Rogers, Arkansas
Rogers is a thriving city in the beautiful Ozark foothills of Northwest Arkansas. From its historic downtown to nearby outdoor attractions, Rogers offers a rich blend of history, a fantastic food and drink scene, a world-class music venue, and so much more. Tucked in the corner of northwest Arkansas less than an hour from Oklahoma and Missouri, Rogers is a progressive city with so much to offer to residents and visitors.
Hotel Avail Rogers, Tapestry Collection
I stayed at the Hotel Avail, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a beautiful new boutique hotel in the Pinnacle section of Rogers. I slept great in my comfortable bed in my quiet room in this modern, 168 room upscale hotel. The Little Acorn Café and Bar offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the fabulous Oak Steakhouse on the top floor is open for dinner everyday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Capriccio’s Ristorante in Downtown Rogers
Our group enjoyed a delicious welcome dinner at Capriccio’s Ristorante. This lovely Italian restaurant is a cozy Italian spot known for its classic dishes and elegant atmosphere. For appetizers, we ordered tasty plates of burrata and tomatoes, shrimp cocktail, and fried calamari. My main was a delicious pasta with steak and shrimp covered in a delicious red sauce. I really appreciated the atmosphere, which was calming with some Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin softly playing in the background. I could actually hear my tablemates, which is not possible in many louder restaurants today. The staff was friendly, efficient, and helpful throughout the night.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The largest Ruth’s Chris in the world is located in the Pinnacle section of Rogers. For a top-tier steak in an elegant setting, Ruth’s Chris is the perfect place. The original Ruth’s Chris Steak House began in 1965 in New Orleans. Founded by Ruth Fertel, a feisty single mom, Ruth’s Chris has grown into a worldwide powerhouse chain of 150 top steak houses. Part of the contract Ruth signed stipulated that the old name of the restaurant had to remain, so she just added her name in front of Chris Steak House. Thus, the first Ruth’s Chris Steak House was born.
This beautiful Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Rogers has a capacity for 500 diners. This gorgeous new two-story building has an impressive art collection, greenery throughout, several special event rooms, and three bars. It is a very popular venue for guests attending special events like the LPGA tournament, Walmart AMP concerts, and University of Arkansas sporting events.
Onyx Coffee Lab for the Coffee Lover
I have been in a lot of coffee shops, and after visiting Onyx I can see why it was voted the #1 coffee shop in North America and #2 globally by World’s Best Coffee Shops. Also, Andrea Allen, the co-owner of Onyx Coffee Lab, won the 2020 United States Barista Championship and was the runner-up at the 2021 World Barista Championship. Onyx knows coffee! This is the perfect place for a morning pick-me-up and a chance to taste the region’s finest coffee. We were treated to a tour and tasting of this large, modern facility. Onyx coffee buyers travel around the world for five months a year searching the world for the best coffee beans. Once found, the beans are shipped to Rogers and roasted inhouse. Jet Honderich, the Head Roaster at Onyx, shared his immense knowledge of coffee roasting with us. We tasted eight different coffees that Jet brewed for the optimal four minutes. I loved the bold full flavored sample. The most surprising was the watermelon-infused coffee, which is definitely an acquired taste.
Confident Coffee
Confident Coffee owner Amber Dietrich is a force of nature. After a successful career in operations and logistics, Amber got into the coffee business. Originally from Michigan, Amber worked in Michigan, Denver, Dallas, and Israel before moving to Rogers in 2016. Amber took classes and worked to become a master roaster, and opened up Confident Coffee in 2020. She now has three coffee shops in the area, including the one we visited in Rogers in the Pinnacle area. In addition to great coffee, Confident Coffee offers a tasty selection of home-baked quiches, scones, and other baked goods.
Wright’s BBQ
Known for its mouthwatering barbecue, Wright’s BBQ is a local favorite and a must-try for BBQ enthusiasts. Founder Jordan Wright is a James Beard nominee who turned a hobby of smoking meats into a food truck in 2016 that has now grown into four popular restaurants. Among local favorites include tender brisket, ribs, flavorful pulled pork, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and bacon burnt ends. Tasty sides include smoked baked beans, mac & cheese, collard greens, and honey butter green beans. And be sure to leave room for their delicious homemade banana pudding.
Yeyo’s Mezcaleria & Taqueria
Chef Rafael Rios has received multiple nominations as a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: South award. His family farm and two Yeyo locations, one in Rogers and one in Bentonville, reflect his passion and dedication to the culinary arts. Rafael’s Yeyo’s Mezcaleria Y Taqueria in downtown Rogers, Arkansas, offers an immersive dining experience that celebrates Mexican heritage through food, art, and spirits. The menu showcases traditional Mexican street food, including Barbacoa de Rolla, handmade tortillas, tacos, and chilaquiles, all made with fresh ingredients sourced from the Rios Family Farm and other local farms. Yeyo’s also carries 200 label of mezcal, the coveted spirit of Mexico made from the agave plant.
Tusk & Trotter
In 2024, Tusk & Trotter was honored as “Proprietor of the Year” in the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. This popular restaurant known for its “High South” American comfort food with a twist also has a location in nearby Bentonville. Dishes at Tusk & Trotter include the Tusk Burger, Pig Burger, Catfish Pastrami Reuben, the Charcuterie Board, The Truffle Shuffle, and the Pig Ear Nachos. They even have an Ostrich Patty Melt on the menu. Chef Rob Nelson is the executive chef, owner/partner of Tusk & Trotter, and a partner in Good Gravy Group.
Daisy Airgun Museum
This iconic museum is home to the world’s largest Daisy BB gun collection, as well as the largest BB gun. It’s a fun stop for history buffs and anyone interested in the evolution of one of the most beloved childhood toys. Joe, our guide and longtime employee of Daisy, gave an insightful narrative of the history of Daisy. Originally manufacturing metal windmills giving airguns as a premium, the Daisy Airgun Company has been an integral part of America. Guests get to see a vast selection of airguns, including a replica of the famous Red Ryder Airgun from the classic “A Christmas Story” movie. Another highlight is the largest BB gun in the world, standing outside the museum.
Rogers Historical Museum
The Rogers Historical Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the region’s history. Exhibits and artifacts have been well curated to bring the past to life. Housed in the former Hailey Ford Car Dealership in downtown, the museum tells a fascinating story of the area. Exhibits include a collection of colorful quilts, America’s Heartland, and Rail and Road in northwest Arkansas. One excellent exhibit chronicles the early resort community of Monte Ne, which was covered by Beaver Lake after the dam was built on the White River and water filled the valley. Across the street is the delightful Hawkins House, which gives an excellent insight into home life in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Phat Tire Bicycle Rental of Rogers: Biking at Lake Atalanta
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks is on two wheels. Many miles of trails are available, including the longer trails of Hidden Diversity Trail and Monument Trail in Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area. We rode the scenic 2.5 mile routes around tranquil Lake Atalanta – such a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. We got our ebikes at Phat Tire in downtown Rogers, which also offers a variety of mountain, road, and gravel bikes along with helmets and other accessories.
War Eagle Mill
The Blackburns built the first gristmill in 1832 on War Eagle Creek, about 10 minutes east of Rogers. The mill has been destroyed several times over the year by fire and flooding. The most recent building was reconstructed in 1973 by Jewel Medlin, closely following original house plans. The gristmill features a rare undershot water wheel design, and is still operating today. Visitors can take a step back in time and watch the traditional milling demonstration process. There is also a great spot for lunch or a snack at the War Eagle Mill Café.
Walmart AMP Arkansas Music Pavilion
The Walmart AMP is a very popular outdoor music venue that attracts quality acts throughout the year. With a capacity of around 11,000, they have hosted musicians like Foo Fighters, Alan Jackson, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, and Post Malone. On the night I attended, we were entertained by opening acts Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, followed by headliners Charley Crockett and Leon Bridges. Lawn seating is available if you want to lay out a blanket and enjoy the concert picnic style on the grass.
Ozark Beer Company
Ozark Beer Company was founded by Lacie Bray and Andy Coates in 2013 in a restored flour mill built in 1884. It was the first craft brewery in Benton County after voters turned the previous dry county into a wet county, and continues to be ranked among the best breweries in the area. Core beers include Ozark IPA, American Pale Ale, Ozark Lager, and Belgian Ale. Ozark Beer Company also does collaborations, like with Onyx Coffee Labs for their Onyx Coffee Stout. One that really caught my attention is SquirrelBrau, a limited premium American lager, made especially as the official beer of the World Championship Squirrel Cookoff held in nearby Springdale.
Hobbs State Park Conservation Area
Hobbs State Park Conservation Area is a beautiful state park with hiking and biking trails, equestrian trails, diverse wildlife, primitive camping, and stunning natural landscapes perfect for outdoor lovers. Covering over 12,000 acres, the park and conservation area was established in 1979. Located along the southern shore of Beaver Lake, with about 22 miles actually bordering the lake, this heavily wooded area is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s a large visitor center with interpretive exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programming. It also has a public shooting range, and hunting is allowed in season.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a world-class museum that integrates art, architecture, and nature set in the scenic rolling hills of northwest Arkansas. The sprawling 120-acre campus was founded in 2011 by Alice Walton, and general admission is free thanks to donations from Walmart. The museum boasts over 3,500 works of American art, spanning from early American era to contemporary pieces. Highlights include works by Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama. Another highlight is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wilson-Bachman house, lovingly moved piece by piece from its original home in the state of New Jersey.
Crystal Bridges is in the process of an extensive expansion, with the new area scheduled to open in June of 2026. The new construction will add about 100,000 square feet to the museum, and will include new gallery spaces and guest areas. The museum collection will increase the gallery space and add 200 works by over 100 artists, making Crystal Bridges an even more robust museum.
Rogers is a Paradise in Northwest Arkansas
Rogers is a wonderful piece of northwest Arkansas. With a fabulous downtown, great museums, a fantastic food and drink scene, beautiful nature areas, a top tier music venue, and so much more, Rogers is a very special place.
