Gardening at home.

Visiting gardens.

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ABOUT CONNIE

Garden Travel Experiences was created to inspire people to discover public gardens and open spaces in their travels – and in their hometowns.


As a home gardener, landscape designer, Lifelong Master Gardener, a garden writer published over 800 times, and years on staff for both a city parks department and a state botanical garden, Connie Cottingham provides insight into each garden’s personality and offers ideas to bring home to your garden. Connie has gardened for two decades in Athens, GA, and returned to her roots in NW Arkansas in Summer 2022.

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Latest Garden & Travel Posts

By Connie Cottingham August 24, 2026
The photo is from the 2024 exhibit "Exquisite Creatures" at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR.
By Connie Cottingham August 17, 2026
George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri
By Connie Cottingham February 26, 2026
Everyone is talking about the grand reopening in June. More space. More galleries. More excitement. But waiting means missing something special. Here are eight reasons why I think now is one of the best times to visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It’s free – which expands your freedom. Yes, parking and admission here are always free. That’s easy to take for granted since most Bentonville area museums do not charge admission. But that free admission means you don’t have to think about your budget and time in the same way as if you were paying a $20-40 entry fee. You can stop in to join a tour or fill time between appointments by visiting one gallery.
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My New Book!

Bentonville and Rogers, Arkansas, are seamlessly joined thriving communities with vibrant downtowns, an entrepreneurial spirit, a network of trails, and friendly people. Surrounding natural areas encourage a variety of outdoor recreation on trails, lakes, golf courses, a state park, and more.


Bentonville is known best as the location of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Mountain Bike Capital of the World, and the home offices of Walmart. It is also known for award-winning restaurants, innovative architecture, concerts, and festivals.


Join Connie Cottingham as she introduces you to an area where the past is honored, and the future is wholeheartedlyand energetically embraced.

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