Welcome to Walmart

Day 5  Mile 1403

Bentonville, AR

Jeff & his razorback pal
on the art trail.

The word for the day is “WALMART.” We are in Bentonville, the mecca of consumerism and all things Walmart. You can drive on Walton Dr. but don’t plan on enjoying a quick hot dog at Costco ‘cause there ain’t one in the state. This is Sam’s Club territory. This microcosm of American purchasing power has its own airport, a Walmart arena, tons of business hotels and the best highways in Arkansas. 

It also features Crystal Bridges, a bucolic museum of American art. Named for a natural spring on the museum’s wooded site, this brainchild of Walmart matriarch Alice Walton not only includes first rate works of American masters but an extended sculpture garden outside along the miles of trails surrounding the stunning museum. Its eclectic collection ranges from Rockwell’s iconic Rosie the Riveter to Warhol’s Dolly Parton The gardens alone are worth the visit. And it's all free- compliments of Walmart.

Who Needs Whole Foods?

Day 3 Mile 1052     #DiscoverNorthAmerica

Nashville, AR

My new running posse

The word for the day is, “HEARTLAND.” After our first thousand miles, we are ensconced in the ArkLaTex, a catchy term developed by local newscasts to describe this corner of Arkansas tucked into the loving arms of Louisiana and Texas.

Long before “farm to table” became in vogue, folks here practiced “garden to table” and still do. It’s where we “big city folk” get much of what we eat. My muggy morning run passes numerous chicken, beef & dairy farms with the heady scent of freshly-laid manure and gardens laden with juicy vegetables, heavy-in-the-hand and splitting from the frequent bouts of torrential rain.

Here, when vegetables & fruit are ready to pick, neighbors come knocking with hods full of fresh produce to share. Local radio weather reports are big talk around town- especially since a tornado plowed through town earlier this year, taking lives and destroying property. Jeff’s parents show off the new high school arena where the Nashville Scrappers will play and we’ve visited a favorite auntie, Jimmie Jean, who reigns over her hall at the local nursing home.  Welcome to the Heartland!