One of my goals in writing the blogs that appear on our website is highlight interesting attractions that don’t necessarily come to mind when you think of things to do while vacationing in Branson.  This month, we are featuring Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR.  It is a scenic one and one half hour drive from Red Bud Cove Bed and Breakfast Suites to Bentonville.  And, there is no better time to take this day trip than in the fall when the mountains are bursting with beautiful colors.

Crystal Bridges is a “Must See” for persons who appreciate art and architecture.  The driving force behind the development of the museum is Alice Walton, daughter of Sam Walton who founded Walmart.  The museum, which opened in 2011, is endowed by $800 million from the Walton Foundation.

The museum consists of a sprawling series of galleries in a facility of modern design surrounded by water and woods, and containing over 200,000 square feet of space.  The majority of the concrete and glass structure is home to a permanent collection of over 400 priceless pieces of American art.  In addition, there is a delightful restaurant which serves lunch daily and dinner on Wednesdays and Fridays, a section devoted to temporary exhibits, an auditorium and a gift shop.

The display of art, however, does not end when exiting the gallery.  The museum is situated on 120 scenic acres of trees and streams.  There you will find more than 3 miles of walking trails, beautiful landscaping and a dozen interesting sculptures.

The museum is open Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m until 9 p.m.  General admission is free.

I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a sunny fall day before returning to Red Bud Cove B&B for a relaxing night and a delightful full breakfast in the morning.