There continues to be a shift in economic success across the country, and it shows in the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities Index. 

• Doing well: The Milken Institute recently released its Best-Performing Cities report for 2022, and Northwest Arkansas is ranked as one of the nation’s top metros for economic resilience and opportunity. 
• Tech work: The report places NWA as No. 8 in the US and relays that the influx of high-tech jobs in the region is a major factor in NWA's economic success. With companies such as Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt expanding their online infrastructure, the amount of work in the tech field is bringing positive outcomes for the region’s economy.

See the full report HERE. 

Thinking ahead to National Pet Day on April 11, Best Places created a map of the top pet-friendly cities in the United States, and Bentonville made the list! 

• Methodology: The ‘Top Pet Friendly’ list is officially for those looking for road trip destinations with pet-friendly amenities such as dog parks, green spaces, hiking and walking trails, pet stores, veterinarians, and dog-friendly dining options. 
• Placement: Local climate was also considered for the placement of cities on the list. Bentonville is just below the top 10 cities in the country out of the 50 total (one in every state) chosen for the Top Pet Friendly list. 

See the full list and rankings HERE. 

Explore Eden is taking over the camping scene in NWA with new bookable properties being added to its platform every week! And for the next two weeks, NWA Daily subscribers get a discount. 

• For any occasion: With springtime in full bloom, now is one of the best times to experience the outdoors. Private campsites booked through Explore Eden could be perfect for your next Easter celebration, kid's birthday party, company retreat, or simple nature get-away! 
• Discount code: All NWA Daily subscribers can receive 15% off their next Explore Eden booking through April 19 by using the exclusive discount code "nwadaily" at checkout! 

Download the Explore Eden app HERE! 

Have you ever wanted to take a train ride like you see in the movies? The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad allows you to do just that from right here in Northwest Arkansas!

• All aboard: The train has meticulously restored antique passenger cars, a first-class parlor car, and a 1940s Caboose called Lil’ Toot. Prices start at $46 and vary depending on the car you’re in and the destinations you choose. 
• Hop on: The A & M Railroad’s latest special excursions are the following two Saturdays in April (April 9 & 16) and they’re calling them the “HIP-PITY HOP EGGSPRESS.” The trips are from Springdale to Van Buren and from Van Buren to Winslow. 

For more information about the train or to make reservations, click HERE. 

A Fayetteville favorite lunch and breakfast spot has made the list of southern “Bests” for 2022. 

• Local shoutout: Southern Living recently released a list of The South’s Best Bakeries in 2022, and featured for NWA is none other than the Little Bread Company on Block Ave. in Fayetteville.
• Makes sense: The Little Bread Company is known for its freshly baked goods, authentically homemade bread, and being a place of spunk and personality. Our favorite time to visit is on Saturday's after the Fayetteville Farmer's Market.

Learn more about Little Bread Company HERE.