We have a few new restaurants and sweet treat shops opening up in and around the Bentonville Square. Here is what we know:

• Superfine Sweets Shoppe: Bentonville’s cool new scoop shop and dessert bar is now open on Main St. It has its official opening on Feb. 10 and serves premium ice cream, cupcakes, and other sweet cravings.
• Azul Tequila: Announced nearly 1 year ago, the local Mexican restaurant will be opening its 3rd NWA location "soon" according to their FB page, but it looks to be under renovations still.

We've been working for an update on the long-awaited Bentonville Taco & Tamale, but it sounds like it may still not be quite ready.

They must have enjoyed it. On Monday, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced the cyclocross 2022-23 calendar and Fayetteville is the 2nd stop on the tour.

• Oct. 16: 1 of only 2 US host cities, Fayetteville will welcome back the World Cup riders for a one day race this fall. This will be the 2nd year in a row NWA has made the race calendar.
• 14,000: The estimated number of attendees who went to watch CX Worlds a few weeks ago, and we must have left a good impression because they're coming back for more.

If you weren't able to make it out to the event a few weeks ago, you can watch a highlight of the event HERE.

The Arkansas's Division of Rural Services has awarded over $500K worth of grants to promote wildlife education and improve school conservation programs to 183 schools in 65 Arkansas counties.

• Improvements: These grants are funded by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission through fines collected from hunting and fishing violations. The funding has helped schools create and maintain archery, fishing, competitive shooting sports programs, improve wildlife education, materials for the creation of indoor and outdoor habitats, lab supplies, and field trips to AGFC nature and education centers. 
• Buzzing: Select Benton County schools received a total of $5,995 to establish a bee colony, butterfly garden, and materials for establishing an outdoor habitat. Washington County received $1,680 to spend on outdoor learning equipment, outdoor habitat building for insects.

Read more about the program HERE.

No matter what the weather brings, Peel Museum is here to provide free tours Tuesday - Saturday, 10a-3p.

• Look back in time: Book a free tour inside the Museum to learn what life was like in the late 1800s. Outside in the Botanical Garden, stroll through the Victorian-era inspired gardens and discover the seasons with charming displays of beautiful blooms.
• Locally inspired: Wrap up your tour with a visit to the Museum Store and shop handcrafted local gifts, souvenirs, garden items, and more! 

Peel Museum & Botanical Garden is a free community space provided by Peel Compton Foundation, learn more HERE.

Residents of Benton and Washington counties are encouraged to participate in a survey to help the Northwest Arkansas Council infrastructure work group as it sets priorities in the coming years.

• Who's footing the bill: The NWA Council reestablished its infrastructure work group this year to effectively pursue funding now available as a result of the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• What to expect: Questions in the online survey inquire about highway expansions, broadband, public transportation, water protection, recycling and how to prepare for an expected surge in use of electric vehicles in Northwest Arkansas and across the U.S.

You can participate in the survey HERE, the last day to participate is March 22.