The amazing people with the Rogers, AR CVB paid for my entire trip; however, all opinions and recommendations are my own!
Ever since we moved to Arkansas last September Nate and I have been trying to figure out a good time to get to Northwest Arkansas. We heard from everyone that it is just gorgeous and there’s so much to do there, plus it’s known for being a very outdoorsy community, something that really hits home for us. When we initially started thinking about moving away from Colorado we started off by looking at moving back to Dallas, and then through a string of events ended up in Arkansas. At first I wasn’t sure what to think about it, even though I knew it was a good place for us to be. But looking back on everything that happened there’s no doubt that this has been the best possible transition place for us. We have felt like we can acclimate back into the Southern way of living and still hold on to the outdoorsiness we garnered living at the base of the Rockies.
When the city of Rogers reached out to me and asked if I would be willing to drive up and spend a fabulous girls’ weekend complete with a smörgåsbord of fun dining, activities and ending with a spa treatment I just couldn’t say no! They brought 5 of us Arkansas women bloggers out there for an amazing weekend, and I can only tell you that I will be back very, very soon! Be sure to check out the other posts about the weekend from Stephanie, Kyran, Sarabeth and Karen!
Friday afternoon we drove up to Rogers with incredible scenery flanking every turn. I had never been on I-540 before, and it was amazing how the countryside gets even more beautiful the moment you take that exit! When we got to Rogers we checked into the Embassy Suites and made our way to our rooms. I love that each room is a full suite with a bedroom (with a door!), bathroom, fridge/microwave area and a sitting area with a pull-out couch. We were all surprised by some yummy snacks and a plate FULL of chocolate covered strawberries!
After changing clothes and freshening up a bit we all met in the lobby and started our tour of Rogers with Allyson, who is just the sweetest ever. We headed out to the cute downtown area and hit up Ed Cooley’s Fine Art Gallery first, which really couldn’t have been a better idea.
Y’all, when you look at these photos you’re completely blown away, but the coolest thing to me is the fact that there’s no post-processing at all. These photos aren’t Photoshopped or put through the Lightroom ringer; they’re taken with the light at location and that’s it! We had a great selection of yummy cheese, fruit, bread and wine (thanks Erin!) and got to meet Ed and just hear straight from the source his inspiration and amazing story. I would highly recommend that you check the gallery out if you’re in the area, but if you’re not you can look online as well!
After Ed Cooley’s we walked about a block to dinner at Rolando’s! I so wish I had some photos to share with you guys, but I was too busy talking and stuffing my face 🙂 I will tell you this though: the guac is amazing and the quesadillas de chivo are to die! I had a great time with the girls and ate as much as my stomach could handle.
After dinner we walked over to Club Frisco, a super cute little bar/club. It’s set up almost like a living room upstairs with such cute decor and fun twinkle lights everywhere!
We had a chance to meet the mayor of Rogers, Greg Hines, who was super friendly and such a hoot. After we finished our drinks it was time to head back to the hotel, where we all got some fantastic rest – especially when it started raining 😉 I’m a big fan of sleeping while it’s raining; I love how it lulls me to sleep!
Although funny story: when it first started raining it thundered and I SO thought someone was outside revving their engine. I was so mad! Until I realized it was the thunder…oops 😉
More to come soon on this amazing weekend trip – plus a fabulous giveaway as well! Stay tuned 😉
Heather, you have such a wonderful eye! I suspected as much when I saw you getting a shot of the cobblestone. 🙂 It was lovely to spend the time with you. Hope we get to do it again very soon. xo
I had hoped that my near death experience in the streets of downtown Rogers would pay off 😉 I’m so glad we got to spend the weekend together!!!
What a fun trip – Arkansas isn’t too far away from me. I should go exploring there more often!
Those photographs are absolutely gorgeous! As is that fruit platter…(clearly someone here is hungry!)
Thanks so much! Trust me, I have definitely reviewed the cheese plates just to “taste” them again 😉
I just love Northwest Arkansas! I just got back from my Dad’s who lives near the Ozark National Forest- of course I had to stop in Clarksville at the Peach Pickin Paradise – those peaches are so good and it is so fun to pick your own. That area up there in general has the best produce! Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is there at Alma and is a really neat place to go to if you get back up to Rogers (and I am sure you will!) You were so blessed to have been able to go on this wonderful weekend tour – it is all so interesting!!
Totally agree Missy! I had an amazing time – definitely will be planning more trips up North!
Great pics.
Thank you Jacqueline! It was so great to meet you this weekend 🙂
This is great. We have been thinking about a little extended-weekend getaway within driving distance and Rogers is about 4 hours from us. Can’t wait to read more!
I have a fun giveaway coming up next week that you’ll want to enter then 😉 It’s such a fun area to explore!
Those photos are just gorgeous! Can’t wait to read more about the trip!
Thank you Angie! It was such a fun trip – I can’t wait to share more!
Wow that sounds like such a fun time!