Hi there,

I’m working on an article about “Parent Choice Schools.”

I’d love to ask you a couple of questions if your kids go to any of these schools: Apple Glen Elementary, Ruth Barker Middle School, Sugar Creek Arts Academy, The International School at Mary Mae Jones, or Thomas Jefferson Leadership Academy.

If you’re open to chatting, just reply to this email.

Not sure what I’m talking about? In the Bentonville School District, “Parent Choice Schools” adopt a specific curriculum focus, similar to many charter schools.

More to come on that topic soon!

— Sam

P.S. Wright’s Barbecue opened its new location at the Walmart home office. I just updated our running list of restaurants and stores that are open to the public.

Sponsor Message from Crystal Bridges

The roar of the stadium. The green of the field. A held breath erupting into victory—or defeat.

Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and celebrate the love of the game from the Olympics to Little League. Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture celebrates sports icons and everyday athletes alike.

Bring friends and family to see how today’s artists, athletes, and designers respond to the drive, passion, culture, and systems surrounding games—and who gets to play them. Closing soon on January 26.

Use code "WINWIN" when you buy one ticket and bring a friend for free.

Get tickets today!

After a successful career at Walmart, Jeff Shipley retired from the company in 2021 at 45 years old.

He started as a frontline store manager in 1998 before moving to Walmart’s home office in 2001. Over the years, he worked in multiple areas of the company, taking opportunities as they came his way, including roles in employee recruiting, merchandising and finance.

Just a few years into retirement from corporate America, he found himself in an entirely different field, working full time as a second grade teacher at Thaden School in Bentonville.

Read more.

The Amazeum held a “topping out” ceremony last week, recognizing the placement of the final steel beam in its new expansion.

It was around this time last year that the children’s museum, which opened in 2015, first announced its expansion plans.

The expansion will include indoor and outdoor exhibits, additional space for programs and events, and a cafe. It will also feature a dedicated area for children ages 0 to 6, along with an outdoor playscape designed to recreate the feel of a backyard, complete with water and erosion exhibits and climbing elements.

Construction on the indoor areas could be completed near the end of this year. 

Sponsor Message from Peel Compton Foundation

The Peel Compton Foundation is excited to announce its 2026 Summer Camp lineup, offering immersive, nature-based experiences for children and teens ages 7–16. Camps are designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and connect campers to the outdoors through hands-on learning and recreation across Foundation properties.

Campers can explore wetlands and prairies at Osage Park, enjoy multi-site adventures across gardens and trails, hike and bike at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, or build skills at archery camp at The Quiver.

By registering, families also support the Foundation’s mission—camp proceeds help fund outdoor education, field trips, and the care of parks, trails, and natural spaces across Northwest Arkansas.

See the summer camp lineup.

Bentonville was included on The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go list for 2026, nestled between Yunnan, China, and Cape Froward, Chile.

The list of travel destination suggestions is compiled annually by the newspaper.

The Times cites the Crystal Bridges expansion and the OZ Trails Bike Park, both expected to open this summer, as reasons for a visit. Airship Coffee’s locations at Coler and The Bend also received shoutouts.

Sponsor Message from Monarch Dental

A healthy smile isn’t just about looking good. It plays an important role in your overall health. At Monarch Dental & Orthodontics, we believe that small, consistent habits can make a big difference in keeping your smile strong and confident. Here are five easy dental tips to follow:

1. Brush twice a day (and don’t rush it)
2. Floss daily. Yes, it really matters
3. Choose tooth-friendly snacks
4. Keep up with regular dental visits
5. Drink plenty of water

Healthy smiles start with good habits and a trusted dental team. If it’s time for your next visit, Monarch Dental & Orthodontics is here to help you smile with confidence!

A lifetime of experience prepared Prentis Grayson for his job at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, where he serves as director of community partnerships.

Starting his career in 2003 as a military journalist in the Army National Guard, Grayson’s career has also included stints as a detention supervisor at the Pulaski County Jail, a videographer for a Northwest Arkansas news station, a community advocate for NWA Trailblazers, and an advocate for the Northwest Arkansas Center for Sexual Assault.

“You roll that all into a big ball of experience,” he said. “There are very few people that I can’t build a connection with.”

Read more.

Pokemon Club
Tuesday, Jan. 13 @ Bentonville Public Library
This new club features Pokémon games and activities. Trading cards are optional.

Spin Dating: Friendship Edition
Wednesday, Jan. 14 @ Loveless Cocktail Club
Short, casual conversations designed to break the ice and spark new friendships.

House of Songs Happy Hour
Wednesday, Jan. 14 @ The Momentary
House of Songs brings together multiple artists for this happy hour concert with no cover charge.

Cocktail Tour: Get in the Game
Thursday, Jan. 15 @ Crystal Bridges
Cocktail mixology demonstration and tour of the “Get in the Game” exhibition.

Dolly Drag Trivia
Thursday, Jan. 15 @ Butter•Scotch Bakery & Bar
Trivia night in honor of Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday.

The Beloved Community Festival
Friday, Jan. 16 @ Crystal Bridges
An event hosted by the NWA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Council celebrating love, unity, and community with food, music, kids activities, and more.

Cold Blooded Wrestling Tournament
Saturday, Jan. 17 @ Four Points by Sheraton
An indie wrestling show from Ozark Mountain Wrestling featuring performers such as “The Oklahoma Strangler.”

Safe Driving Workshop
Saturday, Jan. 17 @ Bentonville Public Library
A workshop from the Bentonville Police Department. Designed for grades 7–12, but parents and new drivers of all ages are welcome.

Singles Pitch Night
Saturday, Jan. 17 @ The Momentary
Single people are pitched to an audience with 3–5 minute slideshow presentations made by their friends.

Glam and Glizzies
Sunday, Jan. 18 @ Loveless Cocktail Club
Multiple drag queens will perform while the audience eats hotdogs, which are also known as “glizzies.”

Read more.