NWA Life

NWA Life is a publication of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be produced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising content. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials. contents The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette welcomes you! This special supplement includes a wealth of discoveries for newcomers and local residents alike, on places to see, play, shop, dine and live in Northwest Arkansas. You might say it's our job to keep track of what goes on in this region. And we can say, without hesitation, it's a great place to live, work and play. The Northwest Arkansas region continues to grow by leaps and bounds. And there are very good reasons for that. Job growth, affordable cost of living and excellent home values make it economically attractive. Excellent schools and healthcare make it thrive. Arts, shopping, cuisine, sporting events and festivals make it fun. Revitalized downtowns, diversity, natural beauty and a culture of entrepreneurship make it interesting. Check out our roundup of things to do, places to go and great resources in the region. Enjoy all Northwest Arkansas has to offer! 4 • nwa life • 3.29.2020 6 By the Numbers Regional statistics 8 Business and Retail A thriving economy 12 Education Making the grade 20 Arts and Entertainment Theater, performances, museums and casinos 32 Healthcare Hospitals 38 Sports Cheering on the hometown teams 44 Outdoors On the trails, the lakes, the fairways 58 Farmers Markets Getting fresh Writers Suzanne Rhodes Karen Rice Randy Rice Creative Team Debra Ballard Rhonda Campbell Alan Cruz Jennifer Doyle Terri Frye Rachel Jett Faith Ledbetter Catherine Ross Photography All photos by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Layout Traci Cole Sales Assistants Michelle Knight Lisa Leamons Brittany Smith Advertising Sales Heather Ballowe Beth Corey Erick Hernandez Shannon Hocker Tom Layton Julie Rose Chris Rowe Tammy Rusher Regan Stauffer Doug Wallace Ara Wilson Brad Wimer Kelley Young Gravette artists Andy and Holly Wallace's original work, called "Bleu Girl," was created for the Urban Bleu Hair Salon at 113 W. Elm Street in Rogers, in October 2016. They wanted to capture the feeling of downtown with an urban 'bleu' theme. Holly is a painter, digital artist, muralist and tattoo artist. Her original artwork can be found on the walls and canvasses of local businesses and also in the skin of thousands of people in Northwest Arkansans and around the world. Find more information on Holly's artwork @Tattoos by Holly on Facebook. on the cover 62 Fairs and Festivals Out and about 65 Government Important resources 66 Transportation NWA is going places Brent A. Powers, President Don Jones, Sales Manager Sandy Robinson, Advertising Operations Manager Brian Huntley, Creative Services Manager Karen Rice, Content Marketing Manager

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