HOTTEST NEIGHBORHOODS! ARGENTA

Downtown North Little Rock’s Argenta neighborhood is where it all happens north of the Arkansas River. Here, the action is concentrated in an intimate area on Main Street and environs. The vibrant arts district is defined by galleries and its theaters; restaurants and craft breweries; and street fairs and special events, including festivals on Main and Argenta Plaza. With its hip new townhomes and restored historic residences, Argenta is a blend of small town and urban chic. Murals, maker spaces and a maritime museum make the areas distinct; the Simmons Bank Arena draws from all points of the compass to its big musical acts and sporting events. The two-lane Main Street’s corners are adorned with lush plantings of flowers and greenery, a welcoming touch.

Here’s a way for the whole family to first experience Argenta: Head out on a public art and landmark scavenger hunt. The guiding map, downloadable from northlittlerock. org or available at the North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau at 600 Main St., marks 75 sites, among them 30 art installations — including the large murals adorning historic brick buildings, painted electrical boxes, small metal sculptures and large concrete pieces. There’s a prize for folks who find 30 of the 75 sites.

The swings on Argenta Plaza’s “front porch’’ are a cool space to rest while the kids play in the jetted water features. The new gathering space becomes an after-hours hot spot for such events as the Argenta Vibe Music Series every fourth Friday and the Dogtown Throwdown every second Friday, both April through October. Check out North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau and Simmons Bank Arena for upcoming performances.

If “throwing down” isn’t your thing, enjoy art from Arkansas and regional artists along with a glass of wine and snacks every third Friday at the Thea Foundation, Barry Thomas Fine Art Studio, Acansa Art Gallery and other galleries on Main Street.

The Arkansas Innovation Hub on Broadway off Main, home of the Skills to Launch jobs program for 18 and older, offers seminars and fun workshops in this well-outfitted maker space.

The House of Art and The Joint Theater and Coffeehouse are cozy spaces to sit back and belly-laugh at a comedy act or be inspired by poetry readings. If you’re here in September, be sure and check out the ACANSA Arts Festival, a visual and performing arts festival hosted by the North Little Rock-based The Roots Art Connection. If you’re here for the Fourth of July, enjoy the Arkansas Symphony’s Pops on the River set to fireworks. For a unique Independence Day experience, rent a houseboat or large floating cruiser at the Rockwater Marina and watch the fireworks from the river.

Pub crawlers won’t be disappointed by the local beers on tap at Diamond Bear’s Ale House, Flyway Brewing, Skinny J’s, Reno’s Argenta Cafe and the Four Quarter Bar.

For Italian fare in a romantic space, Ristorante Capeo can’t be beat; order the osso buco. Gastropub fans will enjoy Brood & Barley, which has Argenta’s Flyway beer on tap, an impressive bar and mind-blowing burgers. For Japanese cuisine, head to locally owened Kiyen’s Kamikaito. There’s a Benihana at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, which also features the fine Riverfront Steakhouse. n