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InFORMATION
All trails, except for the pedestrian-friendly Tanyard Creek Loop, are designed to be shared by both hikers and bike riders. There are over 100 miles of trail built throughout the Ozark mountain forests. That is a lot of trail to choose from. A volunteer website maintained by hiker John Nuttall Where to Walk in Bella Vista is a detailed description of access, elevation, terrain, and more of Bella Vista trails from a mostly pedestrian point of view.
The trails are marked for level of expertise for bikers. Hikers can use their own sense of their level of fitness to plan a route. The black diamond trails--marked skilled riders only--are not unduly difficult for a hiker. They are less frequented by bike riders and offer amazing views and interesting things to see. Try Danger Will Robinson, a trail mountain bikers call 'very difficult' and Bella Vista naturalists call a fascinating hike.
Yes. The trail around the Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel is nice walk with a stroller with the added benefit of seeing the Chapel. The Chapel is the work of renowned Arkansas architect Fay Jones. There are other paved sections of trail in Bella Vista. There is a .3 mile loop at Tanyard Creek but it does not reach the waterfall. Most of that trail is a well maintained natural surface. In the Ozarks, natural surface is rocky and strollers are tough unless it is an all-terrain stroller and you are accustom to expending that much effort with the vehicle. There is 1.5 of paved trail at Branchwood. That trail goes through natural hills. There is a level paved part of the Loch Lomand Trail below the dam.
When planning family hikes on Bella Vista Trails, there are several sources of detailed and current information we suggest you consult. You will find parking information, trail surface, elevation, length, and current condition that will help make the experience enjoyable for toddlers, young children, and adults alike.
This is a site developed, walked, and maintained by Bella Vista resident John Nuttall. It's complete with maps and personal advice that stems from John's personal experience.
This site is not limited to Bella Vista Trails. It does have a filtering system that will help sort out the 25 Bella Vista Trails listed which rates trails with difficulty, surface, length, and more. Stroller-friendly is not one of the filters, but you can judge for yourself from the description.
Yes, as a guest of a POA member or vacation rental host.
There are restrictions for use of all of the seven lakes in Bella Vista for boating, waterskiing, swimming, and fishing., which are privately owned and maintained by the Bella Vista Property Owners Association (POA) which is funded by POA members.
ASK YOUR VACATION RENTAL HOST.
You must be registered as a guest of a POA member or a vacation rental host in Bella Vista to be on any of the lakes for anything other than hiking or biking in POA owned property that surrounds the lakes. This privilege maybe afforded to you as a guest of the host of one of the 200+ vacation rentals available in Bella Vista. The guest passes are specific to each individual guest and not transferrable. Ask your host for specifics.
Many of the properties for short-term rental are located on one of the seven lakes. Each property owner offers different amenities to make your stay enjoyable and memorable. In addition to a guest pass for everyone in your party, owners may include small boats such as kayaks already registered with the POA.
Your guest pass does grant you the right to enjoy the lakes even if your vacation rental is not located on the lake. It is possible to rent a boat or a kayak from the Loch Lomand Marina.https://bellavistapoa.com/thingstodo/lakes/boating/#marina
If you are bringing your own boat, you will have to register it with the POA. You can do that at the Loch Lomand Marina.://bellavistapoa.com/thingstodo/lakes/boating/#marina
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS ARE FOR EVERYONE.
The mountain bike and hiking trails encounter lakes, springs, creeks, and waterfalls that make Bella Vista such a beautiful area to explore. All of the bike and hiking trails are multi-trails and open to the public. There is no fee to use the trails. You are more than welcome to enjoy the view, stop at a water's edge to have a picnic or put your feet in to cool off. Just be aware that there are private private owners throughout the Bella Vista area. In many cases they have granted access to the trail builders to cross their property lines in order to create the best possible ride experience in the 100+ miles of mountain bike and hiking trails that make up the Back 40 and Little Sugar.
Respect property lines and no trespassing signs and you'll be fine.
Bella Vista is a recreational community. There is golf, boating, swimming, tennis, hiking, biking, fishing. Much of Bella Vista is a privately owned and maintained community and you need a guest pass to use the amenities. Seven golf courses are open to the public for the usual fees.
If you are visiting for several days, ask your vacation rental host for a guest pass, so you can enjoy everything Bella Vista has to offer. The Property Owners Association website has a comprehensive website.
If you are planning a day visit, there are plenty of things to see.
All trails in Bella Vista are multi-use except Tanyard Creek. Bikes are not permitted on that loop. The trails are rated according to skill level needed to have a good safe time. There are a number of sites that offer details about where to park, how long the trail, maps, and more. Some are designed with the challenges mountain bikers like to ride. Others are popular with families and beginners.
Two extensive trail systems are well known by mountain bike riders from all over.
Two parks and trail systems are popular walking and picnic spots.
Mildred Cooper Memorial Chapel
Seasonal
Discover Bella Vista Event Calendar
Check for the dates you plan to be in Bella Vista.
Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Fair
October 14-16, 2021
Bella Vista Charity Golf Tournament
June 21-26
Bella Vista has a rich historical collection in the Bella Vista Historical Museum. The Museum is volunteer run and, due to Covid precautions, has a limited hours of operation. It is open Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 pm. Be sure to visit the Settler's Cabin located on the Museum grounds.
There are other sites of historical interest in Bella Vista including:
There are seven beautiful lakes located in Bella Vista. The lakes are private lakes, owned by members of the POA and maintained by the Association. Ask your vacation rental host to arrange for guest passes for you and your party.
Members of the POA and their guests enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing!
Yes. Bella Vista has six 18 hole courses, a nine hole course, a practice center, and pro-shops. You can visit the POA site to see the details of the course layout, amenities, including restaurant and bar availability, times of operation, and fees. Maintaining the golf facilities year-round requires a large professional staff. They will be happy to set you up with whatever you want.
Bella Vista complies with Arkansas mandates and Arkansas follows CDC guidelines. Please check for the most current information.
It is advisable to call ahead to have the latest information on individual establishments. For the most part everything in Bella Vista is open with masks required in some indoor buildings such as hospitals, doctors offices, and government buildings. Masks are advised for unvaccinated individuals indoors and where social distancing is not possible. Not all establishments have returned to pre-covid hours, especially where staffed by volunteers.
Blowing Springs Park has Back 40 t-shirts for sale.
The Bella Vista History Museum has a gift shop.
The Bella Vista Country Club Golf Pro-shop carries Bella Vista t-shirts
Travel by Bike
There are 100 miles of trails in and around Bella Vista. If you are here to mountain bike, it is possible to get just about anywhere by bike. Many vacation rentals are located on or close to the trail system. Others are close to or on golf course properties.
City attractions on the Razorback Greenway
If biking is your thing this vacation, NWA has you covered. A paved, primarily off-road Razorback Greenway Trail runs from the Southern edge of Bella Vista (Bella Vista Trail) to south Fayetteville. The Greenway Trail will eventually extend into Bella Vista. The Greenway is 37.6 miles long. When you have satisfied yourr need for flow, flora, and fauna and want a day of what NWA City life offers, you can bike to popular NWA attractions like Crystal Bridges Art Museum, Amazeum, and additional restaurants and shopping in Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville.
Rental Car
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) is about 18 miles from Bella Vista. There is a lot to see in NWA. Depending on what you have planned for your trip, there are travel options.
Renting a car is the most efficient option. Mass transit is unavailable for getting around Bella Vista.
Uber
If you are traveling with non-riders or the weather or time of day suggests automobile, Uber does operate to and from XNA and within Bella Vista.
Northwest Arkansas National Airport offers an average of 50 flights a day to major cities all over the country. See Where We Fly. Check your Flight Status.
Under Arkansas state law, the sale of packaged alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Sunday. Packaged alcoholic beverages may be sold between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 a.m. and midnight on Saturday.
On-premises alcohol sales, such as in restaurants and bars, are permitted in Benton County on Sundays. Purchasing alcohol from a liquor store or convenience store is considered off-premises, and such sales are not allowed on Sundays in most cities in the state.Jun 21, 2015
Other than a Sunday restriction, buying alcohol is no different in Bella Vista than in most places in the U.S.
Allen's does not sell alcohol.
60 Sugar Creek Center, BV
Bella Vista Wine and Spirits is located close by.
31 Cunningham Corner, BV
Harps Food Stores
404 Town Center, NE
Missouri law does allow the sale of packaged alcoholic beverages on Sundays between 9 am and 1:30 am.
Walmart-Pineville, MO (13 miles from Bella Vista)
100 Commercial Lane
Pineville, MO
417-226-5800
Allen’s Food Market
Harps
Bella Vista Wine & Spirits
Bella Vista offers a number of establishments dedicated to great food and a good time for family and friends. How far do you need to drive? How does five minutes sound - by bike or car? Here is a list of the top places to eat in Bella Vista.
What does breakfast mean to you? Coffee and pastries--check out Java Dudes, Loves Donuts, Allen's Food Market, and Harps Marketplace. In a hurry to jump on the trail, Sonic Drive-In and Subway serve breakfast fare. Want heartier fare and a more leisurely vacation start to the day, Duffers Cafe, Cafe USA, Grand Central Station, or Papa Mikes fit the bill.
is a family owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican food. It opens at 11 every day. Closes at 9; 10 on Fri and Sat. 1705 Forest Hills, Bella Vista.
serves Mexican food. Opens at 11. Karoke Nights on Thursday. Live Music Fri & Sat nights.
offers a modern interpretation of classic Chinese dishes. 32 A Sugar Creek Center. Closed Mon. Opens 11-9:30 Tue-Sat. Sunday opens at noon.
Dairy Queen
Domino’s Pizza
Sonic
Subway
Casey's
Grand Central Station
The Ozarks represent the largest area of rugged topography between the Appalachians and the Rockies.This topography covers a significant portion of northern Arkansas and most of the southern half of Missouri, extending from Interstate 40 in central Arkansas to Interstate 70 in central Missouri.
The town of Bella Vista is tucked into rolling hills and mountains that have eroded over time. It is located in Benton County in northern Arkansas, right at the Missouri border. It is a short drive from the larger more developed and populated cities of Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Rogers.
Bella Vista is known for the accessibility of the natural environment including an abundance of sparkling springs, waterfalls, caves, caverns, sinks (also known as karstic landforms),and in Bella Vista's case seven man-made lakes. All of this makes the area attractive for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain-biking, and bird-watching. Bella Vista also has seven 18-hole and one 9-hole golf courses, which add to the open space and beauty of the town.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility to nature is made possible by an eighty mile--and growing--system of multi-use trails and 200+ vacation rentals located on lakes, trails, and golf courses throughout the area. While the trails are open to the public without charge, much of the property, including the lakes, is privately owned and maintained by the Property Owner's Association and individual property owners. This does ensure a measure of privacy for you as a guest of one of Bella Vista's vacation hosts.
Blowing Springs Park is the only campground in Bella Vista. It is a Good Sam affiliate. The campground has 11 tent sites each with a grassy area, campfire ring, picnic table, and parking area.
Blowing Springs Park is primarily a 64 space RV park. Tent campers share all the amenities including picnic areas, restroom and shower facility with laundry area and lounge, wireless internet. The park as access to the Blowing Springs Trails and The Back 40 Trail.
Check the website for seasonal hours of the registration attendant, day and week rates, space layout, and policies. The Park is owned and operated by the Bella Vista Property Owners Association. Card carrying POA members do receive a discount. Good Sam's Camp members receive a 10% discount. The park is open year-round, but the the only way to make a reservation is by calling.
700 Blowing Springs Rd.
Bella Vista, AR
479-855-8075
RVpark@bvvpoa.com
https://bellavistapoa.com/thingstodo/recreation/rv-park/
Happy Hint.
There is one tiny cabin in the park, "The Down Shift." You could try the latest Glamping trend or accommodate a member of your road trip party less enthusiastic about sleeping on the ground. Grandma and Grandpa--or mom who needs to get up to feed an infant in the night. The cabin has a bed, bathroom and shower, and kitchenette. You do need to book the cabin through Airbnb, but you can request proximity.
There are many options for a spectacular view and privacy as well. Check them out these romantic rentals.
A quick bike ride to the Back 40, amazing access to Lake Rayburn - a kayaker’s haven. And when ‘jfa’ (just fooling around) on the lake and hiking trails have worn out even the most sporting of kids, grilled burgers on the deck, three tvs w/cable, internet, hot shower, and a comfortable bed are a pretty strong antidote for the “I’m so bored” family vacation blues. Check out great rentals for the family.
Graceful comfort and views of wooded hills and lake view sunsets of the Ozarks. Check out a list of spacious rentals.
None of the usual motel chains located in Bella Vista. Instead there is a wide range of 200 +vacation rentals, many of which are located on or very near some part of the 100 miles of trails in Bella Vista. A little search on Airbnb will find one that is right for you. Motel chains are located closer to nearby bigger cities--a short twenty minute commute. Depending on the size of your party, a vacation rental with multiple bed and bathrooms and large shared private kitchens, decks, and living areas are comparable in price to several individual motel rooms.
The Trail’s Edge Cabins! These eight cabins were build right off the Back 40 where it connects to the Razorback Greenway. Many of the vacation rental hosts cater specifically to mountain bikers and include a space for bike maintenance, trail maps, and more.
There are no hotels in Bella Vista, but there are 200+ vacation rentals throughout the Bella Vista Ozark hills and forests all within minutes of all of the eight Bella Vista golf courses and nearly 100 miles of mountain bike trails. Check Listings
Yes. But you must be registered as a guest of a POA member or vacation rental host in Bella Vista to use the lakes.
The seven Bella Vista Lakes are privately owned and maintained by the Bella Vista Property Owners Association (POA) for the use of POA members and their guests. If you are staying in a vacation rental, ask your host for details regarding the guest pass that is included in the rental.
All Arkansas fishing regulations apply to Bella Vista's lakes.
An Arkansas fishing license is required. Anyone 16 and older must have a current Arkansas fishing license on your mobile device.
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission regulations and harvest limits apply to all Bella Vista waters.
Largemouth, Smallmouth, & Spotted Bass-Limit of 10 per day. Release anything over 15 inches. Harvesting smaller fish is encouraged.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish-Limit of a combined 25 per day.
Catfish (Channel and Blue)-Limit of 6 per day.
Crappie-Limit of 10 per day. Must be 10 inches or more.
Walleye/Saugeye-Limit of two per day. Must be 18 inches or more.
Hybrid Striped Bass-Limit of two per day. Must be 18 inches or more. Grass Carp-Do not harvest. They are stocked for weed control.
Trout--The combined daily limit of all trout species is five, and only one of those fish may be longer than 14 inches.
Jug fishing (free-floating fishing device) is prohibited by Guests of a Member or public visitors.
A current state and POA boat registration is required before using any boats on any lakes in Bella Vista.
You can purchase a fishing license and register your boat at Loch Lomand Marina.
Boat rental is available for Members and Guests at the Marina. Boats and kayaks are available.
If you were born in 1986 or later you must also have proof of taking a Boaters Safety course or have a boaters license.
Cll 479-855-8182
Loch Lomand Marina
103 Marina Dr.
479-855-8182
Spring Hours
Opening March 16th, 2021
Monday, closed
Tuesday-Thursday 8 am-2 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Probably not. The Bella Vista trails are single track, well engineered trails, but the natural terrain is pretty rocky and cherty. A street bike is going to have a lot of tire troubles on any of NWA single track trails. There is a paved, skinny tire friendly 37.6 mile Razorback Greenway Trail that runs from the Bella Vista Trail in North Bentonville through Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and more. The far northern section through Bella Vista will open soon.
In addition to a bike designed for off-road mountain-biking, you will need additional safety gear. Even on beginner an intermediate trails, it's a lot different than road riding. There are sources of expert advice on how to outfit yourself and your bike for NWA mountain bike riding. Local bike shops are familiar with NWA trails and can be trusted to give you good advice. If you aren't sure mountain biking is for you, you can rent a mountain bike that will give you a fair and successful experience before investing in a bike of your own.
"Little Sugar" is the newest 50 miles of mountain trails in Bella Vista, AR. All trails in Bella Vista, except Tanyard Creek Loop are multiuse trails and designed to be used for hiking and mountain biking. The trails are marked with level of biking and level of hiking difficulty.
The system was built by multiple trail builders, each with their own signature style. You will find soft trails designed for every level of skill and every ride experience within the Little Sugar System.
Here are three that are familiar with the Bella Vista trails. All three rent and repair bikes. Mojo Cycling and Phat Tire Bike Shop are both located in nearby Bentonville. They sell bikes and gear. Johan's Bike Shop is a smaller more customized shop located in Bella Vista. He specializes in repair, maintenance, and building custom bikes.
There are three businesses that rent bikes. Johan's is the only one located in Bella Vista. Phat Tire Shop Bella Vista is in Bentonville close to the Bella Vista City boundary.
Johan's Bicycle Repair and Bike Rentals
3 Allendale Dr.
Bella Vista, AR 72714
479-308-1497
https://www.facebook.com/bellavistabikeshop/
New cottage industry business in Bella Vista. Small fleet of mountain/Greenway bikes. Repairs, maintains, and builds custom bikes. Mobile service. Given a "heads up" and a little time, Johan can make sure you can rent a bike appropriate for your size and intended use.
3803 NW Wishing Springs Dr.
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-268-3800
mountain bike fleet, full suspension, pedal assist class 2 20, ebikes, 5 electric hybrid,
1100 North Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-271-7201
mountain bike, full suspension and hardtail fleet, smaller number of bikes suitable for Greenway riding.
All Bella Vista trails are multi-use trails except for Tanyard Creek, which is for pedestrians only. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash. https://www.theoutbound.com/arkansas/hiking/hike-the-tanyard-creek-nature-trail
Bikers and hikers share the rest of the 100 miles of trail system. The system has engineered trails for all levels of bikers and hikers, from beginner to advanced in either mode.
https://www.theoutbound.com/arkansas/hiking/hike-the-tanyard-creek-nature-trail
Courtesy and safety on the trails.
While Bella Vista trails are multi-use trails, they are of varying widths and elevations. Most are two way trails and you may encounter both bikers and hikers on the trail. It's largely about common sense that will keep everybody safe and free to experience the trail and nature however makes them happy. The exception to two way trails are several gravity session experiences--which are designed for downhill thrills with a single uphill return to the top.
Heads up. Especially for those who have stopped and have heads down to take a photograph of a scenic view or identify a native flower. For those of you focused on something other than the trail, step aside if possible in order to let other trail users pass by.
Common Sense
Most traffic rules are based in common "safety" sense. When hiking with others, be prepared to step quickly into single file allowing others to pass.
When you're going downhill on narrow path, yield to uphill traffic. It takes more energy to go uphill than down. If passing another hiker, call out "on your left" and do so. Biker's will do the same. If you are being passed, it makes sense to pause, step to the right and wait a moment.
Although mountain bikers are supposed to yield to hikers, it's better to be safe than right. Many of the Bella Vista trails are designed for speed. Don't be caught surprised to find a trio of three mountain bikers swooping one after another down the narrow path. Be alert especially on curves with less visibility through the foliage and be prepared to step aside. You will likely be able to hear the wheels turning, but it takes a great deal of concentration on the part of the biker to maneuver the bike at speed over the trail and between the trees. And in spite of the visible bravado, bikers come with varying levels of skill and experience.
Please be extra vigilant when hiking with children. Help them understand the appropriate etiquette and safety, but since they don't have experience with driving a car, the whole passing on the left habit is not ingrained.
In some situations hikers and bikers will have to share the road with automobiles. Extra courtesy and attention is demanded here. In spite of being in a huge area Ozark forest, Bella Vista is a residential community. It is the through the generosity of Bella Vista residents, many of whom have given the trail access to cut through their private property, that the trails exist and are available without cost to the public. This is another "better safe than sorry" recommendation. It is easier for you to see a big car or school bus coming around the corner than for them to see you shoot unexpectedly out of the forest. When you are walking or biking on the the street, follow standard traffic rules. For hikers, that means walk single file on the left side watching approaching traffic.
Respect
Stay on trail within reason. We encourage exploration, but have respect for the surrounding wildlife and plants. They are a large part of what makes spending time on Bella Vista trails worthwhile.
Maintaining 100 miles of trails in Bella Vista falls, in large part, to volunteers. This team of mountain bikers and residents are kept busy removing fallen trees, branches, and natural forest debris after rain, wind, storm. Use of the trails is free and there is no janitorial service. As the saying goes, leave only footprints--or fat-tire-tracks and a little rubber.
You can ship your bike to a local bike shop using Bike Flights.
There is no printed guide to Bella Vista.
There are a number of informative websites to help you plan and navigate your visit. Discoverbellavistaar.com is the official website designed for visitors. You can find links to all restaurants, where to sleep, where to play on the site. Upcoming events are listed on the Event Calendar with links to the host site with the latest information.
There is extensive information on Property Owners Administration amenities. Bella Vista is not a gated community, but much of it is privately owned and maintained. Staying in a Bella Vista vacation rental may include privileges to use different amenities. Ask your host. Golf courses operated like golf courses everywhere. You can book tee-times on any of the seven courses and get information directly from the pro-shop.
All of Bella Vista trails are free and open to the public. Tanyard Creek Trail is for pedestrians only. Everything else is multi-use and available for hikers and riders alike. A good site to find detail and plan your walk is Where to Walk in Bella Vista.
A number of websites and Facebook groups have been created and managed for the Mountain Bike Community. New trails are continually being built and weather and trail conditions change frequently. Most of the folks maintaining trails and updating information are volunteers. They are dedicated and very responsive to questions on the Facebook pages.
https://www.alltrails.com/us/arkansas/bella-vista
The Bella Vista Advertising & Promotion Commission operates discoverbellavistaar.com and the Discover Bella Vista Facebook and Instagram pages.
The A&P Commission does not maintain a brick and mortar office. It does have a small staff who can be reached at info@discoverbellavistaar.com.. Leave the topic of your question, contact information, and the best way and time to reach you and we'll be happy to help.
The Bella Vista A&P Commission is a separate entity and operates independently from the City of Bella Vista.
Discover Bella Vista and the Bella Vista Advertising & Promotion Commission does not issue any building or safety permits required to operate a food service venue. We are responsible for collecting a 1% A&P tax, which is paid monthly on gross receipts .
In April of 2017 the City Council of Bella Vista authorized City Ordinance 2017-15, which implemented an Advertising & Promotion Tax (the "A&P Tax") to be collected on hotels/motels, condo rentals, meeting spaces, and establishments engaged in the selling of prepared foods and non-alcoholic beverages. The Bella Vista Advertising & Promotion Commission, hence known as “Discover Bella Vista,” collects the A&P Tax and uses the funds to promote the City of Bella Vista.
The A&P Tax is to be collected at the same time as the tax levied by the Arkansas Gross Receipts Act, and your business is required by Arkansas State Statutes and the City of Bella Vista Ordinances to collect and remit the A&P Tax.
Please complete the enclosed remittance form every month and include it with your A&P Tax payment. Payments are due on the 20th day of each month for the preceding month, and any payments received after the deadline are subject to a 5% penalty on the amount owed. The Bella Vista Advertising & Promotion Commission is legally authorized to collect your taxes in arrears and the late penalty on such amounts. If you had no gross receipts, return the form indicating that you had no sales. Otherwise, we will assume that you missed a payment. If you are no longer doing business in the City of Bella Vista, please promptly let us know.
For your convenience, the aggregate Bella Vista Sales Tax Rates as of June 1, 2020 are as follows:
Tax Exempt?
Organizations qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) are exempt from the A&P Tax. If you are claiming an exemption, please provide the Bella Vista Advertising & Promotion Commission with your organization's IRS letter of exemption
Temporary Venue?
The A&P tax is due if your sale is within the city limits of the City of Bella Vista. This includes food trucks or temporary booths set up at events.
Questions?
Please contact the Bella Vista A&P at info@discoverbellavistaar.com. The Bella Vista A&P does not maintain an office. Provide your contact information and the best way to reach you and someone will call you back to assist you.
Do I need a permit for my Short-Term Rental?
Yes. City Ordinance 2022-18, passed in 2022, requires short-term rental permits issued by the City of Bella Vista. For more info check out the City’s website at: bellavistaar.gov/shorttermrentals.
Does the permit come from the A&P?
No. The permit is issued by the City of Bella Vista, however, to apply you will need proof-of-compliance from the A&P.
Luckily, that's easy.
Send us your completed tax remittal form to info@discoverbellavistaar.com and we'll send you the proof-of-compliance you can take to the City.
Note: We'll be switching to an online pay portal soon and will notify you by mail when you can sign up. Or you can jump on a notification list by emailing us at info@discoverbellavistaar.com.
Advertising and Promotion Tax (A&P tax)
In April of 2017 the City Council of Bella Vista authorized City Ordinance 2017-15, which implemented an Advertising & Promotion Tax (the "A&P Tax") to be collected on hotels/motels, condo rentals, meeting spaces, and establishments engaged in the selling of prepared foods and non-alcoholic beverages. The Bella Vista Advertising & Promotion Commission, hence known as “Discover Bella Vista,” collects the A&P Tax and uses the funds to promote the City of Bella Vista. The tax on vacation rental income is 2%.
The A&P Tax is to be collected at the same time as the tax levied by the Arkansas Gross Receipts Act, and your business is required by Arkansas State Statutes and the City of Bella Vista Ordinances to collect and remit the A&P Tax.
Please complete the standard remittance form every month and include it with your A&P Tax payment. Payments are due on the 20th day of each month for the preceding month, and any payments received after the deadline are subject to a 5% penalty on the amount owed. The Bella Vista Advertising & Promotion Commission is legally authorized to collect your taxes in arrears and the late penalty on such amounts. If you had no gross receipts, return the form indicating that you had no sales. Otherwise, we will assume that you missed a payment. If you are no longer doing business in the City of Bella Vista, please promptly let us know.
For your convenience, the aggregate Bella Vista Sales Tax Rates as of June 1, 2020 are as follows:
The Bella Vista Property Owners Association sells two types of lots. Membership lots and Buildable Lots. Membership lots are not buildable because of the location, terrain, or size, but they do afford membership privileges. Buildable lots are lots that would likely be buildable if they were found to be suitable to your concept in size, topography, soil, and other factors.
https://bellavistapoa.com/lots/
Discover Bella Vista is charged with promoting Bella Vista as a tourism destination and has no knowledge of property availability or building requirements.
Discover Bella Vista's charge is to promote Bella Vista as a tourism destination. If you are interested in Bella Vista as a prospective resident, we recommend you contact one of the Bella Vista sources with in-depth information about "living in Bella Vista."
Bella Visitors Ambassadors
Contact: Ralph Peterson, President
479- 855-6308
These are volunteer ambassador families who will make an appointment to meet with your and answer your questions about living in Bella Vista. Ralph coordinates scheduling.
Property Owners Association
The Property Owner's Association, known in Bella Vista as the POA, manages all of the amenities on behalf of the members in Bella Vista. Most of the residents of BV are members of the POA and pay fees to maintain the amenities. The only POA managed amenities that are completely open to the general public without POA fees and policies are extensive trail systems.
The best way to get your bearings in navigating POA amenities is through it's website. https://bellavistapoa.com/
Vacation Rentals
There are no hotels or motels in Bella Vista. There are over 200 vacation rentals in Bella Vista. The best way to get a sense of what it would be like to live in Bella Vista would be to select a vacation rental that has some of the features you would like in a home of your own. There are rentals close to the golf courses. There are rentals within feet of the mountain bike trail system. There are rentals on the lakes. There are rentals with docks. Staying in a motel in an adjacent town will give you a 20-30 minute commute and you'll miss the sunrise and sunsets, which is one of the best amenities in Bella Vista.
Amenities
Ask your host for guest cards for everyone in your party. This will give you access to private amenities that are not available to the general public. In some cases there are fees involved. The advantage is that you will experience first hand what being a resident of Bella Vista and a member of this recreation community would be like.
Bella Vista A&P Commission
PO Box 5003
Bella Vista, AR 72714
Include the tax report form for lodging or food with your check.
Please send a report form for each month you are reporting. It is okay to send a check that combines more than one month.
There is a 5% penalty for remitting your payment after the 20th of the following month.
Please contact info@discoverbellavistaar.com if you have further questions.
Yes. The A&P tax is not an arbitrary fee or payment for marketing your business. There is no transactional arrangement between the A&P Commission or it's promotional DBA, Discover Bella Vista and tax payers for advertising individual businesses.
The tax was levied by the City of Bella Vista in 2017 to fund general promotion of Bella Vista as a visitor destination. If you've operated a business selling either in prepared food or short term rental accommodations, you owe 1% or 2% tax on your gross receipts respectively and a 5% penalty for late payment.
If you need further help in understanding this tax or how to report and pay it, please contact info@discoverbellavistaar.com. Someone will contact you with assistance.
Currently, the A&P Commission is not set up to receive payments electronically. Most banks have a bill paying service. It is acceptable to file your tax report and send a check from your bank separately.
The A&P mailing address is
PO Box 5003
Bella Vista, AR 72714
If you are a short term rental, your monthly tax is 2% of your monthly gross regardless of how you itemize your services for guests. It is common to charged the tax to the guest just as you do your sales taxes?
If you sell prepared food, everything you sell with the exception of alcoholic beverages is taxed at 1%.
Taxes are collected by the A&P Commission. Send checks with the official tax reporting form to:
A&P Commission
PO Box 5003
Bella Vista, AR 72714
Forms can be found under governance on the Discover Bella Vista website. There is one form for food and another for lodging. Please submit a separate form for each month even if you are combining months in one check. There s a 5% late fee for those payments received after the 20th of the subsequent month.
A&P taxes are levied on hotel, motel, house, cabin, bed & breakfast, campgrounds, condominiums or other similar accommodations for sleeping, meeting, or party room facilities for a period of less than 30 days.
The ordinance also levies a tax of one percent (1%) on the receipts of restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, delicatessens, drive-in and carryout restaurants, concession stands, convenience stores, food trucks, or other similar establishments.
The Bella Vista Arkansas Advertising & Promotion Commission was formed through an ordinance approved by the City of Bella Vista City Council. The ordinance levies a tax of two percent (2%) on the gross receipts for leasing hotel, motel, house, cabin, bed & breakfast, campgrounds, condominiums or other similar accommodations for sleeping, meeting, or party room facilities for a period of less than 30 days. The ordinance also levies a tax of one percent (1%) on the receipts of restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, delicatessens, drive-in and carryout restaurants, concession stands, convenience stores, food trucks, or other similar establishments described in the ordinance.
The Mission of the Advertising & Promotion Commission is to “work to increase the city’s visibility as a destination to stay and play by promoting its recreation and business opportunities while maintaining a revenue source via tourism to help sustain and grow the city into the future.” (Approved 12-17) The commission consists of seven members, serving a four-year term.
Commission meetings are open to the public. They typically occur quarterly on the third Thursday of the month at 2:30 PM at a publicly announced location. Questions about meetings and locations can be directed to info@discoverbellavistaAR.com.
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