Located in the northwest corner of Arkansas, Bella Vista is a city in Benton County. With a population of approximately 27,000, it was once a popular resort town but is now widely recognized as a retirement destination.
As of the 2020 census, the population of Bella Vista is 27,657.
During the 1910s, the area now comprising Bella Vista was known for its scenic beauty, lakes, and wildlife. In 1917, a private hotel was built on the present site of the Hi-Points gun shop (formerly Lake Point) and was named "Bella Vista," meaning "beautiful view" in Italian. It was at a spring in present-day Bella Vista that the artist and friend of the hotel's owner, Norman H. Garrison, coined the phrase that became the city's mantra: "A place where the cares of the world seem to fade away."
Cultural Events:
The city of Bella Vista hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The annual Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival, held each spring, is one such event. Another popular event is the Bella Vista Farmers Market, which occurs weekly during the warmer months.
Local Attractions:
Some of the most popular local attractions are:
1. Golfing: Bella Vista boasts seven golf courses, including the famous PGA-rated Bella Vista Country Club.
2. The Tanyard Creek Nature Trail is a scenic hiking and biking trail that connects to Lake Bella Vista and is popular with walkers, cyclists, bird-watchers, and nature lovers.
3. The Mildred B. Cooper Chapel, a stunning glass chapel designed by architect E. Fay Jones, is well-known for its beauty and frequently hosts wedding and other events.
4. LakeBella Vista offers boating, fishing, and picnic areas and is a popular spot for outdoor recreation.
People:
Bella Vista, Arkansas, has a population of approximately 27,000 people. The median age is 55 years old, and the average household income is $64,000. The city's population is predominantly Caucasian, with a small percentage of Hispanic and Asian residents.
History:
Bella Vista was founded in 1917 as a resort town and was popular for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. During the 1960s and 1970s, it experienced rapid growth, primarily due to its proximity to neighboring cities in Northwest Arkansas. In recent years, Bella Vista has become known as a retirement destination and attracted retirees from across the Midwest and Southern United States.
Food:
Bella Vista has no shortage of delicious dining options, including Italian, Mexican, and American cuisine. Some of the most popular dining destinations in and around Bella Vista include:
1. The Bella Vita- The Bella Vita is a family-owned restaurant that serves Italian-American cuisine and has excellent ratings.
2. La Hacienda- La Hacienda is the best place to eat if you're craving tacos and other Mexican food.
3. Bella Vista Pizza Co - It's a pizza joint that closed in 2022 but has reopened in a new location and still serves delicious pizza.