Northwest Arkansas isn’t just home to world-class trails and art — it’s also a thriving hub for food and travel storytelling. In 2025, local influencers are playing a powerful role in shaping how residents and visitors discover the best restaurants, experiences, and hidden gems. From Instagram feeds filled with crave-worthy dishes to publishing platforms with regional reach, these accounts guide the conversation around where to eat, sip, and explore.
This list spotlights the Top Food & Travel Influencers in NWA — voices that matter, with audiences who trust them.
The Influencer: NWATravelGuide
Summary:
Co-founded in 2012 by Bentonville native Lynn West and the late Lanie Dills, NWATravelGuide has grown from a local passion project into a multi-platform travel brand reaching more than 1.5 million people each month with a social media audience of over 80,000 across all platforms.
What started as a simple idea—helping friends and visitors discover the best of Northwest Arkansas—has become the region’s most trusted resource for residents, newcomers, and visitors alike. Its independently researched Top 10 lists, which businesses cannot pay to appear on, have become a benchmark for credibility and trust in the region.
Paired with curated eBooks, weekly event calendars, and a strong social media presence, NWATravelGuide blends personal insight with professional scale, making it both approachable and authoritative.
Platforms:
🌐 Website — nwatravelguide.com
Below is a sampling of our primary social media platforms
📸 Instagram — @northwestarkansastravelguide
👍 Facebook Page — Northwest Arkansas Travel Guide
👥 Facebook Group — NWA Travel Guide Community
🗓️ Weekly Event Calendars — NWA Events & Things To Do This Weekend
✉️ Newsletter — Subscribe here
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The Influencer: Munchin with Mantha
Summary:
Munchin with Mantha spotlights dining through energetic food reviews and casual taste tests, with content spanning Northwest Arkansas, Southern Arkansas, Texas, and Nashville. Her social-first style leans into TikTok trends, making restaurant visits and dishes feel approachable, entertaining, and shareable for a younger audience.
Platforms:
📸 Instagram — @munchinwithmantha
🎵 TikTok — @manthagregs
The Influencer: NWA Transplants
Summary:
Created by Brittany and Amin after relocating from New York to Northwest Arkansas, NWA Transplants documents the experience of discovering a new community. Their content highlights local businesses, arts, food, and culture from the perspective of newcomers, with a focus on authenticity and storytelling that resonates with others who have made — or are considering — the move to the region.
Platforms:
📸 Instagram — @nwatransplants
📘 Facebook — NWA Transplants
The Influencer: Hangry Pedaler NWA
Summary:
Joseph Nguyen launched Hangry Pedaler NWA in 2019 and continues to blend cycling culture with the region’s food scene. His perspective brings a different voice to Northwest Arkansas dining content, with approachable posts that highlight local favorites and hidden gems in a way that feels genuine and community-minded.
Platforms:
📸 Instagram — @hangrypedalernwa
The Influencer: The Good Life NWA
Summary:
The Good Life NWA curates lifestyle and food experiences across Northwest Arkansas, blending restaurant highlights, local events, and regional favorites into polished social content. With a focus on stylish visuals and accessible recommendations, the brand positions itself as a go-to guide for enjoying the area.
Platforms:
📸 Instagram — @thegoodlifenwa
The Influencer: Chef Merkey
Summary:
Chef Merkey shares engaging food content from Northwest Arkansas, combining homemade cooking experiments with flavorful meals discovered locally. His approachable and playful tone makes his content relatable, while highlighting both his own kitchen creations and the regional dining scene.
Platforms:
📸 Instagram — @chefmerkey
The Influencer: Bad Cravings
Summary:
Run by Brandon and Dee, Bad Cravings is a Northwest Arkansas food account showcasing bold bites, comfort eats, and indulgent cravings. Their playful approach and couple-driven style give personality to the content, making local dining highlights both fun and relatable.
Platforms:
📸 Instagram — @bad_cravings
Northwest Arkansas continues to thrive as a destination where food, culture, and community intersect. From chef-driven restaurants to hidden gems and local events, these voices capture the energy of the region and share it with audiences eager to explore. Together, they reflect the creativity and passion that make NWA one of the most exciting places to eat, travel, and experience in 2025.