Ozarks: Coffee, Cuisine, and Cruising

I’ve spent my entire life in the Southwest. I’ve gone from growing up in northern Arizona to a brief stint in southern California and then to calling Colorado my home for the past decade. The thought of living anywhere near the South never crossed my mind. I mean, the food is good, but why else would I leave the epic Rocky Mountains and vast desert landscapes?

Then, after a trip to Arkansas of all places, everything changed.

I must admit, when anyone mentioned Arkansas to me, I had all the same preconceived, misinformed notions. But, after one single vacation here in the fall, we decided to pack our bags and head east to Bentonville to a new home and a new adventure.

Telling our friends and family we were moving to Arkansas was a strange experience. The responses were polarized—either absolute dismay and confusion or complete exuberance and excitement for what’s to come. Apparently, if you know, you know.

Fast forward just six months and I’ve already done thousands of miles riding through the epic Ozark landscape. Riding motorcycles and scouting new terrain isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s a profession and I’m fortunate to always find an excuse to explore on two wheels. My trusty Yamaha Ténéré 700 has tasted everything from rugged BDRs to flowing tarmac and Arkansas would be no different. There’s so much to see here.