Bentonville

Bentonville, tucked away in the state's northwest, is best known for being the birthplace and corporate headquarters of Walmart, the biggest retailer in the world. What was once a peaceful hamlet has become a pleasant and surprisingly sophisticated metropolis thanks to its increasing economy over the years.

Its numerous corporate headquarters and never-ending urban sprawl are nondescript, yet the core is teeming with independent shops, cozy cafes, and neighborhood eateries. There are also a few lovely parks and intriguing museums spread out, with the cutting-edge Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art being the best of the lot.

Bentonville, which is warm and hospitable, attracts a lot of business travelers during the week, but the weekends are quiet and laid-back. In addition to all of this, the small community serves as a great starting point for excursions to nearby Eureka Springs and Branson as well as the breathtaking Buffalo River and Ozark Mountains.

• Location: Arkansas