This summer, I’m making it a priority to “date” my family. Not in the traditional romantic sense, of course—but with the same kind of intentionality, excitement, and undivided attention you’d give to someone you’re courting. I want to explore new places, revisit old favorites, and spend quality time with the people I love most right here in Northwest Arkansas.
Thankfully, NWA makes that pretty easy.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a newcomer, this corner of the state has no shortage of things to do—together. Here are some of the ways we’re dating each other this summer:
Outdoor Adventures
We’re lacing up our shoes and getting outside. Hikes at Devil’s Den, floats along the Buffalo River, or hammock time under the trees at Lake Fayetteville—these are the simple joys that bring us back to ourselves and to each other. Mount Sequoyah’s newly opened overlook is the perfect spot for lawn games and golden hour views.
Create + Discover
We’ll be sketching at Terra Studios, exploring the whimsical glass art at Osage Clayworks, and wandering through Crystal Bridges and The Momentary. We’re letting creativity guide our path, whether it’s murals in downtown Springdale or live poetry at a pop-up gallery.
Foodie Family Nights
We’re turning meals into memory-makers. Patio dinners under twinkle lights, spontaneous food truck picnics, and dessert “just because.” From tacos in Bentonville to smoothies in Siloam Springs, food is how we slow down and savor.
Music + Movement
Music is our summer soundtrack. Gulley Park’s free concert series, shows at George’s Majestic Lounge, or even just someone strumming downtown—when we hear music, we stop and soak it in. And maybe dance, too.
Markets & Downtown Magic
Saturday mornings at the Fayetteville Farmers Market are a must. Vintage fairs like The Junk Ranch and local flea markets give us a treasure hunt vibe. And our downtowns—Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and Siloam Springs—each offer their own charm, history, and hidden gems to explore.
Time Travel + Story Sharing
We’re weaving history into our summer through visits to the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, the Cane Hill Historic District, and Prairie Grove and Pea Ridge Battlefields. These stops invite quiet moments of learning, reflection, and conversation.
Find the Library, Find the Magic
Libraries are some of the most magical places on earth—and NWA has some of the best. From the stunning Fayetteville Public Library to the tucked-away gems in other towns, we’re checking out books, attending story times, and enjoying cool air and quiet corners on hot days.
Explore the New + Ancient
The new Walmart campus is a place we’re excited to see. It’s a marvel of design and community space—but tucked within it is something ancient: a heart-shaped rock that dates back 250 million years. That’s our kind of love story.
Honoring First Stories
A stop at the Museum of Native American History (MONAH) reminds us that we are guests on sacred land. Learning about Indigenous history, traditions, and perspectives helps us better understand the land we explore and the people who have shaped it for generations.
Intentional Time, Not Just Time Together
The goal isn’t to stay busy—it’s to be present. Laugh harder. Stay out later. Take more pictures than we’ll ever print. We’re dating our family this summer, and that means every outing, every ice cream cone, every trail walk is more than a to-do—it’s a chance to say, “I see you. I’m glad I’m here with you.”
So if you see us around Northwest Arkansas—maybe dancing in a park, reading at the library, or marveling at a 250-million-year-old heart rock—just know: it’s a date.
