offer has been a large part of the success that has helped us through the negative impact of the econom- ic downturn,” Godwin said.

Not all trends are stable or improving, however. Construction in the area is still suffering from the burst of the building boom that began to surface in 2007. That directly affects other employment sectors, including Realtors, title companies and lending institutions.

Governmental positions also remain hard-hit. Tax revenues have not rebounded, and these entities cannot operate well in deficit situations. As a result, some govern- ment employees have lost jobs or endured pay freezes.

In the manufacturing sector, decreased demand has led some companies to replace certain man- agement jobs with lower-paid ones, Deck said. While that doesn’t raise unemployment numbers, such salary reductions adversely affect in- come structure and the economy.

Overall, there is evidence that employment is growing again in Northwest Arkansas. Although the region is still below its peak of 210,700 jobs during the early 2000s, openings were up by 1.9% in April compared with a year ago.“Now I not only have to care for my family, but I need to find the time to study and learn the new skills to become a RN.”

Cat Donnelly of Durham in rural Washington County also knows the challenges of parenting and going to school. She also works full time at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville as an administrative assistant, where she is also a senior on schedule to graduate next May with her bachelor’s degree in cre- ative writing.

Like many students, Donnelly has found online classes very convenient.

“It’s hard for a working adult with a family to also squeeze in physically going to classes, which is why the online courses are so perfect,” she said. “The only thing is that you have to have discipline to not fall behind.”

Donnelly considers the hard- est part of working and going to school is not being able to enjoy the college experience in the man- ner of traditional students.

Playing it Safe
The City has two beautiful parks with playgrounds. At Johnson City Park on Main Drive, you will find the region’s only play area designed for handicap access including a wheel chair swing, a laid back respiratory swing and a safety swing with child restraints. There are two picnic pavilions complete with electrical access, and riding and climbing play structures for the kids.

Taking a Swing at it
The Blessings, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed golf course, is located in Johnson. The course includes an exclusive practice facility for the University of Arkansas Golf Team. Nestled in the Clear Creek area, the course is surrounded by beautiful high end homes.

Business-To-Business
Located at exit 69 from I-540, you will find the historic Johnson Mill, now part of the Inn at the Mill hotel. Behind the Inn is James at the Mill, a four star restaurant showcasing the culinary skills of Chef Miles James, featuring fine dining at its very best. Across the street is a new Towne Place Suites by Marriot and the Chambers Bank building, a multi-level glass office building.

Just what the doctor(s) ordered
Johnson is home to Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, providing quality healthcare for women and a state of the art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The area includes various doctors offices and medical buildings.

Many say that the past defines the future. Johnson is proud of its heritage andb elieves that its future is bright. A major corridor will soon be built through Johnson connecting Interstate 540 and Highway 412. Before long, Johnson will have its portion of the NWA Greenway Trail System in place. With strong com- munity involvement and careful planning by local government officials, the City of Johnson is sure to enjoy prosperity for years to come.

CITY OF JOHNSON | 2904 MAIN DRIVE, P.O. BOX 563 JOHNSON, AR 72741 | (479) 521-7291

However, mental images of insolent patrons milling about a musty exhibit hall should be put away when considering a visit to Northwest Arkansas’ newest crown jewel, scheduled to open Nov. 11 in Bentonville.

From conception to completion, Crystal Bridges intends to attract, entertain and educate folks of all ages and levels of interest in the arts.

AN OBSERVATION DECK HAS ALLOWED VISITORS TO MONITOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE MUSEUM FROM THE TRAIL.

The Walton Family Foundation an-nounced the concept for the museum in May 2005. It would be built by distinguished architect Moshe Safdie from wood, concrete and abundant glass, along with copper for roofing. Safdie’s inspiration was to create a refuge in the middle of the forest.

The predominantly glass construction is intended to produce a sensation of being en- veloped in nature. Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, one of the first in the permanent collection, reflects the vision and heart of Crys- tal Bridges with its scenic, outdoor setting.

Founder Alice Walton shared that her mother, Helen, believed the land where Crystal Bridges stands was always meant for “something special.”

“The name Crystal Bridges was inspired by the wonderful design of the building, as well as the historic Crystal Spring that is one of the beautiful places within the park,” Walton said.

The spring was diverted and piped under- ground during construction. Eight pavilions, including the restaurant and the temporary-art wing for traveling exhibitions, will over- look 8-foot-deep pools of water.

NATURE EVERYWHERE
Even getting to Crystal Bridges is meant to be a connection to nature. Visitors can drive directly to the museum through the area’s scenic landscape, or walk to the museum along one of several trails.

A parking garage next to the museum is accessible from J Street or John DeSheilds Boulevard. Parking at Compton Gardens or downtown Bentonville leaves about a half-mile walk to the museum’s south entrance.

Parking for the handicap-accessible path is located just off NE 5th Street and leads to the skyspace sculpture The Way of Color by James Turrell on the Art Trail.

Additional access points will open in November, including the Dogwood Trail, Orchard Trail, Rock Ledge Trail, Tulip Trail and Crystal Springs Loop.
“The journey to the museum itself is a pilgrimage through nature,” said Amber Hen- drickson, senior administrative assistant.

There are two state champion trees near the start of the trail at Compton Gardens, sev- en multiuse trails and more than 400 species of native plants and trees. Parallel to the Crystal Bridges Trail is the All-American off-road biking path that leads to the city’s Slaughter Pen bike park.

Residents and visitors have been walking, biking and running the Crystal Bridges Trail since it opened in July 2009.

“We’ve had remarkable success with about 2,500 weekend visitors,” said Sandy Edwards, deputy director of museum relations.

Several sculptures are in place along the Art Trail, including Shore Lunch by Dan Ostermill- er, a bronze work depicting a bear fishing by a stream. Children are welcome to wade in the stream and climb on the rocks in this area.

EMPHASIS ON INTERACTION
The emphasis on interaction continues inside the museum in The Experience Studio Area, a hands-on studio to engage all ages.
“How experience ties into education is a principle of our founder, Alice Walton,” said Hendrickson.

The area is intended to help children and adults to express their own creative nature as well as learn the stories behind certain pieces of artwork.

The educational outreach of Crystal Bridges has two branches — general public and school programs. Public programs will be held on and off-site and will include tours, in-depth workshops, films, lectures, annual events and festivals. School programs will be curriculum-based offerings ranging from stu- dent tours to professional development for educators.

Also in keeping with the education theme, the building and grounds include many “re- flection areas” with comfortable seating and exhibition books to provide details about different artists, genres and works of art.

“People will easily be able to go between the inside and outside. Between the galleries are spaces that allow people to stop, view and enjoy the surroundings,” Edwards said.

DAY TRIP DESTINATION
The museum is sure to be popular with local and regional residents alike looking to make a day trip. But with 201,000 square feet of inside space and 120 acres outside, cover- ing it all in a day figures to be quite a challedge.

AP/SOTHEBY’S • THE 1849 OIL PAINTING KINDRED SPIRITS BY ASHER DURAND WAS AMONG THE FIRST wORKS OF ART SECURED FOR PERMANENT DISPLAY AT CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART.

“One may experience a good survey of the collection and other museum-related offerings within a full day,” Edwards said. “Of course, much depends on the guest’s personal interests. If time in the library or a walk along the trails seems appealing, it could easily blend into another day.”
So although it might be a bit rushed, a worthwhile one-day visit is possible.

The permanent collection will hold about 600 pieces of artwork from the Colonial Era to current day, occupying about 40,000 square feet of gallery space.

A number of pieces should not be missed, museum officials say, including the rare historic publication Victoria Regia that illustrates the monument of American color printing during the 1850s. There is also the collection of 400 postcards from Frank Warren’s cultural phenomenon PostSecret, the infamous Norman Rockwell paining Rosie the Riveter, the portrait of George Washington by Charles Wilson Peale, The Indian and the Lily by George de Forest Brush, the dynamic Valley of the Catawissa in Autumn by Thomas Moran, The Island by Walton Ford and Dolly Parton by Andy Warhol.

REASONS TO RETURN
During construction of the museum, many pieces from the permanent collection were on loan at other art institutions. By this gesture, Crystal Bridges was able to build relationships with museums nationwide before its baptism into the art community. This in turn should help stock the 9,000 square feet reserved for traveling exhibits.

“To date, Crystal Bridges has loaned 77 works of art to 40 institutions throughout the world. Moving into the future, these partner- ships will afford Crystal Bridges the opportu- nity to present important artwork from inter- national museums, private collections and an enhanced calendar of traveling exhibitions,” Hendrickson said.

“Our intention is to change out the exhibitions frequently so that people will revisit the museum often,” Edwards said.

Another reason to return to Crystal Bridges will be the on-site restaurant. The full-service dining room is centrally located with the pools of water on each side.

Local restaurateur Case Dighero will serve as director of culinary services, overseeing a menu of American fare described as “pro- gressive, yet accessible.”

The museum aims to build relationships with local farmers, businesses and artisans to embrace the region’s local work force.

In addition to art galleries, Crystal Bridges will host a library, meeting and office spaces, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Also, the glasen-closed auditorium named The Great Hall is a flat-floor gathering area that can accommodate up to 300 persons for community and private receptions.

The walkway to The Great Hall will spotlight other area attractions.

“We believe it is all of our jobs to encour- age people to visit other areas,” said Edwards. “Crystal Bridges will definitely enhance local business. There will be impact whether visi- tors are here for a day trip or from out of the area.”

Crystal Bridges will conduct outreach programs through area schools to cultivate an interest in the arts. The museum houses classrooms for workshops, films and lectures and curriculum based-programs. Family pro- grams, public events, concerts and annual festivals also are planned.
Memberships, family and individual passes are available.

More information is available online at crystalbridges.org.

A 21c Hotel and a Sheraton are the largest projects, but many others also are under way. In addition, Walton Arts Center of- ficials are planning a major expansion in the downtown area.

Rich Lambert, general manager of Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie restaurant on the downtown square, readily says the museum was at the heart of the decision to establish the new locally owned, upscale eatery.

“Without question, Crystal Bridges had a significant impact on the decision to open Tusk & Trotter at this time and location. In addition to this though, the 21c Museum Hotel, the Walton Arts Center and the Sheraton Hotel represent a great opportunity,” Lambert said.

21c hotel is a nationally recognized contemporary hotel that will bring even more art, and business, to Bentonville. the city is seeing an influx of development thanks to the anticipated opening of the crystal bridges musuem.

The hotel also will serve as another cultural viewpoint for the public, offering 12,000 square feet with rotating exhibitions, live art, and modern art and sculptures.

Walton Arts Center officials last year demonstrated another level of cultural growth in Northwest Arkansas by announcing the need for expansion in downtown Bentonville.

Jodi Beznoska, vice president of communications for the arts center, said a key factor in choosing Bentonville for the larger facility was “proximity to other cultural institutions.” Although the project is still years away, “There’s no doubt that having a world-class mu- seum nearby, plus the restaurants, shops and other businesses that will emerge, will make the experience of coming to a show that much more enjoyable.”

The Sheraton Bentonville Plaza is being built directly across from Walmart headquarters. The property will include 234 rooms, 6,500 square feet of meeting space, and a number of upscale offices, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.

Small businesses also are positively influenced by the economic ac- tivity that Crystal Bridges promises. Among them are Paula Jo Chitty Henry and husband Frederic, who recently purchased a trailer to open a crepe concession stand.

“Crystal Bridges figures prominently in our decisions regarding Crepes Paulette,” said Paula Henry. “We are thrilled with our new location across from Lawrence Plaza precisely because of its location near the trail.

VIEW A MAP OF BEAVER LAKE PARKS

Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Beaver Lake was dammed in 1964 and provides hydroelectric power, flood control, recreation and drinking water. Recreational opportunities include swimming, water skiing, hiking, fishing, diving, biking, camping and hunting.

Day-use fees vary, ranging from $3 to $4 per car or you can purchase an annual pass for $30. Boat ramps are open off-season but a $4 day-use fee applies. Group shelters can be reserved for year-round use.

For updates on high-water closings or maintenance, call the Beaver Lake project office at (479) 636-1210. For campground or picnic shelter reservations, call (877) 444-6777 or go online at recreation.gov.

Boston Mountain Scenic Loop
arkansas.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/ boston-loop.aspx
From Fayetteville, take U.S. 71 over Mount Gayler to Alma. From Alma, take Interstate 540 through the rolling hills of a pastoral countryside, through a mountain tunnel and back to Fayetteville in an 80-mile loop.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway
arkansas.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/ pig-trail.asp
Known as “The Pig Trail” to generations of University of Arkansas students and Razorback fans, it includes 19 miles of Arkansas 23 from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest north of Ozark to its intersection with Arkansas 16 at Brashears. tanyard creek nature traiL beautifulbellavista.com/tanyardcreek.htm This Bella Vista loop includes a swinging bridge and an overlook of a waterfall from Windsor Lake. The .8-mile trail is 1.5 miles west of U.S. 71 on Arkansas 340.

Cross Overlook
(479) 443-4531
This relaxing spot atop Mount Sequoyah provides a nighttime view of sparkling lights from downtown Fayetteville and its surroundings. The large lighted cross oversees the Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center with free “Music on the Mountain” concerts at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.

Devil’s Den State Park
(479) 761-3325; arkansasstateparks.com
Devil’s Den State Park is on Arkansas 74, north of the Washington-Crawford county line in the Ozark National Forest. Walk or bike more than 10 miles of trails, or explore Devil’s Den or Devil’s Icebox caves. Cave visitors should bring lights and water.

Fayetteville Historic Walking Tour
(479) 521-5776, experiencefayetteville.com
This self-guided tour begins with a trip to the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau, 21 S. Block St., Suite 100, where a brochure describing the tour is available. Twenty-five sites of interest are explained in detail, including the Old Washington County Courthouse, Headquarters House and Guisinger’s Music House.

War Eagle Mill
11045 War Eagle Road, Rogers (479) 789-5343, wareaglemill.com
Visitors can watch this water-powered grist mill in operation on War Eagle Road about 13 miles east of Rogers. An 18-foot water wheel splashes and mill stones grind corn meal daily from corn grown organically in a pastoral setting that includes War Eagle Creek and a historic bridge.

Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
504 Memorial Drive, Bella Vista
(479) 855-6598 beautifulbellavista.com/chapel.htm
Situated on a wooded hilltop overlooking Lake Norwood, the chapel of steel and glass is a popular site. Arkansas native architect E. Fay Jones and partner Maurice Jennings designed it based on the pointed Gothic arch, which is repeated throughout the length of the structure.

Terra Studios
(800) 255-8995, terrastudios.com
Located in the Durham community, just southeast of Fayetteville, the studio with free admission houses artisans who produce glass and pottery housewares, gifts and fine-art pieces. Visitors can stroll among the mural and sculpture gardens and visit the Bluebird Gazebo, home to about 1,800 glass Bluebirds of Happiness.
Guests also can watch glass workers making the bluebirds and other creations.

Thorncrown Chapel
(479) 253-7401, thorncrown.com
Designed by noted Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones, the Eureka Springs chapel has been named among the top four buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects. The chapel uses 425 large panels of glass
to showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Open March-December, it features a nondenominational staff of musicians and ministers who will arrange a special one-hour devotional service upon request. Groups can reserve the worship center for private services, revivals and retreats.

Activity Centers

Jones Center for Families
922 E. Emma Ave., Springdale (479) 756-8090, thejonescenter.org
Founded by Springdale philanthropist Bernice Jones, the center’s purpose is to provide a “safe harbor” for the community with many free and low-cost activities. The center includes the Joel Carver Ice Arena, available year-round. Skating clubs offer group and individual ice-skating lessons. There’s also an indoor basketball court, indoor track and pool area. The pool area includes a family leisure pool, water slide and fountain.The center is closed Mondays. The education wing offers subjects including basic computer classes, boating and dancing and martial arts. A computer center is also available. Other programs include child care, community health and wellness, and after-school activities. The Community LIFE program includes Senior LIFE, Teen LIFE and a ropes course.

Springdale Youth Center
600 Ash St., Springdale (479) 750-8185 springdalear.gov/parks_and_recreation/ youth_center.asp
Membership rates for children and adults average $1-$2 per month to use the game room, gyms, track and weight machines Mondays through Saturdays. The center is near Murphy Park and the Springdale Public Library.

Rogers Activity Center
315 W. Olive St., Rogers, (479) 631-0336 rogersarkansas.com/parks/activitycenter
This center offers two full-court gymnasiums, an interactive health club for youth, indoor track, cardio/strength training facility and aerobics suite. Annual memberships are youth $20, adult $40 and family $80 with $5 for a three-time pass.

Rogers Adult Wellness Center
2001 W. Persimmon St., Rogers (479) 631-3333 rogersarkansas.com/wellnesscenter
Membership is $25 a year for anyone age 50 and older. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, the center offers an 880- square-foot arts and crafts studio, a library and computer lab, “how to” classes and activities.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton County
Carl and Eileen McKinney Unit
2801 N. Walker, Bentonville (479) 273-7187

HLM Teen Center
1207 N.W. Leopard Lane, Bentonville (479) 271-1121

Rogers Unit
409 S. Eighth St., Rogers (479) 633-0044

Bella Vista Unit
2260 Forrest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista (479) 876-6786

Boys and Girls Club of Fayetteville
560 N. Rupple Road, Fayetteville (479) 442-9242 fayettevillekids.org
Facility offers a pool, fitness center, indoor track, rock-climbing wall, and team sport instruction at low costs. Membership fees vary or pass is $5 per day.

Yvonne Richardson Center
113 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville (479) 444-3461 accessfayetteville.org/government/yvonne_ richardson_center
Programs include homework help and after- school activities, judo and basketball for adults. Free city facility for ages 6 and up.

Making History

Ozark Folk Ways Heritage Center
22733 U.S. 71, south of Winslow (479) 634-3791 ozarkfolkways.com
This unique stone building houses a gift gallery showcasing traditional crafts, occasional classes and craft groups.

Confederate Cemetery
500 E. Rock, Fayetteville
Inside the stone gates, 600 graves are maintained by volunteers to honor the dead who fought in this area as Confederate troops during the Civil War.

Fayetteville National Cemetery
700 Government Ave., Fayetteville (479) 444-5051
Open daily from sunrise to sunset (closed federal holidays except Memorial Day), the 15 acres contain the graves of 8,000 U.S. veterans and their eligible dependents from the Civil War to the present.

Clinton House Museum
930 California Blvd., Fayetteville (479) 444-0066 clintonhousemuseum.org
Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $1 for kids under 12, to see where Bill and Hillary Clinton lived as they got married and taught law at the University of Arkansas.

Jerry Jones-Jim Lindsey Hall of Champions
(479) 575-2755 arkansasfansite.com/stadium.asp
The two-story atrium in the Broyles Athletic Center at the north end of the University of Arkansas’ Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, offers displays and video screens outlining more than 100 years of Razorback football.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
506 E. Douglas St., Prairie Grove (479) 846-2990 ArkansasStateParks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield
Visitors can follow the path of soldiers who fought Dec. 7, 1862, resulting in 2,700 casualties. Fees are $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12. Guided tours are slightly more. A five-mile driving tour is free.

Rogers Historical Museum
(479) 621-1154 rogersarkansas.com/museum
The museum, with free admission, features a main exhibition hall, research library and the 1895 Hawkins House, which is representative of a middle-class family home at the turn of the 20th century. The Attic, popular with children, is a permanent hands-on exhibit where visitors are encouraged to try on clothes and play with old tools, kitchen wares and other interactive links to the past. Also featured is the Centennial Caboose at First and Walnut streets. The caboose is managed by the museum and open for tours during regular museum hours from May through October.

Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
(479) 750-8165 springdaleark.org/shiloh/
Visitors can try their hand at using a grinding stone, try on clothes from the past or listen to folk music. Exhibits and six historic buildings are available to explore. The museum also is the site of numerous club meetings and educational programs for kids and adults alike.

Rogers Daisy Airgun Museum
202 W. Walnut St., Rogers (479) 986-6873 daisymuseum.com
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, this museum in downtown Rogers is $2 for ages 16 and up and free for children to see the popular toys made by the local company. Other airguns on display date back to the 1600s.

Pea Ridge National Military Park
15930 E. U.S. 62, Garfield (479) 451-8122 nps.gov/peri/index.htm
Fees are $5 per person over age 15, or $10 per vehicle at the 4,300-acre park that honors the 26,000 soldiers who fought there in March 1862. The most intact Civil War battlefield in the country, the federal site offers a video and interpretive displays telling of the battle.

Peel Mansion Museum and Heritage Gardens
400 S. Walton Blvd., Bentonville (479) 273-9664 peelmansion.org
The 1875 villa with antique furnishings fronts an outdoor museum of historic roses, perennials and native plants around brick and gravel paths. Admission is $1 for children 6-12 and $3 for 13 and up, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Museum of Native American Artifacts
202 S.W. O St., Bentonville (479) 273-2456 museumofnativeamericanartifacts.org
With free admission Monday through Saturday, visitors follow their own audio- visual tours to view weapons, fossils, pottery and other items from the mastodon era 10,000 years ago to the more familiar headdresses and beadwork of the 1800s.

WaL-Mart Visitor Center
110 W. Central Ave., Bentonville (479) 273-1329 walmartstores.com/aboutus/287.aspx
A temporary home for the museum opened June 29 as renovations began at Sam Walton’s original Bentonville variety store, the center traces the formation and growth of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

In Benton and Washington counties alone, more than 90,000 students attend public schools and colleges.

FAYETTEVILLE
Nearly 9,000 of those are in grades kindergarten through 12 in Fayetteville, where school district honors include being listed among the country’s best high schools for 2010 by Newsweek magazine. Also, Ramay Junior High was named a 2010 Breakthrough School by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Alan Wilbourn, public information officer for Fayetteville Public Schools, said the district is widely recognized as a pacesetter in both academics and athletics.

“Each year, many students and staff mem- bers are recognized on the state and national levels for their accomplishments,” he said. “This rich history has created a culture in Fayetteville where excellence is the expectation, and the community provides both the literal and figurative support to make it happen.”

Other accomplishments include a state- wide-best 192 high school students being earning advanced placement scholar honors during the 2010-11 school year, along with 12 seniors being named finalists in National Merit Scholarship competition. Also, Fayetteville students repeatedly have scored highest in the state on the ACT exam.

Athletic accomplishments last school term included state championships in girls’ basket- ball, girls’ golf and boys’ indoor track.

Also, the high school band will march in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia.

BENTONVILLE
Bentonville Public Schools also have plenty of bragging rights both in terms of academics and athletic conquests.

Like neighboring Fayetteville to the south, Bentonville students typically score well above statewide averages on End of Course exams and college entrance tests. The school also has a highly regarded fine-arts department, including decorated band, choral and drama programs.

Mayor Bob McCaslin credited strong leadership, including that of outgoing Superintendent Gary Compton, for the school district’s success.

“The intentional and continual pursuit of improvement by Dr. Compton, his staff, the school board and our community resulted in an outstanding product,” McCaslin said.
Compton is being replaced by Mike Poore, who comes to the area from Colorado Springs, Colo.

Bentonville High School in 2007 became the state’s first high school to be named a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognizes public schools that are high-per- forming or have greatly improved student performance.

Recent additions to school facilities include the multimillion-dollar Arend Arts Center, which opened in 2001 and provides a first-rate place for choir concerts, theatrical performances, band concerts, assemblies, graduations and more.

Tiger Stadium opened in 2005 and features seating for 6,000 football fans and a synthetic playing surface. There is also an indoor practice facility, plus baseball, softball and soccer fields.

SPRINGDALE
Significant population growth that has continued for more than a decade has made Springdale Public Schools the second-largest district in the state behind Little Rock School District. Springdale enrollment was 18,810 last school year — up about 8,000 from a decade ago — and is expected to top 19,000 this year.

The district is home to 17 elementary schools, three middle schools, three junior highs and two high schools. Eleven new schools have been built in the past 10 years, and scheduled future openings include a new middle school in fall 2012 and a new junior high a year later.

Newsweek magazine named Har-Ber High School fifth in Arkansas and 342nd in the nation among its Best High Schools in America. J.O. Kelly and Tyson Middle Schools were recently recognized for the second time by the Schools To Watch group, which recognizes high-achieving middle schools across the country.

ROGERS
Rogers Public Schools prides itself on its advanced-placement program, which offers 22 courses that served 158 students last school year. The AP program is bolstered by a grant of $1.3 million through the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science.

The district has more nationally board certified teachers than any other in the region, according to its website. “Our teachers go above and beyond to prepare themselves to be the best teachers possible,” said Superintendent Janie Darr.

Andrew Call, an actor in the Broadway hit American Idiot and a 1999 graduate, said drama teacher Ellen Stubbs opened the door for him to find what he does best.

“I believe without the Rogers Public Schools system I would have never had the opportunity to be- come what I am today,” Call said.