A Meteoric Year 📈

Sky High Growth: Enplanements, also known as passengers flying out, rose from 1.04M to 1.16M between Jan–Nov 2024 and Jan–Nov 2025, with last year as the first time XNA topped 1M outbound passengers.

Cleared For Takeoff: The record-setting growth is driven by XNA capturing a larger share of its market, with enplanement growth outpacing the region’s population growth year over year.

All-Day Done Right: With locations in Fayetteville and Bentonville, the all-day café features sourdough pizza, burgers, classic cocktails, a natural wine shop, and so much more.

Your Table Tour: The Meteor Café joins nine other NWA restaurants on the 2026 Daily Dine Card. Enjoy a one-time 20% off at each location as you eat your way around the region.

Neighbors in Need: Up to 32% households in Benton County qualify as ALICE, along with 46% in Washington, and 54% in Madison counties. ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed, meaning individuals who work but still struggle to afford basic necessities. 

Biggest Pain Points: Among requests made to Hark for help in 2025, housing was by far the most common, making up 27% of all needs identified. Food, financial assistance, and health coverage followed closely. As costs climb, many residents earning above the poverty line still can’t afford essentials. 

Trails Taking Shape: Construction is well underway, with visible progress at the chairlift system, as well as the 20K sqft headquarters, where a restaurant, lounge deck, bike shop, rental center, and event space will be included. About 60-70% of the park’s 18-mile trail system is also complete.

For Every Rider: Roughly three-quarters of the trails will be for beginner and intermediate riders, while the remaining quarter is designed for experts. Park leaders say expert-level riding and lift service will be major attractions for visitors to the region.

🛀 Give Some Relaxation: Give the perfect last-minute gift without leaving home. Woodhouse Spa Rogers gift cards deliver pure relaxation with just a click—ideal for anyone who deserves a little calm. Simple, thoughtful, and instantly ready to send, it’s the easiest way to wrap up your holiday list this year.*

🦃 Home For The Howl-idays: Hosting family this Christmas? Add a foster pup to the mix and instantly upgrade the vibes. Best Friends is placing dogs in short-term foster homes for the holidays, giving them a break from the shelter and giving you an adorable conversation starter. View available foster pets HERE.*

🎄 I Wanna Live Again: See It's a Wonderful Life live on stage in a beautiful original adaptation. Join George Bailey, Clarence, and the town of Bedford Falls for a heartfelt journey that reminds us what truly makes a life wonderful. Now through Dec 24 at TheatreSquared. Get tickets HERE.*

🏡 Rooted Real Estate: Front Porch Real Estate will host a Fath-Based Realtor Meet-Up at Nola’s Pantry in Rogers on Friday, Dec 19, from 9a-10a.

🔥 White Warm Christmas: Grab your sunscreen because it’s going to be a balmy Christmas in Northwest Arkansas this year.

🌮 Turn Up The Heat: Fuego Tortilla officially opened its doors to customers in Fayetteville this week. Stop in for some tacos and queso!

🧑‍🎓 Students Step Up: Fayetteville High School students raised a record-breaking $27K during the Student Council’s annual homeless vigil.

🏈 New Coaches On The Hill: Find out who the Razorbacks announced as its Defensive, Offensive, and Special Teams Coordinators for the upcoming football season.

✅ Get Healthy on Sunset: Crisp & Green will host a Wellness Series with fitness influencer Nicole Roggow on Sunset Ave in Springdale on Saturday, Dec 20, from 9a-12p.

🌭 Makes Me Want A Hot Dog Real Bad: All customers who visit the Social Project Brewery in Bentonville between Monday, Dec 22 and Wednesday, Dec 24 will receive a free hot dog.

📅 Events Calendar: Find and post upcoming events in Northwest Arkansas on our Events Calendar.

💼 Job Board: Find exciting new job opportunities or find great candidates by posting your open positions on our Job Board.

Scott Family Amazeum is seeking a Programs Educator.