Meet Jenn :: Jenn Terrell (United States)

We kicked off a new series last month featuring traveling photographers from around the world. We make no secret of the fact that we love travel. We love learning about other cultures. We love contributing to a smaller, more interactive space. With this in mind, we are going to be sharing local stories by local photographers from around the world throughout our posts this year.

For this month’s feature post, we had a chat with Jenn Terrell based in the United States. Readers are in for a treat as not only is Jenn lovely to converse with but her work has been internationally recognised (including by National Geographic Your Shot & Vogue Italia). We hope you enjoy Jenn’s feature and her inside scoop on her part of the world: Arkansas, United States. All images below were taken by Jenn and cover food, art and people found in her corner of the world. Enjoy!

This image was published by Vogue Italia and involved the following vendors:
Photographer: Jenn Terrell
MUA/Planner/Creator of the amazing crown: Veronica Jaquelinne Lopez
Model/Queen: Lagrea K Higgs
Gold Dress: Rosie Rose Designer
Venue: The Ballroom at I Street

 
 

//

 
 

Tell us about where you live: I live in Bentonville, Arkansas in the United States.

What makes your town, state or country unique?: Bentonville is the location of the headquarters of Walmart. Because of that, several people travel to Bentonville each day for business, etc. On any given day you can hear a number of accents from different people at local stores. Bentonville is also in the Northwestern part of the state. There are lots of beautiful trails, mountains, waterfalls and more all over the state.

Jenn took this image of Hubert Neal, Jr painting in his studio. He is a Belizean American artist currently living in Bentonville. His work can be found at hubertnealjr.com. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

Jenn took this image of Hubert Neal, Jr painting in his studio. He is a Belizean American artist currently living in Bentonville. His work can be found at hubertnealjr.com. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

If I traveled from the opposite side of the world, what should I visit in your town, state or country?: Definitely visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The place is a never ending wonderland of art. It is an amazing place!

Beautiful Bentonville creating the backdrop for this image. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

What is something quirky we would find in your town, state or country?: I would say find people and talk to them, especially in Arkansas. Make a friend, grab a great cup of coffee and hit the trails or relax by the lake. I have also had a lot of luck thrift shopping here. I have found everything from a leather coach laptop bag for $25 to vintage cameras with lens that work on my personal camera.

Coffee or chai/tea?: There are lots of coffee shops in Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas in general. My favorite, hands down, is Onyx Coffee Lab. The one in Bentonville looks like something out of this world. The coffee is amazing and even the signature drinks are very unique. The vibe inside is really nice, too. It is great for photoshoots or relaxing with a friend.

Food recommendations?: The food here is also amazing! Many of the restaurants downtown are owned by chefs or have an executive chef. My personal favorites are Oven and Tap Restaurant (pizza and other delicious entrees), Little Beans (El Salvadorian Food), and Table Mesa (Mexican).

Best breakfast cafe?: The Station Cafe is great for that old school cafe vibe with delicious pancakes and biscuits and gravy. So good!

Three reasons for why someone should visit your town, state or country?: Three reasons to visit Bentonville are easy! One, Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. Two, you will make friends and, three, enjoy amazing food!

Chef Aria Kagan presenting at a Brightwater Salon event where an artist is paired with a chef for a night of food and art. Brightwater is a local culinary school. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

This image was taken at a Brightwater Salon event where an artist is paired with a chef for a night of food and art. Brightwater is a local culinary school. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

Any local legends?: Every now and then Alice Walton (daughter of the creator of Walmart) will come into Onyx and grab some coffee. I have also seen her on a golf cart in the Neighborhood Walmart parking lot.

There is also the Bentonville Film Festival every spring. Celebrities from all over come to Bentonville for it. You will see celebrities in the restaurants downtown and out and about. Once I saw Jon Heder (the guy who played Napoleon Dynamite) at Oven and Tap.

Jenn’s description for this image: “The gentleman looking out the window is Eric Trautman. He was my first landlord here and just a gentle soul. He has helped several local artists get their start”. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

Train, bus, car or walk?: Bentonville is a smaller town so renting a car is probably the best option. That or getting an uber everywhere.

Best accommodation?: 21C Hotel is definitely the best in town. Celebrities stay there when they come in. If you are looking for something a little more budget friendly, there are plenty of Airbnbs in town that are fabulous. Eureka Springs is also only about an hour away and it is a gem of a small town. There are lots of treehouses and cabins that can be rented there.

This image was taken outside of 21C Hotel. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

Number one thing you miss when you're away?: When I leave, I will miss Onyx Coffee, the amazing food and the great people that I have met in Bentonville. Tanyard Creek (15 minutes away) also has a beautiful waterfall that only takes a short hike to access.

Jenn tells the story behind this one: “I took this photo of Laverne Cox in Fayetteville (20 minutes from Bentonville). Her lecture was part of a series put on by the University of Arkansas. They bring in amazing speakers like her periodically”. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

This image was taken by Jenn of her friend, Roxana. Roxana is from El Salvador and they met in Bentonville. Jenn says of Roxana, “She has been one of the most amazing people to know”. (Photography by Jenn Terrell)

 
 

//

 
 

You will find Jenn here: