Thanks to a generous $500K donation from the federal government, XNA will have a new nonstop flight to San Francisco come Spring 2023.

• Stimulus check: Earlier last week, the US Dept. of Transportation provided $1.35M worth of grants to Arkansas to support nonstop flights. XNA received $500K of that amount of which will be used to market and support the reinstated nonstop flight.
• Westward expansion: The service will be provided by Breeze Airways. United Airlines previously offered the direct flight that saw 80 people per day (pre covid). XNA hopes this money will help encourage travel to the Bay Area once again.

Read more about the announcement HERE.

Having been around, serving the local Bentonville community for 52 years, the family-owned Fred's Hickory Inn is closing down. However, well-known, local restaurateurs will be taking over and manning the grill.

• Good ol' days: Founded by Fred and Miss Lou in 1970, Fred's Hickory Inn has served Bentonville and the surrounding community for decades. It was well-known for its Ozark southern cooking style. Its last day in operation was Aug 8.
• New ownership: The owners of Table Mesa, Table at the Station, Tavola Trattoria and Mirabella’s Table plan to open up a new restaurant called Table at the Hickory Inn - paying respect to the previous owner and history. The restaurant will temporarily remain closed throughout the transition.

Read more about the history and new ownership HERE.

A personal training franchise called The Exercise Coach that leverages AI-enabled workout machines is opening up a location in Bentonville.

• Put me in coach: Valerie Gunsaulis is the franchisee and plans to open more locations in Northwest Arkansas over the coming years. Peter Gordon, who has a long history in coaching sports, will be the head trainer at this facility.
• Focused: In twenty minute one-on-one sessions with a coach two times per week, clients get to utilize "smart machines" and follow an exercise plan tailored just for them.

Learn more about this location HERE.

Later today, downtown Rogers is hosting its monthly art, outdoor, and community event, Art on the Bricks from 4:30-7:30p.

• Rare occurrence: Held every second Tuesday in various spots in downtown Rogers, Art on the Bricks Art Walk provides creatives with a space and opportunity to share their talent with the community.
• In a mood: This month's theme, Happiness Happens. Celebrated every August, the community wants to know what makes you smile. Inviting artists, performers, and music into the town, downtown Rogers reminds us that happiness can be found in the little things and shared in life.

Learn more about the Art Walk HERE.

Plans for a glamping site at Beaver Lake called "Contentment on Beaver Lake" have been put on hold by Benton County planners due to concerns over incompatibility with the land and planned use.

• Grand plan: The proposed site is over 200 acres and would be able to accommodate over 1,000 campers once completely finished. The plans include a variety of different types of accommodations and other attractions like a swimming pool.
• Feedback: With concerns over whether the site was properly zoned, Benton County planners also fielded feedback from nearby residents to help with their decision to delay these plans.

You can listen to the full story on KUAF HERE.