Our first visit to Bella Vista, Arkansas, was probably fifteen years ago. Our dear friends were vacationing there and invited us to join them for a weekend. I recall thinking the trees, the lakes and the cliffs were breath-taking. Never would I have guessed that we would end up living in Bella Vista about five years later. We only lived there a year and a half, and while my hubby didn’t get to enjoy and take it in because of his job demands, the boys and I certainly did. Our house was tucked away in the woods, and just a few yards behind it was Missouri. No matter how stressful the day, living in Bella Vista made it always feel like a treat to be living there. Our boys started learning golf here, as there are many beautiful courses, not to mention all of the fishing and canoeing opportunities. No one was “from” Bella Vista, we learned, as most were like us and simply transplanted. I think this is part of the reason it was such a friendly place.
Hubby and I had the pleasure of a short visit to Bella Vista on our journey a few weeks ago. It has grown since we lived here. It has also become incorporated, but still has the appearance and feel of a village.
We made a stop at one of my favorite places, Wishing Spring Arts and Crafts Gallery. Many local artists are members of this gallery, displaying and selling their art here.
You never know what great finds will be tucked inside the barn. One of the bests finds is the barn itself, not to mention the host and/or hostess of the day. 
Two more stories to check out!
Art on the side of the barn ~
I was in the road….so this was a quick shot! 😉
The gallery sits right on this clear creek.
During our visit, I purchased a beautiful bracelet and several cards from various artists of the gallery. My hubby and I enjoyed a delightful visit with the retired couple that were hosting on this particular day. After being home a few days, I noticed a Facebook message from a name I did not recognize. It seems that while I was there, a small error was made on a price, and the hostess went to the trouble of looking me up on Facebook to make me aware and then sent me a refund for the difference. Wow….talk about a surprise and a Gallery of Character. I truly appreciate their honesty. If you ever find yourself in NW Arkansas, stop by for a visit! And if you happen to be there in October, there is a huge festival that never disappoints!
There are many more treasures to be found in this area. The above picture is the Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel. As long as a wedding is not in progress, you may enter this unbelievable chapel or walk the trails along the lake that surrounds it. I find it rather ironic that this became one of the favorite places for my boys to canoe when we lived there. (they would canoe, I sat and read books!) A few years later, my oldest son and his bride returned to this chapel and were married. Life is certainly full of surprises ♥
stuff i tell my sister 
You never know what you will find in small town America….thanks for exposing their gifts! We just need to stop in and enjoy 🙂
unusual items and a fun place to spend some time! Shelby would LOVE!
Sweet. My favorite shot is the first–it looks like a place of incredible beauty.
It is a great place to visit….and live!
Seems like a nice place, the chapel is beautiful.
The chapel and the setting are awesome ♥
I wanna go there! Such a beautiful way to start my Tuesday. There are lots of pretty places in Arkansas…as well as every other state in our beautiful country. It’s fun to explore. Thanks!
Bella Vista used to be known as a retirement village. Many still retire there, but they do now have a school, too. I agree….treasures to be found in every state! And I’m on a hunt!
My husband and I live in Bella Vista and love it!
We are realtors and love to help others find a great home here!
Enjoyed your post!
That is awesome, Angela! We always say when we retire we will move back to BV. Beautiful and great deals to be had on properties there. Plus it is so close to Eureka and SDC….Thanks for reading! Who knows, we may need your services one day! ♥
I wish I lived closer and could go visit, it looks and sounds like a lovely place. Thanks for showing it to us!
A great getaway place ♥
Beautiful place…made several trips there when we were growing up…folks always took the “stay free” deals at the timeshares, knowing that they would have to sit through high pressure sales pitch, Daddy got mad every year!
We have been tempted many times, to take folks up on the timeshare offers….but I’m afraid I’d be like your dad! haha
Beautiful pictures, Paula. I never would have guessed that landscape in Arkansas! I thought it was flatter like Indiana. That is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this with me! 🙂 Marsha 🙂
Oh no….it the Ozark Mountains….and is awesome in so many ways!
Where is my knowledge of geography. Erase my name off that comment!!! Yikes!!! 🙂
I know nothing….I see no comment 🙂 I totally understand…until you have visited a place you just have it pictured in your head a different way. Arkansas will be a very pleasant surprise for you if you ever make it that way!
hahaha Totally true. I’m putting AR on my list of places to visit! 🙂