A decade of growth in NWA's tourism industry was interrupted in 2020 by the pandemic. However, the tourism industry is on its way back to regular growth.

• Road to recovery: Across the state, Jan-Apr tourism tax revenue is up 42.5% from last year and 4.1% from pre-pandemic records.
• Local report: Rogers and Springdale are still facing some challenges, but Bentonville and Fayetteville both saw double-digit percentage increases in tourism tax numbers. Tourism jobs in NWA have also increased with a 5.3% boost from a year ago.

You can read through the full Arkansas Tourism Ticker to find out more about the road ahead.

Story courtesy of Talk Business & Politics

Bella Vista's natural beauty, rapidly expanding trail system, and lakes make it an oasis for those that love the outdoors. But did you know Bella Vista POA also operates several restaurants?

• What a view: Overlooking Loch Lomond with a great vantage point for sunset, Lakepoint restaurant in Bella Vista might offer one of the best views of any restaurant in NWA.
• Surf and turf: The menu features a variety of options, from seafood to pasta to your classic sandwiches. In addition to diverse cuisine, Lakepoint has a happy hour with a wide selection of drinks Wed - Sat from 3-6p.

Check out all the restaurant has to offer HERE.

Weekends in NWA never have a dull moment, and this weekend is no exception.

• So organized: Downtown Rogers weekly DTR Market brings live music, dancing, and more to the area.
• Critical Mass Summit: Today and tomorrow the Summit looks to create more inclusivity in cycling for NWA.
• Family fun: The Splashpad Summer Movie Series continues tonight at Shaw park in Springdale.
• Skate stop: The AR Crown Championship skate tour is making its stop at the Momentary tomorrow.
• Gravel for a Cause: Saturday, nonprofit Pedal It Forward is inviting folks out to a gravel bike ride.
• Two for one: Two shows, one cast, one great theater. Visit the Arkansas Public Theater to learn more.
• Birthday wishes: Local cidery Black Apple is celebrating its sixth Birthday Bash in Springdale this Sunday.
• Boot tapping fun: KUAF threw together their weekend music roundup with events happening daily.

See you Monday!

The Ozarks are home to some of the most beautiful scenes and trails in the country. According to Outside Magazine, the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is one of the best hidden trails in America.

• The high points: The 270 mile OHT runs from Lake Fort Smith to the Red Bank Recreation Area, with dozens of accessible trailheads and campgrounds. The route is "a little-known stretch of the American wilderness," that is one of the most "scenic in the US".
• The future: There are even plans to extend it 50 more miles connecting it to the Ozark Trail in Missouri.

Read the full article about the OHT HERE.

Story courtesy of Outside Magazine

On the job hunt? Check out these new jobs posted to our community board this week:

• Visit Bentonville is seeking an Outdoor Recreation Sales and Event Manager.
• FORGE, Inc. is looking to fill an NWA Regional Director role.
• Razorbacks Athletics Department is in search of an Assistant Director for Database Marketing and Management.

Have a job you're looking to fill? Post it here for FREE, and we might feature it next week!