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When my wife and I first met I was living in a two bedroom apartment by myself. It was always immaculately clean. Having no pets, no kids, and being a single guy who barely cooked and worked more than I was home; it wasn’t exactly a tall order to keep a place clean. I loved it. Clean lines, simple and timeless furniture, a handful of meaningful pieces of art and maps on the wall, and never any clutter in sight.

But life changes and so does your home. The first change was my wife, Kayla. She’s a tidy person, but she brought with her a pair of dogs. Large dogs. Shedding dogs. A beautiful Red Golden named Holly and a big Yellow Lab named Andy. And that was my first experience with dog hair in my home. I bought a Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner immediately. Little did I know that my war against pet hair was just beginning. I was fighting a full blow occupation with a resistance of one.
By the time we moved into our home in NWA we had another dog named Huck and would soon have a pup named Hattie. They also shed. Oh, and a cat. I was still fighting the good fight, armed with my trusty Dyson and, by this point, an upgrade in artillery in the form of a Bissell Pet Pro shampooer. (I’m realizing at this point in the letter that it sounds like my wife never cleans—for the record, she does. A lot.).
Enter the superior force, the juggernaut: a toddler named Beckett. We’ve dubbed him “Wreck-It Beckett.” Toys litter the battlefield. Wooden blocks have infiltrated the furthest corners of our home. The bombardment of laundry is never ending. We spent most of last night working to convert our sunroom into a playroom. We plan, in vain I’m sure, to contain the destruction to one room of the house.
I’ll keep fighting the good fight, but if the mess is the cost of this life, I’ll take it. Looking back, that apartment was so clean, but feels so empty to me now. No dogs on the couch for coffee in the morning, no giggling toddler leaving a mess of toys in his wake. My perspective of “home” has changed a lot over the last several years, but it’s always been for the better.
From our home to yours,
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER
@BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Violet Bloomfield, Ellison Bynum-Hyman, Lee Bailly
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Violet Bloomfield, Greer Babione, Stephanie Strack
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cheryl Barton, Ellison Bynum-Hyman, Michael Sanford, Jared Mark Fincher, Philip Thomas
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler





















Premier Dermatology | Aesthetics & Wellness is proud to open our newest location at the Walmart Campus on March 2nd. Welcoming both Walmart associates and the community, this beautiful new space is designed to elevate your experience in skin health, aesthetics, and whole-body wellness.
Join us as we celebrate our Grand Opening on March 5th and discover a new era of personalized wellness.
















For years, Bentonville has been the undisputed “Mountain Biking Capital of the World.” But just a few miles north, a new silhouette is rising against the Bella Vista landscape—one that promises to elevate the Northwest Arkansas riding scene to a global gravity destination.
The OZ Trails Bike Park is no longer just a blueprint or a rumor. With construction on the trails nearly complete and the infrastructure humming to life, the park is on track for a Summer 2026 opening. While an official announcement is slated for March, we’ve gathered the inside details from General Manager, Gary Vernon, on what Bentonville residents can expect from their new backyard playground.
While the “OZ” brand is synonymous with world-class bike trails, the team behind the project is adamant about one thing: “It’s not just for cyclists, it’s for everyone.”
The heart of the park is a 15,000-squarefoot contemporary lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted views of the OZ Express chairlift. The exterior will be a work of art itself, encased in a vibrant Stevie Stevens mosaic inspired by the iconic OZ Trails sunset logo. Inside, the facility functions as a high-end community hub where visitors can purchase lift tickets and rent bikes while browsing a giant map of the park or enjoying action-packed park footage on a massive monitor.
The building isn’t just a pass-through; it’s a destination. The ground floor features a full-service bike shop for rentals and quick repairs, along with retail space stocked with exclusive OZ swag. Upstairs, the vibe shifts to “après-ride.” A community room and bar, capable of seating 120 people, opens onto a patio overlooking the base of the lift.
The crown jewel of the park is undoubtedly the OZ Express. This Leitner-Poma chairlift is already installed, and the staff has completed their training. Stretching 2,600 feet, the lift whisks riders to the summit in under four minutes signaling the start of a new era for lift-accessed riding in the region.
The trail network is currently 80–85% complete, with 18 miles of trail ready for the grand opening. But don’t expect the digging
to stop there. The philosophy here is one of constant evolution: “We’ll always be maintaining and building,” Vernon says.
The park’s layout is designed to progress with the rider:
• The Plaza: A paved area featuring art installations, outdoor seating, and a dedicated pump track and “kiddy zone” for the youngest shredders.
• The Slopestyle Course: This is the park’s heavy hitter. It features a professional-grade jump line—one of only six of its kind in the United States. While there will be a “Blue” line for intermediate riders, the Black and Double-Black lines are built to attract pros from around the world.
• The OZ Drop: Perhaps the most “Instagrammable” moment in the park, riders will exit the slopestyle course by dropping through a massive “O” in the OZ Trails sign.
• The Shred Shed: Tucked away in the trail network is what looks like an old homestead that has been reinforced to serve as a unique mid-trail hangout spot.
While mountain destinations might boast longer descents, the OZ Trails team believes their secret sauce lies in the details. “We have special features that will put us above even the bigger mountain places,” says Vernon. “They’ve got longer downhills, but they don’t have these special features to play on.”
In keeping with the Northwest Arkansas spirit of accessibility, the park is leaning heavily into community integration. While there will be a variety of pricing tiers—including an annual pass—the park is offering unique ways to get on the mountain.
A volunteer program will allow locals to earn passes through “sweat equity,” and a partnership with NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) will turn the park into a living classroom for their Trail Technician program, offering students internships and hands-on apprenticeships.
As the sun sets over Bella Vista, casting a glow on the OZ Trails Bike Park, it’s easy to visualize the future: riders cooling off on the patio with a drink, kids racing on the pump track, and community events bringing neighbors and visitors together against a beautiful Ozark backdrop.
“This place unlocks the beauty of Bella Vista,” Vernon adds. “It’s a place for everyone.”
Stay tuned for the official March announcement, which will include dates for soft openings and the ribbon-cutting ceremony.






“IN KEEPING WITH THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS SPIRIT OF ACCESSIBILITY, THE PARK IS LEANING HEAVILY INTO COMMUNITY INTEGRATION.”












Strack Interiors' Designer Shares Insight Into Her Team's Design Process + Expert Tips To Consider For Residential Projects

When your space is properly designed, it creates a feeling of harmony and balance that positively impacts your mental health. Wouldn’t it make sense that your biggest investment should make you feel great? This is why hiring an interior designer can be so impactful.
With the support of my husband Chris, and our design assistant, Ashlynn Morey, we begin every project by defining three things: Research, Function, and Focus.
With every project, we want to tell the story of the family or place. For our residential clients, we’ll begin by asking a lot of questions. We want to get to know you and your family as much as possible in order to create a space that is both visually pleasing and functional for your lifestyles. Details could include your family history, your favorite thing to do on weekends, what kind of music you listen to, and more.
When it comes to short-term rentals, the Research phase is more about the place. What is the history of the land? Are there any major attractions? When the weather has your guests stuck inside, we still want them to feel like they’ve experienced the town they’re visiting.
For example, for a recent rental project in Bentonville, we leaned into local heritage, focusing on Native American history to guide the design. The Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw nations have a heavy influence here. We purchased some of the decorations at the gift shop in The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville. We also sourced local art from the Beaver Lake area, and a huge piece of Sycamore from Timberwolf Saw Mill for a headboard.

For this type of investment property, it’s also beneficial to budget for a designer who is familiar with hospitality. The goal is to quickly capture the attention of online browsers, and once they’ve arrived, your space should offer an ambiance with amenities that will have them recommending your rental to friends and family, and sharing their experience on social media.
Our clients from that same Bentonville rental wanted to prioritize amenities that would appeal to guests visiting for the bike trails. So, we had a cedar barrel sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub custom-made for the backyard. What a great way to unwind and relax, especially after a day on the bike trails.
Tip: A great hospitality tip that works for both personal house guests and short-term rental visitors is to incorporate local goods like artwork, coffee, and bath products




For this phase of the process, we apply what we’ve learned about your family, lifestyle, and community to brainstorm functionality. We ask questions like: What are we doing in this space? How many people will be using it, and for what? How’s the lighting?
The everyday function of your space also influences spatial planning and material selections. You might be surprised by how much dedicated spaces, like an entertainment room or reading nook, can impact the organization and daily flow of your home. Considering how mess and texture have a subconscious impact on how we feel throughout the day, designing for function can also mean choosing easy-to-clean fabrics or round-edge furniture.
Tip: Overhead lighting can be overstimulating and often lacks character. Adding layers of lighting, like lamps, will make a world of difference.
When people ask what Strack Interiors’ design style is, I always say, it depends on the client’s story. I like to let each project speak to me, which means each space is one-of-a-kind. For my team, having a theme is essential for executing a project. This usually comes out during the research phase of each project and offers direction for sourcing decor and selecting a cohesive color palette. The focus for the design could be inspired by the owner’s personal style or something special about the house. In some cases, like a recent rental project in Rogers, our client gives us complete creative freedom.
Coming into its fourth year, Strack Interiors was created on a hope and a prayer. Stephanie has been curating spaces for over 20 years, including private aircraft interiors, retail, commercial, and residential properties. Her husband, Chris, has a background in graphic arts, as well as a passion for painting.

“Stephanie has been curating spaces for over 20 years, including private aircraft interiors, retail, commercial, and residential properties.”
The home belonged to our client’s late father, and she didn’t want to sell or do any construction. There were still some pieces of antique furniture and other existing design elements that were interesting. Ashlynn started a mood board, giving the front room a Clue [board game] vibe, and I thought, “That’s it! Let’s do the entire house in this Clue theme, but tasteful.”
The living room is color-drenched in “Hunt Club” by Sherwin Williams – including the fireplace – and the built-ins were filled with old books. The bedrooms, we connected to Colonel Mustard and Professor Plum. Professor Plum’s room has purple plaid wallpaper and a desk, and we had an amazing Facebook Marketplace find for Colonel Mustard’s room: a large antique mirror with Colonel Mustard’s name and picture on it. Ms. Peacock has the master suite. We color-drenched the bathroom in “Bordeaux Red” by Benjamin Moore, and carried that color into the bedroom with the lamp shade and velvet curtains. We also found an amazing peacock print wallpaper. For final touches, we framed some vintage Clue games and hung them on the wall in the front Conservatory-themed room, plus a 1985 Clue movie poster in the entryway to give guests a hint at the design theme. Tip: Wallpaper and decorative tile are two materials that can help have a big impact on a small area. Wallpaper installation has been a huge part of our business for the past decade; it’s one of the quickest ways to transform a space.











Trio Violet, Ellison, and Lee Make Up Bentonville City Lifestyle's Latest Team of Journalism Interns
We’re back with another cohort of Thaden School interns! Chosen for their creativity, curiosity, and tenacity, Ellison Bynum-Hyman (photographer), Lee Bailly (social media), and Violet Bloomfield (writer and photographer) cannot wait to magnify local voices and explore current events in Bentonville, all through the unique lens of a high school student. Thaden School, an environment that fosters independence and innovation, is proud to be represented by these ambitious students in partnership with Bentonville City Lifestyle Magazine. With the incredible opportunity to learn from professionals in their respective fields, these interns will learn to develop a unique voice and viewpoint of the world. Prepare to see more great things about our wonderful city as they show us what they value most about it. Their work represents the next generation of photographers, journalists, and social media specialists, harnessing their skills to communicate with the world. Are you ready to see what they have in store?
ARTICLE BY VIOLET BLOOMFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLISON BYNUM-HYMAN



"I love being involved in theatre, film, photography, and I love the outdoors. I live on a farm, so I enjoy taking photos of nature, horses, and my dogs. My sister has appeared in many of my photos as well. I am looking forward to this opportunity to further improve my photography by showcasing Bentonville’s unique community!"
"I love listening to music, spending time with my family and friends, and experiencing all of the awesome things that come with living in downtown Bentonville. I am very excited to learn more about social media content creation and gain more knowledge and experience while capturing the community and atmosphere that makes Bentonville such an amazing place."
"I love nature, art, animals, and all forms of storytelling. My little brother and sister have long been the subjects of my photography, but now I’m eager to capture moments in our beautiful city. Journalism will be a new, exciting experience for me, and I can’t wait to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing things happening locally!"



















ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.
Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.
“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”
Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”
That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.



The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.
Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.
The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.
“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”
A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.
If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.


Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.
Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless. At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”
PROJECT CREDITS








ARTICLE BY GREER
BABIONE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP THOMAS AT NOVO STUDIO
Nestled just off the Bentonville Square, BlakeSt stands as more than a beautifully restored building. It is a living testament to connection, collaboration, and community. Originally, the late 1880s estate of Thomas Taylor Blake and his wife, Bertha, the property has evolved from a historic homestead into a vibrant hub where thinkers, athletes, artists, and creators converge under one roof. Rebuilt in 2018, the House embraces the

idea that meaningful change happens when people come together, creating a space that is, for its members, a second home.
The House offers few limitations on the identities and interests its members may hold. Here, experts and beginners alike can explore ideas, bridging disciplines, hobbies, and experiences. Conversations might flow from the library to a yoga class, from a dinner table to a poolside chat, connecting neighbors and strangers in moments of shared curiosity and camaraderie. It is in these spaces, between structured events or spontaneous encounters, that the essence of BlakeSt emerges: a culture built on collaboration, openness, and mutual support.
Members describe BlakeSt as a place where chance encounters often lead to meaningful connections. Iffy Ibekwe, who moved to Bentonville with her family in 2020 recalls, “I really didn’t have a lot of connections and friendships, so I joined BlakeSt because I really wanted a place where I could be around people... and it has been the most awesome decision I’ve made — just being able to meet all kinds of amazing people from all over the world.” Likewise, Terry Trofholz emphasizes the friendships formed: “I think what I’ve gained the most from my membership is just a lot of new friends... there are some incredibly interesting people that I’ve met here from all walks of life.”
The House actively cultivates community through engaging events designed to appeal to diverse interests. Mentorship and networking events,


live music, comedy nights, craft workshops, book clubs, and outdoor excursions offer countless opportunities for members to connect and participate. Every event is a chance to collaborate, learn, or simply enjoy the company of others.
BlakeSt House is guided by clear norms that foster a thriving community: members approach ideas with an open mind, actively engage in the life of the House, and build trust and camaraderie through shared experiences. The House’s philosophy emphasizes growth not as a solitary pursuit, but as a collective journey.
In a world often defined by isolation and individual achievement, BlakeSt offers an alternative: a vibrant, welcoming community where curiosity, creativity, and collaboration converge. Here, members find not only friends but a sense of belonging — a reminder that the greatest accomplishments often come when people come together to share ideas, experiences, and the simple joy of human connection.





At Legacy Law Firm, we believe the law should empower you, not overwhelm you. We help you make conf ident decisions in real estate, business, and estate planning.
Because legacy isn’t just about what you leave, it’s about how you live, plan, and lead today.
Let’s build with purpose.




Meagan Young Introduces Us To Her Local Destination for Retreats, Reunions, and Relaxation
HOW ARE YOU CONNECTED TO NWA?
I grew up in Southeast Arkansas and went to the University of Arkansas. I met my husband, Brandon, after college while we were both working in Rogers. We spent a few years living in the Bentonville area before moving to Edmond, Oklahoma. Now we have two kids, Weston and Ryan, and our dog, Thunder. Northwest Arkansas has always been one of our favorite places. We are big Razorback fans, and recently we’ve started biking as a family.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE BUSINESS OF PROPERTY RENTALS?
I had been thinking about buying a short-term rental for a few years, and once I finally convinced Brandon, I jumped straight into the search. Bella Vista immediately felt like the right place. The area is growing, but it still has that small-town charm. Our house is just 15-minutes from Downtown Bentonville, yet tucked away enough to feel private.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERYL BARTON
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO TURN THE PROPERTY INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY?
We closed on the property on February 28, 2025, and opened The Bluewood Retreat in June. I knew that to open successfully by summer, I needed the right team. I had been following Somerled Design for a couple of years and loved their strategy-led approach to short-term rentals. A fun bonus is that their COO, Steph Byrnes, is a Northwest Arkansas local.
Inside, custom mural work by RoadRunner Murals in Oklahoma and wallpaper from Mâche Wallcoverings in New York City added personality and helped define the home’s aesthetic.
Outdoors, we worked with local contractor Lenny Urbas of Highlands Turf and Landscape to design a fully turfed and fenced backyard. He also built the fire pit and installed the hot tub pad, creating a space that feels functional, inviting, and fun.
WHAT SEPARATES THIS PROPERTY FROM OTHER AREA RENTALS?
The Bluewood Retreat is designed to feel like a home away from home. It is a space where guests can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks. Every detail, from the furniture and artwork to the layout and outdoor spaces, was chosen with the guest in mind. The home blends modern design with cozy, nature-inspired touches, creating a space that feels elevated but still welcoming. What makes it feel special are the little things and the spaces that bring people together. There is a game room, a back deck, cozy living areas, and a fully turfed backyard with a fire pit and hot tub. Guests exploring Bella Vista’s trails will love the bike bath, and everyone is greeted with cookies from local micro bakery Boston Bread Co.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE BLUEWOOD RETREAT SUCCESSFULLY SERVE AS A LOCATION FOR SMALL CORPORATE TEAMS OR OFF-SITE STRATEGY SESSIONS?
In November, I hosted my first two-night yoga retreat, and it was so rewarding to see the home in action. The group loved using the backyard for sessions and the communal spaces for meals and reflection. My main focus so far has been getting Bluewood up and running and making sure every detail supports a great guest experience. The layout is flexible, which makes it easy for small corporate teams or retreat groups to spread out, collaborate, and take breaks outdoors. I am excited to host more retreats and off-site groups in 2026 because the home balances productivity and relaxation so well.
CONTINUED >







WHAT MAKES THE RETREAT AN IDEAL SETTING FOR A MULTI-DAY REUNION FOR FAMILY OR FRIENDS?
The Bluewood Retreat was designed to bring people together. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom, which makes longer stays comfortable for everyone. There are plenty of spaces to gather, relax, and play, from the cozy living areas and dining room to the game room, back deck, and fully turfed backyard. Guests can cook and eat together, unwind around the fire pit, play yard games, or soak in the hot tub. With thoughtful design, high-end amenities, and plenty of room to connect, it is a place families and friends can truly relax and make lasting memories.
“Bluewood Retreat is designed to feel like a home away from home.”
THERE ARE A LOT OF SPECIAL AMENITIES LIKE THE GAME ROOM, BIKE STORAGE, HOT TUB, AND LARGE COMMUNITY SPACES. HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT BELONGED AT BLUEWOOD?
Somerled played a huge role in helping us figure out what the property needed. Their process was strategy-led from the start. We looked at top-performing rentals in Bella Vista and similar outdoor-focused markets to see what guests loved. We considered seasonality, group sizes, and why people come to the area, including outdoor recreation, spending time together, and connecting with nature.
Some things, like the hot tub and fire pit, were obvious musthaves. Others came from thinking through how guests would actually use the space. Bella Vista attracts active families and groups, especially cyclists, golfers, and lake-goers, so we added bike storage, a bike wash station, and flexible gathering spaces. The game room and indoor activities make it special in slower months, while large gathering areas support the typical group size. Every amenity has a purpose and contributes to the feeling that The Bluewood Retreat is a place you will want to stay a while.

Sleeps up to nine guests. Located just steps from the Tunnel Vision Trail in Bella Vista, special amenities include a hot tub, fire pit, and game room.




















RØDE House Happy Hour
The Momentary - 507 SE E St,
Stop by The Momentary’s RØDE House for drink specials and free live Ages 21+ only. Valid ID required upon entry.
For more than a decade, The Hive has partnered with No Kid Hungry for an annual dinner benefiting the fight against childhood hunger. The event featuring guest chefs begins with a cocktail hour followed by a four-course dinner and live auction. Reservations are available for individuals and tables of 10. Unable to attend? Make a donation via the link in The Hive’s Instagram profile: @TheHiveBentonville
MARCH 16TH
2026 Celtic Crawl
Downtown Bentonville | 11:00 AM
Hosted by Downtown Bentonville Incorporated, the 2026 Celtic Crawl festivities include a festive pub crawl through downtown, as well as mid-day activities for all ages. Expect a mini parade, music, and games/activities celebrating Irish culture.





