Judy Luna

On 11-11-11, the new major museum of American Art called Crystal Bridges opened in Bentonville, Arkansas. I had an opportunity to visit recently, and for an update, check my other blog.

We all love farmers’ markets and Fayetteville’s Farmer's Market certainly is a most enjoyable place to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, cut flowers, baked goods, handmade crafts and much more.

The market is open each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the season on the Fayetteville Square. Saturday’s market in particular is usually bursting vendors, shoppers and entertainers alike. It is a wonderful way to spend some time buying locally grown fresh food for the family while supporting farmers at the same time. There are additional opportunities on Sunday morning at the Ozark Botanical Gardens and from 4-7 on Thursdays in the Mill District.

So I am pleased to let you know that people nationwide had an opportunity recently, through American Farmland Trust, to vote for their favorite farmers’ market in various size categories.

The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market came in #5 in the U.S. large (defined as more than 55 vendors) category. As if that were not enough, Fayetteville came in #1 in all of Arkansas.

It’s always nice to see to see recognition of the many wonderful things in our area that make our quality of life so enjoyable.

For more information about the farmer's market, check the Fayetteville Farmer's Market website and for more information about the contest, the American Farmland Trust website has complete results for all categories (sizes) of farmer's markets.

Check the schedule for summer concerts at the AMP to make sure you can get tickets for the groups you like.

The new season opened April 22^nd with a show by "Pretty Lights." Already scheduled for May are Lucinda Williams, The Band Perry, and Primus. Chris Young, Rick Springfield, and the Charlie Daniels Band are also on the slate this summer, with more in the works. Those of us with a few years on our shoulders will be looking forward to the B52s and their party music on July 14.

Past shows have included such artists as Lee Ann Womack, Patty Loveless, Ted Nugent, Darius Rucker, and the other LeAnn - LeAnn Rimes.

The AMP has become well known in this area since opening a few years ago. It is a fully covered outdoor arts and entertainment facility at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Consisting of three acres with 21,000 square feet under cover, it boasts 52 VIP tables and seats more than 2,500 people in row seating. When necessary, the AMP can also accommodate an additional 2,000 folks standing.

The Walton Arts Center purchased the AMP in early 2011 and the caliber of entertainment has only changed for the better. Shows are generally affordable and another good feature is ample, free parking. The AMP also hosts movies and shows for kids.

Don't miss the AMP this summer. It's great entertainment.

For more information and concert dates, check the AMP website.

Not yet, but soon. Bicycling for fitness, recreation, and commuting continues to increase in NW Arkansas. There are many trails available throughout the area, and things are going to get even better.

The Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway Proposal recently announced it will receive $15 million through the Department of Transportation's "Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Program."

The money will be used to build new trails to connect with existing trails. The finished project will boast 40 miles of non-motorized trails from south Fayetteville to Bella Vista. Bicyclists will be able to access it from those two cities as well as points in Johnson, Springdale, Lowell, and Rogers and Bentonville.

Bicycle shops are open for business throughout the area. The beauty and weather of NW Arkansas add to the ambiance. New events for bicyclists are popping up. Bentonville seems to have taken the lead in that area with races, bicycle rodeos, safety exhibitions, and even importing some well known bicyclists for a meet and greet.

The Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks has helped establish trails across the region, expanded its adult education program and incorporated bicycle safety programs into school curriculums. Its efforts have been so successful, Fayetteville has been designated by League of American Bicyclists as one of only two "Bicycle Friendly Communities" in Arkansas (Little Rock being the other).

Makes me want to grab my helmet and get some exercise. Maybe I'll see you there.

For more information:

Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks

City of Bentonville (Click on links at right of page for master plan, existing trails, etc.)

City of Fayetteville (Information about trails and trail maps)

City of Rogers (Information about trails and trail maps)

Hiking Trails

More Hiking Trails

Fayetteville has done it again. According to US News, our fair city is #9 on their list of best affordable mountain towns.

Fayetteville and/or surrounding cities have been on so many ‘best' lists in current years, I'm losing track. Kiplinger, Sperling, and Forbes are some of the lists that come to mind.

It's interesting that US News subdivided the subject into a whole bunch of lists this time around. In addition to best mountain towns, there are lists for military retirees, senior singles, wine lovers, and long-term care options among others. I guess different people are looking for different things, so this way they can zero in on exactly the type of place they want to retire.

Bella Vista, Arkansas, just up the road so to speak from Fayetteville, made the list of 10 places with the most retirees.

NW Arkansas is a great place to live, and I'm glad I moved here 17 years ago.