Visitor's Guide 2016

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK

2016

EAT, PLAY, SHOP & STAY LIKE A LOCAL VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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DOWNTOWN HOT SPRINGS

That’s the kind of history made in Hot Springs every day.

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HotSprings.org • 1-888-SPA-CITY VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRINGING THE BEST TO YOUR TABLE Creative Cocktails

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Fine Dining

425 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock | 501-850-0265 | cachelittlerock.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

TWO TWO GREAT GREAT DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS ONE ONE AWESOME AWESOME EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE Visit Visitone oneofofour ourlearning learningcenters centerstoday! today!

Enjoy Enjoyhands-on, hands-on,global globaleducation educationfacilities facilitiesand and interactive interactiveexhibits exhibitsthat thatprovide providea astimulating stimulating and andchallenging challengingeducational educationalexperience. experience.Check Check out outprograms programsand andevents eventsthroughout throughoutthe theyear yearfor for school schoolgroups, groups,civic civicclubs clubsand andcongregations. congregations.

HEIFER HEIFERVILLAGE VILLAGE

Downtown DowntownLittle LittleRock Rock www.heifer.org/village www.heifer.org/village

HEIFER HEIFERRANCH RANCH

Perryville, Perryville,AR AR www.heifer.org/ranch www.heifer.org/ranch

For reservations, call 855.3HEIFER (855.343.4337).

For Forreservations, reservations,call call855.3HEIFER 855.3HEIFER(855.343.4337).

(855.343.4337).

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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E xperience History Travel back in time as you tour 19th century homes and encounter costumed Living History performers portraying residents of our historic block.

In the Museum Center, explore seven galleries of #ArkansasMade fine and decorative art and shop for unique Arkansas gifts in the Museum Store.

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Join us for free exhibit openings each 2nd Friday, 5-8 pm.

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Ride the River Rail or walk from the River Market to 200 E. Third St. Downtown Little Rock 501-324-9351 HistoricArkansas.org A museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage

@HistoricArk

Monday through Saturday: 9 am–5 pm • Sunday: 1 pm–5 pm Historic grounds: $2.50, $1 for children; Galleries: free.

Come for the history. Stay for the shopping.

The Museum Store is open seven days a week.

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

52 For information about Little Rock, call the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau at 501-3764781 or visit www.littlerock.com. For information about North Little Rock, call the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau at 501-758-1424 or visit www.northlittlerock.org.

ON THE COVER: THE LITTLE ROCK SKYLINE AND NATURE WALK. PHOTO BY BRIAN CHILSON

CONTENTS 8 Welcome to Little Rock 10 Welcome to North Little Rock 12 Eventful Cities 16 River Market District 18 South Main 20 The Heights 22 Hillcrest 25 Riverdale 27 Midtown 28 West Little Rock 30 Park Hill & Lakewood 32 Argenta 34 Museums 38 Historic Buildings 40 On Stage 42 Live Entertainment 44 Best of the Rest 45 Getting Around 46 Grown-Up Playgrounds in Central Arkansas 48 Make Your Move 52 Bring the Kids 56 Foodie Fun 58 Something’s Brewing in Central Arkansas 62 Day Trips 71 Shopping Guide 80 Dining Guide 94 Accommodations 98 Fit for Fun PUBLISHED BY

201 EAST MARKHAM, STE 200 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 www.arktimes.com

ALL CONTENTS ©2015 ARKANSAS TIMES VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Welcome to Little Rock!

WELCOME TO LITTLE ROCK! As Arkansas’ capital city and cultural core, the greater Little Rock area provides visitors with a wealth of wonderful and engaging experiences. USA Today readers recently voted Little Rock the nation’s #3 best travel-worthy capital city.

LITTLE ROCK IS HOME TO THE WILLIAM J. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, historic Central High School, Heifer International, the nation’s only purse museum, and much more. Outdoorsman? You’ll fit right in along the Arkansas River Trail, a 17-mile loop connected by pedestrian bridges, including the Big Dam Bridge, North America’s longest pedestrian-intended span. Traverse at night and enjoy “River Lights in the Rock,” our illuminated downtown bridges. The River Market District boasts restaurants, clubs, shops, great festivals and special events, as do our unique neighborhood gems like the Quapaw Quarter, SoMa (South Main) District, The Heights, Hillcrest, Midtown and West Little Rock.

TAKE THE RIVER RAIL ELECTRIC STREETCAR across the river to North Little Rock where you will enjoy the Argenta Arts District, featuring local eateries and exciting entertainment venues. Catch an Arkansas Travelers class AA minor league baseball game, experience big-name acts at Verizon Arena and explore the USS Razorback, a World War II-era submarine, at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS IS QUICKLY BECOMING A CULINARY MECCA. In fact, Forbes Travel Guide named Little Rock one of its five “Secret Foodie Cities” in 2014. Home to a vibrant artisanal and local food movement, we feature a number of micro-breweries and an award-winning distillery; not to mention an incredible variety of dining establishments specifically tailored to please the discerning palate.

I AM PROUD TO CALL LITTLE ROCK HOME, and enjoy sharing it with others. Little Rock is renowned for its charming hospitality, genuine people, and new Southern style, and when you visit, I hope it is readily apparent why we say, “Life is better with a Southern accent.”

Warm regards,

Gretchen Hall President & CEO Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau

CO N V E N T I O N A N D V I S I TO R S B U R E A U

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

Arkansas’s Arkansas’s most unique shopping and dining destination!

Arkansas’smost mostunique uniqueshopping shoppingand anddining diningdestination! destination!

ART GROUP GALLERY AT&T • BAR LOUIE AT&TBASSETT • BAR LOUIE • BELK FURNITURE AT&T • BAR LOUIE • BELK AT&T • BAR LOUIE • BELK BONEFISH GRILL BEEHIVE • BELK BONEFISH GRILL BONEFISH GRILL CARINO’S BEYOND • CHICK-FIL-A COTTON CARINO’S • CHICK-FIL-A CARINO’S • CHICK-FIL-A COBBLESTONE & VINEGRILL BONEFISH COBBLESTONE & VINE COBBLESTONE & VINE CUPCAKES ON ALL THE RIDGE BUFFIE’S THE RAGE CUPCAKES ON THE RIDGE CUPCAKES ON THE RIDGE EMBELLISH INTERIORS CHICK-FIL-A EMBELLISH INTERIORS EMBELLISH INTERIORS FORSYTHE’S CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL FORSYTHE’S FORSYTHE’S GEORGIA JAMES COBBLESTONE & VINE GEORGIA JAMES GEORGIA JAMES IDEAL IMAGE COMING HOME INTERIORS IDEAL IMAGE IDEAL IMAGE J. DUKE CROCS J. DUKE J. DUKE JEANTE • KRISTIN TODD EMBELLISH INTERIORS JEANTE • KRISTIN TODD JEANTE • KRISTIN TODD LITTLE GREEK • MATCH POINT FARMERS INSURANCE • LITTLE GREEK MATCH POINT • MATCH LITTLE GREEK POINT MERLE NORMAN • ORANGEFORSYTHE’S LEAF YOGURT • ORANGE MERLE NORMAN LEAF YOGURT • ORANGE MERLE NORMAN LEAF YOGURT • PLANET BEACH PANERA BREAD FLEET FEET SPORTS/EASY RUNNER • BEACH PANERA BREAD • PLANET BEACH PANERA BREADPLANET • PURE BARRE PIGTAILS AND CREWCUTS GEORGIA JAMES • PURE PIGTAILS ANDAND CREWCUTS BARRE • PURE PIGTAILS CREWCUTS BARRE • SALON SCARLET ROBERSON’S FINE JEWELRY JUNE’S HALLMARK • IDEAL IMAGE • SALON SCARLET ROBERSON’S FINEFINE JEWELRY • SALON SCARLET ROBERSON’S JEWELRY • SANTO HUNTINGTON COYOTE SKY MODERN JAPANESE LEARNING CENTER • SKY SANTO COYOTE MODERN JAPANESE • SKY SANTO COYOTE MODERN JAPANESE STUDIO XS SALON •J.THE FRESH MARKET DUKE • JUST BLOW • THE STUDIO XS SALON FRESH MARKET • THE STUDIO XS SALON FRESH MARKET THE TOGGERY • TOTAL NUTRITION ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN THETHE TOGGERY • TOTAL NUTRITION TOGGERY • TOTAL NUTRITION VANNESS VESTA’S KRISTIN TODD ••• LAVENDER VANNESS VESTA’S VANNESS • VESTA’S LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS • LITTLE GREEK M2 GALLERY • MARKETPLACE GRILL

MARSHALL CLEMENTS MERLE NORMAN NEWK’S EATERY BEYOND COTTON BEYOND COTTON BEYOND COTTON OASIS TANNING BROADWAY PERFORMANCE BROADWAY PERFORMANCE BROADWAY PERFORMANCE PANERAMEXICAN BREAD GRILL CHIPOTLE CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL COMING HOME INTERIORS PINOT’S PALETTE COMING HOME INTERIORS COMING HOME INTERIORS EGOPOUT BOUTIQUE • POWDER & SMOKE EGOEGO BOUTIQUE BOUTIQUE FARPIGTAILS EAST • FARMERS INSURANCE AND CREWCUTS FARFAR EAST • FARMERS INSURANCE EAST • FARMERS INSURANCE FLEET FEET SPORTS/EASY RUNNER PURE BARRE • ROSE SPA FLEET FEET SPORTS/EASY RUNNER FLEET FEET SPORTS/EASY RUNNER • JUNE’S HALLMARK GLO LIMITED SALON FRISOR MINA • JUNE’S HALLMARK GLOGLO LIMITED • JUNE’S HALLMARK LIMITED HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER SUNRISE CAFÉ HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN ROBERSON’S FINE JEWELRY ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS SALON SCARLET • SCARLET LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS M2 GALLERY • CLEANERS OASIS TANNING SCHICKEL’S • M2M2 GALLERY TANNING • OASIS GALLERYOASIS TANNING MARSHALL CLEMENTS SANTO COYOTE MARSHALL CLEMENTS MARSHALL CLEMENTS &lSMOKE PINKY PUNKY • POWDER SKY MODERN JAPANESE PINKY PUNKY • POWDER &lSMOKE • POWDER &lSMOKE PINKY PUNKY SALON FRISOR MINA ROSE SPA •XS STUDIO SALON • SALON FRISOR MINA ROSE SPASPA • SALON FRISOR MINA ROSE • SCHICKEL’S SCARLET THE DOG BOWL CLEANERS • SCHICKEL’S CLEANERS SCARLET SCARLET • SCHICKEL’S CLEANERS THE DOG BOWLMARKET • THE LABEL THE FRESH THETHE DOG BOWL DOG BOWL THETHE RIDGE WINEWINE & SPIRITS RIDGE & SPIRITS THETHE RIDGE WINE & SPIRITS RIDGE WINE & SPIRITS UNIQUE THE THREADING TOGGERY •SALON UBREAKIFIX UNIQUE THREADING SALON UNIQUE THREADING SALON VIVID DESIGNS •UNIQUE WARREN’S THREADING SALON VIVID DESIGNS • WARREN’S VIVID DESIGNS • WARREN’S VANNESS • VESTA’S VIVID DESIGNS • WARREN’S

PLEASANT SHOPPING. PLEASANT DINING. PLEASANT RIDGE. PLEASANT PLEASANTSHOPPING. SHOPPING.PLEASANT PLEASANTDINING. DINING.PLEASANT PLEASANTRIDGE. RIDGE. 11525 CANTRELL ROAD • LITTLE ROCK • WWW.PLEASANTRIDGETOWNCENTER.COM 11525 CANTRELL ROAD • LITTLE ROCK • WWW.PLEASANTRIDGETOWNCENTER.COM 11525 CANTRELL ROAD • LITTLE ROCK • WWW.PLEASANTRIDGETOWNCENTER.COM VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Welcome to North Little Rock!

WELCOME TO CENTRAL ARKANSAS! NORTH LITTLE ROCK is a destination for all seasons—there’s something for everyone, no matter when you visit. Use the River Rail electric street car to browse shops, eat and explore both North Little Rock and Little Rock’s thriving downtown districts. The Argenta Arts & Entertainment District is known for its monthly art walks and annual food, music and art festivals.

EXPERIENCE FIRSTHAND HOW MEN LIVED aboard the longest-serving submarine in the world, USS Razorback (SS-394), at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. A veteran of World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War, USS Razorback sits on the north side of the Arkansas River and is open for the public to tour and hear her stories from knowledgeable staff.

The adjacent museum features exhibits about World War II-era vessels and Arkansas River history.

BURNS PARK, a 1,700-acre park with 18-hole golf courses and tennis courts, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The south side of the park lines the Arkansas River and connects to the Arkansas River Trail, a scenic 15-mile loop for cyclists and pedestrians.

THE JOINT COMEDY THEATER, located in the Argenta Arts & Entertainment District, hosts improvisation groups and musicians every week and performs original comedies by the comedic group The Main Thing on weekends.

FILM FANATICS WILL APPRECIATE THE OLD MILL, a 1930s replica of a 1800s gristmill presumed to be the last standing structure from Gone with the Wind. Free to the public, the park is full of natural beauty and the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle.

SPEND A SUN-FILLED DAY with the kids at Arkansas’ largest water park, Wild River Country. The 26-acre park offers non-stop fun with a variety of slides and water attractions. Enjoy baseball by minor league team Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park. Besides the fun of a baseball game, the park has themed nights, giveaways and fun on-field games that will entertain all ages.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ LARGEST INDOOR SHOPPING CENTER MCCAIN MALL and its glitzy neighbor Lakewood Village are perfect for shoppers.

Including several dining options and a movie theater, the mall has more than 80 specialty shops anchored by Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sears.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about what to do in North Little Rock, visit NorthLittleRock.org or call 501-758-1424 and we will be happy to help. We hope you enjoy your stay and come back soon!

Bob Major Executive Director North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

A destination for all seasons!

The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Park Enjoy the outdoors at The Old Mill from

Gone with the Wind or watch baseball at Dickey-Stephens Park. Shop and dine in the McCain Mall area or Argenta Arts District, stay cool at Wild River Country or climb into a real World War II submarine.

#ExploreNLR

Call 501-758-1424 or visit www.NorthLittleRock.org to plan your trip.

USS Razorback Submarine • Wild River Country Waterpark • Arkansas Travelers Baseball

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Eventful Cities

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, central Arkansas hosts all kinds of festivals, community events and distinguished speakers. Here’s an overview of what might be happening while you’re in town.

JANUARY

DOWNTOWN TIP-OFF CLUB Top college basketball coaches and other luminaries of the sport visit every Monday at noon through late February at the Wyndham Riverfront in North Little Rock. Memberships are available to the club, but guests are welcome on any Monday. $15-$25 per meeting.

The event is put on by the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.

FOAM FEST Remember this number, because you are likely to forget it after the annual charity Foam Fest: More than 75 beers are lined up for tasting, and there is live music and more at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock.

Look for a typical early Saturday date in this month for an event that draws a huge crowd.

ARGENTA FARMERS MARKET Find locally grown fruits and vegetables along with meats, cheeses and more just five blocks north of the Arkansas River, at 520 Main St. The market is open on Saturdays from late March until October.

ARKANSAS LITERARY FESTIVAL Well-known national and international authors and Arkansas favorites come together in close vicinity of the Central Arkansas Library System in the River Market District, as well as other nearby sites, for an annual festival, typically scheduled on the third weekend of the month.

Lectures, workshops, book-signings, cooking demonstrations and more, plus a Saturday night pub crawl with a handful of authors, a Friday night event with most of the authors.

And the kids aren’t forgotten; several events feature children’s book authors.

BERNICE GARDEN FARMERS MARKET The South on Main neighborhood has gotten into the farmers market trend with a Sunday market on 14th Street from late April until October. Fresh produce, food trucks and entertainment are offered.

JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL This one-day event of food, dance and music has moved around some but seems to have settled at War Memorial Stadium’s concourse and parking lot. Falafels are amazing, the Meshugga Klezmer Band and other acts will have you kicking your legs for hours, and you’ll

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

APRIL

MARCH

LITTLE ROCK MARATHON The 14th annual Little Rock Marathon will be staged March 6, 2016, in downtown Little Rock. The fast-growing marathon in terms of attendance is a favorite of runners the world over for its combination of flat-road running and hilly climbs and descents through some of Little Rock’s most scenic neighborhoods. Runners can try the full marathon, a half-marathon, a 10K and a 5K.

appreciate yet another cultural experience that makes the city special.

MAINSTREETFOODTRUCKFRIDAYS Little Rock has some of the best food trucks anywhere, and most of them converge at the corner of Main Street and Capitol Avenue during Friday lunch, starting in late April through mid-June.

SOUTHWEST LITTLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET Local produce and other goods are available starting early this month until the last Thursday in November, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Life Line Baptist Church parking lot, 7601 Baseline Road.

MAY

LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL Having settled at the Ron Robinson Theater in the River Market district’s Arcade Building, the LRFF brings together directors and films from all around the world as well as Arkansas moviemakers and documentarians for a weeklong extravaganza, with screenings

also at other nearby venues. The festival features long-form films as well as short films grouped in easy-to-catch showings.

Plus, with the Arkansas Times as a sponsor, there are parties, lectures and more that shouldn’t be missed.

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL It seems nobody can resist the baklava and other delights of this annual festival, held the third weekend of May on Napa Valley Road at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Don’t even bother with driving directions to the church, just follow the signs to the ample parking outside the festival perimeter and ride the shuttle. Besides the great food, you’ll find music, dancing and plenty of other entertainment.

RIVERFEST The 39th edition of Little Rock’s premier music and food festival will be staged again on Memorial Day weekend and will conclude with the annual Riverfest fireworks over the Main Street Bridge. If the 2015 was any indication, Riverfest will offer an eclectic mix

of music from popular classic acts, to new and old-style country, to new hip-hop and rock, with a little funk, jazz and Sunday gospel thrown in. It pays to order your tickets online before the event at riverfestarkansas.com, where the music lineup should be set by early April.

There’s plenty of other entertainment and fun activities offered from Main Street to the Heifer International complex all three days. The 2015 festival attracted visitors from 28 states.

JUNE

CELEBRATE THE GRAPE The Arkansas Times helps put on a fun wine tasting and festival with local restaurants providing food while the local distributors line up more than 300 different wines, all to benefit the Argenta Arts District. The 2016 event will be held June 3 at the Argenta Farmers Market, 520 Main Street.

JUNE-AUGUST

MOVIES IN THE PARK A Riverfront Park staple now for a decade, Movies in the Park presents a popular feature film every Wednesday night starting in early June at the First Security Amphitheater, with the projector kicking on at dusk. It’s free, filmgoers are welcome to bring a cooler, and the River Market vendors typically stay open late to offer food and drinks as well.

AUGUST

HERITAGE HOG ROAST Bring your bib and your party shoes to the Argenta Farmers Market lot near Sixth and Main Street in North Little Rock on August 29. Sixteen whole hogs from Scott Heritage Farm will be roasted by local chefs in another contest to see who’s the best at fixing whole pig. Last year, Cheers in the Heights’ Chris Tanner won the contest, but everybody came out a winner with great food and beverages and foot-stompin’ entertainment. All this fun for $25. The event begins at 5 p.m. A music-only ticket is $10. Tickets are available on the eventbrite.com website. Sponsored by the Arkansas Times.

LITTLE ROCK TOUCHDOWN CLUB Top current and former coaches, both college and pro, and other personalities in the college football world speak weekly to a large gathering (usually at the Embassy Suites in West Little Rock) through late November. Memberships are available to the club, but guests are also welcome. $15-$25 per meeting.

SEPTEMBER

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 Founded in 2006, the Big Dam Bridge Cycling Tour is the largest cycling event in Arkansas

with distances from 14-100 miles. The Big Dam Bridge connects approximately 20 miles of scenic riverside trails in Little Rock and North Little Rock and helps connect 70,000 acres of city, county, state and federal park land. All of this means you’ll have one beautiful ride.

The 2015 event will be held September 26.

OCTOBER

CENTRAL ARKANSAS PRIDE/ LITTLE ROCK PRIDEFEST A Little Rock Pride Parade in downtown Little Rock as well as entertainment and events around the Clinton President Park celebrating the gay and lesbian community. The date is typically the first Saturday in October, which coincides with LGBT History Month. The event’s goal is to raise awareness of diversity in the community, teach tolerance and acceptance, eliminate prejudice and bias both internally and externally, and honor the community’s sexuality, culture, families, accomplishments, individuality and the ongoing struggle for equal rights. All clubs, organizations, schools, churches and businesses are encouraged to participate.

HARVESTFEST Kavanaugh Boulevard is blocked from the promenade area to Spruce Street on a Saturday in October every year for Hillcrest’s annual fall

PO-BOYS • GUMBO • GRILLED MAHI MAHI • CHEF SALADS • DAILY SPECIALS • BEER • JUKE BOX • WINE

Grilled Shrimp Basket Happy Hour Mon - Sat: 3pm - 6:30pm

Where the locals go!

Try Our Raw Oysters

3003 W. MARKHAM • LITTLE ROCK 501-666-7100 • WWW.LROYSTERBAR.COM

Ham/Cheese & Oyster Po-Boys

Chicken Ceasar Salad

MON - THURS 11AM-9:30PM • FRI 11AM-10:30PM • SAT 11AM-10PM

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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celebration, with food and food trucks, art sellers, clothing for sale, local music and more, running from the morning until night. It’s almost like a fair midway parked itself on Kavanaugh with all the people mingling.

YEAR-ROUND

ARGENTA ART WALK Every third Friday of each month, North Little Rock welcomes art lovers and everyone else to its galleries, restaurants and other businesses just north of the Arkansas River. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with special refreshments and other sidewalk entertainment available.

WORLD CHEESE DIP CHAMPIONSHIP Arkansas is believed to be where cheese dip began, and where better to settle on a world champion than in Arkansas.

The contest returned last year and was staged along Main Street in the South on Main neighborhood, with plenty of fun to be had thanks to the cheese dip tastings, live music and more. The 2016 date was still up in the air at last check, but look for a date in the middle of the month, probably when the Hogs aren’t playing.

CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES World leaders, famed entrepreneurs, celebrities and activists are scheduled throughout the year to speak at the School (1200 President Clinton Ave.).

HILLCREST FARMERS MARKET Some of the local markets only run from midspring to fall, but the Hillcrest market, held every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church (22 Kavanaugh Blvd.) runs year-round. Granted, more Arkansas produce (strawberries, tomatoes, peaches, etc.) will be available in the warmer months, but look for meats, honey, jams, baked goods and more for sale at any time.

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Arkansas Times and the Argenta Arts District know how to party, in several different ways as evidenced by this calendar. In October, look for the annual Craft Beer Festival in which the Times and AAD share with you the celebration of the fine art of craft brewing in America in showcasing more than 150 beers.

Come to the Argenta Farmers Market lot from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local food and local music also highlight the night.

SECOND FRIDAY ART NIGHT Little Rock’s downtown museums, galleries are open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a gallery walk, with restaurants and other businesses open with extended hours. Check the Arkansas Times for the most current gallery information and shows during the gallery walks.

NOVEMBER

ARKANSAS CORNBREAD FESTIVAL Ok, maybe next to the cheese dip contests, Arkansans favorite food festival is the Cornbread Festival, which started in 2011.

THIRD THURSDAY IN THE HEIGHTS Hillcrest’s neighbor to the northwest saw how much fun was being had at Shop & Sip and started its own party with live music, food vendors, open shops until well past usual close, and more. Lots of restaurant choices beckon when the shopping slows.

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

SHOP & SIP Hillcrest’s Kavanaugh Boulevard and neighboring streets in the Beechwood area are rocking until dark and sometimes later every first Thursday of the month for, yes, shopping and sipping (and eating and enjoying live music acts). Galleries, shops (such as the Shoppes on Woodlawn) and other businesses welcome visitors starting at 5 p.m. for the fun, and many of the shops offer wine and other refreshments to their guests.

Look for 2015’s event on Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with 4,000 paying folks, maybe more, packing the South on Main neighborhood and Main Street. It’s great food, great music and great conversation with friends. And great cornbread. If you think your mama’s cornbread recipe is to die for, maybe you should enter. Check out www.arkansascornbreadfestival.com/ HOLIDAYS IN HILLCREST Usually held after Thanksgiving, the tree on the Kavanaugh promenade is lit, hundreds gather on the street, and houses are open for visiting as everyone gets in the holiday spirit. Try a carriage ride, and some cider or hot chocolate.

DECEMBER

BIG JINGLE JUBILEE PARADE AND STATE CAPITOL LIGHTING CEREMONY Usually on the first Saturday of the month, the Capitol dome is adorned in lights and fireworks add to the excitement as the city of Little Rock’s Christmas Parade culminates there. Look for the complete route closer to the date.

FRANK BROYLES AWARD Little Rock’s Rotary Club is the primary sponsor of one of college football’s most prestigious awards, the Frank Broyles Award, named for the longtime Arkansas coach and athletic director and presented to the top major college assistant coach of the year. The event is held following the end of the college football season at the Doubletree Hotel ballroom and brings in five finalists for the naming of the top assistant. n LITTLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET The market has already seen 40 years come and go as a destination for folks wanting to find anything from fresh strawberries or vegetables to Arkansas-style trinkets, all while entertained by street performers and other characters. The market starts in early April and runs every Saturday through the last Saturday in October inside the River Market pavilions.

Market is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The market is also open every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. though late August.

Welcome to the DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock, the Premier Destination for Business. And Pleasure.

Big or small, we’re the perfect destination for your next meeting, corporate retreat or personal getaway. Our attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in our deluxe amenities – all the way down to our world-famous chocolate chip cookies.

424 West Markham • Reservations: 1 800 222 TREE • www.doubletreelr.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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RIVER MARKET DISTRICT SOMEONE ASKED US RECENTLY, whatever happened to those “Big Downtown Thursdays” that the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau put on a few years back during spring and fall in the River Market? As fun as those were, with live music and the attraction of bringing lots of young folks to the neighborhood, they served their purpose and disappeared. No longer does Little Rock have to spend a bunch of its convention money to get its own people into the River Market District. It draws plenty all on its own, thanks to hip music clubs, great restaurants, a nice theater, other entertainment venues such as TWO dueling piano bars, and more. Plus, it’s become a residential area all its own with many lofts, and also a home to the city’s newest hotels. Parking decks have followed, and so has 21st century metered parking on President Clinton Avenue. That’s all a great sign that the River Market District is where to be if you’re a visitor in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

SEE

Cache

SHOP

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Fringe Clothing VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

No visit to Little Rock should end without a stop in the CLINTON MUSEUM STORE, even if you voted Republican. If Bill and Hillary aren’t enough, there’s SHOP THE ROCK for all your local souvenirs, a store operated by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. RIVER MARKET BOOKS AND GIFTS in the Cox Creative Center has inexpensive books and toys, seasonal items and more. The 10,000 VILLAGES store has unique items, including folk art, jewelry, toys and games, tableware, rugs and more. FRINGE CLOTHING has trendy women’s wear. DANDELION HERBS, SPICES, TEAS has bulk goods along with local honey and other goodies. Also, you’re a short walk west to the OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM STORE on Markham, or an easy jaunt east to the Clinton Presidential Center.

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BRIAN CHILSON

Make sure to check the local club schedules to see who is playing at REVOLUTION, STICKYZ ROCK ’N’ ROLL CHICKEN SHACK or JUANITA’S—it’s not unusual to find popular national acts regularly rolling into those small venues. It’s a mini-Austin Sixth Street in the neighborhood with some of the music we see. Also, occasional concerts pop up at the FIRST SECURITY AMPHITHEATER, or from the neighborhood you can walk across the pedestrian bridges to catch a major show at VERIZON ARENA. Classic movies are regularly screened at the RON ROBINSON THEATER in the ARCADE BUILDING (and occasional music and comedy acts, as well as great film festivals, take over the theater). If you just want somewhere to sing along, both WILLY D’S and ERNIE BIGGS have dueling pianos.

CACHE is an acclaimed upscale restaurant in the Arcade Building, offering lunch and dinner and an expansive wine list. You’ll also need cash but you’ll get a fabulous steak at SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM, with its “Rat Pack, Sinatra in Vegas” feel. There’s plenty of craft beer and snacks and burgers and more to find in the neighborhood, too — try RUMBA, STICKYZ, JUANITA’S and its Tex-Mex, DAMGOODE PIES, the FLYING FISH (best gumbo in Arkansas, we think), FLYING SAUCER, GUS’S FRIED CHICKEN and BIG WHISKEY’S. Or if you just want to drink your dinner, check out PROST, behind WILLY D’S. If you’re trying to eat quickly, the wide range of little kitchens in the River Market will do you right. Just a few short blocks from the River Market, in the 400 block of Main Street are two terrific spots: BRUNO’S, which will make a diner feel like he or she is eating in Chicago at some classic Italian spot, and SAMANTHA’S TAP ROOM next door, with a wide-ranging menu and some great beers and wines. Further west from the River Market is the CAPITAL HOTEL, and its CAPITAL BAR is a must-visit for any out-of-towner. If you’ve gone that far, you should visit the OLD STATE HOUSE while you’re in the neighborhood.

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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SOUTH MAIN

SEE

WHEN A POPULAR RESTAURANT AND CLUB abandoned Main Street south of I-630 for the River Market, many wondered it that was signaling a death knell for the neighborhood. The answer: hardly. Instead, South Main or SoMa, has taken off with a farmers market, block parties on a regular basis, the arrival of new restaurants and a cool vibe stretching from the ever-popular Community Bakery (a big-city café feel) to several blocks southward to Roosevelt Road. In that space where that aforementioned restaurant and club resided is a new, popular restaurant dubbed, naturally, South on Main, and it serves also as the home base for the acclaimed Oxford American magazine. The OA puts on shows in the space regularly. SoMa is one of the biggest success stories in Little Rock in years.

The houses in the Quapaw Quarter and the nearby GOVERNOR’S MANSION at the dead-end of Center and 18th streets make for a beautiful tour of old Little Rock redone. An offbeat and fun museum is the ESSE PURSE MUSEUM with its collection of 20th century handbags, accessories and other items. It’s organized by era; don’t miss it.

BRIAN CHILSON

SHOP

For the music lover, a stop into both ROMCO DRUMS/ROSEN MUSIC and PIANO KRAFT starts your shopping on the north end of SoMa. SWEET HOME FURNISHINGS and CLEMENT is a vintage housewares shop. Then you come across MOXY MODERN MERCANTILE with its eclectic array of modern and vintage records, housewares, accessories, food items, locally made products and more. Then it’s to the GREEN CORNER STORE for its Arkansas-made and environmentally conscious products, and LOBLOLLY CREAMERY, a local ice cream maker, right inside Green Corner Store. There you’ll find an old-fashion soda fountain with drinks, sundaes, floats and more.

Moxy Modern Mercantile

EAT

Root Cafe BRIAN CHILSON

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

By the time you are reading this, the quaint locale for the awardwinning ROOT CAFE may have completed its expansion. It needed to—there was simply not enough tables and chairs, even with an outside portion, to handle the demand for this outstanding restaurant. Everything from burgers to salads are available, but you won’t want to miss breakfast either.

Some of the city’s best bakery’s are found in SoMa, including COMMUNITY BAKERY (which also has great lunch sandwiches) and BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Exquisite dining with a Southern eclectic twist can be found at the SOUTH ON MAIN restaurant. The menu is seasonal as well. New to the neighborhood is PIRO BRICK OVEN AND BARROOM, with tasty salads, daring stabs at pizzas and lots of beers and wines on tap. If you’re craving a great burger in the wee hours, MIDTOWN BILLIARDS is the place to go. You might find yourself in a pool game or listening to music until the sun is coming up.

Cajun’s is a longtime Little Rock landmark. Whether you’re treating clients to lunch, here for happy hour, joining us for dinner, or catching a live show, it’s a place where great food and fun are on the menu. Now serving lunch with river views on the side.

lunch, mon.-fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. dinner, mon.-sat., from 4:30 p.m.

2400 cantrell rd. 501-375-5351 @CajunsLR cajunswharf.com

serving more than great seafood.

Complimentary shuttle service from area hotels

Visit our 2 other great Little Rock restaurants.

14502 CANTRELL RD 501-868-7600 CAPERSRESTAURANT.COM

300 E 3RD ST #101 501-375-3333 COPPERGRILLLR.COM

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

19

The Heights AT ONE TIME, AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY—the 19th to the 20th—the Heights was about as westward as Little Rock went, with a street car ferrying folks from downtown up to the edge of the new neighborhood. The Country Club of Little Rock dominated the development in the early 1990s. It continues to be the most expensive real estate in Pulaski County, and some of the city’s best restaurants at times have called the Heights home.

Today, Kavanaugh and the neighboring streets are great for shopping, eating, getting a Starbucks, enjoying a pedicure, manicure or massage, for picking up a fine wine or a great steak from Terry’s, or just getting out for a stroll.

SHOP

Heights Taco & Tamale Co.

Women and men will find some of the best clothing stores in the Heights, but there are also some trendy places like STEAMROLLER BLUES, EMBER, TULIPS and BELLA BOUTIQUE. For top home accessory stores, check out WHITE GOAT, EGGSHELLS KITCHEN CO. and COBBLESTONE & VINE. For years, Little Rock’s businessmen have found outstanding suits, blazers, slacks and more at MR. WICK’S. DOMESTIC DOMESTIC focuses on American-made men’s clothing, shoes, home goods, outdoor adventure needs and accessories. Children’s wear and more is available at THE TOGGERY. Runners flock to GO! RUNNING for all their running needs, and the outdoors types head to OZARK OUTDOOR. Pet owners are taken care of at DOGGY DADDY. And for booklovers, a must-stop is Little Rock’s best bookstore, WORDSWORTH BOOKS & CO. For pampering, CARACALLA DAY SPA or the BEAUTY GEEK LASH and SKINCARE LOUNGE are destinations. If it's treasure you seek, ELLEN GOLDEN ANTIQUES is a muststop for fine French antiques and more. And florist TIPTON & HURST has been a Little Rock institution for decades. If you just happen to be in the need of a Rolex or something else special, head on over the SISSY’S LOG CABIN. HEIGHTS FINE WINES AND SPIRITS offering an excellent selection of wines, beer and other spirits. Big names to rare finds can be found at YANCEY’S WINES AND SPIRITS.

EAT

Where not to eat? There’s something for everyone and every mood, and you can dress up or dress down. The Heights has great sushi, fine dining and even has hibachi now. The hot new spot is HEIGHTS TACO & TAMALE CO., which puts a bit of a gourmet spin on Ark-Mex (see related story on page 56). HTT’s sister restaurant, ZAZA FINE SALAD + WOOD-OVEN PIZZA is located in an old movie theater. For less fancier but still great pizza, there’s always U.S. PIZZA. For Asian, FANTASTIC CHINA lives up to the name, but SUSHI CAFÉ tops many folks’ lists for best sushi in these parts. THE SUSHI CAFÉ owners and the famed Chi family went in on OISHI, which has everything an

Domestic Domestic

20

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

SEE

Maybe it’s not quite the people-watching one might find on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, but it’s impressive nonetheless.

People simply don’t dress up like this to shop the other boutiques in other neighborhoods. The people here seem to know they’re being observed and plan for it. So pick a spot at, say, Starbucks, or the outside patio of the new HEIGHTS TACO & TAMALE CO., and enjoy the view. If you’d rather do your viewing of

Local Favorite NationalLY RECOGNIZED Featured in Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels, Bon Appetit, southern living and more! steaks seafood pasta WOOD-FIRED pizza CRAFT BEER

BRIAN CHILSON

L U N C H • D I N N E R • S U N D AY B R U N C H

Asian food-lover could want, including hibachi grills. On the opposite end of Kavanaugh from Oishi, at the corner of University, is the popular former food truck turned brick-and-mortar Mexican restaurant BAJA GRILL, noted for its gourmet tacos and burritos. Back on the Oishi end, CAFÉ PREGO across the street is a longtime favorite under new ownership. For fancy dining, there is TERRY’S RESTAURANT (beside Terry’s Finer Foods grocery, and next door to the relatively new TERRY’S PIZZERIA) as well as the revamped BOULEVARD BISTRO, and CHEERS IN THE HEIGHTS and SCALLIONS have been mainstays for casual fun dining for years. Just want wine? Don’t miss

BY THE GLASS. Just need something sweet? Then SILVEK’S in the Heights Kroger will probably have what you crave.

inanimate objects, the Heights has some wonderful retail art galleries, such as BOSWELL MOUROT FINE ART and CHROMA GALLERY. Both have works by both Arkansas artists as well as those from around the world. LOUIS BECK displays his artwork at L&L BECK GALLERY, while STEPHANO’S FINE ART GALLERY features a wide range of modern and contemporary work by Arkansas and national artists.

LocaLuna.com 3519 Old Cantrell Rd • Little Rock • 501-663-4666

Modern Southern Cuisine Morning, Noon and Night

Award-Winning Brunch RedDoorRestaurant.com 3701 Cantrell R d • Little R ock • 501-666-8482 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

21

ONE OF THE GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS in all of Arkansas is one of Little Rock’s first that sprung up beyond downtown: Hillcrest. A drive through the neighborhood off winding Kavanaugh Boulevard and cutting over on Lee Avenue finds many classic homes from the early 1900s in various architectural styles. In fact, don’t miss driving down Woodlawn Avenue for some spectacular home viewing. Hillcrest has a lively business district on Kavanaugh (different from its northerly neighbor, The Heights) with wonderful restaurants, shops, a pool hall, maybe the busiest Kroger for its size and interesting people (and their dogs). The public schools in the neighborhood are the city’s best.

There is ample park space to spend a day enjoying the outdoors. Nearly every church denomination is represented within walking distance. Hillcrest may be at its finest with the neighbors all congregate on July 4 to march in parade to Pulaski Heights Elementary School, then hear the Declaration of Independence read in full, followed by lemonade and cookies and friendly chatter.

A Taste of Brazilian Cuisine 2701 KAVANAUGH BLVD • HILLCREST

501.614.6682

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Hillcrest Knoop Park

SEE

GALLERY 26 has an impressive array of Arkansas artists, including glasswork by James Hayes and brilliant paintings by the likes of Stephen Cefalo and Katherine Straus. Hillcrest, with such parks as ALLSOPP and KNOOP (which has a spectacular view of downtown Little Rock), is colorful beyond description in the fall; don’t miss it.

It’s easy to see why more people walk or bike these sidewalks and hills than maybe anywhere in town.

e! t i r o v a f e s u o h

It’s a Rosalia’s kind of day!

2701 KAVANAUGH BLVD • HILLCREST •

501.319.7035

GLUTEN FREE & VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE HERE! 22

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

Box Turtle

SHOP

Eclectic and cool is the best way to describe BOX TURTLE, where there may not be any open space in the tiny store; kids can have a fun time downstairs, while mom will love the accessories and other gifts found as soon as she walks through the front door. Other trendy shopping spots include E. LEIGH’S and HAUSWERK. RHEA DRUG is the classic old-fashioned drug store. THE SHOPPES AT WOODLAWN are under new ownership since last year, when Mike May bought Shoppes from Jessica Davis and Lu Smith, but it’s still as popular as ever with a variety of stores all under one roof, a 1911 Dutch Colonial-style house. Hillcrest shopping is especially popular each first Thursday of the month with its Shop & Sip event.

Are you looking for something to do this

Weekend?

We’ll Buzz your hair and Shine your shoes!

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

23

EAT

One of Little Rock’s best and newest restaurants opened in Hillcrest last year. Jerry Barakat’s KEMURI took over the Ice House Revival space formerly housing Ferneau, and diners found Asian fusion cooking and expertly crafted sushi at the new eatery.

There’s a little something from everyone, though, as one moves up Kavanaugh from Kemuri, with the Brazilian style of CAFÉ BOSSA NOVA and its companion bakery, ROSALIA’S. The AFTERTHOUGHT BISTRO AND BAR continues to be a favorite haunt for good food and good live music, including jazz. CANON GRILL puts its on spin on Mexican, while LEO’S GREEK CASTLE offers more than just gyros, with monster pancakes and breakfast items, burgers and plenty more. For European comfort food like house-made brats and beer-battered fish and fries, stop at PANTRY CREST for dinner. If it’s surf and/or turf you’re craving, hit SO RESTAURANT-BAR for lunch or dinner. Off Kavanaugh, the hip crowd has taken to CIAO BACI with its great bar and tapas. U.S. PIZZA moved from its tiny space to a perfect, large, two-story home where its second floor serves as a great place for private parties. Across the street, kids of all ages love a trip to locally owned MYLO COFFEE CO. for Loblolly Creamery ice cream, but its coffee is great, too.

3 floors . 3 stores 1 location

2616 KAVANAUGH BLVD. LITTLE ROCK 501.661.1167 WWW.SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM 24

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

Hillcrest’s Hidden Gem

Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm 4523 Woodlawn Dr • Little Rock 501-666-3600

BRIAN CHILSON

Mylo Coffee Co.

Riverdale WITH A SIMILAR FORMULA TO OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS in Little Rock, the city’s warehouse-heavy district of Riverdale has turned in another burgeoning spot for great dining, entertainment and shopping.

It’s also a vibrant spot for bikers taking the river trail to the Big Dam Bridge or biking toward downtown.

Riverdale has also served for 68 years as the home

base for Little Rock’s oldest community baseball organization, Junior Deputy Baseball, home to nearly 1,000 players ages 4-15. Having taken advantage of so many design businesses within easy proximity, and with some of the city’s best dining, Riverdale’s business owners dubbed it a Design District. It’s hard to ignore all that’s happening these days in Riverdale.

SEE

You’ll typically see a soccer game on Riverfront Drive or a baseball game at the Junior Deputy complex going on every day in fall and spring. But not every kid plays soccer or baseball. The kid of all ages is likely to be found walking or biking Riverfront Drive to MURRAY PARK, which has trails and a dog park. If you’re looking to get in a quick round of golf, REBSAMEN PARK has an acclaimed public course. Check out the lights at night on the BIG DAM BRIDGE. RIVERDALE 10 CINEMA offers both new Hollywood releases as well as critically acclaimed “art house” films in a 10-screen theater that is independently owned. The theater also schedules special events throughout the year.

Rebsamen Park Golf Course ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

BRIAN CHILSON

The Fold: Botanas & Bar

EAT

If you want our opinion on the best steak for the money, our choice would be THE FADED ROSE in Riverdale. The Faded Rose applies a New Orleans approach to its varied menu, with lots of Louisiana favorites (it’s owned by New Orleans native Ed David). The Creole and Cajun cooking is abundant in Riverdale, as right next door to the Faded Rose is MADDIE’S PLACE, run by Brian Deloney, who trained and ran restaurants for Emeril Legasse. Locals swear that the burger at BUFFALO GRILL can’t be beat, while the PIZZA CAFE with its deck is a relaxing way to spend a late afternoon. Chef Mark Abernathy, who has spent TV time with Rachel Ray, has two terrific restaurants in Riverdale in LOCA LUNA (which is getting a redo) and RED DOOR, which has a diverse menu from steaks to salmon.

THE FOLD: BOTANAS & BAR is a gourmet taco eatery in an old filling station that’s plenty of fun, while the Chi family has opened up a smaller, bistro version of its CHI’S CHINESE in the next block over. And in the warehouse district proper, fresh seafood and great music at CAJUN’S WHARF cannot be missed.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

25

stop by the little rock heights store for healthy Green Smoothies, Cold Squeezed Juice, all-natural yogurt and smoothies 5621 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207

(501) 663-2500

©2015 Red Mango, LLC. All rights reserved.

26

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

MAINTAIN HEALTHY HABITS

Cynthia East Fabrics

SHOP

Nearly every business in this neighborhood is connected to interior design. And maybe you’re just passing through Little Rock with no intention of staying long.

But if you are, head down to Riverdale.

ABOUT VASE has a wide variety of flowers or to create a one-of-a-kind arrangement. BEAR-HILL INTERIORS has fine furniture, lamps, home accessories and gift items.

From houseplants and planters to nursery items, gardening tools and design advice, BOTANICA GARDENS has it all. C&F FLOORING AND RUG GALLERY has unique tiles, carpets and other flooring options. CYNTHIA EAST FABRICS is the place to go for upholstery, decorator and drapery fabrics and decorative accessories. DISTINCTIVE KITCHENS AND BATHS is a full-service kitchen and bath design and renovation store. The antique mall FABULOUS FINDS will surprise you.

KAKI HOCKERSMITH INTERIORS has a variety of home accessories and a full line of interior design services. LOUIE’S UNIQUE FRAMING & GALLERY has original artwork and prints. The interior design firm MARSHALL CLEMENTS offers antiques, imports and artwork.

MERTINSDYKEHOME has furniture and home accessories with a modern flair, as well as books, lamps and gifts.

NEW ORLEANS ANTIQUES AND JEWELRY EXCHANGE features a large selection of fine European antiques, including furniture, art and jewelry.

PROVIDENCE DESIGN is where sisters Mona Thompson and Talena Ray focus on traditional design paired with soft, modern and European influences that incorporate strong architectural elements into the mix. Newcomer WARE HOUSE opened right before press time, and promises unique furnishings and accessories. Award-winning floral designer Tanarah Haynie designs for any occasion with custom arrangements at TANARAH LUXE FLORAL. You’ll find European antiques, furniture, lighting and architectural elements, as well as accessories at the ANTIQUE CO. From simple to spectacular and everything in between, the CLOSET FACTORY’S organizers combine function and fashion. The SHADE ABOVE LIGHTING COLLECTION features high-end custom lampshades and lighting, as well as lamp and chandelier repair. THE SHOWROOM/ SANDY HUBLER FINE ART offers custom framing and a wide selection of prints, frames and original artwork, operated by acclaimed Arkansas-native artist Sandy Hubler. Famed Little Rock interior decorator Tom Chandler has an office that also houses the CHANDLER SCHOOL OF DECORATING. TUFT & TABLE has stylish high-end planning for any event or venue, as well as retail home furnishings for everyday living.

URBAN PAD is a modish, affordable lifestyle furnishings, art, lighting and other décor in a store recently opened in the Design District by John Gibson.

Midtown BRIAN CHILSON

MIDTOWN, LIKE SOME OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS AND SHOPPING DISTRICTS OF LITTLE ROCK, was almost given up for dead just a few years back, to be left just to the huge hospital campuses on West Markham, when one major shopping center closed, several other retailers moved out, and another mall was in need of renovation. But, once again, local developers saw opportunity and restored Midtown to a vibrant part of the city. Chief among the moves was the building of Midtowne Shopping Center with its occupants Pottery Barn, The Container Store, Williams Sonoma, Joseph A. Bank and busy restaurants Pei Wei, Cantina Laredo and Big Orange. The neighborhood is also home to the Little Rock Zoo and public golf course and is on the southwest side of Hillcrest.

Midtown is on a roll.

Park Avenue

SHOP

PARK PLAZA MALL remains Little Rock’s biggest enclosed mall and features DILLARD’S as its anchor on either end, with usual popular national brands in between (ANN TAYLOR, GAP, COACH, BANANA REPUBLIC, EDDIE BAUER, et al.). MIDTOWNE has proven to be a boon with its array of trendy stores and restaurants. Yet another outdoor shopping hub has sprung up in PARK AVENUE, which also includes apartments as well as such stores as Target and AT&T, as well as selection of sandwich shops. The biggest eyesore in the area went away when the southwest corner of University and Market was cleared away to make room for a CHIPOTLE. At MID-TOWNE ANTIQUE MALL, you’ll find 26,000-square-feet of both new and antique furnishings, art, jewelry and more.

SEE

The LITTLE ROCK ZOO is one of the biggest tourist attractions annually in the state in terms of attendance. The zoo has a penguin exhibit as a big draw, but plenty more from gorillas to elephants to reptiles to rhinos to tigers and lions. When the RAZORBACKS play in Little Rock on Sept. 12 vs. Toledo, it will mark the Hogs’ only trip to Little Rock and War Memorial

Stadium this year, with thousands of fans taking over the WAR MEMORIAL PARK golf course for some of the best tailgating around. When the tailgating is gone, the course remains one of the most-played public courses in the state. The stadium, meanwhile, serves local high schools as well as a site for a number of events such as the JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL in April.

EAT

BRIAN CHILSON

SEE

Trio’s

BIG ORANGE, a locally owned restaurant that debuted in Chenal, brought excitement to the MIDTOWNE SHOPPING CENTER with its menu of gourmet burgers, salads and its spectacular bar. It also added one more popular eatery to a place already serving as a destination for diners. CANTINA LAREDO is a high-end Mexican eatery, while PEI WEI is a smaller version of P.F. CHANG and is regularly filled. CHIPOTLE entered the market with a store in the neighborhood, while the CHEDDAR’S chain found a gold mine near the PARK AVENUE shopping center. PANERA BREAD, POT BELLY’S and NEWK’S all set up shop within a stone’s throw of each other. Further west but considered “Midtown,” TRIO’S in PAVILION IN THE PARK remains one of the top restaurants in the city with its fine casual dining and weekend brunch, while CASA MANANA on Cantrell Road is a favorite among authentic Mex lovers.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

27

West Little Rock

THE WESTERNMOST REACHES of Little Rock, which barely a halfcentury ago reached the fledgling Pleasant Valley edition, now tracks along Highway 10 toward Pinnacle Mountain. Chenal Valley, given a French twist on the name of a prominent mountain (Shinall) that is home to umpteen radio and TV towers, has developed along a fourlane roadway extending from the end of I-630 and Highway 10 near Pinnacle. Together, the Pleasant Ridge

Pleasant Ridge Town Center

SHOP

The PROMENADE AT CHENAL is the shopping centerpiece now in West Little Rock with its high-end stores and restaurants, along with a nine-screen theater (one of which is an Imax screen).

However, plenty of shopping options can be found at PLEASANT RIDGE TOWN CENTER off Highway 10, with both locally owned boutiques and chain stores. FRESH MARKET, for example, is a destination for many shoppers throughout the city. Meanwhile, WHOLE FOODS has moved into a more expansive space off Chenal from its previous site on Rodney Parham Road. Rodney Parham still has lots of shopping as well in the area from I-430 to Green Mountain Drive, along with some popular restaurants.

PLEASANT RIDGE TOWN CENTER

SEE

One great getaway out of downtown Little Rock is a short trip out to PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, with climbing that is not too daunting.

Throughout the park there is camping, hiking trails, biking, picnic areas, playgrounds and a visitor center. Just off Highway 10 west if I-430 is TWO RIVERS PARK and TWO RIVERS PARK BRIDGE, which both offer a relatively easy, scenic walk or biking trail as well as plenty of greenspace.

Three of the best golf courses, both private, are in West Little Rock: CHENAL COUNTRY CLUB has two championship 18-hole courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and PLEASANT VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB has classic layout over 27 holes.

Both clubs have hosted major national amateur events.

Big Orange

28

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

EAT

If you just happen to be craving Indian food, two of the best around are both in West Little Rock: TAJ MAHAL and STAR OF INDIA (go for Taj if you prefer yours extra spicy). Great steaks can be had at ARTHUR’S PRIME off Chenal Parkway and Rahling Road, and OCEAN’S is a high-end seafood spot that shares space with Arthur’s. THE PROMENADE is home to a plethora of dining, from locally owned BIG ORANGE and LOCAL LIME to BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA and YA-YA’S EURO BISTRO, and lots more. Also on Chenal is popular Japanese-style restaurant, KIYENS. THE TAVERN is a favorite sports bar, also in the Promenade, while the national chain BUFFALO WILD WINGS sets up shop off Highway 10. TABLE 28, near Rodney Parham Road in the BURGUNDY HOTEL, may be one of Little Rock’s best fine-dining restaurants, while dim sum lovers will want to try LILLY’S DIM SUM THEN SOME. Middle Eastern fare isn’t forgotten either, thanks to ISTANBUL and LAYLA’S GYROS AND PIZZERIA. 1620 SAVOY also brings a spectacular fine dining menu to the table, and the soufflés are not to be missed. Yet another eclectic gem in the Market Street area off Rodney Parham is THE PANTRY, which focuses on European cuisine and has an extensive beer and wine selection.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

area and the subdivisions around Taylor Loop, along with the Chenal development, are said to house the most residents of any neighborhood in Little Rock. They also have great shopping, great dining and myriad offerings for entertainment and activities for the family. The eating is highly eclectic in the area as well, both on Highway 10 and on Chenal Parkway. For instance, you’ll find all the Indian offerings at West Little Rock.

5924 R STREET • LITTLE ROCK 501.664.3062

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Thanks for voting us one of your favorite antique stores!

105 N. Rodney Parham • Little Rock

501.223.3600 www.midtownantiquemall.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

29

Park Hill / Lakewood

LIKE HILLCREST IN LITTLE ROCK, PARK HILL IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK is one of the more picturesque neighborhoods anywhere with its classic homes. And nearby Lakewood, which developed beginning in the 1960s as the city began to spread out, has one of the most famous structures in all of Arkansas: The Old Mill, which was featured in the opening credits of the 1939 classic movie “Gone With the Wind.” But whether it’s old or new, both neighborhoods are destinations for shoppers and diners.

SHOP

MCCAIN MALL is North Little Rock’s longtime enclosed shopping center, having undergone one massive redo/updating and serving as home to numerous shops.

Nearby LAKEWOOD VILLAGE is an outdoor shopping center that takes up a massive amount of acreage for its shops and dining, as well as an updated movie complex. The intersections of North Hills and McCain, Fairway and McCain, U.S. 67-167 and McCain and the corridor of East McCain are awash with major outlets for the likes of HOME DEPOT, TARGET and other stores. Nearby on Landers Road, the KREBS BROTHERS RESTAURANT STORE is stocked with everything you need to take your kitchen game to the next level. In Park Hill the shops are more boutique variety. Make sure to take a moment to visit STANLEY JEWELERS in Park Hill, especially if you want to find a gift for someone special.

Lakewood Village BRIAN CHILSON

BRIAN CHILSON

EAT

American Pie Pizza

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

SEE

Take JFK Boulevard off of I-40 (at the busy I-40/I-30 intersection) and head north and you’ll immediately find yourself in PARK HILL. Take the first right and you can spend a few minutes on the spectacular vista of SKYLINE DRIVE, with homes that line the rise and look out over the river valley below and downtown Little Rock in the distance. Park Hill is full of historic Craftsman style houses and 1920s-era English Revivals, as well as home that came up at the close of World War II. Soon, NORTH LITTLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL will open one of the biggest high school football stadiums in the state. You can see it coming together from I-40. Of course, in Lakewood make sure to visit THE OLD MILL. Follow the signs on North Hills Boulevard near Fairway to the lakes that give the neighborhood its name. It’s on Lakeshore Drive and Fairway Avenue. The Old Mill was built in 1933 as a replica of an 1880s-era water-powered grist mill.

The Old Mill

Surrounding the McCain Mall shopping center there is an area the locals like to call Restaurant Row, because on both sides of Hwy 67/167 is rows and rows of restaurants, including local favorites WHOLE HOG BARBECUE and DAVID’S BURGERS. Other notable restaurants in the Lakewood and Park Hill areas include AMERICAN PIE PIZZA, CILANTRO’S GRILL, CORKY’S, THE GARDEN BISTRO and TAZIKI’S, located in McCain Mall with a convenient exterior entrance. The first restaurant in Park Hill to offer a bar since the area voted to allow alcohol sales, IRA’S PARK HILL GRILL serves a well-edited menu for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, using local ingredients whenever possible.

220 Beautifully Decorated Guest Rooms  13 Luxurious Suites  14,000 Sq Ft of Meeting Space  Wireless High Speed Internet  Business Center  Fitness Center  Outdoor Pool  Free Airport Shuttle  Free On Site Parking 

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Argenta

NORTH LITTLE ROCK’S DOWNTOWN HAS BEEN REVITALIZED BY THE GROWTH IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS OF ARGENTA (the original name of the city before it took the moniker North Little Rock), which now is an Arts & Historic District of galleries, restaurants and nearby apartments, the Dickey-Stephens Ballpark home of the Double-A Arkansas Travelers minor-league baseball team and, to the east, Verizon Arena. Argenta celebrates the culture with Art Walk every third Friday of each month, and the Arkansas Times and Argenta partner on a number of fun events throughout the year, including the Heritage Hog Roast and Celebrate the Grape. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the streetcar line runs from Little Rock down North Little Rock’s Main Street to Seventh, passing many of the key destinations. Argenta also hosts the Big Dam Bridge bike race, which draws cyclists from around the globe.

BRIAN CHILSON

EAT

Cregeen’s Irish Pub

RISTORANTE CAPEO, at the corner of Fifth and Main streets, is without question one of the top five restaurants in central Arkansas. Whether it’s a night out with that someone special, or a group gathering, the gourmet Northern Italian menu is sure to please. You can spend as little as $10 or so or splurge, and come away happy at Capeo. Plus, the restaurant just opened a pizzeria, perfect for lunch. If Irish sounds better than Italian, the fun CREGEEN’S IRISH PUB has all the favorites from the Emerald Isle, as well as the great beer to go with it. We recommend the shepherd’s pie. Other good food and drink spots include MUG’S CAFE, a great shop where the servers seem to take extra-special care with the customers, plus other haunts like THE JOINT (which has entertainment most nights as well), RENO’S ARGENTA CAFE and, for a little of the grape drink, CRUSH WINE BAR, all in the 300 block of Main. The first local brewery to take its beer into retail outlets, DIAMOND BEAR, relocated to North Little Rock on Broadway and offers tours of its brewery on Saturdays. Plus, its new ARKANSAS ALE HOUSE is a destination to see a brewery in action while enjoying some of the craft brews at your table and some good eats to go with them.

Dickey-Stephens park

SEE

If the ARKANSAS TRAVELERS are in town, a night at DICKEYSTEPHENS PARK is worth it, with ticket prices ranging from $6 to $12 for a box seat (also look for specials which can discount those prices, too).

The ballpark has been voted as one of the best in the minor leagues and offers a terrific view of downtown Little Rock. If you’re in the mood for a quiet yet entertaining time, there is usually something on display worth seeing at the WILLIAM F. LAMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY (420 Main) in the old Post Office Building. For Gallery Walk or just any time you’re in the area, check in to GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, featuring modern and contemporary work from Southern artists.

Other close-by attractions are the ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM, home to the U.S.S. Razorback submarine, and the ARKANSAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME, on the west side of VERIZON ARENA. For an enjoyable stroll, take in the NORTH SHORE RIVERWALK along the Arkansas River.

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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THE ARGENTA BEAD CO. on Main Street has a wide selection of beads and other items for jewelry making, plus classes are offered to teach the uninitiated. And check out the art on display at the THEA FOUNDATION on Main Street. To discover new artists you won’t find at any other gallery, a trip to ARGENTA ART GALLERY is a must.

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www.wmichaelabstract.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Museums ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM 120 Riverfront Park Drive, 501-371-8320 www.aimm.museum Home of the U.S.S. Razorback, the longestserving submarine in the world, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is fun for all ages.

The museum focuses on the U.S.S. Razorback (SS 394) and the historic tug U.S.S. Hoga (YT 146). It also features displays and programs on the impact of maritime trade, the inland waterways system, the Arkansas River and aquaculture. The submarine tour is not recommended for children under 5.

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m.

Tours: Adults, $7.50; active duty/retired military, children and seniors, $5; and museum only, $2. NLR ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD MUSEUM Sixth and Missouri streets, Building 6400, 501-212-5215 www.arngmuseum.com Located on Camp Robinson, the Arkansas National Guard museum focuses on the history of the Arkansas National Guard from its inception in 1804 as the “Arkansaw

Militia” to the present and the history of Camp Pike (later renamed Camp Robinson) since it was founded in 1917. Exhibits feature the National Guard’s involvement in every American conflict from the war with Mexico to the Gulf War (except the Vietnam War) and Camp Robinson’s role as an Army training facility. The museum site, Lloyd England Hall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors must show driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance to enter the camp.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and one weekend per month.

Cost: Free NLR ARKANSAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME 3 Verizon Arena Way, 501-663-4328 www.arksportshalloffame.com The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame gives visitors the chance to learn about some of Arkansas’s sports greats: Frank Broyles, Jerry Jones, Scottie Pippen, Jermain Taylor, Brooks Robinson and Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m-4:30 p.m.

Cost: Adults, $6; seniors, $4; Ages 6-17, active military, $3; and children 6 and under, free. NLR

BUTLER CENTER FOR ARKANSAS STUDIES 401 President Clinton Ave., 501-320-5700 www.butlercenter.org The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies is a partnership of the Central Arkansas Library System and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. More than 10 million documents and photographs related to Arkansas history are available for public viewings. Galleries featuring Arkansas artwork, crafts and more are open to visitors. There are also frequent special exhibits and a lecture series.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Cost: Free D CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 2120 Daisy L. Gaston Bates Drive, 501-3741957 www.nps.gov/chsc The Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center offers guests a historic look at the events surrounding the Central High Crisis. In 1957, nine African-American students attended Central High School, which was all white at the time. The visitor center takes visitors through the event’s history and beyond.

Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed on major holidays.

Cost: Free D CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER AND PARK 1200 President Clinton Ave., 501-374-4242 www.clintonfoundation.org/clinton-presidential-center Thousands of artifacts, photographs and interactive exhibits tell the story of the Clinton

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER 501 E. Ninth St., 501-372-4000 www.arkarts.com The Arkansas Arts Center is Little Rock’s premier art museum and center for the visual and performing arts. The Arts Center offers traveling exhibits and an expansive permanent collection, from American, Renaissance and European artists to modern works, including works by Cezanne, Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Rembrandt and Rubens.

Throughout the year, the Arts Center brings in special exhibits. Its Children’s Theatre is a professional theater company staging new takes on children’s classics. Best Impressions Restaurant offers a delicious lunch, and the museum shop features unique gifts and interesting works by regional artists.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free; fees may be charged for special exhibitions. D Arkansas Arts Center ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock 34

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

presidency, from the campaign trail to the end of his tenure, as well as the continued work of the Clinton Foundation. There is also a replica of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, and the center houses the largest archival collection in American presidential history as well as educational, research and reception facilities.

The center’s restaurant, Forty Two, serves delicious meals with spectacular river views.

The Clinton Center also regularly hosts special exhibits. Until Jan. 5, 2015, glassworks from American artist Dale Chihuly are on display.

Vast green space, a pedestrian bridge and the 13-acre William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands surround the center.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; closed on major holidays Cost: $7, adults (18-61); $5, senior citizens (62+), college students (with valid ID), and retired U.S. military; $3, children ages 6-17; and free for children under 6 and active U.S. military D HEIFER VILLAGE 1 World Ave., 501- 907-8800 www.heifer.org/heifervillage Heifer Village offers interactive exhibits, galleries and more focusing on global issues, including ending hunger and poverty, and the work of Heifer International, which has helped more than 10 million families worldwide. Heifer Village offers programs and events throughout the year for families and adults in its sustainable and environmentally sensitive building. Guests can also enjoy Café @ Heifer, which serves an array of soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas, and the Shop @ Heifer offering ethically sourced, artisan-friendly products from around the world.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: Free D JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY 100 Veterans Circle; 501-241-1943 www.jaxmilitarymuseum.org Located in Jacksonville, north of Little Rock, this museum strives to educate the public about the men and women who have served our country. The museum focuses on the role of both military personnel and those serving on the home front. There are special and permanent exhibits, along with a media presentation, research facilities and gift shop.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: $3, adults; $2, senior citizens and military families; $1, students.

MACARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY 503 E. Ninth St.; 501- 376-4602 www.arkmilitaryheritage.com Named for World War II commander and Arkansas native Gen. Douglas MacArthur,

JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY Named One of the Top 175 Places to Visit in Arkansas

Monday–Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 10am-5pm Closed Sunday and most major holidays

ADMISSION Adults - $3 Military & Seniors - $2 18 & Under - $1 5 & Under – Free 100 Veteran’s Circle • Jacksonville 501-241-1943 • jaxmilitarymuseum.org VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History honors the state’s military heritage through exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other items. The museum is located in the city’s oldest surviving neighborhood, and the original Tower Building—where Douglas MacArthur was born in January 1880—is the centerpiece of the 36-acre MacArthur Park where the museum is located. MacArthur Park is also home to the Arkansas Arts Center.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 1–4 p.m.

Cost: Free D MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER 501 W. Ninth St.; 501- 683-3593 www.mosaictemplarscenter.com The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and celebrating African-American history, culture and community in Arkansas from 1870 to the present. The museum informs and educates the public about black achievements, especially in business, politics and the arts. Learn about the legacy of the Mosaic Templars of America and listen to firsthand accounts of life in the segregated South from the people who lived through the experience. Visit the third floor auditorium and explore the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. The center features permanent

collections and rotating exhibits.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Free D MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY 500 President Clinton Ave., 501-396-7050 www.museumofdiscovery.org The Museum of Discovery offers exciting educational and entertaining exhibits on science, social sciences and technology for the whole family to explore. Interactive exhibits offer hands-on experiences that allow kids to learn and discover all sorts of new things. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of special events and exhibits. “In the Dark” will be on view from Oct. 3 to Jan. 4, 2015. This exhibit focuses on exploring the darkness, and the plants and animals that have adapted to ecosystems like caves, the deep sea, nighttime forests and under ground, and allows visitors to explore via lifelike models and electronic media.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Cost: $10, adults; $8, kids 12 and younger, teachers, Little Rock city employees, active and retired military, seniors 60+; free, children under 1. D OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM 300 W. Markham St., 501-324-9685 www.oldstatehouse.com Located in the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River, the Old State

House Museum is designated as a National Historic Landmark. This landmark may also be known for being the backdrop of President Bill Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 election-night celebrations. The museum focuses on Arkansas’s history, beginning with statehood, and is home to nationally recognized collections of Civil War battle flags. Throughout the year, the museum hosts special exhibits and events.

Until February 2016, “Different Spokes,” telling the history of cycling in the state is on view.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.

Cost: Free D WITT STEPHENS JR. CENTRAL ARKANSAS NATURE CENTER 602 President Clinton Ave., 501-907-0636 www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center focuses on wildlife conservation and all that the Natural State has to offer. Located in downtown Little Rock, this Arkansas Game and Fish Commission facility is located on nearly 3.5 acres near the riverfront. It also highlights the wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The center offers ongoing programming for the whole family on activities, such as geocaching, archery and fishing.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Cost: Free D n

Grounds Open Daily

For information (501) 372-6429

Ask about our free cell phone tour sponsored in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Endowment for the Humanities.

2101 Barber St. · Little Rock

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

Historic Arkansas Museum

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM 200 E. Third St.; 501- 324-9351 www.historicarkansas.org Step back in time and learn about Arkansas’s frontier history at the Historic Arkansas Museum. The museum grounds include a pre-Civil War neighborhood, the oldest home still standing in Little Rock and the site where William Woodruff once printed the Arkansas Gazette. Livinghistory characters are always on hand to demonstrate the lives of early Arkansans. The museum has four galleries featuring Arkansas-made art and artifacts, contemporary Arkansas art and interactive children’s activities.

The museum shop offers quilts and other contemporary crafts.

Hours: Museum is open Monday– Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.; Historic grounds are open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: The museum is free, but the tour of historic buildings is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors over 65, $1 for children under 18. D

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

37

Historic Buildings IN DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK, visitors will find many historic homes and other buildings, most of which are open to the public for tours or exploring solo.

ARKANSAS GOVERNOR’S MANSION 1800 Center St., 501-324-9805 www.arkansasgovernorsmansion.com One of the newer structures in the neighborhood, this Georgian Colonial-style home was completed in 1950 during Gov. Sidney McMath’s term. The mansion incorporated brick from the old Arkansas School for the Blind, which originally occupied the site. When it opened in 1950, there was no formal ceremony, instead the public was invited to tour the new structure.

Tours are still offered today.

Hours: Tours are available on Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m.

Tours must be scheduled one day in advance.

Cost: Free S ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOL 500 Woodlane Ave., 501-682-5080 www.sos.arkansas.gov The Arkansas State Capitol is hard to miss when visiting Little Rock. It resembles a smaller version of the U.S. Capitol with a 24-carat gold-leaf cupola. Construction on the State Capitol began in 1899 and took 16 years and $2.2 million (now valued at more than $300 million) to complete. The bronze front entrance doors, which were purchased at Tiffany’s, are 10 feet tall and four inches thick. An upward view from the rotunda is breathtaking. The halls are lined with some of Arkansas’s favorite politicians and its chang-

ing displays are devoted to Arkansas history.

Tours are available.

Tour Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Free D CURRAN HALL 615 E. Capitol Ave.; 501-371-0076 www.quapaw.com Now known as Curran Hall, the house was built by Col. Ebenezer Walters as a wedding present for his bride, who died before its completion in 1843. It is now the home of the Little Rock Visitor Information Center.

The house and garden are open for tours.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Cost: Free D THE EMPRESS OF LITTLE ROCK BED & BREAKFAST INN 2120 S. Louisiana St., 501-374-7966; www.theempress.com Formerly known as the Hornibrook Mansion, this ornate 7,200-square-foot mansion is a spectacular example of 1880s Queen Anne architecture and is considered one of the best small luxury hotels in the country. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens surrounding the house are equally spectacular. Open for teas, tours or both.

Hours: Public tours are available Monday-Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and by appointment

only on the weekend.

Cost: Tours are $7.50 per person; $10 in December. D PULASKI COUNTY COURTHOUSE 401 Markham St., 501-340-8500 www.pulaskiclerk.com This municipal building was built in 1889 by Max A. Orlopp and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The eye-catching red brick Romanesque Revival structure features a 1914 Classical Revival addition with a richly ornamented rotunda topped by a stained-glass dome.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Cost: Free D PYRAMID PLACE 221 W. Second St., 501-375-4700 www.pyramidbldg.com At 10 stories, Pyramid Place was the city’s first modern office building and first skyscraper in 1907. It was originally called the Southern Trust Building and cost $350,000 to build. It has undergone many renovations and redevelopment over the years, and has been called “Pyramid” since the early 1980s.

Hours: Call for availability D TRAPNALL HALL 423 E. Capitol Ave., 501-324-9716 www.trapnallhall.com One of only a few remaining antebellum homes in the city, Trapnall Hall is a neoclassical home built in 1843 for Frederic Trapnall and his wife, Martha. After serving as a boarding house in the 1920s, it became the Junior League of Little Rock’s headquarters. In 1963, it underwent extensive renovation. Today, the building is owned by the Department of Arkansas Heritage and is open to the public and is often the site of community events.

Hours: Call for appointment D n

LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

THE VILLA MARRE 1321 Scott St., 501-244-0409 www.thevillamarre.com The Villa Marre rose to fame as the offices of the Sugarbaker Design Firm from the long-running hit television show “Designing Women.” The Villa Marre was built in 1881 as a reminder of the Italian heritage of the owners, Angelo and Jennie Marre. It was built after the Second Empire architectural style that also boasts Italian influences. The main feature of the home, the mansard roof, is both eye catching and breathtaking and is adorned with multi-colored rectangular slates that are intertwined creating a decorative fish-scale motif. Other examples of the Italian style are the tall narrow windows and a tower centered on the front half of the home. The corners of the home are accented with quoins that are made from concrete stone that have been stacked in alternating positions to give the home a much more decorative and dimensional effect. The Villa Marre often hosts weddings and other events.

Hours: Call for an appointment. D

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock 38

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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On Stage ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 501-666-1761 www.arkansassymphony.org The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra holds regular concerts throughout the year, including shows celebrating Halloween, Christmas and the Fourth of July. The ASO is sometimes accompanied by special guests. D

LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

BALLET ARKANSAS 501-223-5150 www.balletarkansas.org The only professional ballet company in the state, Ballet Arkansas is a popular downtown attraction that stages several major productions each year, including “The Nutcracker Suite” and also offers intensive ballet courses. D

ARGENTA COMMUNITY THEATER 405 Main St., 501-353-1443 www.argentacommunitytheater.com North Little Rock’s Argenta Community Theater hosts a variety of film screenings, theatrical productions, concerts and other special events. It is also available to rent for parties and other occasions. NLR CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS 501-244-8800 www.celebrityattractions.com This company brings a steady stream of nationally touring plays, musicals and other performances to Little Rock. D COMMUNITY THEATRE OF LITTLE ROCK 501-410-2283 www.ctlr-act.org The 2015-16 season is the Community Theatre of Little Rock’s 60th. This downtown theater strives to enlighten, educate and entertain through its theatrical performances, which include comedies, musicals and drama. D

BRIAN CHILSON

ARKANSAS REPERTORY THEATRE 601 Main St., 501-378-0405 www.therep.org The Arkansas Repertory Theatre offers an impressive lineup of professional productions during its season, which runs from fall to early summer. Locals refer to it as “The Rep,” and this downtown theater has received national recognition for its performances that include drama, original pieces, comedy and musicals. D

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock 40

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

MURRY’S DINNER PLAYHOUSE 6323 Colonel Glenn Road, 501-562-3131 www.murrysdinnerplayhouse.com Murry’s Dinner Playhouse has been dishing up dinner and live performances since 1967. From Broadway to comedic relief, entertainment is served with a buffet of delicious choices: roast beef, chicken, fish, pasta, vegetables, salads and desserts. Reservations are recommended. M

DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK, LOOKING TO GET FIT? Whether you seek to lose weight, tone and firm, train for an event or achieve some other fitness goal, our fitness professionals can help you get better results in less time.

PUBLIC THEATRE 616 Center St., 501-374-7529 www.thepublictheatre.com Improv and other productions are the focus of this downtown theater, where artists develop and express their ideas in a collaborative environment. The theater also hosts film screenings and live music. D

Easy access to I-630 Free parking Private showers 24/7 member access

AFFORDABLE SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

WEEKEND THEATER 1001 W. Seventh St., 501-374-3761 www.weekendtheater.org This well-known downtown community group stages high-quality productions of all genres.

The season runs year round, and shows are on weekends. D

Victory Building • 1401 W. Capitol • 501-246-8266

WILDWOOD PARK FOR THE ARTS 20919 Denny Road, 501-821-7275 www.wildwoodpark.org Ongoing dance, music and other performances run year round at Wildwood Park for the Arts’ 625-seat theater. The park also features botanical gardens, offers educational programming and hosts cultural events throughout the year. C n

LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Serving Quapaw Quarter, Stifft Station, Hillcrest, Central High and Argenta neighborhoods.

Where can you get dinner and a shoW for a great price?

Serving up fun,food and fabulus live entertainment since 1967.

Colonel Glenn & University • murrysdp.com • 501-562-3131 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND LATE NIGHT LITTLE ROCK OFFERS MANY LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES. SOME HOST ENTERTAINMENT SEVERAL NIGHTS A WEEK, WHILE OTHERS OFFER LARGER CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THE AFTERTHOUGHT BISTRO & BAR 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-1196 www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com The Afterthought Bistro & Bar has a regular lineup of jazz acts, as well as other musical genres. Every Monday is jazz night, Tuesday is jam night and, on Wednesday, it’s open-mic night. There’s usually some type of live music on stage every night of the week. Cover prices vary. There’s also a full restaurant and bar. HC

CREGEEN’S IRISH PUB 301 Main St., (501) 376-7468 www.cregeens.com This popular restaurant and bar is located in North Little Rock’s Argenta neighborhood and offers weekly live music.

The bar offers an assortment of imported beers, and it’s a great place to get a bite or a drink before or after an Arkansas Travelers baseball game or event at Verizon Arena. NLR

THE JOINT 301 Main St., 501-372-0205 www.thejointargenta.com Located in Argenta, the Joint features a 105-seat cabaret theater with regular comedy acts and other live entertainment. On Wednesday nights, the Joint Venture improve comedy company performs, and on Thursday nights, Rock the Joint showcases regional bands. Every Friday and Saturday, The Main Thing, the Joint’s resident

LOONY BIN COMEDY CLUB 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-228-5555 www.loonybincomedy.com This comedy club features shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays featuring touring comedians, along with an array of drinks, bar snacks and more. WLR 109 & CO. 109 Main St., 501-374-3710 Inspired by classic speak-easy bars, 109 & Co. serves great cocktails and upscale bar snacks (like a customizable charcuterie board) in a decidely luxe atmosphere. D MIDTOWN BILLIARDS 1316 Main St., 501-372-9990 www.midtownar.com Esquire magazine voted Midtown one of the best bars in the country. Open until 5 a.m., this is a Little Rock after-hours institution. There are live bands most weekends, a full bar, and menu serving up cheeseburgers and more. S BRIAN CHILSON

CAJUN’S WHARF 2400 Cantrell Road, 501-375-5351 www.cajunswharf.com Nearly every night of the week, Cajun’s Wharf offers live music and entertainment. Weekly events include Wine Down Wednesday, with $4 glasses of wine, and The Big Swinging Deck Party every Thursday, with music on the deck and a $5 cover charge after 8:30 p.m. There is also a full bar and seafood restaurant. R

HILLCREST FOUNTAIN 2809 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-614-9818.

This late night spot features pool tables, shuffleboard and a full bar. HC

STICKYZ 107 River Market Ave., 501-372-7707 www.stickyz.com Stickyz Rock ’N’ Roll Chicken Shack combines three great things: live music, drinks and deep-fried chicken. With its two rooms and patio, Stickyz can accommodate live bands while hosting crowds just looking for a drink and some chicken fingers. Touring acts of all musical genres and local bands hit the stage nearly every night of the week.

There are also great lunch specials. D

DISCOVERY 1021 Jessie Road, 501-666-6900 www.latenightdisco.com This dance club is only open on Saturday night, and is open until 5 a.m. There are three rooms and a patio, each featuring different styles of music. R ERNIE BIGGS 307 President Clinton Ave., 501-372-4782.

A speakeasy and dueling piano bar six nights a week, and a dance club three nights a week.

Drink specials. D

trio of actors and musicians, perform. Coffee, beer, wine and cocktails are also offered. NLR JUANITA’S 614 President Clinton Ave., 501-372-1228 www.juanitas.com Juanita’s features a regular lineup of local, regional and national bands, including rap, rock, metal and more. There is also a full bar and restaurant serving Tex-Mex favorites. D

THE REV ROOM 300 President Clinton Ave., 501-823-0091 www.revroom.com The Rev Room books some of the best live touring bands in Central Arkansas, including indie rock, hip-hop, country, rockabilly and more. Tuesday is Latin Night with Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue and Bachata, and dance lessons are offered. D

ROBINSON CENTER MUSIC HALL 7 Statehouse Plaza, 501-376-4781 This storied, 2,600-seat performance hall is undergoing renovations, which will be completed by September 2016. Over the years, Robinson has hosted concerts, comedians, plays and more for decades.

It’s the primary venue for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and where Celebrity Attractions brings in a variety of Broadway shows every year. D

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock 42

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

RON ROBINSON THEATER 1 Count Pulaski Way, 501-320-5707 or 501320-5709 www.ronrobinsontheater.org One of the newest additions to Little Rock, the Ron Robinson Theater, located inside the new Arcade Building, is the flagship theater of the Little Rock Film Festival and home to the Central Arkansas Library System’s ongoing programming. Concerts, films, speakers and other performance art are all staged here. D SWAY 412 S. Louisiana St., 501-907-2582 clubsway.tumblr.com This downtown dance club features live entertainment and more. It is the only gay club downtown and is open to ages 18 and above. D TRINITI NIGHTCLUB 1021 Jessie Road, 501-664-2744 www.trinitinightclub.com Triniti Nightclub features three bars in the same club, and is open on Friday nights from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Every Friday night at 11 p.m., there is a drag show with special guests. Triniti is located next to Discovery nightclub. R

Celebrate Arkansas’s African American History and Culture at

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center Free Admission

VERIZON ARENA 1 Verizon Way, 501-975-9000 www.verizonarena.com This 18,000-seat stadium in North Little Rock hosts a variety of large-scale shows throughout the year, including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice and lots more. Be sure to check the calendar to see what’s coming up. NLR VINO’S 923 W. Seventh St., 501-375-8466 www.vinosbrewpub.com This pizzeria and brewpub hosts a variety of live performance events, including punk and indie rock acts, poetry readings, film screenings and homebrew events. Enjoy freshly brewed beers and homemade pizzas and calzones while enjoying the shows. D WEST END SMOKEHOUSE 215 N. Shackleford Road, 501-224-7665 www.westendsmokehouse.net Along with live music throughout the week, this pub also offers pool tables, more than 50 TVs and an extensive bar menu full of food and drink items. C WHITE WATER TAVERN 2500 W. Seventh St., 501-375-8400 www.whitewatertavern.com The White Water Tavern is a small, two-story dive that has hosted legendary performances over the decades, and shows no sign of slowing down. Expect to hear rock, country, punk and folk, from touring acts and local standouts. D n

501 W. Ninth St., Little Rock 501.683.3593 mosaictemplarscenter.com Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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BEST OF THE REST E. FAY JONES PAVILION 2801 Orange St., (501) 758-1720 Designed and built by architect E. Fay Jones in the late 1960s, this gazebo still serves as the centerpiece of the William F. Laman Public Library’s grounds in North Little Rock. It overlooks the pond and fountains that have been recently restored. NLR

MOUNT HOLLY CEMETERY 1200 Broadway St., 501-376-1843 www.mounthollycemetery.com Founded in 1843, this cemetery is the final resting place of many of the state’s former governors, senators, generals and other prominent figures, including Confederate spy David O. Dodd, Pulitzer Prize recipients and war veterans. Tours are available, but must be scheduled in advance. D

their lives during the Civil War, this cemetery and park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. It now features seven cemeteries: Oakland, Fraternal, 1-acre Confederate, 11-acre Confederate, National, Jewish Reform and Jewish Conservative.

It is the resting place of many historically significant Arkansans, including governors, congressmen, artists and John E. Bush, founder of the Mosiac Templars of America. D

LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

ARKANSAS HISTORY COMMISSION 1 Capitol Mall, 501-682-6900 www.ark-ives.com The Arkansas History Commission is the official state archives, where individuals interested in Arkansas history may conduct research. The center is home to thousands of manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, land records, military records and lots more.

Call in advance to confirm hours and days of operation. D

LA PETITE ROCHE PLAZA Riverfront Park, 501-376-4781 www.rivermarket.info This plaza in Riverfront Park offers views of the actual “Little Rock” (or “La Petite Roche”), for which the city was named. The plaza also features historical panels detailing the history of the rock. D THE OLD MILL Lakeshore Drive and Fairway Avenue, 501-758-1424 One of North Little Rock’s most popular attractions, the Old Mill is a 1933 re-creation of a waterpowered gristmill dating from 1828. Also known as Pugh Mill, it was featured in the opening of “Gone With the Wind” and is home to several sculptures of internationally known Mexican artist Dionico Rodriguez. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a great place for a picnic. NLR

LITTLE ROCK ZOO 1 Zoo Dr., 501-666-2406 www.littlerockzoo.com The Little Rock Zoo is where RIVER LIGHTS IN THE ROCK hundreds of species, including River Market District penguins, elephants, chimps arkansasriverlights.com and rhinos, call home. For The Main Street, Junction and Clinton Presidential Park bridges more than 80 years, the zoo has are illuminated with thousands of colorful, high-efficiency LED continued to grow its animal lights. The bridges are lit daily from dusk until dawn, with special family and add new exhibits, animated displays at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. This is one of Little Rock’s including the recent addition newest attractions. D of cheetahs. In November 2013, four tiger cubs — named RIVER MARKET HALL Asmara, Liem, Eko and Olan — were born VERIZON ARENA 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-376-4781 at the zoo. On Saturdays, the zoo hosts a 1 Verizon Arena Way, 501-340-5660 www.rivermarket.info breakfast-with-the-animals series, and there www.verizonarena.com Located in the heart of downtown Little Rock, are also other special events for families Verizon Arena in North Little Rock seats more the River Market consists of a farmers’ market scheduled throughout the year. M than 18,000, and hosts big-name concerts, in the spring and summer. The Market Hall sporting events, family shows and other houses permanent merchants that offer yearMARK TWAIN RIVERBOAT nationally touring events. NLR round specialties, from freshly baked pastries 100 Riverfront Park Drive, 501-372-5777 and breads, gourmet coffee, pizza, sushi and www.damriverboat.com VOGEL SCHWARTZ SCULPTURE more. After dark, the River Market District is Docked on the north shore of the Arkansas GARDEN the place to be with hot nightspots. D River, the Mark Twain Riverboat offers amazRiverfront Park ing views of both Little Rock and North Little www.rivermarket.info OAKLAND & FRATERNAL HISTORIC Rock. The riverboat offers sightseeing, Southern Located in Riverfront Park in downtown Little CEMETERY PARK meals and entertainment. The first deck is Rock, this sculpture garden is home to about 2101 Barber St., 501-372-6429 climate-controlled with large unobstructed 60 pieces. The garden offers natural terraces www.facebook.com/OFHCP/ panoramic windows. The second deck is openand walkways, as well as the nearby Forever Established in 1863 as a way for the city of air, offering views from the river’s perspective. a Rose Garden. D Little Rock to accommodate those who lost Reservations are recommended. NLR n

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock 44

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

GETTING AROUND

BY CAR IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO EXPLORE MOST AREAS OF LITTLE ROCK AND NORTH LITTLE ROCK. DOWNTOWN CAN BE EXPLORED ON FOOT, BUT THERE ARE ALSO A FEW WAYS TO MAKE GETTING AROUND A LITTLE EASIER.

RIVER RAIL STREETCAR

THE RIVER RAIL STREETCAR is an inexpensive way to explore Little Rock’s River Market District and North Little Rock’s Argenta neighborhood. The system includes three replica vintage streetcars and makes several stops at local attractions, like the Historic Arkansas Museum, Clinton Presidential Center and Heifer Village. www.cat.org/river-rail.

SEGWAY

SEGWAY OF ARKANSAS offers visitors the chance to try out a Segway or take a guided tour via Segway. Twohour and 75-minute tours of downtown are available. 404 E. Third St., 501-372-3200, www.segwayofarkansas.com.

NEZ ERKMAN

BIKE RENTALS

Rent a bike for an hour, full day or half a day at BOBBY’S BIKE HIKE, located in the River Market District. Bikes are available for the whole family, along with child seats and bike trailers. Guided tours are also available, including Historic Neighborhoods, Pork & Bourbon and the Family Edition. Book online and save 10 percent.

400 President Clinton Ave, 501-613-7001, www.bobbysbikehike. com/littlerock/.

Like adventures with appetites, we choose to dine with discerning palates.

We savor farm-to-table freshness that’s more like two miles away rather than 200. And sometimes the best plan for a night out on the town is to have no plans at all. Because the more we explore our own back yard, the more surprises we find hidden in plain sight. You can taste it all here. Where many of the flavors are locally grown and owned. Right here in Little Rock.

Choose from more than 600 restaurants > To see more, visit LittleRock.com

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2014

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Grown-Up Playgrounds In Central Arkansas

Little Rock and the surrounding area offers a number of great outdoor activities for visitors. To find out more about Little Rock’s parks, go to www.lrpr.org. For more about Arkansas’s state parks, www.arkansasstateparks.com.

PARK

LOCATION

DESCRIPTION

PHONE/WEBSITE

ARKANSAS RIVER TRAIL

Little Rock and North Little Rock

Already a popular biking/walking trail stretching from downtown Little Rock to North Little Rock, the Arkansas River Trail is a great way to see the city from both sides of the river. The 24-mile trail system, which spans more than 12 miles on the shores of the Arkansas River in Little Rock and North Little Rock, allows walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy a looping trail with a five-mile extension to Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

501-371-4770 www.rivertrail.org

BIG DAM BRIDGE/ JUNCTION BRIDGE

Little Rock and North Little Rock

It was just a few years ago that central Arkansas celebrated the opening of the Big Dam Bridge—a 14-foot-wide, 3,463-foot-long pedestrian bridge that crosses the Arkansas River at an elevation of 65 feet and connects a 17-mile series of foot and bike trails. For those who want a great view of Little Rock, take a walk across the Junction Bridge. The Big Dam Bridge can be accessed from Murray Park while the Junction Bridge is located behind the River Market.

501-340-6800 www.bigdambridge.com

BURNS PARK

North side of I-40, exit 150

One of the most popular parks in central Arkansas, as well as one of the largest municipal parks in America.

North Little Rock visitors will find playgrounds, two golf courses (disc and miniature), a water slide, Funland amusement park, softball fields, tennis and racquetball courts and camping area.

501-791-8537 www.northlittlerock.org

BURNS PARK DOG PARK

I-40, exit 150

The Burns Park Dog Park features three fenced acres for dogs to run and play. The park is divided into three sections for small, medium and large dogs.

501-791-8540

CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL PARK BRIDGE

1200 President Clinton Ave.

This pedestrian and cyclist bridge is nestled in downtown Little Rock, just north of the Clinton Presidential Center. It connects Little Rock to North Little Rock and is part of the Arkansas River Trail.

www.littlerock.org/ParksRecreation

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

Downtown Hot Springs, about an hour southwest of Little Rock

Today, Hot Springs National Park protects eight historic bathhouses in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. Dubbed “Bathhouse Row,” it’s a designated National Historic Landmark District that contains the grandest collection of bathhouses in North America.

501-624-2701 www.hot.springs.national-park.com

JULIUS BRECKLING RIVERFRONT PARK

South bank of the Arkansas River, River Market

Covering 11 blocks in downtown Little Rock, Riverfront Park is home to Riverfest and now, the recently opened children’s Peabody Park. Riverfront Park also has a number of walkways winding along the scenic Arkansas River.

501-371-4770 www.littlerock.org/ParksRecreation

MACARTHUR PARK

Ninth Street and I-30

Home to the Arkansas Arts Center and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, MacArthur Park is the city’s oldest park. A great downtown place to play, watch the ducks or fish with the kids.

501-376-4602 www.arkmilitaryheritage.com

MACARTHUR UNLEASHED DOG PARK

Ninth Street and I-30

Little Rock’s first downtown dog park features fire hydrants, a doggie splash pad, watering stations, concrete walkways and LED lighting, with specific areas for large and small dogs.

www.littlerock.org/ParksRecreation

MURRAY PARK

Rebsamen Park Road

Located on the Arkansas River in the Riverdale neighborhood, Murray Park is a great place for fishing.

With eight pavilions, six volleyball courts, two soccer fields, two playgrounds, wide hiking trails and a boat dock, the recreational options are practically limitless.

501-371-4770 www.littlerock.org/ParksRecreation

NORTH SHORE RIVERWALK

North side of the Arkansas River, downtown

North Shore Riverwalk includes a picturesque promenade featuring a breathtaking view of the Arkansas River and Little Rock skyline from Argenta. It also provides entry to the Arkansas River Trail which connects to the Junction Bridge.

501-758-1424 www.northlittlerock.com

PAWS PARK

Located inside Murray Park

Offering two shaded acres for your tail-wagging family members, Little Rock’s first fenced, off-the-leash park has several amenities your pooch will enjoy. Paws Park offers nearby parking and restrooms for humans.

501-371-4770 www.littlerock.org/ParksRecreation

PETIT JEAN STATE PARK

Near Morrilton on Hwy. 154

Established in 1923, Petit Jean State Park is a special place with beautiful vistas and Arkansas’s oldest state park, is located less than an hour from Little Rock. The park’s focal point is Mather Lodge overlooking scenic Cedar Creek Canyon. Petit Jean Mountain is also home to the Museum of Automobiles, a showcase of antique and classic cars.

501-727-5441 www.petitjeanstatepark.com

PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Located near west Little Rock

Pinnacle Mountain is a great place for hiking and picnicking. It’s a day-use park, with two mountain trails that take climbers to the top. The Base Trail is a great change of pace for walkers or runners.

501-868-5806 www.arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain

TWO RIVERS PARK/TWO RIVERS BRIDGE

Cantrell Road near I-430

Located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers, Two Rivers Park features picturesque gardens and scenic trails with diverse landscapes designed for walking and horseback riding. The perfect outing for young explorers, and the entire trail is paved and suitable for wheelchair-viewing. The Two Rivers Bridge is part of the Arkansas River Trail.

501-371-4770 www.littlerock.org/ParksRecreation

WAR MEMORIAL PARK

I-630 at Fair Park exit

As one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks, War Memorial Park in Midtown is known for its excellent golf course, as well as its picnic tables, pond fishing and playground.

501-371-4770 www.littlerock.org/ParksRecreation

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2014 2016

Like the embrace of a warm summer breeze, our trip to Little Rock was a delight we will always remember. The trolley rides to museums within the vibrant River Market District. Taking in the lush Southern scenery while hiking the Arkansas River Trail. Enjoying the best local restaurants and and the city’s artisanal food scene, and then settling down into the city’s most comfortable hotels.These are the memories of a new Southern style. You can see it all here.

You can see it all in Little Rock.

RANKED #1 “10 GREAT PLACES TO LIVE” KIPLINGER’S PERSONAL FINANCE MAGAZINE JULY 2013 “FIVE SECRET FOODIE CITIES” FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE, JANUARY 2014 “TOP 10 BEST VALUE CITY FOR 2015” TRIVAGO.COM

Junction Bridge > To see more, go to LittleRock.com or a visitor information center: Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport Shop The Rock • 400 Pres. Clinton Ave. Historic Curran Hall • 615 E. Capitol Ave. Statehouse Convention Center • 7 Statehouse Plaza VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Make Your Move

CENTRAL ARKANSAS: A TOP CHOICE FOR RETIREMENT WHAT MAKES CENTRAL ARKANSAS one of the top retirement destinations in the nation? First is the low cost of living—almost five percent below the national average—with almost 13 percent of the residents in Pulaski County being 65 years old or older. Add mild weather throughout the year, world-class healthcare, and affordable and plentiful homes and condos, and Arkansas is a natural place for people to retire.

Little Rock, North Little Rock and the surrounding areas meet many of the criteria that new retirees look for in a retirement location, according to AARP. These include access to nature and medical care, a low cost of living, and suitable housing in retirement communities and high-rises.

Home to numerous amenities including public golf courses at North Little Rock’s Burns Park and Little Rock’s Rebsamen Park and War Memorial Park as wells as pedestrian bridges, the Arkansas River Trail and countless other walking and biking trails throughout the cities, central

Arkansas offers many ways for retirees to stay active and healthy at little or no cost. Speaking of healthy, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as well as other medical centers offer the most up-to-date and innovative medical care in the country.

When it comes to living in central Arkansas, retirees have their choice of abode. Condo, or high-rise, living is a popular choice as it requires little upkeep.

With both urban and suburban options, retirees can enjoy no yard work, full-time security and a myriad of other amenities.

In downtown Little Rock, Moses Tucker Real Estate (mosestucker.com) offers numerous high-rise condos and apartments in a variety of floor plans and price ranges along with a wealth of amenities life fitness centers, gardens and pools.

The buildings also are located within walking distance of restaurants, shops and other cultural attractions. Properties include River Market Tower, 300 Third Tower and Mann on Main.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE Just an hour from Little Rock is Hot Springs Village, one of Arkansas’ premier retirement communities. This 26,000-acre community is located in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in southwestern Arkansas and features eight golf courses, 13 clay tennis courts, 11 lakes, two marinas and more than 20 miles of nature trails. The Ponce de Leon Center is home to the Ouachita Activities Building, Woodlands Auditorium and the Casa de Carta (House of Cards), and it hosts about 75 cultural and

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

entertainment events each year.

Grove Park is one of the newest additions to Hot Springs Village.

This park is a community gathering place for the Green Market, Artisan Market and Rock Porch music sessions.

Housing options include lakeside living, mountain or golf course views or secluded estates. The area offers its own public works, police, fire and ambulance services.

The Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association Administration Building is located at 895 DeSoto Blvd.; 501-992-5556, hsvpoa.org.

OTHER LIVING OPTIONS IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS LAKEWOOD HOUSE 4801 North Hills Blvd., 501-753-1653 lakewoodhouseapts.com This high-rise is located in North Little Rock’s Lakewood neighborhood and offers several floor plans. Amenities include outdoor swimming pool, clubhouse and more. There are grocery stores and other shops and restaurants nearby.

PARKWAY VILLAGE 14300 Chenal Pkwy., 501-202-1626 parkwayvillagear.com Parkway Village is located in the Chenal area of Little Rock and offers cottages and apartments designed for people age 64 and older.

Set on an 84-acre campus, amenities include a beauty/barber shop, recreational activities and lots more.

RIVIERA CONDOMINIUMS 3700 Old Cantrell Rd., 501-747-1234 rivieralittlerock.com Located in Riverdale near downtown Little Rock, these condos are available in a variety of floor plans and price ranges. Plus, the area is full of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Amenities include a swimming pool, covered parking and fitness center.

PARKSTONE PLACE RETIREMENT CENTER 1 Parkstone Cir., 501-712-2021 parkstoneplacenlr.com Parkstone is a totally independent retirement community within the city of North Little Rock that offer people 55 years of age or older a safe, comfortable and affordable residence where services and amenities are offered, creating a retirement option unlike any other.

This five-story high rise offers one and two bedroom apartments with appliance-equipped kitchens, storage units and laundry facilities on each floor. Amenities include a library, fitness center, chapel, restaurant-style dining, weekly housekeeping and linen service, utilities, and scheduled and group transportation.

PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE 500 Brookside Dr., 501-225-1615 presbyvillage.com Presbyterian Village is a retirement community and health care center that offers the finest in retirement living to people 62 years of age, or older, who wish to continue to live full and useful lives, yet wish to be free of the cares of maintaining their own homes. Presbyterian Village offers one- and

WOODLAND HEIGHTS 8700 Riley Dr., 501-224-4242, woodlandheightsllc.com Located in west Little Rock, this high-rise community offers 15

two-bedroom unfurnished cottages, a lodge functioning as a congregate living facility and a health care facility providing residential care and skilled nursing care.

PARKVIEW TOWERS 1200 Commerce St., 501-372-3610 parkviewtowerslr.com Parkview Towers, managed by Retired Teachers Housing, Inc., provides secure, affordable apartment homes for seniors. Next to MacArthur Park and the Arkansas Arts Center, the

floor plans along with restaurant menus, fitness center, indoor heated saltwater pool and whirlpool, salon, billiards room, café, library and more.

tower’s expansive windows offer views of the park and downtown Little Rock. Just blocks from interstate access, Parkview Towers is convenient to shopping, dining, hospitals, churches, entertainment and the airport.

VILLAS AT CHENAL 100 Villas Circle, 501-261-8045 villasofchenal.com The most refined retirement housing in Arkansas, the Villas of Chenal represents the pinnacle of active adult communities in Little

Rock, featuring single-level villa homes in the renowned Chenal Valley area. Beautiful, spacious homes and a well-equipped clubhouse are surrounded by manicured lawns, lush landscaping and a gated perimeter. n

GOOD SHEPHERD COMMUNITY 2701 Aldersgate Rd., 501-224-7200 goodshepherdcommunity.com This community offers studios, one bedroom, two bedrooms and apartments that are accessible for people with disabilities. Located in west Little Rock, Good Shepherd offers a wellness center, park, fishing dock and on-site physical therapy and rehabilitation.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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a o r b d A l Al Visit the Little Rock Zoo and view animals from around the globe – now including penguins and cheetahs. Learn about important conservation and protection efforts for our world's endangered species.

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

for FU N! Make a full day of it with meals or snacks at the delightful Café Africa.

Take a whirl on the historic “Over The Jumps” carousel and an excursion on the Diamond Express Zoo Train. Find a fun souvenir in the Safari Trader Gift Shop. It all adds up to a special day for all ages!

re u t n e v d a All-dayfor e on sion admis rice.

p

#1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock Log on to LittleRockZoo.com for more information or call (501) 666-2406 Like Us VISITOR’S on Facebook!

GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Bring the Kids ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK 157078 Chenal Pkwy., 501-353-1281 altitudetrampolineparklr.com One of Little Rock’s newest family attractions, Altitude Trampoline Park offers more than 200 interconnected trampolines as well as a foam pit, dodge ball and an area just for kids who weigh 80 pounds or less. C

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM 120 Riverfront Park Dr., 501-371-8320 aimmmuseum.org This museum is fun for visitors of all ages. The North Little Rock shore of the Arkansas River is home to the U.S.S. Razorback, the longest-serving submarine in the world. Other attractions include the historic tug U.S.S. Hoga (YT 146), displays and programs on the impact of maritime trade, the inland waterways system, the Arkansas River and aquaculture.

This museum is recommended for children over the age of 5. NLR

to the public, all are welcome for learning opportunities and tours.

LITTLE ROCK ZOO 1 Zoo Dr., 501-666-2406 littlerockzoo.com The Little Rock Zoo is where hundreds of species of animals—penguins, elephants, chimps, tigers and rhinos among them—call home. On Saturdays, the zoo hosts a breakfast with the animals series, and special events such as Boo at the Zoo are slated throughout the year. M

ARKANSAS SKATIUM 1311 S. Bowman Rd., 501-227-4333 arkansasskatium.com This hot spot is a cool place to roller skate and ice skate—all in one building. There also are skating lessons and snack bar. C ARKANSAS TRAVELERS BASEBALL 400 W. Broadway St., 501-664-1555 Travs.com The Arkansas Travelers, the minor-league baseball team that makes its home at DickeyStephens Park in North Little Rock, offers an array of snacks and a Kids Korner playground.

The season typically runs from April through September. NLR. BIG ROCK MINI GOLF & FUN PARK 11411 Baseline Rd., 501-455-3750 bigrockfunpark.com Little Rock’s premier family destination, this attraction has go-karts, an arcade, batting cage, bumper board and mini golf—all in one location. SWLR

BURNS PARK I-40, Exit 150, 501-791-8538 nlrpr.org This 1,700-acre park in North Little Rock is one of the nation’s largest, and it counts a 36-hole championship golf course, disc and miniature golf courses, tennis complex, softball and soccer fields, playgrounds, archery range, BMX track, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and an amusement park among its attractions. NLR DUNBAR COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT 1801 South Chester St., 501-529-8520 dunbargarden.org A two-acre outdoor classroom serving students from the adjacent Gibbs International Magnet Elementary School and students from the Dunbar Magnet Middle School, Dunbar Community Garden Project preserves the relationship between education and the natural world by providing hands-on, outdoor, education for school children, teenagers and adults. Open

FUNLAND 501-753-7307 nlrpr.org/funland Inside North Little Rock’s Burns Park you will find an amusement park that operates from April through September, including a tilt-a-whirl, train, carousel, scrambler, pint-sized helicopters and more. NLR HEIFER VILLAGE 1 World Ave., 501-907-8800 heifer.org Heifer Village provides a hands-on educational (and entertaining) experience for the whole family.

Visitors can learn about global consciousness and ending poverty and hunger worldwide. With special programs throughout the year, Heifer also has a café and gift shop onsite. D

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM 200 E. Third St., 501-324-9351 historicarkansas.org Visitors of all ages will enjoy learning about frontier life and meeting living history interpreters, experiencing life in a pre-Civil War neighborhood and seeing Arkansas-made art and artifacts. Each spring, the museum hosts a Territorial Fair, and in December, it welcomes the Christmas Frolic. D THE FIRST TEE OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS 1 First Tee Way, 501-562-4653 thefirstteelittlerock.org This public golf course features a nine-hole championship course with three sets of tees; a nine-hole, par-three course; and a driving range, short-game area and putting course. M MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY 500 President Clinton Ave., 501-396-7050 museumofdiscovery.org You may recognize Kevin Delaney, the director of visitor experience, as the Awesome Science Guy on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock; SWLR Southwest Little Rock 52

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

BRIAN CHILSON

Everything we do is made fresh from scratch.

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON CHILDREN’S LIBRARY & LEARNING CENTER 4800 W. 10th St., 501-978-3870, cals.org The Central Arkansas Library System’s 30,000-square-foot children’s library is named for the United States Secretary of State and the former first lady of the nation as well as the state of Arkansas. In addition to special guests and programs scheduled throughout the year, the library has a teaching kitchen, activity area, more than 20,000 books, DVDs and CDs, 165-seat theater, greenhouse, teaching garden, walking trails and an amphitheater. M

Fallon. Now, your entire family can experience the hands-on attraction where he works and plays every day. With rotating exhibits as well as science and tinkering demonstrations, the Museum of Discovery focuses on hands-on activities, displays and exhibits. D PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd., 501-868-5806 arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain Pinnacle Mountain State Park is central Arkansas’ highest peak and includes a playground, campgrounds, trails, picnic areas and a visitors center with educational activities.

Located west of downtown Little Rock, this park gives families a chance to get back to nature without leaving town. WLR PLAYTIME PIZZA 600 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop, 501-227-7529 playtimepizza.com Mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars and a huge indoor play area makes Playtime Pizza a great place for families to eat and play. Menu includes pizza, salad, nacho and dessert bars. C ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER CHILDREN’S THEATRE 501 E. Ninth St., 501-372-4000 arkarts.com The Children’s Theatre presents stage versions of classic stories, often with a modern spin.

Costumes are colorful, and the shows are short.

Each season runs from September through May and features six productions. Shows are live on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. D

RIVER RAIL STREETCAR 501-374-5354 cat.org/river-rail Three replica vintage streetcars take visitors on a nearly 3.5 mile route through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. Riders travel past the River Market, Clinton Presidential Center, Heifer Village, Dickey-Stephens Park, the U.S.S. Razorback submarine and more. D SKATEWORLD FAMILY FUN CENTER 6512 Mabelvale Cut-Off, 501-562-9353 sk8wrldlr.com Step back in time and find yourself on eight wheels. Home to the Central Arkansas Roller Derby, Skateworld Family Fun Center offers a Family Fun Night every Friday from 7-10 p.m. and a matinee every Saturday from 2-4:30 p.m. SWLR WAR MEMORIAL SPLASH PAD Inside War Memorial Park at 5110 W. Markham St., 501-663-0854 littlerock.com/things-to-do/detail/warmemorial-park A perfect spot for children and families, the War Memorial Splash Pad features natural landscaping and an elaborate play area and splash pad. Free admission and appropriate for all ages. M WILD RIVER COUNTRY 6820 Crystal Hill Rd., 501-753-8600 wildrivercountry.com North Little Rock’s popular water park offers 26 acres of water activities. Open from May through August, there are activities for all

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PEABODY SPLASH PARK Riverfront Park, 501-375-2552 littlerock.org With a splash pad, climbing stones, space net, outdoor and underground play areas, this park encourages imagination and

Surround Yourself In Natural Beauty

ages to enjoy as well as eight water slides, wave pools, a lazy river, pavilions and a volleyball court. NLR WITT STEPHENS JR. CENTRAL ARKANSAS NATURE CENTER 602 President Clinton Ave., 501-907-0636 centralarkansasnaturecenter.com This downtown nature center features a variety of indoor wildlife exhibits and outdoor nature exploration. Survey the nature trails and look for native wildlife, such as turtles

ARKANSAS HISTORY COMMISSION AND STATE ARCHIVES One Capitol Mall, 2nd floor, 501-682-6900 www.ark-ives.com; ahc.digital-ar.org

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VisitHSV.com 501.922-2858 54

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

The Arkansas History Commission and State Archives, one of the oldest state archives in the nation, is responsible for collecting and preserving historical materials on Arkansas and Arkansans from earliest times to the present. At its Little Rock location, the agency houses approximately 13,000 cubic feet of state records and collections of historic documents, county records on microfilm from all of the state’s 75 counties, over a half million photographs, the largest collection of Arkansas newspapers in existence, an extensive print book collection of Arkansas history and genealogy titles, and Arkansas art and artifacts. All of these materials are available for public viewing

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

exploration among children The splash pad is designed for children age 5 and younger.

The park is located in Riverfront Park just west of the Junction Bridge. D

and butterflies. There also is ongoing nature programming for the whole family. D WONDER PLACE 10301 N. Rodney Parham Rd., 501-225-4050 thewonderplace.com This indoor play space offers lots of attractions for children to explore their imaginations. Water table, tree house, drama stage, puppet area, art studio, vet clinic and play clinic are just a few of the play stations at this attraction. WLR n

in the Commission’s research room.

Information about collection holdings and services available to researchers, onsite and remote, can be found on the agency’s newly revised website. Select resources from the agency’s collection are also available for viewing online on the agency’s digital collections site, the Arkansas Digital Ark-ives. The AHC also has two regional archives (Northeast Arkansas and Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives), and is also affiliated with the Black History Commission of Arkansas. The AHC and BHCA host a number of educational seminars throughout the year on Arkansas history, and sponsor several traveling exhibits, which can be reserved by contacting the AHC in advance.

HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY, 8:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. COST: FREE

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Foodie Fun

Heights Taco & Tamale Co.

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BRIAN CHILSON

Plato 1947, which longtime Browning’s lovers MAYBE THE MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CENTRAL might confuse with the old Saltillo Platter of ARKANSAS RESTAURANT in years opened to long waits, large days gone by. crowds and much acclaim in May 2015 when the HEIGHTS What Heights Taco & Tamale has done is adapt TACO & TAMALE CO. debuted on Kavanaugh Boulevard. a 21st century approach to a 20th century love affair that Arkansans have had with the local For visitors to this region who don’t interpretation of Tex-Mex, giving it a Delta understand all the hullabaloo surrounding twist with tamales popular along the “tamale tacos and tamales, feel free to ask the locals. trail” through eastern Arkansas and parts of They’ll tell you how popular the current site Mississippi, and tossed in some barbecue pork of HTT was as Browning’s Mexican Food for and catfish on the menu, too. No traditional many years. To be sure, we should probably Ark-Mex, as it were, would be without that put scare quotes around Mexican, because it milk, butter and flour cheese dip, with paprika, was much more Tex than it was Mex—cheesy, garlic and cumin and other herbs, which the gooey enchiladas, floury cheese dip and thin founder of the 80-year-old Mexico Chiquito tortilla chips with tomatoey salsa, ground here is believed to have invented. beef tacos and, of course, fruit punch. A trip Browning’s was special, too, and HTT has taken into Little Rock from, say, Beebe or Pine Bluff inspiration from those dips and the long-gonewith a stopover at Browning’s in the 1960s and-lamented Taco Kid cheese dip to conjure and early ’70s was a treat. up its own, addictive combo. They’ll even add As an obvious tip of the cap to the old chili or beef to heighten the Arkie experience. tenant, which closed a year ago to make way Blend all those food possibilities with gourmet for the makeover by Yellow Rocket Concepts, tacos, tamales, extravagant and amazing salsas HTT’s creator as well as the purveyor of and specialty drinks like margaritas, and you popular local stops such as BIG ORANGE, have the perfect recipe for a restaurant that LOCAL LIME, LOST FORTY BREWING lives up to the high expectations.

CO. and ZAZA, Heights Taco features a

Southern Gourmasian It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s a place to talk and imbibe and enjoy the culmination of a busy week. There is patio drinking and peoplewatching available—and everyone knows Kavanaugh in the Heights is a Little Rock people-watching paradise—and the inside vibe is further enhanced by a large bar, prompt and friendly service and a décor that makes you go “wow.” All of Yellow Rocket’s concepts are skillfully designed, from the Edison-style light bulbs to, in this case, a perfect-for-theDelta large sign on one wall that might spell out anything from serious dining news to something that might draw a chuckle.

While Heights Taco & Tamale was much anticipated, plenty of other new restaurants sprang up around Little Rock in 2015, and several jumped from the ultra-popular Little Rock food truck scene to brick-and-mortar establishments to handle the masses swarming their kitchens on wheels.

THE SOUTHERN GOURMASIAN was one of those, as another twist of taking Asian specialties and putting a Deep South/Arkansas spin on them proved to be a huge hit at catered parties and at the food truck stops—it soon demanded parking in terms of a walk-in restaurant downtown. The owners crowd-funded the planned restaurant on Capitol Avenue in the old Sterling Building. When it opened, one could not just walk in and find an empty table. It was a major hit for everything from its chicken and dumplings to authentic ramen.

BRIAN CHILSON

Hillcrest was the beneficiary of yet another Asian food truck favorite turned sit-down restaurant when KBIRD opened with its Thai specialties in a small space one block north of Lee Avenue at Harrison Street.

Another big downtown hit with an Asian spin was THREE FOLD NOODLES AND DUMPLING CO., Lisa Zhang’s new eatery that boasted a small menu but yet had lines out the door for authentic Chinese dishes, not the Americanized version of Chinese. It’s simple: Wheat noodles, dumplings or buns, three different toppings and three sides. If you don’t think you can find variety in that, think again.

Yellow Rocket Concepts wasn’t just cranking out new dining with a spicy flavor in 2015.

Already brewing its own versions of craft beer through its Lost Forty label (available at all Yellow Rocket restaurants and elsewhere in central Arkansas), Yellow Rocket opened another expertly designed and warm, inviting restaurant just off Sixth Street east of Interstate 30 with the LOST FORTY BREWING COMPANY. Lost Forty joined Diamond Bear, another local brewer, in the restaurantand-craft-beer business—Diamond Bear opened the ARKANSAS ALE HOUSE in North Little Rock on Broadway, just a couple of blocks north of Dickey-Stephens Park.

Both restaurants feature plenty of bar-food choices to accompany some beer that, frankly, doesn’t need a whole lot of help to go down.

The Arkansas Ale House has regular restaurant VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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building

community local food through

Fresh

Tuesday-Friday 7am-2:30pm Saturday 8am-3:30pm Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm

1500 S. Main St. 15th & Main Downtown 501.414.0423

therootcafe.com facebook.com/rootcafe twitter.com/TheRootCafeLR 58

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

seating and a bar whose back windows offer a view of the brewing portion of the building.

The other end has a gift shop and Diamond Bear’s many brands for sale.

Lost Forty’s spacious new restaurant has community-style seating—you might find yourself next to a boisterous party, or you may have to watch that party from another long row of tables and chairs nearby. TVs line the walls for those wanting to take in the ball game. Lost Forty also prominently displays its brewing works and offers tours, as does Diamond Bear.

CHANGES

We’ve seen some recent comings and goings, which is never unusual in the Little Rock restaurant scene.

Bosco’s, a Tennessee-based small chain, brought some stability to a shaky River Market district space a few year’s back, but alas even that had to end earlier this year when Bosco’s went bye-bye. But one of Little Rock’s favorite and relatively young pizza makers moved in.

DAMGOODE PIES, which has locations in midtown and further west, opened there in March and put the leftover brewing equipment to good use by starting its own beers, under the watchful eye of beermeister Josiah Moody, who worked for years at Vino’s before branching out on his own. Meanwhile, the dependable Damgoode pizza and other offerings made the venue a popular place again.

Look for BOULEVARD BREAD CO. to vacate the space at the east end of the Oppenheimer Hall (River Market) for a slot in the building that was once home to Coast Cafe. And look for more excitement in what’s coming in the former Boulevard space—the much-loved DAVID’S BURGERS, already with two popular spots in West

Little Rock and off East McCain Boulevard in North Little Rock, taking the east end of the River Market. Hamburger eating in downtown may never be the same. David’s Burgers, which specializes in fashioning its burgers by hand and cutting its own fries, is related to Russellville establishment C.J.’s Butcher Boy Burgers, a popular stop on I-40.

On a completely different end of the spectrum from David’s, FRESH opened in late spring in the West Third space formerly home for years to O.W. Pizza. The new restaurant is focusing on fresh (of course), healthy food at an affordable price point, something owner Phillip Naylor took to heart after his own inability to find healthy things to eat following stomach surgery a few years ago, he said. A salad bar and healthy sandwiches with Arkansas Fresh bread are just some of the offerings.

Another big change occurred out west early in 2015 when WHOLE FOODS, the organic food grocery, opened in a new location at the corner of Chenal Parkway and Bowman Road.

The first thing many foodies noted was the availability of space to sit down and enjoy a craft beer and snacks, as well as offering takehome dinners, as Whole Foods has repositioned itself as more than just an organic store. The butcher shop and cheese area are both larger than in the previous locale on Rodney Parham Road. And, it has a pizzeria.

The ever-growing restaurant scene in the Promenade on Chenal saw the entrance of BONEHEADS to the market. Sort of a Chipotle for fresh fish and chicken lovers, Boneheads is an Atlanta-based “gourmet” casual fast-food outlet where you go through a line to order, then sit and wait until it’s brought out. The big calling card, besides offering alcohol, is its special piri-piri sauce, a pepper

BRIAN CHILSON

sauce originating in Mozambique and its African birds-eye pepper. And, scheduled to come to the Promenade sometime this year is a DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE, specializing in high-end steaks. Closer to midtown, in Park Plaza Mall, will be a ZOE’S KITCHEN, a fast-casual eatery.

Chris Tanner, whose Cheers in the Heights has been a longtime favorite, joined in on the major developments happening on Main Street in Little Rock when he and a group opened SAMANTHA’S TAP ROOM AND WOOD GRILL, at the corner of Fourth and Main.

It’s not Cheers in any way, but rather its own

The ever-growing restaurant

BEC U E BEST BAR

scene in the Promenade on Chenal saw the entrance of Boneheads to the market.

Sort of a Chipotle for fresh fish and chicken lovers. unique restaurant with a hip vibe and good food that diners have long come to expect from Tanner’s other restaurants. It’s both a nice sit-down stopover and a great choice for an after-work cocktail or beer.

And the original BOULEVARD BREAD CO. in the Heights, which was originally started by Scott McGehee in 2000 before he branched out with other business partners in the now-monster Yellow Rocket Concepts business, took on a new and welcomed look in 2015, converting to a bistro and bar. Absolutely try the Parisian gnocchi on your next visit. n

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Something’s Brewing in Central Arkansas the availability of Sunday purchase.

TO TAKE A LATE SPRING TOUR OF LITTLE ROCK AND Both Diamond Bear and NORTH LITTLE ROCK’S burgeoning craft brewpub scene, Lost Forty offer tours of their brewing facilities at we needed a couple of things: Somebody to join us who really certain hours. Both have large windows from their loves craft beer, and somebody who had experienced a craft customer seating area that beer scene elsewhere to put our local one in perspective. look out on what seem like major brewing operations.

Lost Forty, owned by the restaurant company We found that all in one person, a beer-loving Yellow Rocket Concepts (Scott McGehee, John (and food-loving) friend from St. Louis, a city Beachboard, Russ McDonough, et al.), makes with more than 20 micro- or nano-breweries. its beer available at all the other Yellow Rocket As of early summer 2015, there are seven restaurants: Big Orange, Local Lime, Zaza and craft beer-making brewpubs on either side of Heights Taco & Tamale Co. our river, but word is that more are coming.

While Diamond Bear—originally situated Our St. Louis friend, after his first taste of in downtown Little Rock before moving to the capital city’s brews, will be coming back Broadway in North Little Rock just a few short again as well. “This is awesome,” was one of blocks from Dickey-Stephens Park—and Lost his notable reactions as we entered the LOST Forty have taken the local market by storm, FORTY brewpub and restaurant just off Sixth they aren’t the only outfits producing great Street on the east side of Interstate 30. Maybe tasting beers, as our St. Louis friend would attest.

We also tried a couple of smaller Little Rock nanobreweries that didn’t disappoint either. While BLUE CANOE BREWING CO. and STONE’S THROW BREWERY don’t have their own kitchens, Stone’s Throw, at the corner of Ninth and Rock streets, gets handy visits by a selection of renowned food trucks during its Wednesday Vino’s through Sunday hours of operation, and Stone’s Throw the effects of our fun first stop at DIAMOND also serves up a meat-and-cheese plate from BEAR’S ARKANSAS ALE HOUSE had our Hillcrest Artisan Meats. Stone’s Throw also friend in a mood to enjoy most anything, but added an outdoor patio area in May. For now rest assured after these first two samples of at Blue Canoe, it’s all about the beer, other Arkansas craft beer, our Missourian was ready than all the pretzels you might want with it. to relocate. (Then he remembered he still has The grandfather of the craft beers in Little those 23 or so microbrew pubs in St. Lou.) Rock, in business well in advance of the latest microbrewery craze, is VINO’S, the pizza This was purely a beer tasting through and calzone staple at the corner of Chester the “twin cities,” but both the Arkansas Ale and Seventh streets. Owner Henry Lee offers House and Lost Forty offer top-quality grub a small but wide range of his own beers to to accompany their specialty beers. Arkansas complement the national on-tap standards.

Ale has table dining as well as bar seating. Lost We swear by his stout Six Bridges Ale. Forty has community style table seating as well Coincidentally, another pizza outfit joined as a bar. Both Diamond Bear (Arkansas Ale the craft beer lineup in the spring when DAMHouse) and Lost Forty are also into seriously GOODE PIES opened in the River Market marketing their beer, both selling it en masse district in the space previously occupied by at their facility and in retail outlets. The plus Bosco’s—the spot has been brewing its own side of buying at their large brewing facilities, beers under different restaurant monikers as well as all the other local craft brewpubs, is

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

since it first opened as the River Rock Brewpub; but Damgoode’s so-far-small lineup is a completely new style.

Josiah Moody, who brewed beer for Henry Lee at Vino’s, is the brewmeister at Damgoode in the River Market district. He’s created his own line of beers called Moody Brews that are sold in various outlets, but he’s developing beers especially for Damgoode at the pizzeria. Damgoode offers a four-beer flight for $6.50, and it include helpful cards explaining the various important statistics a craft beer lover would be looking for, most especially the alcohol by volume. Damgoode features its beers but also carries some of Moody’s other creations.

Six years ago, REFINED ALE BREWERY opened on Cedar Street, a few blocks north Asher Avenue. “We do three barrels at a time,” owner Wendell Gray says. Refined Ale’s storefront is only opened to the public on Sundays (noon to 5 p.m.) and only sells

Diamond Bear’s Arkansas Ale House bottled products, but is available at Fresh Market grocery store. Refined’s brewing is a natural, vegan process (no egg whites are used to clear the product), Gray says. “We have no chemicals, no preservatives….We pasteurize here.”

GOING CANOEING

Our St. Louis taster says Blue Canoe’s beer stands up to any in the craft beer market.

Blue Canoe, named because co-owner Laura Berryhill happened to be looking at her blue canoe in her backyard with she and partners Patrick and Ida Cowan were trying to come up with a name, has nine beers: three to four seasonals and five mainstays, Berryhill says.

Blue Canoe’s pale ale tends to be the most requested, she said. The brewpub, a tiny spot with seating for about 30, opened at 425 Third

Blue Canoe Brewing Co. St. in December. “It’s gone about as good as it gets, as far as I’m concerned,” Berryhill says.

Berryhill said her grandfather and father brewed beer, which originally sparked her interest. She and Ida Cowan worked together at Saline Memorial Hospital—Berryhill was a surgical nurse and Cowan was and still is an anesthetist—and that’s how Patrick Cowan, Ida’s husband and a lawyer, entered the picture. He had started brewing beer in college.

They liked their own brews so well, Ida “the go-getter,” according to Berryhill, suggested the group start the business. Berryhill gave up nursing to run the pub. “A couple of months later, here we are,” Berryhill recalls.

TAKING FLIGHT

The best way to sample every craft brewery is to order a flight of beers, a 4- to 6-ounce sampling of the brews on tap. At Diamond Bear/Arkansas Ale House, you choose eight beers among at least nine or more offerings.

The Lost Forty flight is four beers, and on two visits to the brewpub we found five or six beers available from which to choose. On a typical Saturday, the favorite on tap may already be gone by late afternoon, whisked away not only by the folks in the restaurant but by people purchasing it in “growlers.”

A Blue Canoe flight will be all nine beers available, at $13.20 including tax. Stone’s Throw is similar: nine beers for $15. At every one of the brewpubs we visited, each server helpfully noted each of the beers we were sampling. At Diamond Bear and Blue Canoe, the names were written down as we didn’t always remember what we’d ordered. At Lost Forty and Stone’s Throw, they were more than willing several times to tell us what we ordered and, like the others, explain what was special or involved in making the beer.

In fact, we came away from our excursion impressed with how the craft beer folks understood that many customers might be new to the whole experience, and maybe new to beers other than the ones found on the shelf at Kroger. n

Home of the Best Steaks & Prime Rib in Arkansas

Open for Dinner: Mon-Fri 5pm, Sat & Sun 4:30pm West Little Rock at Shackleford & Hermitage Road 501-312-2748 thebutchershoplittlerock.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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WHILE YOU MAY BE VISITING LITTLE ROCK and central Arkansas and seeing all it has to offer, the state has some dynamite destinations for day trips that are only a filled gas tank or two to and from the middle of the state.

Day Trips ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

If you’ve built in the time in your visit, check these out:

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

This spectacular art venue in Mid-America rivals anything on either coasts, thanks to the wealth and generosity of its chief benefactor, Alice Walton of the famed Walton family who built Walmart Stores Inc. Crystal Bridges is in the far northwest corner of Arkansas in Bentonville, about 210 miles from Little Rock but all interstate driving (I-40 to I-49). From Jackson Pollock to Georgia O’Keeffe to Andy Warhol, the museum covers all the greats with permanent and rotating installations. New to the museum in late 2015-early 2016 will be an installation of Louise Bourgeois’ “Mamon,” a bronze, stainless steel and marble sculpture of a 30-foot tall spider, with only six permanent installations around the world. It cost millions for Crystal Bridges to acquire. Crystal Bridges sits on 120 acres of gardens, fountains and 3.5 miles of walking trails. Admission is free.

While in Bentonville, discover the town’s idyllic square and some of the best restaurants in the region: Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie, Table Mesa, Tavola Trattoria, Sushi House, Vivace Mediterranean, Petite Bistro, Thai Basil, Doe’s Eat Place and the much-acclaimed The Hive at the fabulous 21C Museum Hotel. Nearby Rogers has several great restaurants as well, including a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Plus, convenient to your trip to Crystal Bridges is the acclaimed Eleven restaurant inside the museum.

ARKANSAS WINES AND AGRI-TOURISM

The Arkansas wine country is situated in the Arkansas River Valley, between the Ozarks to the north and the Ouachitas to the south, and is an easy drive from Little Rock on I-40. The towns of Paris, Ozark, Altus and the Wiederkehr Village make up the wine area. The wine makers offer tours, tastings and other special events. Among the most popular wineries to visit are Chateau Aux Arc (pronounced O-zark) and Post Winery in Altus and the Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Vineyard at Wiederkehr Village. Altus also has the gorgeous St. Mary’s Catholic Church with its spectacular views of the valley.

Visitors to Arkansas will discover many sites along the roadways where they can pick up fresh, seasonal fruit (we specialize in tomatoes in south Arkansas and strawberries and peaches in the central area, and watermelons in the southwest region) and vegetables.

U-pick farms, pumpkin patches and more are a fun way to learn about Arkansas’ agriculture charm. Find out what’s available by visiting arkansas. gov/agritourism via the Internet.

DYESS: JOHNNY CASH’S HOMETOWN

The “Man in Black” is as captivating to many now, even if he’s been gone for a few years, as he was throughout his amazing music career as a country icon and as a collaborator later with some of the great rockers. Johnny Cash’s boyhood home has been restored to its original look and includes many artifacts about the Arkansasborn singer (Cash was born in Kingsland in south Arkansas before his family moved to the northeast part of the state to a work colony of Dyess in Mississippi County during the Depression). Dyess is southeast of Lepanto off state Highway 14, but from Little Rock or Memphis it is easier to take I-40 to I-55, exit at Highway 14 and head west to state Highway 297, and drive south a mile. The house was seen in the motion picture “I Walk the Line,” and it is now owned and maintained by Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. The restored administration building on the site contains exhibits related to the establishment of the colony, lifestyles of typical colonists, and the impact that growing up in Dyess had on Johnny Cash and his music. Call 870-972-2803 for more information, or visit dyesscash.astate.edu.

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ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

The 150 Anniversary Civil War in Arkansas! th

of the

The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission’s Passport Program continues through the end of 2015! There is still plenty of time to visit 23 stamping locations across Arkansas. Learn history where it happened…and win prizes!

Once all 23 stamps are acquired, visitors can send in the back cover of their passport to receive an official Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial coin or patch.

For more information visit ArkansasCivilWar150.com or send an email to acwsc@arkanasheritage.org.

THE ARKANSAS CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMISSION Is housed within the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

(501) 324-9886 1500 Tower Building 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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East of the wine country and about an hour from Little Rock off I-40 is Petit Jean State Park, which also includes the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain. The Institute has overnight housing and original programming of research and work within the University of Arkansas system. The Institute also houses an outstanding restaurant that is a must-visit for Sunday brunch, along with a stopover at the antique car exhibit on the mountain. Petit Jean State Park has hiking trails, fishing, swimming, picnic areas and more. Sitting 1,100 feet above the river valley, the mountain has a number of overlooks that are simply stunning in their beauty, especially at sunset.

HOT SPRINGS

for an overnight stay as well as a visit to its bar or for weekend brunch.

Not far away is Garvan Woodland Gardens, featuring miles of flowers and plants. The Gardens are especially stunning and bright between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, when it is lit up with holiday lights. Make sure to see the all-glass Anthony Chapel, and look for special events also being held in the Gardens year-round. For a spectacular view of the mountains around Hot Springs, visit the National Park, just north of downtown. First Security Arena is the home for the Miss Arkansas pageant in June and many concerts and sporting events. And, during the summer, Magic Springs amusement park is a huge draw with its water park and weekend concerts bringing in big names in music entertainment.

Between Little Rock and Hot Springs, straddling Garland and Saline counties, is Hot Springs Village, mostly a retirement community but also featuring seven outstanding golf courses, including Diamante Country Club, and lakes.

All around Hot Springs, in fact, are some of the most scenic lakes in the state, all of which draw big crowds when the weather warms.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Horse racing season at 111-year-old Oaklawn Park runs from early January to the middle of April, culminating in the Arkansas Derby, a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-olds. The 2015 winner, American Pharoah, went on to capture the Triple Crown of horse racing, while previous winners Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex both won two legs of the Triple Crown.

Even when the live horse-racing season ends, Oaklawn is open yearround for casino gaming. Hot Springs also has its famed bath houses and spas on Central Avenue, and some of the city’s best restaurants are lined up across the street. The Arlington Hotel is a classic as well

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ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

PETIT JEAN

Contrary to growing popular belief, there is much to discover—especially about our past—in the Delta of Arkansas, starting with Helena all the way to Arkansas City. Helena is about 120 miles from Little Rock, and it features a Civil War battleground area with displays of cannon, replica earthworks, cemeteries, plantations and more, all gussied up in 2014 for a 150-year anniversary celebration. Also, see Freedom Park and Helena’s Delta Cultural Center, which includes an exhibit on the history of blues music in the area, the Civil War and the Mississippi Delta region. The Visitors Center broadcasts the famed “King Biscuit Time” blues show, the longest-running daily blues radio show (on air since 1941). If you happen to be here in early October, Helena hosts the King Biscuit Blues Festival, one of the nation’s greatest celebrations of the art form. Also, for a taste of real barbecue, visit nearby Marianna and Jones Bar-B-Q, one of the oldest African American-owned businesses in the country. The menu only features pork, and Jones’ sells out early.

So make it a brunch. The James Beard Foundation deemed Jones an “American Classic” in 2012.

In the southeast corner of the state, Arkansas City stands as a monument to what might have been with the vagaries of river. At one time

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

THE DELTA

Arkansas City was a major stopping point on the Mississippi River for steamboats, but one of the river’s massive floods changed the river channel, moving it a mile east and leaving Arkansas City with memories.

However, that same area that once was under water is now the Freddie Black Wildlife Management Area, and is a neat spot to get to the edge of the Mississippi. Not far from where the movie “Mud” was filmed, it’s quite and idyllic, and Arkansas City still has some of its classic early 1900s architecture to see. Just a few miles from Arkansas City, north of McGehee off state Highway 1, is the new Delta Resort and Spa, which features Olympic-style trap and skeet shooting ranges, duck hunting, fishing and two comfortable hotel buildings for overnight stays. Call 877-GO-DELTA (463-3582).

Winthrop Rockefeller came to a mountain and changed the world around him.

We invite others to do the same.

Learn more at www.rockefellerinstitute.org.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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RETAIL SHOPPING FEATURE

DASSAULT FALCON presents the fastest selling Falcon ever, the Falcon 7X is also the world’s first business jet with digital flight controls. It offers small-jet agility and efficiency with 5,950 nm range. Fly nonstop from Paris to Tokyo…

New York to Jeddah…Paris to Los Angeles…or Johannesburg to London City.

RANGE: 5,950 nm (11,020 km) with 8 passengers and NBAA IFR reserves (at .80 Mach) ENGINES: Three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A turbofans each rated at 6,400 lb / 28.48 kN thrust (SL ISA+17°C) AVIONICS: Digital Flight Control System. Advanced EASy flight deck with side stick, Honeywell Primus Epic system, autothrottle and optional Rockwell Collins Head-Up Display and Enhanced Flight Vision System. www.dassaultfalcon.com

CYNTHIA EAST FABRICS has been Little Rock’s ”go-to” fabric source for over 38 years. You will always find designs and materials of every description in stock and they can coordinate any required labor.

They also feature Amy Howard One-Step paints and a showroom of imaginative gifts and home accessories.

Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm 1523 Rebsamen Park Rd • Little Rock 501-663-0460 • www.cynthiaeastfabrics.com

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CLINTON MUSEUM STORE is the official store of the Clinton Presidential Center and a must-see for anyone seeking rare and signed political artifacts, American and international crafts, educational, cultural and eco-friendly items. Conveniently located a quarter-mile west of the Clinton Center with a free one-minute shuttle. Also, new mini-store within the Clinton Library.

Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 2-5:30pm 610 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock 501-748-0400 • www.clintonmuseumstore.com

A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS’S OLD STATE HOUSE by Mary Kwas is available at the Museum Store for $49.95. THE OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM STORE offers a comprehensive collection of books on Arkansas history and culture, as well as exhibit merchandise and Arkansas-made jewelry and toys.

Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm • Sunday 1-5pm 300 W. Markham • Little Rock 501-324-9685 • oldstatehouse.com

MARTINOUS ORIENTAL RUG CO. has been in business since 1923 and offers handmade oriental rugs from around the world at affordable prices. They offer Karastan, Noursion and Oriental Weavers rugs and more. They have traditional, modern rugs with all the updated colors. Martinous introduced rug cleaning to Arkansas in 1939, and has the finest cleaning and drying facilities for all types of area rugs as well as a submersion handwash process for rugs with animal stains and odors. Their stateof-the-art building is second to none. They also offer padding underlay, Moth Proofing, Fabricoating, and Repairing. For more information: 501-224-0313, www.martinous.com, 1521 Macon Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211

Since 1973, the Museum Store at HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM has offered the best of Arkansas Made crafts like pottery, quilts, baskets and jewelry – as well as music, books, children’s toys and more. Looking for the perfect wedding or engagement gift? Give a pair of handmade mugs from Mudpuppy Pottery in Fort Smith to start the couple off on their lives together.

Available in a variety of glazes in the Museum Store.

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm 200 E. Third St. • Little Rock 501-324-9351 • historicarkansas.org

When a family receives an animal from HEIFER INTERNATIONAL, they’re receiving much more than a goat, bees, a sheep, or a pig.

Each animal can provide necessary nutrients for strong bodies, income for food, housing and medicines, or materials for clothing.

These stuffed animals, available at the HEIFER VILLAGE SHOP, are a great reminder of the animals that Heifer uses in our projects around the world.

Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm 1 World Avenue • Little Rock (800) 422-0474 • shop.heifer.org

THE MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER MUSEUM STORE features contemporary gifts, jewelry, art, toys, and specializes in merchandise connected to Arkansas’s African American history, life and culture. The Museum Store features many Coretta Scott King Award books for children, classic and historical books focusing on the breadth, depth and complexity of the experiences of African American people in the Western hemisphere. Enjoy the creative ingenuity of one-of-a-kind items made by local arts and craftspeople, Mosaic Templars memorabilia, greeting cards, music, art and much more.

Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm Admission is free.

501 W. Ninth Street • Little Rock 501-683-3593 • mosaictemplarscenter.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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RETAIL SHOPPING FEATURE

THE MACARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY was created to interpret our state’s military heritage from its territorial period to the present. Located in the historic Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal, the gift shop offers unique items that enhance and interpret the museum’s exhibits. Choose from a variety of books related to Arkansas’s military past, as well as historical collectibles and traditional souvenirs that serve as reminders of your visit. All proceeds from the gift shop go toward the fulfillment of the museum’s mission to preserve the historic Arsenal Building and interpret Arkansas’s military heritage.

Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm 503 E. 9th St. • Little Rock 501-376-4602 • arkmilitaryheritage.com

Beautiful pieces of handmade art by Arkansas artists, including ceramics, blown glass, jewelry, paintings, and more, are available at BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, where a variety of art exhibitions are also displayed.

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm 401 President Clinton Avenue.

501-320-5790 • www.butlercenter.org

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You can find unique gift items and the largest used book store in the area at RIVER MARKET BOOKS & GIFTS, the library’s “gently read” book store. Also find Bookends Café, the library’s literary café. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. 501-9183093, www.cals.org, 120 River Market Avenue.

RHEA DRUG: Great Gifts in the Heart of Hillcrest! Come browse for gifts where you will always find a surprise.

2801 Kavanaugh Blvd • Little Rock www.facebook.com/RheaDrug • 501-663-4131

Stepping into the gift shop at the WINTHROP ROCKEFELLER INSTITUTE on Petit Jean Mountain is like stepping into two different time periods all at once. The shop features an abundance of high-quality, Arkansas-made products, including pottery, blown glass, duck calls and various books, as well as many more items that appeal to all tastes. The shop is furnished with oak cabinets and display cases that were original to the Baker Drug Store in Stamps, Ark., built in 1902.

Visitors to the gift shop can experience the richness of the past as well as the beauty of the present.

1 Rockefeller Drive • Morrilton 501-727-5435 • www.rockefellerinstitute.org

Shop BOX TURTLE! Looking for the perfect gift for the beer drinker in your life? Don’t know what to do with all those beer caps you’ve been hoarding? Want a cool piece of art for your home, man cave or office? Then this is for you! Also available in your favorite state…Arkansas, or any other state you might want.

2616 Kavanaugh Blvd • Little Rock www.shopboxturtle.com • 501-661-1167

Travel Smart. Travel AMTRAK. The Plush P42 Locomotive is a sizeable, soft and snuggly toy that measures approximately 11 inches long by 6 inches tall. It features an embroidered logo and realistic details. This plush toy would make a great first train for any little one, and can double as a neck pillow for adults. www.amtrak.com

KILWINS-LITTLE ROCK offers that nostalgic experience of watching Hand-Crafted Fudge, assorted Caramel Corns & Brittles and Caramel Apples made fresh in front of your eyes, using original recipes, timetested methods and the very best ingredients. 32 flavors of Original Recipe Ice Cream, waffle cones made-daily, custom shakes, sundaes, and gourmet coffee are available, and Kilwins also features a full selection of Hand-Made Truffles, Chocolates, Tuttles and Sea-Salt Caramels. We are open every day, offer daily specials, and love to provide free Fudge and Ice Cream samples!

415 President Clinton Avenue (in the Arcade Building) • Little Rock ww.kilwins.com/littlerock

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RETAIL SHOPPING FEATURE

THE JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY explores local and regional military history, both on the battlefield and the home front.

The museum gift shop enhances the visitor’s experience by specializing in military related models, toys, posters and books. The shop also offers an extensive line of armed forces related merchandise representing all of branches of service. Shop here for special occasions like military retirements, birthdays and Christmas! Shop is open Monday thru Saturday 10am – 5pm.

100 Veteran’s Circle • Jacksonville 501-241-1943 • www.jaxmilitarymuseum.org

Shop at CUPIDS for lingerie and more! Stop in at any of our 6 locations: Conway, 2585 Donaghey Ave, (501) 764-0404 Little Rock South, 3920 W 65th St, (501) 565-2020 Open 24 Hours Little Rock West, 9700 N Rodney Parham Rd, (501) 227-8282 North Little Rock, 5400 John F Kennedy Blvd, (501) 753-3353 Jacksonville, 6111 John Harden Drive, (501) 2412777 Open 24 Hours Hot Springs, 1910 Albert Pike Rd, (501) 623-1250 We offer discreet packaging and shipping through our online store at www.Shopcupids. com.

Many exotic worlds are yours to explore at the LITTLE ROCK ZOO. Experience the majesty of elephants and rhinos. Stick your neck out at the Giraffe exhibit. Marvel at the strength and beauty of lions, tigers and jaguars in our Big Cat Habitat. Monkey around at Spider Monkey or Lemur Islands. Or slither around to the Reptile House to go face-to-fang with a deadly reptile. Before you leave, stop by the Safari Trader Gift Shop, where you can find all sorts of ZOOvenirs to remind you of your visit!

Mon-Sun 9am-5pm, last admission is at 4pm.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 1 Zoo Dr. • Little Rock 501-666-2406 • littlerockzoo.com

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Shopping Guide FROM BIG-BOX STORES TO TRENDY BOUTIQUES, INDOOR MALLS TO OUTDOOR SHOPPING CENTERS, LITTLE ROCK OFFERS AN ECLECTIC MIX OF SHOPPING DESTINATIONS. HERE’S JUST A SAMPLING OF WHAT YOU’LL FIND.

artists, Gallery 221 combines selected art and sculpture. The gallery also has current works by notable Arkansas artists. 221 West Second St., 501-801-0211.

ANTIQUES H ELLEN GOLDEN ANTIQUES

All things French: antique furniture, paintings and decorative pieces. 5701 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-7746.

R FABULOUS FINDS ANTIQUE & DECORATIVE MALL A flea-market-style antique store where you never know what you’ll find. 2905 Cantrell Road, 501-614-8181.

NLR GREG THOMPSON FINE ART Specializing in important Southern and Modern artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. 429 Main St., 501-664-2787.

H LOCAL COLOUR ART GALLERY

This co-op gallery showcases the work of 28 artists from around Arkansas. 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-265-0422.

H STEPHANO’S FINE ART GALLERY

This Heights gallery highlights a wide range of work

by Arkansas artists. Owner Stephano Sutherlin is a

HC KAHLER-PAYNE ANTIQUES

An eclectic blend of antiques, vintage goods, and estate items from at home and broad. 700 N. Van Buren, 501663-0608.

R MID-TOWNE ANTIQUE MALL

26,000-square-feet of antique furniture, decor, art, jewelry and more. 105 N. Rodney Parham Rd., 501-223-3600.

ART & GALLERIES H BOSWELL MOUROT FINE ART

Works by local, regional as well as national and international artists. 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-0030.

M CANTRELL GALLERY

Finds works by local and regional artists.

8206 Cantrell Road, 501-224-1335.

This gallery is filled with original art by proprietor and artist Robert Reep, as well as other local and regional artists.

5707 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-0880.

NLR CLAYTIME POTTERY

BRIAN CHILSON

H CHROMA GALLERY

Gallery 221

Claytime Pottery offers classes and studio rental, and features an art gallery. 417 Main St., 501-374-3515.

HC GALLERY 26

Featuring pieces by local artists, including glasswork, prints, original works and jewelry, also offers framing services. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. 664-8996.

D GALLERY 221

Offering original fine art and studio space for local

D HEARNE FINE ART Located in the historic Dunbar community, this fine art gallery specializes in African-American art by local, regional and nationally-recognized artists. Solo exhibitions and educational art talks monthly. 1001 Wright Ave., 501-372-6822.

HC HILLCREST GALLERY

Fine original art, prints and posters. Custom framing, too. 2807 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-7900.

nationally-recognized artist. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-614-7113.

BEAUTY & SPAS H ARLINE’S

European beauty treatments, including facials, body wraps, massage, cosmetics and more. 5817 1/2 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-219-2080

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock; SWLR South West Little Rock VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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H CARACALLA DAY SPA

A full-service day spa offering massage and more, also a hair salon with a wide selection of hair and personal care products and accessories. 5715 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-280-0866.

WLR REJUVENATION CLINIC AND DAY SPA

Combining time-honored traditions and techniques with the advantages of modern science and highquality products. Rejuvenation offers some of the best skin and body treatments available. 11125 Arcade Drive, 501-228-4545.

HC E. LEIGH’S

H FEINSTEIN’S

H EMBER BOUTIQUE

H MR. WICKS MEN’S CLOTHING

This boutique offers trendy women’s fashions and accessories. 2911 Kavanaugh Blvd, 501-265-0448.

Creative clothing, art and jewelry at affordable prices.

5709 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-225-3220.

D FRINGE CLOTHING Trendy women’s clothing and accessories boutique,

A women’s clothing boutique offering fine apparel and accessories. 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-7330.

A men’s clothing store offering fine business apparel and weekend wear. 5924 R St., 501-664-3062.

H OZARK OUTDOOR SUPPLY

For the outdoors enthusiast, get your camping gear, clothing and other supplies here. 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-4832.

C ROCK CITY KICKS A one-of-a-kind sneaker boutique. 200 N. Bowman, 501-660-7888.

CLOTHING

H STEAMROLLER BLUES Trendy women’s clothing and accessories boutique.

5915 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-661-4067.

M B. BARNETT

A women’s clothing store that includes designs by Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Rena Lange, and cosmetics by Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier and Nars. Be sure to check out their day spa. 8201 Cantrell Road, 501-223-2514.

H, WLR THE TOGGERY A children’s clothing store.

5919 R St., 501-663-8662; 11525 Cantrell Road, 501227-8492.

M BARBARA/JEAN LTD One of the city’s premier women’s boutiques offering clothes by Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and others, as well as top-name shoes and handbags. Their cosmetic counter is stocked with Yves St. Laurent and other designer cosmetics and skincare products. 7811 Cantrell Road, 501-227-0054.

H TULIPS

A hip clothing boutique offering fun designers and styles for women of all ages, as well as kids.

5817 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-614-7343.

FOOD & MARKETS

M BAUMANS FINE MEN’S CLOTHING A men’s fine apparel store offering styles by Zegna, Brioni and Ferragamo. 8201 Cantrell Road, 501-227-8797.

MCATERINGTOYOU In addition to wonderful gourmet foods, shop their collection of fun gifts. 8121 Cantrell Road, 501-614-9030.

D BENNETT’S MILITARY SUPPLIES From leather jackets and Army boots to camping tents and other outdoor gear, a great place for the guys. 608 Main St., 501-372-2944.

DDANDELIONHERBS, SPICES, TEAS Bulk herbs, teas and spices, along with local honey and other goodies. 419 President Clinton Ave., 501-850-0268.

WLR BEYOND COTTON A relaxed clothing store featuring flax linen and other wearable styles. 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-221-9195; 11525 Cantrell Road, 501-221-1539.

WLR, NLR, SWLR CUPIDS

Esse Purse Museum Store

LINGERIE Boutique offers lingerie and adult toys. 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-227-8282; 3920 W. 65th St., 501-565-2020; 5400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 501-753-3353.

H DOMESTIC DOMESTIC

Purveryor of American-made goods, ranging from outdoor and travel gear, clothing, home goods, pet supplies and more. Great selection of Arkansasmade products, too. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Ste. 200, 501-661-1776.

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BRIAN CHILSON

NLR BRIDAL COTTAGE A special emphasis on grace, elegance and style. 3305 JFK Blvd., 501-753-4138.

WLR HIGHWAY 10

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

located in the River Market District. 112 River Market Ave., 501-376-7000.

H GO! RUNNING

This shop is a runner’s paradise. It offers shoes, clothes and gear. 1819 N. Grant St., 501-663-6800.

WLR GREENHAW’S MEN’S WEAR

Fine menswear store offering business apparel and weekend wear. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-227-8703.

WINE & SPIRITS Offers an excellent selection of wines, beer and other spirits. 14309 Cantrell Road, 501-225-6879.

HC HILLCREST ARTI-

SAN MEATS Locally owned meat shop, which also sells local food products and more. 2807 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-671-6328.

H TERRY’S FINER FOODS

A gourmet and local food market. 5018 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-4152.

WLR WHOLE FOODS

For the organically inclined, a food market with a deli, excellent vitamins and herbal supplement selection,

books and more. 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-221-2331.

GIFTS & COLLECTIBLES NLR ARGENTA DRUG STORE A local place to pick up medications, snacks, gifts and more. 324 Main St., 501-374-4851.

D ARKANSAS FLAG & BANNER Shop for patriotic items as well as garden ornaments and other seasonal items. You can also find a great selection of Razorback merchandise. 800 W. Ninth St., 501-375-7633.

H BELLA BOUTIQUE

A great girly store with jewelry, beauty and bath accessories. 5623 Kavanaugh Blvd. 603-5373

HC BOX TURTLE

Shop for handmade jewelry, local designer clothing and one-of-a-kind gift items, as well as home accessories, linens, candles and lighting. 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-661-1167.

H CABBAGE ROSE

A florist specializing in custom-designed fresh, dried and silk floral arrangements. 5701 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-4042.

D CLINTON MUSEUM STORE Offering Clinton memorabilia, you can also shop for books, artwork and jewelry. 610 President Clinton Ave., 501-748-0400.

D COIN & STAMP SHOP

A coin and stamp collector’s haven. 107 Main St., 501-375-2113.

COME EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF ARKANSAS, ITS NATIONAL GUARD, CAMP PIKE AND CAMP ROBINSON. The Museum’s exhibits tell the story of the Arkansas National Guard that extends back to the Militia days during the territorial period. In addition, the Museum adds the history of Camp Pike/Robinson, which was originally constructed in 1917 to train American soldiers for World War I. Camp Robinson was federalized in 1941 to prepare soldiers for World War II. Memorabilia covering many of the conflicts in which the Arkansas National Guard has participated are included.

Military Identification or driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance to get a day pass.

Monday - Friday 8am-3pm • Also open one weekend a month.

Free Admission • Free Audio Tour Available

ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD MUSEUM Located on Camp Robinson, North Little Rock Take exit 150 off I-40 and follow the signs to Camp Robinson 501-212-5215 • www.arngmuseum.com

WLR THE CROWN SHOP

A Hallmark store with a wide card selection and wonderful gifts. 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-227-8442.

S ESSE PURSE MUSEUM STORE

Purses, jewelry, accessories and more. 1510 S. Main St., 501-916-9022.

D EXPLORE STORE Part of the Museum of Discovery, the Explore Store has great gifts, puzzles, games, books and more-for kids of all ages. 500 President Clinton Ave., 501-396-7050.

D FRANCES FLOWER SHOP

From custom arrangements to casual bouquets, order by phone or stop by this downtown full-service florist.

1222 W. Capitol Ave., 501-372-2203.

D THE FRECKLED FROG Arkansas crafted clothing, art, jewelry and gifts. 419 President Clinton Ave., 501-514-2060.

HC THE FULL MOON

Fun and whimsical gifts, home accessories, baby items, jewelry and more. 3625 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-4367.

Celebrate in Style with

COPELAND’S Enjoy Copeland’s authentic New Orleans inspired cuisine featuring Signature Entrees, Fresh Fish, Prime Steaks and Chef-Crafted Cheesecakes.

No matter how big the event, you’ll find our service impeccable and our food delectable.

Whether you need a small selection of light-bites for a casual cocktail party or a four-course dinner for 200, Copeland’s Catering will make your event extraordinary.

We also offer private banquet rooms for parties of up to 90.

S GREEN CORNER STORE

This adorable shop features locally made products and more. There’s also an old-fashioned soda fountain serving ice cream treats. 1423 Main St., 501-374-1111.

D HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM

STORE Located in the museum’s atrium, the Museum Store offers the best contemporary, Arkansas-made arts and crafts, as well as merchandise related to frontier Arkansas. Shop for pottery, quilts, baskets, books and more. 200 E. Third St., 501-324-9621.

Shackleford & I-430 • 501-312-1616 copelandsrestaurantlittlerock.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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WLRHOLLYWOOD&SPORTSMEMORABILIA Signed sports items. 10720 Rodney Parham Road, 501-219-0003.

American literature. Also a large selection of decorative art and quality conservation framing.1001 Wright Ave., 501-372-5824.

NLR WICKS & WAX GIFTS Much more than candles. 3513 JFK Blvd., 501-771-1568.

D MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL

D RIVER MARKET BOOKS & GIFTS

Bird feeders, fountains, bat houses, field guides and more. 1818 N. Taylor St., 501-666-4210.

CENTER STORE Offers a selection of adult and children’s books on African-American themes, and art, jewelry and more.

501 W. Ninth St., 501-683-3593.

Part of the Central Arkansas Library System, offering inexpensive books, as well as toys, seasonal items and gifts. Located in the Cox Creative Center, 120 River Market Ave., 501-918-3093.

S MOXY MODERN MERCANTILE

D SHOP THE ROCK Get your Little Rock souvenirs and find out what’s going on around town with one stop. As part of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, visitors can get maps and useful information on tours and things to do. Located outside River Market Hall, 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-537-7058.

A mix of modern and vintage home décor and gifts, along with gourmet food. 1419 S. Main St., 501-374-2474.

D THE MUSEUM STORE Choose from books, jewelry, toys and items by artists and artisans from around the state. Inside the Arkansas Arts Center. 501 E. Ninth St., 501-372-4000.

D OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM STORE

The store features a wide variety of items that enhance and interpret the museum’s exhibits, including historic collectibles and notable books relating to all aspects of Arkansas history. Also, browse their jewelry, artwork and souvenirs. 300 W. Markham St., 501-324-8653.

HC RHEA DRUG STORE

Whether a prescription to fill, personal item or gift for a friend, this Hillcrest institution has you covered.

2801 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-4131.

D PYRAMID ART, BOOKS & CUSTOM

FRAMING Browse this cozy literary cafe of all genre of African-

M TANGLEWOOD DRUG STORE

Independent drug store serving Little Rock for more than 50 years. Stop in for great gifts and collectibles.

6815 Cantrell Rd., 501-664-4444

D TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES Browse unique ethnic-inspired goods, including folk art, jewelry, toys and games, tableware, rugs and more at this store that provides fair trade income to people in third-world countries. 301 President Clinton Ave., 501-374-2776.

H TIPTON HURST

A floral store offering books, candles, gifts, seasonal and decorative items. 1801 N. Grant St., 501-666-3333.

H WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

H WORDSWORTH BOOKS

An independent bookstore offering a good selection of books. 5920 R St., 501-663-9198.

H YARN MART

All your knitting and needlepoint supplies under one roof. 5711 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-666-6505.

H YVES DELORME PARIS

Fine European linens, soaps and accessories for the home. 5717 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-7344.

HOME & FURNITURE R ABOUT VASE

Browse a variety of flowers or get a one-of-a-kind arrangement. 3400 Old Cantrell Road, 501-603-9200.

R BEAR-HILL INTERIORS

Upscale design services, furniture, lamps and home accessories. 1420 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-907-9272.

NLR BLAKE’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE A great selection of affordable furniture and more.

321 Main St., 501-375-2417.

PARK PLAZA 6000 W. Markham St. www.parkplazamall. com

PARK PLAZA

Located in the Midtown neighborhood, Park Plaza is Little Rock’s largest indoor mall. The mall offers Dillard’s flagship stores on each end, name-brand shops, a food court and more.

Here’s a list of some of Park Plaza’s shops:

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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH AERIE AEROPOSTALE ALDO AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS BANANA REPUBLIC THE BUCKLE CLAIRE’S THE CROWN SHOP DILLARD’S EDDIE BAUER EXPRESS FINISH LINE

FOOT LOCKER FOREVER 21 GAP GNC GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS GYMBOREE HOLLISTER CO. HOUNDSTOOTH CLOTHING ICING JOURNEYS JUSTICE KAY JEWELERS LANE BRYANT THE LIMITED NEW YORK & COMPANY PANDORA PAYLESS SEPHORA SPENCER GIFTS SUNGLASSES HUT TEAVANA THINGS REMEMBERED VANITY VICTORIA’S SECRET WET SEAL ZALES ZUMIEZ

Beautifully Immersed In Little Rock MCCAIN MALL

3929 McCain Blvd. www.simon.com/mall/mccain-mall

The Crowne Plaza is one of Little Rock’s most exceptional properties that offers an inviting place to work and relax.

Located in North Little Rock, this indoor mall features department stores, like Dillard’s, Sears and JC Penney, along with clothing and accessories shops and eateries. Here’s a few of the shops you’ll find: AERIE AEROPOSTALE AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS BATH & BODY WORKS THE BUCKLE CHAMPS CHARLOTTE RUSSE CLAIRE’S CRAZY 8 DILLARD’S EARTHBOUND TRADING CO. FINISH LINE FOOT LOCKER FRANCESCA’S GAMESTOP GNC GYMBOREE GORDON’S JEWELERS HALLMARK HOT TOPIC JC PENNEY JOURNEYS KAY JEWELERS LIDS THE LIMITED MAURICES MOTHERHOOD MATERNITY OLD NAVY PAUL’S SHOES PAYLESS ROGERS JEWELERS RUE 21 SEARS SHOE DEPT. SPENCER GIFTS SUNGLASSES HUT THINGS REMEMBERED TORRID VICTORIA’S SECRET WINDSOR ZALES ZUMIEZ

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH OUR EXEMPLARY SERVICE All guestrooms have: • 32” Flat Screen Television • Custom Lighted Desk with Closet • Pillow Top Mattress • Cordless Telephone • Voice Mail • CD/Clock Radio with MP3 Plug • Hair Dryer • Iron/Ironing Board • Lighted Magnifying, Makeup/Shaving Mirror Our Club Floor offers all the amenities of the Traditional rooms plus: • Private Keyed Floor • Turn Down Service • 2 Plush Terry Robes • Bottled Water • Additional Bathroom Amenities • Complimentary Breakfast and Hors D’oeuvres and Discounted Cocktails

THE PLACE TO MEET IN LITTLE ROCK

The Crowne Plaza Little Rock venue offers 11 meeting rooms for a total of 7600 square feet. Our meeting facilities can accommodate those needing a small workshop or seminar, as well as those looking to host a large banquet venue. Our eleven meeting rooms can be arranged to meet your business objectives.

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS AT 501.223.3000 201 SOUTH SHACKLEFORD, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72211 • WWW.CROWNEPLAZALITTLEROCK.COM

Thousands of fabrics. Tons of fun!

Little Rock’s “go-to” showplace.

• Bolts and bolts of designer fabrics IN STOCK • The most imaginative home decor and gifts.

• Put us on your “Must Visit” list.

1523 Rebsamen Park Rd | Riverdale Design District | Little Rock Phone 501-663-0460 | 10:00 - 5:30 Mon - Sat | cynthiaeastfabrics.com

Like Us

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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R BOTANICA GARDENS

From houseplants and planters to nursery items and gardening tools, this is a must-stop shop. 1601 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-614-3000.

H, WLR COBBLESTONE & VINE Fine furniture, linens, decorative gifts and accessories with a European flair. 5100 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-4988; 11525 Cantrell Road, 501-219-3676.

R C & F FLOORING AND RUG GALLERY

R CYNTHIA EAST FABRICS

This shop offers unique tiles, carpets and other floor coverings. 2206 Cantrell Road, 501-399-9909.

M CANTRELL FURNITURE AND DESIGN

CENTER Offering furniture, carpets and rugs, lighting and other home-related items. 7619 Cantrell Road, 501-225-0002.

S CLEMENT

Located inside Sweet Home Furnishings, this shop features artwork, furniture and accessories that have caught the eye of owner Chris Clement. 1324 Main St., 501-539-1473.

PLEASANT RIDGE TOWN CENTER

11525 Cantrell Road www.schickels.com This outdoor shopping center in West Little Rock features nationally known shops as well as locally owned boutiques and great restaurants.

BASSETT HOME FURNISHINGS BEEHIVE BELK BEYOND COTTON BUFFIE’S ALL THE RAGE COBBLESTONE & VINE COMING HOME INTERIORS CROCS THE DOG BOWL EMBELLISH INTERIORS FLEET FEET EASY RUNNER FORSYTHE’S LADIES APPAREL THE FRESH MARKET HALLMARK J. DUKE & CO. JEANTE KRISTIN TODD LAVENDER LEARNING EXPRESS M2 GALLERY MARSHALL CLEMENTS MERLE NORMAN PIGTAILS & CREWCUTS POUT POWDER & SMOKE THE RIDGE WINE & SPIRITS ROBERSON’S FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS SCARLET THE TOGGERY VANNESS INC. VESTA’S VIVID DESIGNS WARREN SHOES

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Select from a variety of upholstery, decorator and drapery fabrics and decorative accessories. 1523 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-663-0460.

R DISTINCTIVE KITCHENS AND BATHS

old and new furniture, vintage clothing and more.

304 Main St., 501-375-3375.

WLR GOOD EARTH GARDEN CENTER

A wonderful selection of plant and outdoor accessories. 15601 Cantrell Road, 501-868-4666.

M HADIDI ORIENTAL RUGS

Fine antique and new Oriental rugs and other floor coverings. 8116 Cantrell Road, 501-225-8999.

Offering custom-made kitchen and bath cabinets.

1414 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-666-7756.

H EGGSHELLS KITCHEN CO. Gourmet accessories and gadgets, cooking classes and gift baskets. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-6900.

HC HILLCREST INTERIORS

NLR GALAXY FURNITURE

A big selection of plants and garden accessories. 3612 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-8376.

One of places you don’t want to miss. A mixture of

MIDTOWNE LITTLE ROCK 201 University Ave. www.midtownelittlerock.com Midtowne is an outdoor shopping center, featuring popular national brands, along with some great restaurants. Here’s some of what you’ll find: BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES CHICO’S THE CHILDREN’S PLACE THE CONTAINER STORE FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS

THE PROMENADE AT CHENAL

17711 Chenal Parkway www.chenalshopping.com This outdoor shopping center in the Chenal neighborhood offers name-brand shops, local boutiques, top restaurants and a movie theater. Here’s a list of the shops that visitors will find: ALTAR’D STATE ANTHROPOLOGIE APPLE STORE BELLE & BLUSH CHARMING CHARLIE THE CHILDREN’S PLACE CRAZY 8 DESTINATION MATERNITY DSW

Design services as well as fine home furnishings, art and home accessories. 2907 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-3445.

HC HOCOTT’S GARDEN CENTER

J. JILL JAMES AVERY JOS A. BANK CLOTHIER JUSTICE LOFT POTTERY BARN SOMA INTIMATES ULTA VERSONA ACCESSORIES WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET WILLIAMS-SONOMA

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS INDIGO J. CREW JAMES EYECARE & OPTICS GALLERY JUST DOGS! GOURMET JUSTICE KENNETH EDWARDS FINE JEWELERS LOFT LULULEMON ATHLETICA NIKE FACTORY STORE PAUL’S SHOES RUNWAY SEVEN STRIPPAGGIO OLIVE OIL & VINEGAR SUNGLASS STATION TIPTON & HURST W BY AZWELL WARREN’S SHOES WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET

M KEN RASH’S CASUAL FURNITURE An outdoor living one-stop shop, featuring grills, furniture and other outdoor living accessories. 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-663-1818.

WLR KITCHEN & BATH CONCEPTS

For the latest in kitchen and bath. 9805 W. Markham St., 501-225-5221.

NLR KREBS BROTHERS Find all kinds of gourmet kitchen supplies, along with small appliances and more. 4310 Landers Road, 501-687-1331.

R LOUIE’S UNIQUE FRAMING & GALLERY

Offering custom framing, original artwork and prints.

1509 Mart Drive, 501-907-6240.

JEWELRY D BELLA VITA JEWELRY

Handcrafted jewelry by Brandy McNair, featuring vintage pieces transformed into unique artisan necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. 523 South Louisiana St., Ste. 175.

A fine store offering men’s and women’s distinctive jewelry. 10720 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-225-5068.

NLR ELLIS JEWELERS Specializing in fine jewelry, custom design and remounting. 2927 Lakewood Village Drive, 501753-7267.

D KYLE-ROCHELLE JEWELERS Fine jewelry and custom designs. 523 S. Louisiana St., 501-375-3335.

WLR MARTINOUS ORIENTAL RUGS

Luxurious jewelry store, featuring new and custommade pieces. 1825 N. Grant St., 501-663-0066.

H MASSIMO

An interior design firm with modern/transitional furniture, original artwork and other accessories. 5619 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-0355.

R MERTINS DYKE HOME

A furniture and home accessories store with it own unique flair. 1500 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-280-3200.

H C RONAGHI INTERNATIONAL RUG COMPANY Imported and collectible rugs. 2901 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-8885.

HC THE SHOPPES AT WOODLAWN

A collection of antique, home decor and art-related shops, all under one roof. 4523 Woodlawn Drive, 501-666-3600.

R SHADE ABOVE LIGHTING COLLECTION

Lamps, new or custom-made shades, and lamp and chandelier repair. 2208 Cantrell Road, 501-372-5267.

R THE SHOWROOM

Custom framing and a wide selection of prints, frames and original artwork. 2313 Cantrell Road, 501-372-7373.

S SWEET HOME FURNISHINGS

A favorite design resource offering antique and vintage furniture and other accessories. 1324 Main St., 501-296-9198.

Antique & Decorative Mall

WLR CECIL’S FINE JEWELRY

WLR, R MARSHALL CLEMENTS An interior design firm with European antiques, artwork and accessories. 1509 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-663-1828; 11525 Cantrell Road, 501-954-7900.

Fine antique and new Oriental rugs and other floor coverings. 1521 Macon Drive, 501-224-0313.

Fabulous Finds

H SISSY’S LOG CABIN

OTHER WLR BEDFORD CAMERA & VIDEO

Everything the shutterbug could ever desire. 11400 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-224-2020.

H CARNES AUDIO VISUAL

Audio/visual installation, design, sales and more.

5919 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-658-0932.

Selection Changing Daily

40+ Dealers

Voted Best by our customers!

501-614-8181

2905 CANTRELL ROAD TUES.- SAT. 10-6 & SUN. 12-5

Minutes from downtown Little Rock fabulousfindsantiques.com

H DOGGY DADDY

Gourmet pet food and treats, along with toys and anything else you pet needs. 5914 R St., 501-664-3649.

NLR JONES BROTHERS POOL TABLES Offering a wide selection of pool tables and accessories. 309 W. Broadway St., 501-372-0168.

C OZARK ANGLER

Specializing in clothing, equipment and other gear for fly fishing. 12305 Chenal Parkway, 501-225-6504.

S PIANO KRAFT

Pianos, keyboards, organs and sheet music available. 1222 S. Main St., 501-372-1446.

S ROSEN MUSIC

A variety of instruments, restorations and private lessons. 1214 Main St., 501-666-0814. n

Frances Flower Shop

In downtown Little Rock two blocks from the State Capitol.

We send flowers worldwide through Teleflora.

1222 WEST CAPITOL LITTLE ROCK • 501.372.2203 FRANCESFLOWERSHOP.COM

R URBAN PAD

Chic, trendy home furnishings and accessories. 3513 Old Cantrell Road, 501-664-4202.

M WINDOW WORKS For all your window treatments. Just off Cantrell Road. 2410 Glover St., 501-219-1500.

NLR THOMASON’S FURNITURE Classic selections of furniture and more. 315 Main St., 501-374-2560.

H WHITE GOAT

Amazing collection of European furniture, accessories and original art. 5624 R St., 501-603-9460.

Largest Showroom in Arkansas 8116 Cantrell Road (across from Pavilion in the Park) Little Rock • 501.225.8999 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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ART GALLERIES AND ANTIQUE SHOPS CANTRELL GALLERY 8206 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72227 501-224-1335 www.cantrellgallery.com

Cantrell Gallery – Longest running gallery in Central Arkansas, featuring art & gift items by over 30 local/ regional artists, plus art by nationally & internationally known artists.

Helen, Clarke and Cindy

GALLERY 26

2601 Kavanaugh Suite #1 501-664-8996 www.gallery26.com Custom and do-it-yourself framing.

Paintings, glass, pottery and jewlery by local and regional artists. Open Tuesday Saturday. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GALLERY 221

221 W. 2nd St, Suite 102, Little Rock, AR 72201 • 501-801-0211 Mon. - Fri. 11am-6pm and Sat. 11am - 4pm, or by appointment Gallery 221 has original paintings, drawings & sculptures by a talented & visually diverse group of local, national & international artists. Included are works by art icon Gino Hollander, along with one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry, striking artistic couture & nature-inspired wearable art. In addition to the main gallery, take a private tour of our 2nd floor which includes the Art Collector’s Gallery & the Gino Hollander Gallery. Arkansas’ most innovative retail fine art venue, Gallery 221 is a destination gallery for art enthusiasts at all price points.

HEARNE FINE ART EST. 1988 1001 Wright Ave, Suite C Little Rock, AR 72206 501-372-6822 www.hearnefineart.com

The Foremost Collection of 20th & 21st Century African American Art

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Old Masters, Local, Regional & National Artists Represented

Grace Mikell Ramsey

Mediums: •Acrylic •Bronze Sculpture •Fiber •Fired Clay •Graphite •Oil •Pastel •Silverpoint •Watercolor

Little Rock • Miami 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock, AR 72207 tel. 501-664-0030 www.boswellmourot.com

"ICE" Artist: Chukes VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK •Clay, 2016 23 x 13 x 11

BOSWELL MOUROT FINE ART

Fine Art from local, regional and international artists for the emerging and established collector.

FABULOUS FINDS

ANTIQUE & DECORATIVE MALL 2905 Cantrell Road 501-614-8181 TUES.- Sat. 10-6 & Sun. 12-5 Selection Changing Daily 40+ Dealers Voted Best by our customers!

ELLEN GOLDEN ANTIQUES 5701 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock 501-664-7746

Offering large selection of fabrics, fabrication and upholstery available to the public.

New manager/Designer Kelli Wilson

LOUIE’S UNIQUE FRAMING & GALLERY 1509 Mart Drive Little Rock, AR 72202 501-907-6240 Custom Framing from 24K Gold Leaf to Simple Black Shadowboxes also available International & Local Art

MID-TOWNE ANTIQUE MALL

105 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock 501-223-3600 MidtownAntiqueMall.com Voted Best of the Best, Mid-Towne Antique Mall is packed with 26,000 square feet of new and antique home furnishings, crystal, silver, original art, rugs, home décor, vintage clothing, books, estate and new jewelry and collectibles. The addition to Mid-Towne is called The Gallery which is now open and features more beautiful furnishings complete with The Parkhill Collection, vintage and re-purposed pieces, chalk paint and more!

Rare and unique finds to suit everyone on your gift list!

All major credit cards are accepted as well as layaway.

Open Monday-Saturday 10:00-6:00 and Sunday 1:005:00. We are conveniently located at the intersection of Markham and Rodney Parham(next to PC Lighting and Hardware and The Tile Shop). Visit our website MidtownAntiqueMall.com. Find us on Facebook.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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Dining Guide IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS, THERE IS AN ABUNDANCE OF GREAT RESTAURANTS, BOTH CASUAL AND UPSCALE. WHILE VISITING, BE SURE TO SAMPLE SOUTHERN COMFORT FOODS AND OUR GREAT BARBECUE JOINTS. BUT, DON’T FORGET ABOUT ALL THE DELICIOUS MEXICAN, ASIAN, ITALIAN AND OTHER ETHNIC CUISINES AVAILABLE IN THE CAPITAL CITY. CENTRAL ARKANSAS IS ALSO HOME TO SOME DELECTABLE BAKERIES, SO SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT. TVs, burgers, steaks, soups and bar snacks. 225 E. Markham St., 501-324-2449.

AMERICAN WLR 1620 SAVOY This west Little Rock upscale bistro features a variety of quality menu items: steaks, chops, fresh seafood and salads. 1620 Market St., 501-221-1620.

WLR BLACK ANGUS Burgers and steaks are what this Little Rock institution is known for. 10907 N. Rodney Parham. 228-7800 RBRAVE NEW RESTAURANT Consistently voted one of the best restaurants in town by local customer choice polls, this spot features an assortment of sandwiches, entrees and desserts using the freshest ingredients. Great patio seating when the weather is nice. 2300 Cottondale Lane, 501-663-2677.

D 4 SQUARE GIFTS Located in the River Market district, this is a small deli featuring vegetarian fare: sandwiches, soups, salads and wraps. 405 President Clinton Ave., 501-244-2622.

H C THE AFTERTHOUGHT BISTRO & BAR This neighborhood bar and lounge serves Southern-style bistro fare, and weekend brunch. Several nights a week, there is live music: jazz, blues, R&B, rock and more. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-1196.

C BOBBY’S COUNTRY COOKIN’ Plate lunches with chicken fried steak and fried chicken, pie by the slice and other great home-cooked dishes. 301 N. Shackleford Rd., 501-224-9500.

WLR BONEFISH GRILL This Florida-based chain offers several types of fish, along with shrimp, mussels, scallops, meat and chicken. A slice of key lime pie is the perfect finish. 11525 Cantrell Road, 501-228-0356.

Buffalo Grill C ALLEY OOPS Serving comfort food, like homemade soups, quiches, desserts and plate lunches, this neighborhood spot is a must-visit.

11900 Kanis Rd., 501-221-9400.

D ANDINA CAFE AND ROASTERY Serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and snacks, this café is a mainstay in downtown Little Rock. Coffee beans are roasted locally and the food is homemade. 433 East 3rd St., 501-376-2326.

M APPLE SPICE JUNCTION This chain sandwich and salad eatery has a casual eat-in space, as well as a box lunch catering service. 2000 S. University Ave., 501-663-7008.

M ARKANSAS BURGER CO. Some of the best burgers and fries in town are served at this locally own spot. Shakes, salads and other menu items are also available. 7410 Cantrell Rd., 501-663-0600.

C ARTHUR’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE Steak, including dry aged prime beef and Japanese Kobe, is the main feature here. Seafood and an extensive list of appetizers and desserts are also offered. 27 Rahling Cir., 501-821-1838.

C ATHLETIC CLUB BAR & GRILL Located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel and features several big screens showing whatever sport is in season. Food

BRIAN CHILSON

M ALL ABOARD RESTAURANT AND GRILL At this family restaurant, trains serve up breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Trains run on a small network of tracks near the ceiling. 6813 Cantrell Rd., 501-975-7401.

choices include burgers, salads, sandwiches and the like. 11303 Financial Center Parkway, 501-312-9000.

D AT THE CORNER Modern diner serving breakfast (we love the “Up and @ ‘Em plate) and lunch, including soups, salads, sandwiches and some seriously gourmet hot dogs. 201 E. Markham St., 501-400-8458.

WLR BAR LOUIE This chain features an array of cocktails, appetizers, salads, sandwiches and more.

Karoke, sports on big screens and other events are regular happenings here. 11525 Cantrell Rd.; 501-228-0444.

D BEST IMPRESSIONS The Arkansas Arts Center’s café features lunch, brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and other special events. The menu features a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta and desserts. 501 E. Ninth St., 501-907-5946.

C, M BIG ORANGE With a new location in Midtown, this is the go-to spot for burgers, fries and signature milkshakes. Salads, chicken sandwiches and cocktails are also some of the best around. 17809 Chenal Pkwy., 501-821-1515; 207 N. University Ave., 501-379-8715.

D BIG WHISKEY’S AMERICAN BAR & GRILL Located in the River Market district, this is a great after-work hangout and tourist stop. Full bar, flat-screen

D BOOKENDS CAFE Part of the Central Arkansas Library System and located inside the Cox Creative Center, this is a great spot to enjoy lunch or coffee while enjoying book or reading the newspaper. Pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads are also available. 120 River Market Ave., 501-918-3091.

D, S, H, M BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Fresh, tasty breads and pastries, and a wide selection of sandwiches, soups, cheeses, meats and side dishes. Good coffee, too. 400 President Clinton Ave., River Market, 501374-1232; 1920 N. Grant St., 501-663-5951; 4301 W. Markham St., 501-526-6661 (inside UAMS); 1417 S. Main St., 501-375-5100.

R BUFFALO GRILL This family-friendly spot in Riverdale features cheeseburgers, hand-cut fries, nachos, chili dogs and lots more. The large back patio is great for when the weather is nice. 1611 Rebsamen Park Road. 296-9535 H BURGE’S TURKEYS AND HAMS Since 1962, they have been serving smoked turkeys and hams.

Stop in for a turkey salad sandwich, catfish plates or fried pies. 5620 R St., 501-666-1660.

C BUTCHER SHOP Open since 1981, this steak house is popular among locals. Choose a steak and let the pros cook it. 10825 Hermitage Rd., 501-312-2748.

D CACHE Upscale and modern, this is one of Little Rock’s newest restaurants. This is the place to see and be seen. Lunch offerings include delicious (and inex-

NEIGHBORHOOD KEY: D Downtown; S SoMa; HC Hillcrest; H Heights; M Midtown; R Riverdale; W West Little Rock; C Chenal; NLR North Little Rock; SWLR Southwest Little Rock 80

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

pensive) burgers, salads and sandwiches. Dinnertime features inspired meat and fish entrees. 425 President Clinton Ave., 501-850-0265.

NO SKINNSY! STEAK

C CAFÉ BRUNELLE Located at the Promenade at Chenal, this café offers deli-style sandwiches, soups and salads, pastries, specialty coffees and more. 17711 Chenal Pkwy.

C CAFÉ 201 This west Little Rock restaurant, located inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, including steaks, coffee and more.

201 S. Shackleford Rd., 501-223-3000.

day–Saturday

Piano Bar Tues e Bar Martini & Win

D CAFÉ@HEIFER Located inside Heifer Village, this bright little café serves soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas, using locally sourced ingredients. 1 World Ave., 501-907-8800.

R CAJUN’S WHARF The home of fresh seafood, steaks, drinks and nightly live music and entertainment.

2400 Cantrell Rd., 501-375-5351.

ass ine • 35 By The Gl 335 Selections Of W ld or W e Th ss ro Fine Spirits From Ac nd la ot Sc Of ery Region Scotch List From Ev bons 6 Single-Barrel Bour

D CAMP DAVID Inside the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and themed buffets in a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Asian, Mexican and Sothern. 600 Interstate 30, 501-975-2267.

WLR CAPERS Open for lunch, dinner and Saturday brunch, this cozy restaurant has a lot to offer: hearty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, seafood and more.

14502 Cantrell Road, 501-868-7600.

D CAPITAL BAR & GRILL Located inside the Capital Hotel, this trendy bar serves up specialty cocktails, daily lunch specials and gourmet, Southern-style fare, like pimento cheese and crackers and banana pudding. 111 W. Markham St., 501-370-7013.

H CHEERS IN THE HEIGHTS This intimate neighborhood spot offers burgers, sandwiches, fish specials, steaks and more. 2010 N. Van Buren St., 501-663-5937.

In The River Market District • 501.324.2999 sonnywilliamssteakroom.com

NLR COCK OF THE WALK Catfish, hush puppies and all the fixings are the stars at this down-home family restaurant. Servers even toss cornbread from the skillet right at your table. 7103 Cock of the Walk Lane, 501-758-7182.

S, C COMMUNITY BAKERY This popular downtown bakery is a great place to sip coffee, sample one of their delicious pastries and read the newspaper. Lunchtime offers an array of sandwiches and daily soups. There is also a small location in the western part of the city.

1200 Main St., 501-375-7105; 270 S. Shackleford Road, 501-224-1656.

C COPELAND’S The restaurant chain offers large portions of red beans and rice, steaks, crab, shrimp, fish and desserts. 2602 S. Shackleford Road, 501-312-1616.

D COPPER GRILL Located in one of downtown’s chicest condo towers, this modern restaurant serves up grilled meats and fish, big salads and lots more. The restaurant also features a gorgeous outside patio. 300 E. Third St., 501-375-3333.

NLR CRUSH WINE BAR Wine, beer, snacks and special events are the main attraction. 318 N. Main St., 501-374-9463.

D DAVE’S PLACE Open for lunch five days a week and dinner on Fridays, this downtown spot serves delicious soups, salads and sandwiches, along with daily specials. Friday nights feature an ever-changing menu in a variety of cuisines and live jazz. 210 Center St., 501-372-3283.

C, M, NLR DAVID’S BURGERS This locally owned family restaurant serves fresh burgers, fries and frozen custard. Its newest location is in Park Plaza Mall. 6000 S. University Ave.; 101 S. Bowman Road, 501-227-8333; 3510 Landers Road (NLR), 501-353-0387.

WLR DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, including a variety of sandwiches, salads, homemade soups and great desserts. 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-225-6893.

D DEMPSEY BAKERY This bakery serves up glutenfree, soy-free, vegan and nut-free breads, pastries and desserts. Daily sandwiches and soups are also available.

323 S. Cross St., 501-375-2257.

D DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO This is a downtown favorite for its extensive menu, delicious cheese dip and refreshing cocktails. The patio is a relaxing spot.

MONDAY ☞ $2 TACOS & TECATE TUESDAY ☞ KIDS EAT FREE with adult purchase

THURSDAY ☞ LADIES NIGHT MONDAY-FRIDAY ☞ HAPPY HOUR 2-6PM Promotions subject to change

11610 Pleasant Ridge Rd. • Suite 110 • Little Rock • 501-225-1300 2513 McCain Blvd. • North Little Rock • 501-753-9800 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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200 River Market Ave., 501-375-3500.

D DOE’S EAT PLACE Huge steaks, tamales and burgers are popular menu items at this downtown staple. 1023 W. Markham St., 501-376-1195.

R FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu is wellknown for its steaks, soaked salads and po’ boys, along with burgers and more. 1619 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-663-9734.

D FLYING FISH Fried catfish, oysters and shrimp, as well as crab legs, po’ boys and lots of grilled options.

511 President Clinton Ave., 501-375-3474.

D FORTY TWO This is the Clinton Presidential Center’s restaurant and has daily specials, salads, entrees, soups and sandwiches. 1200 President Clinton Ave., 501-537-0042.

D FLYING SAUCER This popular River Market joint features dozens of beer on tap, along with delicious

Rock location last year. As its name suggests, fried chicken is the main attraction, along with sides like greens, baked beans and mac and cheese. A second location in west Little Rock is now open. 300 President Clinton Ave., Suite D, 501-372-2211.

classic comes in a variety of styles, with slow-roasted pork, grilled chicken, ham or just plain cheese. A build-your-own option is also available, as is a glazed donut grilled cheese for dessert. 14524 Cantrell Road, 501-367-8082.

HC HILLCREST ARTISAN MEATS This butcher shop serves some of the best sandwiches in town, along with daily soups and evening take-home dinners. Much of what it serves is locally sourced. 2807 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite B., 501-671-6328.

NLR MARK TWAIN RIVERBOAT This delightful two-hour cruise features Southern cuisine, with amazing river views. 100 E. Riverfront Park Drive, 501-372-5777.

WLR HOMER’S WEST Southern home-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as burgers, sandwiches and salads. 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-224-6637.

NLR IRA’S PARK HILL GRILL Formerly E’s Bistro, Ira’s serves a well-edited menu for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, using local ingredients whenever possible. The bar is an equally welcomed addition to this formerly dry neighborhood. 3812 JFK Blvd., 501-771-6900.

C MARKHAM STREET GRILL & PUB The menu has something for everyone: burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, steaks, fish, shrimp, scallops, daily lunch specials daily and more. 11321 W. Markham St., 501-224-2010.

D MASON’S DELI Sandwiches, burgers and desserts. Located inside River Market Hall in downtown Little Rock. 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-376-3354.

C, NLR McALISTERS DELI Hefty sandwiches made from quality meats and cheeses. Try a glass of their “Sweet Tea.” 4842 N. Hills Blvd., 501-812-6920; 12019 Westhaven Dr., 501-228-7727.

C MILFORD TRACK Healthy and tasty are the key words at this deli and grill, featuring hot entrees, soups, sandwiches, salads and killer desserts. 10809 Executive Center Drive, Plaza 2, 501-223-2257.

N LR MUGS CAFÉ This Argenta neighborhood hangout and coffee bar is open for breakfast and lunch: Delicious sandwiches, specials, all-day breakfast foods and $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes are common on Saturday mornings. 515 Main St. (NLR), 501-379-9101.

D NATCHEZ This bistro serves reinvented Southern cuisine, using local. The menu is seasonal. 4th and Center Streets, 501-372-1167.

C OCEANS AT ARTHUR’S Serving fresh seafood, oysters and seafood in Chenal. 27 Rahling Circle, 501-821-1838.

C OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO. CAFÉ The popular take-out bakery has an eat-in restaurant with simple and good sandwiches, along with soups, salads and cookies. 12111 W. Markham St., 501-228-4677.

D , WLR FRANKE’S CAFETERIA A Little Rock staple since 1919, Franke’s Cafeteria offers plate lunches, with salads and vegetables, and desserts, like egg custard pie. The downtown location is inside the Regions Bank building. 400 Broadway St., 501-372-1919; 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-225-4487.

NLR GADWALL’S GRILL This causal family eatery offers burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, chili and lots more.

7311 N. Hills Blvd., 501-834-1840.

D GARDEN SQUARE CAFÉ & GROCERY Vegetarian options, along with smoothies, coffee and sweet treats located inside the River Market Hall in downtown Little Rock. A small grocery store features a few basics. 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-244-2622.

M JIMMY’S SERIOUS SANDWICHES For more than 30 years, this sandwich shop has been serving some of the best in town, along with sides and desserts. Local favorites include the Chicken Salad and the Garden.

Open for lunch. 5116 W. Markham St., 501-666-3354.

M JOUBERT’S TAVERN This pool hall and bar features beers, snacks and more. 7303 W. 12th St., 501-664-9953.

C KRAZY MIKES SHRIMP N WINGS Shrimp, wings, catfish, ribs, po’ boys, gumbo and lots more, the choices are tasty, fresh and homemade. 200 Bowman Road, 501-907-6453.

R LOCA LUNA Gourmet plate lunches, along with pastas, delicious entrees, salads, sandwiches and brickoven pizzas. Serves Sunday brunch. 3519 Old Cantrell Road, 501-663-4666.

D GREEN LEAF GRILL Located in the Blue Cross Blue Shield building, this lunchtime eatery features a salad bar, burgers and lots more. 601 S. Gaines St., 501-378-2521.

R MADDIE’S PLACE A broad selection of CajunCreole staples: po’ boys, chicken-andouille gumbo, oysters, pulled pork nachos, mac and cheese and other delicious items. 1615 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-660-4040.

D GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN This well-known Memphis joint opened its first Little

C THE MAIN CHEESE This new Little Rock spot is dedicated to a single comfort food: grilled cheese. This

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M OZARK COUNTRY RESTAURANT Great biscuits and gravy, bacon, home-style potatoes, weekend brunch and a daily plate lunch special. 202 Keightley Drive, 501-663-7319.

D PLAZA GRILLE & BAR Heaping breakfast and lunch buffets offer hot, fresh foods at this lobby restaurant at the Doubletree hotel in downtown Little Rock.

424 W. Markham St., 501-372-4371.

Ira’s Park Hill Grill salads, sandwiches, quesadillas and bratwurst. 323 President Clinton Ave., 501-372-7468.

BRIAN CHILSON

HC OYSTER BAR Crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell, po’ boys, gumbo, red beans and rice, and lots more.

3003 W. Markham St., 501-666-7100.

C, M PURPLE COW Burgers, fries and milkshakes served up ‘50s-style, family-friendly atmosphere. Be sure to try a signature purple milkshake. 11602 Chenal Parkway, 501-224-4433; 8026 Cantrell Road, 501-221-3555.

R RED DOOR Open for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, this neighborhood favorite features sophisticated modern Southern cuisine. 3701 Cantrell Road, 501-666-8482.

NLR RENO’S ARGENTA CAFÉ A tasty variety of appetizers, sandwiches, wraps and specialty pizzas. Daily drink and food specials. 312 Main St., 501-376-2900.

NLR RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Located inside the Wyndham Riverfront in North Little Rock, this restaurant serves several cuts of steak, an assortment of sides and other items such as crab cakes, shrimp, chicken and lobster. 2 Riverfront Place, 501-375-7825.

D RIVERSHORE EATERY Located in River Market Hall in downtown Little Rock, this eatery features pizza, salad, sandwiches, wings, nachos and ice cream. 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-244-2326.

S THE ROOT CAFÉ Open for breakfast and lunch, the Root serves soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and desserts, mostly using seasonal local ingredients.

It has one of the best burgers in town. 1500 S. Main St., 501-414-0423.

M SALUT! BISTRO Salut recently revamped its menu with an eclectic array of sandwiches, antipasti and more. Plus, it’s open late, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., on Fridays and Saturdays, with an assortment of cocktails and bar bites. 1501 N. University Ave., 501-660-4200.

D SAMANTHA’S TAP ROOM & WOOD GRILL An eclectic, reasonably priced menu has something for just about everyone. Excellent selection of wines on tap and beers on tap. 322 Main St. 501-379-8019.

D SAY MCINTOSH RESTAURANT AND SWEET POTATO PIE FACTORY This family restaurant serves up barbecue, soul food and lots of pie. 2801 W. Seventh St., 501-812-3911.

H SCALLIONS This is a solid lunch spot, with great soups, salads and sandwiches, and breakfast has recently been added to the menu. 5110 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-666-6468.

M, WLR SLIM CHICKENS This Arkansas-based chain offers chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, chicken salads and other quick bites. 4500 W. Markham St., 501-907-0111; 301 N. Shackleford Road, 501-954-9999.

HC SO RESTAURANT-BAR This bistro serves fresh seafood, meats, salads, sandwiches and an extensive wine list. 3610 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-1464.

D SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM Steaks, chicken and seafood in a wonderful setting in the River Market. Steaks are top-of-the-line, and the wine list is excellent. 500 President Clinton Ave., 501-324-2999.

S SOUTH ON MAIN This gourmet, Southern-style restaurant is a project of the Oxford American and one of the most popular new restaurants in Little Rock. The menu changes seasonally, but you’ll always find an assortment of Southern specialties, like fried chicken livers, boiled peanuts and catfish. 1304 Main St., 501-244-9660.

LITTLE ROCK’S MOST AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANT 1619 REBSAMEN RD. 501.663.9734 • thefadedrose.com

D SPORTS PAGE Great burgers, grilled sandwiches and lunch specials. 414 Louisiana St., 501-372-1642.

D STICKYZ ROCK ’N’ ROLL CHICKEN SHACK Chicken fingers in a variety of flavors with a wide selection of dipping sauces, plus sandwiches and burgers in a fun setting for happy hour gatherings or live music.

107 River Market Ave., 501-372-7707.

D SWEET SOUL Southern comfort food with a menu that changes daily. Located in the River Market Hall.

400 President Clinton Ave., 501-291-9996.

WLR TABLE 28 Featuring new American cuisine, this new Little Rock restaurant is located inside the Burgundy Hotel. The menu offers small bites, seafood, venison, lamb and more. 1501 Merrill Drive, 501-215-5209.

C THE TAVERN SPORTS GRILL Located at the Promenade at Chenal, the Tavern is a great place to enjoy sports and great food. 17815 Chenal Parkway, 501-830-2100.

R TOWN PUMP Daily soup specials at lunch and a dependable burger, plus tasty bar food. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-663-9802.

Seafood • Pasta • Steak • Soup Salads • Grill • Sandwiches • Specialty full bar •

M TRIO’S This restaurant is open for lunch, Sunday brunch and dinner, and serves favorite recipes from a bygone Little Rock hotel and combines it with experimental fusion cooking and choice ingredients.

Stand-out menu items include the Peck Special salad, Trio’s chicken salad, shrimp enchiladas and voodoo pasta. 8201 Cantrell Road. 221-3330 D THE VEG Serving vegan and vegetarian fare, including quesadillas, veggie burgers and more. Located in the River Market Hall. 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-838-3634.

C WEST END SMOKEHOUSE & TAVERN Its primary focus is a sports bar with 50-plus TVs, but also features dinner entrees and bar food. 215 N. Shackleford Road, 501-224-7665.

D WILLY D’S ROCK & ROLL PIANO BAR Serves up a delicious dinner of pastas and salads as a lead-in to its nightly sing-along piano show. 322 President Clinton Ave., 501-244-9550.

Home of

G Y P SY B I ST R O

LIVE MUSIC!

501.375.3500

Campy, funky and interactive, Dizzy’s is a refreshingly engaging blend of unique, from scratch internationaland southern comfort foods, craft beer, world wines,art and music.

2011/2012/2013/2014

200 S. RIVER MARKET AVE, STE. 150 OPEN TUES-SAT 11-9 WEEKDAYS 11-10 WEEKENDS VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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D YOUR MAMA’S GOOD FOOD Offering downhome Southern comfort food cafeteria style, along with burgers and more. Daily specials are available. Open for breakfast and lunch. 215 Center St., 501-372-1811.

D ZIN URBAN WINE & BEER BAR A wide selection of wines from around the globe, as well as snacks like cheeses, meats and other small plates. 300 River Market Ave., 501-246-4876.

ASIAN

C A.W. LIN’S ASIAN CUISINE This Chinese and Japanese restaurant at the Promenade at Chenal serves sushi and other classic Asian dishes with a modern twist.

17717 Chenal Parkway, 501-821-5398.

D BANGKOK THAI CUISINE Get all the staple Thai dishes at this River Market vendor. 400 President Clinton Ave., River Market. 501-374-5105.

NLR BENIHANA—THE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Enjoy the cooking show, make sure you get a little filet with your meal and do plenty of dunking in that fabulous ginger sauce. All-you-can eat sushi

years, featuring Asian cuisine favorites. 200 N. Bowman Road, 501-225-8989.

D HANAROO SUSHI BAR One of the few sushi spots in downtown Little Rock, serving an expansive menu. 205 W. Capitol Ave., 501-301-7900.

WLR IGIBON Sushi, bento boxes, tempura shrimp and lots more. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-217-8888.

HC KBIRD Delicious, authentic Thai. Lunch and dinner. 600 N. Tyler, 501-352-3549.

C KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Hibachis, sushi and lots more. 11401 Financial Center Parkway, 501-225-5999.

WLR LILLY’S DIM SUM THEN SOME Delectable Asian comfort food—fried or steamed dumplings and more in a variety of presentations. 11121 Rodney Parham Road, 501-716-2700.

SWLR MIKE’S CAFÉ With an extensive menu of Chinese and Vietnamese favorites, Mike’s also features pool tables. 5501 Asher Ave., 501-562-1515.

Shackleford Road, 501-221-7070.

R SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR The chefs will dazzle you, as will the variety of tasty stir-fry combinations and the sushi bar.

2815 Cantrell Road, 501-666-7070.

WLR SKY MODERN JAPANESE RESTAURANT Enjoy modern Japanese cuisine at this sushi bar, hibachi bar and drink bar all rolled into one. 11525 Cantrell Road, 501-224-4300.

D THE SOUTHERN GOURMASIAN Delicious Southern-Asian fusion. We crave the pork buns. Made the transition from food truck to brick-and-mortar in 2015 to rave reviews. 219 West Capitol, 501-313-5645.

H SUSHI CAFE Impressive, upscale sushi menu with other delectable house specialties like tuna tataki, Kobe beef and the Toyko cowboy burger. 5823 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-9888.

D THREE FOLD NOODLES AND DUMPLING CO. Authentic Chinese noodles, buns and dumplings.

With vegetarian options. 215 Center St., 501-372-1739.

C TOKYO HOUSE Sushi and seafood buffet, offering a variety of Japanese favorites. 11 Shackleford Drive, 501-219-4286.

D WASABI Downtown sushi and Japanese cuisine.

For lunch, there’s quick and hearty Sushi samplers.

101 Main St., 501-374-0777.

BARBECUE WLR CHIP’S BARBECUE Since 1961, this tasty barbecue joint has featured sandwiches piled high and generously doused with tangy sauce. 9801 W. Markham St., 501-225-4346.

R CROSS-EYED PIG Huge portions of marvelous barbecue, including amazingly tender pulled-pork; lean-and-meaty, fall-off-the-bone ribs; and crustybrown, juicy half-chickens. 1701 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-265-0000.

SWLR HB’S BBQ Great slabs of meat with a vinegar-based barbecue sauce, but ribs are served on Tuesday only. Other days, try the tasty pork sandwich. 6010 Lancaster. 501-565-1930.

BRIAN CHILSON

NLR LINDSEY’S HOSPITALITY HOUSE A local headliner, serving melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats, large sides and great fried pies since 1956.

207 Curtis Sykes Drive, 501-374-5707.

Whole Hog Café specials. 2 Riverfront Plaza, 501-374-8081.

D BIG ON TOKYO Japanese rice bowls with vegetables, chicken, beef, pork, egg rolls and other choices. 400 President Clinton Ave., River Market, 501-375-6200.

C CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE Offers a huge menu of Chinese favorites, along with a few twists on the usual local offerings, plus there’s authentic Hong Kong dim sum. 17200 Chenal Parkway, 501-821-8000.

C CHI’S DIM SUM & BISTRO A huge menu that, plus there’s authentic Hong Kong dim sum. 6 Shackleford Drive, 501-221-7737.

R CHI’S ASIAN CAFÉ This spot features pan-Asian cuisine, including Thai, Japanese and traditional Chinese family recipes. 3421 Old Cantrell Road, 501-916-9973.

M CHI’S TOO This casual spot offers all kinds of Chinese favorites. 5110 W. Markham St. 604-7777 H FANTASTIC CHINA Fresh and delicious food served in a vibrant atmosphere. 1900 N. Grant St., 501-663-8999.

WLR FAR EAST ASIAN CUISINE & BAR Asian traditional favorites like sweet and sour chicken and pepper beef steak. 11610 Pleasant Ridge Road, 501-219-9399.

C FU LIN A tradition in Little Rock that spans many

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SWLR MR. CHEN’S AUTHENTIC CHINESE RESTAURANT Open for lunch and dinner, this spot features an array of traditional Chinese dishes.

Lunch specials are also available. 3901 S. University Ave., 501-562-7900.

WLR MT. FUJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this is one of Little Rock’s most popular sushi spots. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-227-6498.

NLR NEW CHINA RESTAURANT Traditional Chinese fare served up buffet style. 4617 JFK Blvd., 501-753-8988.

H OISHI HIBACHI AND THAI CUISINE Tasty Thai and hibachi from the Chi family. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-603-0080.

D NEW FUN REE Reliable staples, plenty of hot and spicy options and dependable delivery. 418 W. Seventh St., 501-664-6657.

C PHO THANH MY Vietnamese restaurant serving traditional soups and rolls. 302 N. Shackleford Road, 501-312-7498.

C SEKISUI Fresh-tasting sushi, Japanese traditional or the fun hibachi-style, and an assortment of entrees.

Nice wine selection, sake and specialty drinks. 219 N.

SWLR, M, D SIMS BAR-B-QUE Good spare ribs, sandwiches, beef, half and whole chicken and an addictive vinegar-mustard-brown sugar sauce unique for this part of the country. 1307 John Barrow Road, 501-224-2057; 7601 Geyer Springs Road, 501-562-8844; 2415 Broadway St., 501-372-6868.

WLR TERRI-LYNN’S BAR-B-Q & DELI High-quality meats served on large sandwiches and lots more. 10102 N. Rodeny Parham Road, 501-227-6371.

NLR WHITE PIG INN Go for the sliced rather than chopped meats at this barbecue cafe. Side orders—from fries and potato salad to beans and slaw—are all superb.

Don’t forget to grab a fried pie. 5231 E. Broadway St., 501-945-5551.

C, R, NLR WHOLE HOG CAFÉ The pulled pork shoulder is a classic, the back ribs are worthy of their many blue ribbons and there’s a six-pack of sauces for every taste. A real find is the beef brisket, cooked the way Texans like it. 12111 W. Markham St., 501-907-6124; 2516 Cantrell Road, 501-664-5025; 5107 Warden Road, 501-753-9227.

EUROPEAN/ETHNIC HC CAFE BOSSA NOVA This café offers a mouthwatering array of traditional Brazilian café house cuisine, including their signature cheese bread, black beans and rice, and beef, fish, chicken and vegan entrees.

Great coffee and desserts, too. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-614-6682.

HC CIAO BACI The focus is on fine dining in this casually elegant Hillcrest bungalow, and many come

for the comfortable lounge that serving specialty drinks.

605 N. Beechwood St., 501-603-0238.

NLR CREGEEN’S IRISH PUB Good, hearty Irish fare in a pub setting, along with great burgers and fries.

301 Main St., 501-376-7468.

D DUGAN’S PUB The atmosphere is great, complete with plenty of bar seating and tables. Enjoy delicious traditional American and Irish fare. 401 E. Third St., 501-244-0542.

WLR HIBERNIA IRISH TAVERN A traditional Irish-style pub serving Irish and Southern food favorites and a broad beverage menu. 9700 Rodney Parham Road, 501-246-4340.

WLR ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT This Turkish eatery offers tasty kebabs and great starters. Possibly the best Turkish coffee in central Arkansas. 11525 Cantrell Road, 501-223-9332.

M, C LAYLA’S GYROS AND PIZZERIA Delicious Mediterranean fare—gyros, falafel, shawarma, kabobs, hummus and baba ganoush—that has a devoted following.

9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-2277272; 8201 Ranch Blvd., 501-868-8226.

ownership and locations several times over the years.

It has been a hit with locals for traditional dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara, Manicotti and Linguine with Clam Sauce, along with antipasti, calzones and hand-thrown pizzas. 310 Main St., 501-372-7866.

and appetizers. Gluten-free pizza is also available. 16103 Chenal Parkway, 501-379-9157.

H CAFE PREGO Dependable entrées of pasta and the like, plus great sauces, fresh mixed greens and delicious dressings, crisp-crunchy-cold gazpacho and tempting desserts in a comfy bistro setting. 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-5355.

D PIRO BRICK OVEN AND BARROOM The South Main neighborhood’s renaissance continues with Piro, an upscale pizza joint that also features sandwiches and unique appetizers (think roasted bone marrow).

1318 S. Main St., 501-374-7476.

D CIAO Casual yet elegant bistro tucked into a downtown storefront. The fine pasta and seafood dishes, ambiance and overall charm combine to make it a relaxing, enjoyable, affordable choice. 405 W. Seventh St., 501-372-0238.

WLR, HC, M DAMGOODE PIES A somewhat different pizza place, offering a variety of sauces, toppings and specialty combinations. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-2239; 6706 Cantrell Road, 501-664-2239.

M GRAFFITI’S The casually chic and ever-popular Italian-flavored bistro serves daily specials and one of the

WLR NYPD PIZZA The pizza is cheesy, with plenty of impressive toppings. Baked ziti, salads and more are also available. 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., 501-868-3911.

R, C PIZZA CAFÉ Lots of pizza options, along with big salads and draft beer. Both locations have breezy patios. 1517 Rebsamen Park Road, 501-664-6133; 14710 Cantrell Road, 501-868-2600.

HC PIZZA D’ACTION Some of the best pizza in town, a marriage of thin, crispy crust with a hefty ingredient load. Also, good appetizers and salads, pasta, sandwiches and killer plate lunches. 2919 W. Markham St., 501-666-5403.

NLR RISTORANTE CAPEO Authentic Italian cooking is the draw at this cozy, brick-walled restaurant.

HC LEO’S GREEK CASTLE Now, under new ownership, this Hillcrest institution features the neighborhood favorites: gyros, falafel and tabouleh, along with breakfast, hamburgers, sandwiches and more. Wine and beer are also available.

2925 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-666-7414.

WLR LITTLE GREEK Featuring traditional Greek cuisine, including spinach pie, gyros and chicken souvlaki, this chain recently opened a Little Rock location.

11525 Cantrell Road, 501-223-5300.

D MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE Gyros, falafel and souvlaki plates, as well as hummus, tabouleh, eggplant dip and other dishes. Halal meat dishes available. Located in River Market Hall. 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-372-1662.

C STAR OF INDIA One of Little Rock’s most highly regarded restaurants—great lamb, great curries, great chicken tandoori, great naan. The daily lunch buffet is a great deal. 301 N. Shackleford Road, 501-227-9900.

BRIAN CHILSON

WLR THE PANTRY RESTAURANT Owner and self-proclaimed “food evangelist” Tomas Bohm does things the right way and the menu stays relatively true to his Czech roots, but there are plenty of choices to suit all tastes. 1401 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-353-1875.

Damgoode Pies WLR TAJ MAHAL INDIAN CUISINE Taj Mahal has an extensive lunch buffet, where you can try a little of everything.

The dinner menu is full of lots of delicious best martinis in town. 7811 Cantrell Road, 501-224-9079.

Indian classics. 1520 Market St., 501-520-4900.

D GUSANO’S They make Chicago-style deep-dish C, M TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE For a pizza the way it’s done in the Windy City. It takes a little taste of the Mediterranean, visit Taziki’s and enjoy a longer, but it’s worth the wait. 313 President Clinton wide variety of gyros, plenty of sides, including pasta, Ave., 501-374-1441. salads and Dolmades (grape leaves with seasoned rice) D IRIANA’S Great pizza, salads and sandwiches. Located and more. 12800 Chenal Parkway, 501-225-1829; 8200 adjacent to the Statehouse Convention Center. 201 E. Cantrell Road, 501-227-8291.

Markham St., 501-374-3656.

WLR THE TERRACE This Mediterranean-inspired D JAY’S PIZZA Pizza by the slice with a variety of restaurant has a huge menu, with a variety of options. toppings, along with salads and daily specials. Located 2200 Rodney Parham Road, 501-217-9393. inside the River Market Hall in downtown Little Rock.

H TERRY’S RESTAURANT A true French-style 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-374-5297. bistro has come to town replete with imported tables WLR JIM’S RAZORBACK PIZZA Great pizza and chairs. The menu features many of the country’s served up in a family-friendly, sports-themed environclassics from roast chicken to duck confit and assorted ment. Flat-screen TVs throughout and even a cage cheeses for dessert. 5018 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-4152. for shooting basketballs and playing ping pong. 16101 Cantrell Road, 501-868-3250.

ITALIAN

NLR AMERICAN PIE PIZZA Handmade thin crust with variety of tasty toppings, and inexpensive. 4830 N. Hills Blvd., 501-753-0081.

D BRUNO’S LITTLE ITALY This Italian eatery dates back to the late 1940s, though it has changed

NLR, D, WLR LARRY’S PIZZA Get your pizza fix here, offering a variety of unusual toppings. 5933 JFK Blvd. (NLR), 501-812-5353; 801 S. Bowman Road, 501-400-8260; 12th and Center, 501-372-6004; 12911 Cantrell Road, 501-224-8804.

C MELLOW MUSHROOM Hearty pizzas, salads

Familiar pasta dishes will comfort most diners, but let the chef delight you with some more exotic stuff. 425 Main St., 501-376-3463.

NLR SADDLE CREEK WOODFIRED GRILL Sassy pizzas, salads, prime rib and seafood—enough choices to please the entire family. 2703 Lakewood Village Drive, 501-812-0883.

NLR C SHOTGUN DAN’S PIZZA Hearty pizzas and sandwiches with a decent salad bar. 4020 E. Broadway St., 501-945-0606; 10923 W. Markham St., 501-224-9519.

WLR, NLR, M, HC, H U.S. PIZZA This is true Little Rock pizza, with thin crust and an array of delicious topics. Salads are heaping and best when served with creamy, Ranch-style house dressing. An assortment of domestic, imported and craft beer is on tap. The Heights location is newly renovated. 9300 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-224-6300; 3324 Pike Ave. (NLR), 501-758-5997; 4001 McCain Park Blvd. (NLR), 501753-2900; 3307 Fair Park Blvd., 501-565-6580; 9300 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-224-6300; 2710 Kavanaugh Blvd. (Hillcrest), 501-663-2198; 5524 Kavanaugh Blvd.

(Heights), 501-664-7071.

WLR VESUVIO BISTRO Gourmet Italian fare, VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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with an assortment of fresh pastas, antipasti, signature entrees and extensive wine and martini offerings. 1315 Breckenridge Drive, 501-246-5442.

D VINO’S Great rock ’n’ roll club is also a fantastic pizzeria with huge calzones and house-brewed beers.

923 W. Seventh St., 501-375-8466.

H ZAZA FINE SALAD + WOOD OVEN PIZZA CO. This contemporary Heights café would be right at home in Naples with the tempting display of smooth and soft gelato in all the required flavors (pistachio, gianduia) and a wood-fired pizza oven turning out textbook Italian ’za with gorgeous blistered crusts and a light topping of choice and tempting ingredients. Delicious call-your-own-ingredient salads. 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-661-9292.

EMBASSY SUITES...

MEXICAN

TWICE THE HOTEL

• Free Made-to-Order Breakfast and Evening Reception Daily • Indoor Pool, Sauna, Whirlpool and 24 Hour Fitness Center • Over 14,000 Square Feet Of Versatile Event Space, Including 10,700 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom • 24/7 Business Center • The Athletic Club Sports Bar and Grill • Hilton HHonors Points and Miles

H BAJA GRILL Food truck turned full-scale restaurant, this Tex-Mex joint offers tacos, burritos and low-carb burrito bowls, along with cheese dip, salsa and guacamole.

5923 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-722-8920.

NLR,C CACTUS JACK’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT This restaurant offers everything you’d expect from a traditional Mexican restaurant, including ample portions. 4120 E. McCain Blvd., 501-945-5888; 11414 W. Markham St., 501-227-7556.

HC CANON GRILL Tex-Mex favorites, along with burgers, sandwiches and salads. 2811 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-2068.

D, WLR, M CASA MANANA Great guacamole and tacos, superlative chips and salsa (red and green) and a good selection of fresh seafood. 6820 Cantrell Road, 501-280-9888; 18321 Cantrell Road, 501-868-8822; 400 President Clinton Ave., 501-372-6637.

11301 Financial Centre Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 312-9000 • LITCP@jqh.com 1-800-EMBASSY • www.littlerock.embassysuites.com

AWARD WINNING ORIGINAL FAMILY MEXICAN FOOD!

¡MIL GR ACIAS A TODO S! BE S T M EXIC IN BENTAN & BEST OV ON / B R Y E R A L L ANT

¡MUY BUENO!

NLR CASA MEXICANA Familiar Tex-Mex style items shine, in ample portions, and the steak-centered dishes are uniformly excellent. 7111 JFK Blvd., 501-835-7876.

NLR CILANTRO’S GRILL The guac, made tableside, margaritas and desserts stand out at this affordably priced traditional Mex spot. 2629 Lakewood Village Plaza. 501-812-0040.

D COTIJA’S MEXICAN GRILL This authentic Mexican spot has two downtown locations. 406 Louisiana St., 501-224-0733; inside the Legacy Hotel, 625 W. Capitol Ave., 501-371-0733.

C EL PORTON Very good Mexican and a wideranging menu of dinner plates. Tasty cheese dip and great service. 12111 W. Markham St., 501-223-8588.

R THE FOLD: BOTANAS & BAR One of Little Rock’s newest local hangouts, serving gourmet tacos, homemade salsa and delicious drinks. 3501 Old Cantrell Road, 501-916-9706.

C FONDA MEXICAN CUISINE & TEQUILA BAR Authentic, fresh Mexican fare, along with an extensive selection of some of the best margaritas in town. 400 N. Bowman Road, 501-313-4120.

H HEIGHTS TACO & TAMALE CO. Throwback Southern-style tamales, taco plates, enchiladas and more, all doused with a generous helping of cheese and chili. 5805 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-313-4848.

D JUANITA’S Open since 1986, this popular livemusic venue features Tex-Mex cuisine and famous cheese dip. 614 President Clinton Ave., 501-372-1228.

R LA HACIENDA Creative, fresh-tasting entrées and traditional favorites, all painstakingly prepared in a festive atmosphere. Great taco salad, nachos, and maybe the best fajitas around. 3024 Cantrell Road, 501-661-0600.

SWLR LA REGIONAL A full-service grocery store and a restaurant offering a whirlwind trip through Latin America, with delicacies from across the Spanish-speaking world. 7414 Baseline Road, 501-565-4440.

3024 CANTRELL RD. • LITTLE ROCK • (501) 661-0600 3836 CENTRAL • HWY. 7 S. • HOT SPRINGS • (501) 525-8203 LIVE MARIACHI! FRI 6-9 • 17401 INTERSTATE 30 • BENTON • (501) 776-9959 86

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

NLR LA REGIONAL 2 Full-service grocery store, bakery and restaurant catering to the Latino community.

A far-reaching menu, from chimichangas and pupusas, regional aguas (horchata, tamarindo) and a large variety of Mexican sodas. 2630 Pike Ave., 501-246-4163.

SWLR, NLR LAS PALMAS Authentic Mexican chain

with a massive menu of choices. 10402 Stagecoach Road, 501-455-8500; 4154 E. 38th St., 501-945-8010.

C LOCAL LIME Local Lime features craft tacos and other Mexican favorites, along with delicious guacamole and cocktails.

Located at the Promenade at Chenal.

17815 Chenal Parkway, 501-448-2226.

M LUNA MAYA This drive-in eatery features big, stuffed burritos, along with other Mexican specialties. 7706 Cantrell Road, Little Rock; 501-223-9756.

SW LR MERCADO SAN JOSE BAKERY & GROCERY This combo restaurant-bakery-meat market serves authentic Mexican fare. The fresh baked breads—sweet breads and handmade tortillas—are yummy and definitely worth the drive. 7411 Geyer Springs Road, 501-565-4246.

SWLR PANADERIA Y TAQUERIA LAS AMERICAS Authentic Mexican food includes mouth-watering homemade tamales. 8622 Chicot Road, 501-565-0266.

M RIVIERA MAYA Mexican fare with portions on the large side. 801 Fairpark Blvd., 501-663-4800.

BRIAN CHILSON

C, WLR MEXICO CHIQUITO Hearty platters of boldly spiced, inexpensive food holds its own with the “authentic” joints.

11406 W. Markham St., 501-217-0647; 13924 Cantrell Road, 501-217-0700.

Santo Coyote

NLR, C SANTO COYOTE Offering plenty of fresh Mexican-influenced favorites such as made-at-the-table guacamole, a variety of sopes (corn mesa “cups” spread with beans) and tacos. 2513 McCain Blvd., 501-753-9800; 11610 Pleasant Ridge, 501-225-1300.

WLR, M, C SENOR TEQUILA Authentic dishes with great service and prices, and maybe the nest margarita in town. 1101 S. Bowman Road, 501-954-7780; 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-224-5505; 2000 S. University Ave., 501-660-4413; 14524 Cantrell Road, 501-868-7642.

Red Mango

WLR TAQUERIA EL PALENQUE Authentic Mexican tacos, filled with chorizo, pork, chicken or beef, right in the heart of west Little Rock. Other Mexican favorites, like ceviche and salsa, are also available. 9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-312-0045.

SWLR TAQUERIA KARINA CAFE A real Mexican neighborhood cantina serving freshly-baked pan dulce, first-rate guacamole, Mexican-bottled Cokes, and inexpensive tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Good selection of Mexican-style seafood. 5309 W. 65th St., 501-562-3951.

BAKERIES & DESSERT D BROWN SUGAR BAKESHOP Brown Sugar serves delectable cupcakes, cheesecake cookies, brownies and the best blondies you’ve ever tasted. 419 E. Third St., 501-372-4009.

H CUPCAKES ON KAVANAUGH Find all sorts of gourmet and classic cupcakes. From Classic Vanilla to Kahlua and Cream, there is a flavor for everyone’s taste buds. 5625 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-664-2253.

D KILWINS Ice cream, candies, fudge and sweets galore made in-house and packaged for eat-it-now while strolling the River Market or eat-it-later. 415 President Clinton Ave., 501-379-9865.

S LOBLOLLY CREAMERY Operating an oldfashioned soda fountain inside the Green Corner Store, Loblolly serves its homemade small-batch ice cream, sundaes, shakes and more, often using locally sourced ingredients. Don’t leave without trying an ice cream sandwich made with homemade cookies. 1423 S. Main St., 501-374-1111.

H LE POPS Delicious, homemade iced lollies. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd. Ste. J, 501-313-9558.

HC MYLO COFFEE CO. Hand-crafted sweet and savory pastries, along with sandwiches, soups, ice cream and more. Pour-over coffee is a neighborhood favorite. Visit early for the kouign amann, the only pastry of its kind in Central Arkansas. 2715 Kavanugh Blvd., 501-747-1880.

WLR ORANGE LEAF Self-serve yogurt in a variety of flavors and lots of toppings. 11525 Cantrell Road.

501-227-4522

BRIAN CHILSON

H RED MANGO National yogurt and smoothie chain whose tasty appeal is best described as “all-natural,” “non-fat,” “gluten-free” and “probiotic.” 5621 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-663-2500.

HC ROSALIA’S FAMILY BAKERY Specialty Brazilian breads as well as just about anything you’d expect to find at a bakery—baguettes, cakes and cookies along with challah, rye, savory, white and whole grain breads.

Full coffee bar, with some lunch items. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-319-7035.

M SWEET LOVE Serving cupcakes, French macarons, cake by the slice, cake pops and more, Sweet Love is a great place to treat yourself. 8210 Cantrell Road, 501-613-7780. n VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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GOOD EATS Benihana is famous for it’s atmosphere, service, food quality, outstanding chefs and overall dining experience. Located just three blocks from Verizon Arena and next door to Dickey Stephen’s Ballpark. Benihana has established itself as Arkansas’ premiere Japanese Steakhouse

Open for Lunch

Located in the Mon - Fri 11-2 Wyndham Hotel Sunday 12-2:30 #2 Riverfront Place Dinner Monday - Thursday 5p-9:30p North Little Rock Friday - Saturday 5p-10p 501-374-8081 Sunday 4:30p-8:30p Make reservations online at www.Benihana.com We provide a casual, warm environment, delicious food, and excellent service at a reasonable cost. It is our goal to have every meal be a celebration of food and to always keep an edge of new in our work. The first step towards delicious food is to use the freshest and highest quality ingredients. We may occasionally improvise or even run out of an item, but we will never offer you less than the best. The greatest compliment you can pay us is to return. Come as you are.

2300 Cottondale Lane 501-663-2677 bravenewrestaurant.com Lunch M-F 11-2 Dinner M-S 5-10 Reservations of any size accepted for lunch and dinner.

Offering one of the most urbane, contemporary dining experiences in Little Rock Cache is truly unique. With no detail left unattended, the chefs and culinary team create complex, flavorful food and drink that is simply delicious. Inspired by training and empowered with fine ingredients, every meal and every moment at Cache is one to be treasured. Lunch, dinner, or drinks over a good conversation on the patio...gather at Cache and create treasured memories that last a lifetime.

Monday-Friday: Open 11 AM Last Seating 9:45 PM Saturday: Open 5 PM Last Seating 9:45 PM 425 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock 501-850-0265 cachelittlerock.com

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

Café Bossa Nova introduces the taste of authentic Brazilian dining to Little Rock. From the moment you enter, the delicious aromas and soft, pleasing sounds of background Bossa Nova music will awaken your senses to the unique and enjoyable casual dining experience ahead of you.

2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. • 501-614-NOVA (6682) • cafebossanova.com Since 1982, The Butcher Shop has built its powerful reputation by serving the finest hickory charcoaled steaks cut from the highest quality grainfed beef direct from the Midwest. Beef at The Butcher Shop is aged four weeks before being skillfully hand cut by their “in house” butcher. Tremendous steaks, excellent service, fair prices and a comfortable atmosphere make Open for Dinner: M-F 5pm, Sat & Sun 4:30pm The Butcher Shop the West Little Rock at Shackleford & Hermitage Rd. prime choice for your 501-312-2748 • thebutchershoplittlerock.com evening out.

Support Your Local Farmers - Dine at Cafe@ Heifer Cafe@Heifer serves a variety of lunch specials every day.

We offer fresh, local ingredients and daily specials.

So whether you’re visiting Heifer Village for a tour or just looking for a lunch spot in downtown Little Rock, we’re ready to serve.

Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Shackleford & Hermitage Road Little Rock • 501-312-2748 www.thebutchershop.com

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. Cajun’s Wharf is famous for its fresh seafood, aged Angus Beef and full-fl avored good times. Come enjoy the great food and atmosphere of our beautiful restaurant and famous deck, both overlooking the Arkansas River.

Cajun's Wharf also offers complimentary shuttle service from area hotels.

2400 Cantrell Little Rock • 501-375-5351 www.cajunswharf.com Open for Lunch Mon-Fri, 11-2 Dinner, Mon- Sat 5pm

14502 Cantrell Road Little Rock • 501-868-7600 www.capersrestaurant.com

Pleas VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2010 5 4Whether you’re

Capture the Spirit of New Orleans at Copeland’s Restaurant of Little Rock.

Treat yourself to the sights, sounds, smells, and incomparable flavor of New Orleans at the casual yet elegant Copeland’s. From the moment you walk through the nine-foot tall doors and past our spectacular waterfall, you’ll know this is unlike regular Little Rock restaurants.

Enticing aromas waft from our signature Cheesecake Bakery, while an array of sumptuous desserts greets you as you enter the waiting area. Sit back and soak it all in while you savor the extraordinary experience of Copeland’s!

2602 S Shackleford Rd • 501- 312-1616 www.copelandsrestaurantlittlerock.com

The ever popular Crowne Plaza Hotel includes the coffee bar Latte Da, that features Seattle’s Best Coffee, the best lattes, frappuccinos and other coffee drinks around.

Their restaurant, Café 201 offers classic American Cuisine featuring the finest steaks available. Locals & guests alike enjoy the friendly service in a sophisticated atmosphere. Don’t miss one of Little Rock’s best kept secrets, their sleek atrium bar, Rocks.

Tap bite d’oe nibb and wor Cap ingr pos per Exce cock the Cap you

Little Rock’s original gourmet experience, Capers regularly enjoys accolades for its fine, eclectic cuisine and award-winning wine list. Beautiful outdoor dining in a casual atmosphere makes Capers the preferred dining destination.

looking for a casual dinner, a gourmet experience or the perfect business lunch, Copper Grill is the choice urban restaurant for Little Rock’s food enthusiasts. It’s where you can let go and relax in the comfortable dining room, enjoy a glass of wine at the lively bar or share a spread of appetizers outside on the street-side patio. No matter if you’re on the go or off the clock, Copper Grill is your downtown dining destination.

300 Third Tower Little Rock • 501-375-3333 www.coppergrilllr.com

201 S. Shackleford Road West Little Rock 501-223-3000 crowneplazalittlerock.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

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GOOD EATS For some hot, delicious homestyle food and some down-home friendly service, The Dixie Café is the place to go. Whether you’re looking for Meatloaf, Pot Roast, Country Fried Steak, Catfish or a delicious salad, The Dixie Café is a premiere family friendly restaurant that delivers. Open Lunch & Dinner, 7 Days a Week.

Little Rock 1301 Rebsamen Park Rd 501-663-9336 10700 Rodney Parham Rd 501-224-3728 10011 I-30 at Baseline Rd 501-568-6444 North Little Rock 2724 Lakewood Village 501-758-4777 ... and other locations throughout Arkansas

GY P S Y B I S TRO

Campy, funky and interactive, Dizzy’s is a refreshingly engaging blend of unique, from scratch international and southern comfort foods, craft beer, world wines, art and music.

Open Tues-Sat 11-9 weekdays, 11-10 weekends 200 S. River Market Ave, Suite 150 Little Rock 501-375-3500

Doe’s Eat Place is the go-to for great steaks, buxom burgers and signature homemade tamales and chili. It’s the atmosphere and history of Doe’s that lures visitors from all over the country and locals who fill the nostalgic checkered tables to eat, drink and make a memory or two.

1023 W. Markham St • Little Rock • 501-376-1195 • doeseatplace.com

FLYING FISH New Orleans At Its Best!

Award winning for over 30 years for authentic New Orleans cuisine.

Steaks, seafood and Creole specialties in a casual, fun atmosphere.

Rebsamen Park 1619 Rebsamen Park Rd. 501-663-9734 www.thefadedrose.com

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

GET DOWN HERE AND EAT SOME FISH! 511 PRESIDENT CLINTON AVE. IN THE RIVER MARKET 501-375-FISH (3474) FishInThe.net

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES.

Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock 5107 Warden Road , North Little Rock 501-753-9227 • www.wholehogcafenlr.com

Creative, fresh-tasting entrees and traditional favorites, all painstakingly prepared in a festive atmosphere located off Cantrell Road in Riverdale and off Chenal in West Little Rock. Great taco salad, nachos, and maybe the best fajitas around. La Hacienda is a popular Little Rock haunt for the locals as well as our city’s guests.

3024 Cantrell Road Little Rock, 501-661-0600 17401 I-30 Benton, 501-776-9959 3836 Central Avenue Hot Springs, 501-525-8203

Picked as “One of America’s Best Neighborhood Restaurants” by Bon Appetit and featured on Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels. A fun bistro with a little bit of everything on the moderately priced menu. Great bar and dynamite plate lunches!

Lunch • Dinner • Sunday Brunch 3519 Old Cantrell Rd. • Little Rock 501-663-4666 • www.LocaLuna.com

Dip Your Chip Here! Proudly serving Central Arkansas with the best and freshest Mexican food since 1935. Many people have tried to uncover the secret recipes that make the food so special. The finest and freshest ingredients always used in preparation are no secret.

Offering a wide variety of selections – from our original cheese dip, salsa, and enchiladas to delicious fajitas and seafood – and don’t forget the homemade fruit punch and the freshest, crispiest chips you’ve ever tasted.

Check out all locations online! mexicochiquito.net

Since 1967, Murry’s Dinner Playhouse has been serving up food, fun and fabulous live entertainment.

For less than the price of dinner and a movie, you can experience the wonderful world of live theater!

501-562-3131 • murrysdp.com VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

91

GOOD EATS The Oyster Bar, open for business since 1975, is located in Little Rock’s Historic Stifft Station/ Hillcrest neighborhood.

The Oyster Bar serves shrimp, oysters, Cajun soups, po’boys, catfish, chef salads and non-seafood items in our family friendly restaurant. Park in back, put a quarter in the jukebox, order a mug of the coldest beer in town and find out why locals have been dining at The Oyster Bar for over 35 years.

The critics rave about Chef Mark Abernathy’s eclectic wonderland of creative, vibrant dishes. This neighborhood favorite boasts two patios, happening bar scene and a bargain priced wine list. Grilled meats, fresh seafood, local & international dishes with “dazzling specials” featuring local products.

Private party room available.

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 3701 Cantrell • Little Rock 501-666-8482 • RedDoorRestaurant.com

3003 West Markham Street Little Rock • 501-666-7100 www.lroysterbar.com

The Riverfront Steakhouse features USDA Prime steaks and seafood including whole lobster tail.

Most customers agree our steaks are the best they’ve ever tasted.

The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed and the service is second to none.

Open for Dinner Monday - Thursday 5p-9:30p Friday and Saturday evenings 5p-10p Online reservations at www.Riverfront-steakhouse.com Located in the Wyndham Hotel #2 Riverfront Place North Little Rock 501-375-7825 Gourmet cuisine with south of the border flavor and Arkansas’s largest tequila selection under one roof.

Table side guacamole, fresh made ceviche, seafood, steaks and delicious chicken dishes. More than 130 tequilas, all 100% AGAVE. Voted Best Tequila Selection and Best Margarita by the readers of the Arkansas Times.

Rosalia’s Family Bakery is a great place to relax, drink great coffee, imported and herbal teas, Italian Sodas, fresh baked breads, pastries, desserts, cookies, or Brazilian and European confections.

Brazilian imported soft drinks, cheeses, and seasonal candies are unique offerings not found anywhere else in Little Rock.

2701 Kavanaugh Blvd.

501-319-7035 rosaliascoffee@gmail.com

Upscale, downtown! Come taste a premier dining experience at Little Rock’s happening restaurant in the River Market District. Renowned for its steaks and seafood, romantic environment, and extensive wine and scotch list...Sonny Williams Steak Room is definitely no steak to miss. Listen and relax to tunes from the piano bar every Tuesday-Saturday, starting at 7pm.

See ya at Sonny’s!

Awarded Best Steak by Arkansas Times for 13 years!

DINNER Mon-Sat 5pm-11pm

Mon-Thurs 11am-10:30pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm • Sun 11am-10pm 11610 Pleasant Ridge, Ste. 110 • Little Rock • 501-225-1300 2513 McCain Blvd., Ste. 1 • N. Little Rock • 501-753-9800 santo-coyote.com

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500 President Clinton Ave In The River Market District 501-324-2999 sonnywilliamssteakroom.com Free Valet • Reservations Recommended

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. Taste the cuisine of India!

Owner and chef Sami Lal has 30 years of experience and has been serving his unique style of authentic North Indian cuisine since 1993 and welcomes you to a wonderful dining experience. Open seven days a week. Delivery Available.

Voted Best Indian Food by readers of Arkansas Times.

301 N. Shackleford Road West Little Rock 501-227-9900 www.lrstarofindia.com

A Little Rock Tradition For Over 28 Years

At Three Fold, we are committed to making food that tantalizes your taste buds, fuels your body and leaves you feeling good long after you finish your last bite. Our purpose is to cultivate a taste for authentic food made with high-quality, fresh ingredients – tradition being at the root to everything we make. Our buns, noodles and dumplings are made using cooking methods and philosophies that are integral to Chinese lifestyle and history. We’d like to say that each is a kind of window to the past – a 2,000-year exploration of foodie wisdom, and it’s our promise to always keep it fresh, with little distance between farm and table, so that you can feel good about the food you’re eating.

Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. eat3fold@gmail.com

Three Fold Good Eats Copy −

14 Years in a row!

Listed in Fodor’s travel At Three Fold, we are committed to making food that tantalizes your taste buds, fuels your body guide and featured on

The Food Network’s and leaves you feeling good long after you Ray’s finish your last bite. Our purpose is to cultivate a taste “Rachael Tasty For 28 Years Trio’s has welcomed our guests as part of our extended Travels,” Whole Hog family. No wonder guests annually vote Trio’s best in Central Café is a must for ingredients – tradition being at the root to forservice, authentic food made fresh Arkansas overall; and for catering, wine list, desserts andwith high-quality, anyone visiting the patio dining. Call on us to make your next party memorable in our Little Rock area.

Pavilion Room. everything we make. Our buns, noodles and dumplings are made using cooking methods and Consistently winning Pavilion in the Park numerous Reader’s 8201philosophies Cantrell Road, Suite that100 are integral to Chinese lifestyle and history. We’d like to say that each is a kind Choice Awards, Whole Little Rock • 501-221-3330 Hog is a local favorite www.triosrestaurant.com notexploration to be missed! of foodie wisdom, and it’s our promise to alway of window to the past – a 2,000-year Mon-Sat 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-Close Sunday Brunch 11am-2:30pm 2516 Cantrell Rd. • 501-664-5025 • www.wholehogcafe.com

keep it fresh, with little distance between farm and table, so that you can feel good about the foo you’re eating.

GROW grow LOCAL

www.arktimes.com

ARKANSAS TIMES

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

93

Accommodations LITTLE ROCK HOTELS

NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

PET FRIENDLY

LOCATION

ACME MOTEL

3301 West Roosevelt Road

501-663-6361

No

MIDTOWN

AMERICAS BEST VALUE INN & SUITES

6401 S. University Ave.

501-565-4488

No

SOUTHWEST

ARKANSAS SUITES

1 Stonebridge Circle

501-221-7829

ATRIA INN & EXTENDED STAY

6100 S. University Ave.

501-414-0168

No

SOUTHWEST

BAPTIST HEALTH PLAZA HOTEL

1120 Medical Center Drive

501-202-9606

No

MIDTOWN

BEST VALUE INN & SUITES I-30

7900 Scott Hamilton Drive

501-562-2694

Yes

SOUTHWEST

BEST WESTERN LUXURY INN & SUITES

8219 Interstate 30

501-562-4448

No

SOUTHWEST

BEST WESTERN PREMIER GOVERNOR’S SUITES

1501 Merrill Drive

501-224-8051

No

WEST

BUDGET HOST INN

2600 West 65th St.

501-562-1122

No

SOUTHWEST

BUDGET INN

5620 South University

501-565-1568

No

MIDTOWN

CANDLEWOOD SUITES

10520 West Markham

501-975-3800

Yes

WEST

THE CAPITAL HOTEL

111 West Markham

501-374-7474

No

DOWNTOWN

CIMARRON INN

10200 Interstate 30

501-565-1711

CLARION HOTEL MEDICAL CENTER

925 South University

501-664-5020

COMFORT INN - WEST

300 Markham Center Drive

501-227-0120

COMFORT INN AND SUITES AIRPORT

4301 East Roosevelt Road

501-376-0253

COMFORT INN LITTLE ROCK SW

8115 Frenchman Lane

501-562-9383

Yes

SOUTHWEST

COMFORT INN PRESIDENTIAL DT

707 Interstate 30

501-687-7700

Yes

DOWNTOWN

COMFORT SUITES LITTLE ROCK

11 Crossings Court

501-954-9300

No

WEST

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

10900 Financial Centre Parkway

501-227-6000

No

WEST

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT – DTLR

521 President Clinton Ave.

501-975-9800

No

DOWNTOWN

CROWNE PLAZA LITTLE ROCK

201 South Shackleford

501-223-3000

No

WEST

DAYS INN - MEDICAL CENTER (FAIR PARK)

901 Fair Park Blvd.

501-664-7000

Yes

MIDTOWN

DAYS INN AND SUITES LITTLE ROCK AIRPORT

3200 Bankhead Drive

501-490-2010

AIRPORT

DOUBLETREE LITTLE ROCK

424 West Markham

501-372-4371

DOWNTOWN

EAGLE HILL APARTMENTS

2A Eagle Hill Drive

501-455-8818

ECONO LODGE INN & SUITES

9101 Mabelvale Pike

501-400-8375

ECONOMY HOTEL

4000 West Markham St.

501-664-0950

EMBASSY SUITES

11301 Financial Centre Parkway

501-312-9000

Yes

WEST

EMPRESS OF LITTLE ROCK BED & BREAKFAST (THE HORNIBROOK MANSION)

2120 South Louisiana St.

501-374-7966

Yes

DOWNTOWN

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA

600 Hardin Drive

501-954-9199

Yes

WEST

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA - LITTLE ROCK WEST

10800 Kanis Road

501-227-8689

Yes

WEST

GARDEN INN & SUITES (*NOT LISTED IN STR)

3801 West 8th St.

501-414-8622

Yes

MIDTOWN

GUESTHOUSE INN

301 South University Ave.

501-664-6800

HAMPTON INN & SUITES (RIVER MARKET PLACE)

320 River Market Ave.

(501)244-0600

No

DOWNTOWN

HAMPTON INN & SUITES WLR

1301 South Shackleford

501-537-3000

No

WEST

HERITAGE HOUSE INN

7500 South University

501-565-2055

No

SOUTHWEST

HILTON GARDEN INN DT (*NOT LISTED IN STR)

Opening 2015/2016 - 133 Rooms

HILTON GARDEN INN WLR

10914 Kanis Road (opening May 2014)

501-227-4800

No

WEST

HOLIDAY INN - AIRPORT CONFERENCE CTR

3201 Bankhead Drive

501-490-1000

Yes

AIRPORT

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES

4900 Talley Drive

501-224-2600

No

SOUTHWEST

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS-AIRPORT

3201 Bankhead Drive

501-490-1000

Yes

AIRPORT

HOLIDAY INN PRESIDENTIAL

600 Interstate 30

501-375-2100

No

DOWNTOWN

HOLIDAY INN WEST - FINANCIAL CENTRE PARKWAY

10920 Financial Centre Parkway

501-225-1075

Yes

WEST

HOMEWOOD SUITES (*NOT LISTED IN STR)

Opening 2015/2016 - 115 Rooms

LA QUINTA #2806 - WEST

200 South Shackleford

501-224-0900

Yes

WEST

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES

1010 Breckenridge Drive

501-225-7007

Yes

MIDTOWN

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES DOWNTOWN CONF. CTR.

617 South BRoadway

501-374-900

Yes

DOWNTOWN

LEGACY HOTEL AND SUITES

625 West Capitol Ave.

501-374-0100

No

DOWNTOWN

MARKHAM HOUSE SUITES

5120 West Markham St.

501-666-0161

No

MIDTOWN

MARRIOTT EXECUSTAY

3200 South Shackleford

501-221-7356

Yes

MARRIOTT LITTLE ROCK

#3 Statehouse Plaza

501-906-4000

No

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

SOUTHWEST MIDTOWN No

WEST AIRPORT

No

SOUTHWEST MIDTOWN

MIDTOWN

DOWNTOWN

DOWNTOWN

DOWNTOWN

MOTEL 6 #1265

7501 Interstate 30

501-568-8888

MOTEL 6 WEST #4529

10524 West Markham

501-225-7366

Yes

WEST

QUALITY INN AND SUITES

6100 Mitchell Drive

501-562-6667

Yes

SOUTHWEST

RAMADA INN LIMITED INNS & SUITES

#8 Shackleford Drive

501-221-7666

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT - DOWNTOWN

219 River Market Ave.

501-975-9800

Yes

DOWNTOWN

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT - WEST

1401 South Shackleford

501-312-0200

Yes

WEST

REST INN

8217 Interstate 30

501-537-4646

No

SOUTHWEST

RITZ MOTEL COURTS

5301 Asher Ave.

501-565-7501

No

MIDTOWN

RIVER MARKET LOFTS

423 East 3rd St.

501-375-9990

ROBINWOOD BED & BREAKFAST

2021 South Arch St.

501-372-0999

RODEWAY INN & SUITES

2401 West 65th St.

501-801-0188

ROSEHAVEN COTTAGES

1410-1412 South Arch St.

501-374-7456

ROSEMONT BED & BREAKFAST

515 West 15th St.

501-374-7456

SPRINGHILL SUITES

306 Markham Centre Drive

501-978-6000

SUPER 7 INN

9525 Interstate 30

501-568-9999

SUPER 8 - OTTER CREEK

11701 Interstate 30

501-455-2300

SWIFT TRAVEL DEALS

PO Box 166867

501-615-4151

TOWNE PLACE SUITES LITTLE ROCK WEST

12 Crossings Court

TRAVELODGE - AIRPORT

7615 Fluid Drive

VALUE PLACE LITTLE ROCK

SOUTHWEST

WEST

DOWNTOWN Yes

SOUTHWEST DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN

No

WEST SOUTHWEST

Yes

SOUTHWEST

501-225-6700

Yes

WEST

501-490-2200

Yes

AIRPORT

21 Remington Road

501-225-3400

No

SOUTHWEST

WINGATE INN LITTLE ROCK

1212 South Shackleford

501-227-6800

No

WEST

Z MOTEL

12824 Interstate 30

501-455-5616

NORTH LITTLE ROCK HOTELS

SOUTHWEST

NAME

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

PET FRIENDLY

AMERICA’S BEST VALUE INN NORTH LITTLE ROCK

3100 North Main St.

501-758-8110

no

BAKER HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

109 West 5th

501-372-9930

no

BEST WESTERN PLUS JFK INN & SUITES

2500 Main St.

501-246-3300

yes

BUDGETEL INN & SUITES

111 West Pershing

501-758-1440

yes

CANDLEWOOD SUITES

3950 Vali Court

501-492-4946

yes

COMFORT INN & SUITES

5710 Pritchard Dr

501-753-5533

no

COMFORT INN & SUITES NORTH

3915 McCain Park Drive

501-955-9453

no

COURTYARD LITTLE ROCK NORTH

4339 Warden Road

501-753-2000

no

DAYS INN N. LITTLE ROCK EAST

5800 Pritchard Drive

501-945-4100

yes

ECONO LODGE INN & SUITES

5811 Pritchard Drive

501-945-3700

no

FAIRFIELD INN LITTLE ROCK NORTH

4120 Health Care Drive

501-945-9777

no

GALLOWAY INN

3124 Highway 391

501-955-0700

yes

HAMPTON INN (MCCAIN)

4801 W. Commercial Drive

501-753-8660

no

HILTON GARDEN INN NORTH LITTLE ROCK

4100 Glover Rd

501-945-7444

no

HOLIDAY INN NORTH LITTLE ROCK

120 West Pershing

501-758-1851

yes

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES NORTH LITTLE ROCK

4306 McCain Blvd.

501-945-4800

no

LAQUINTA INN LITTLE ROCK NORTH - MCCAIN MALL

4311 Warden Road

501-945-0808

yes

LAQUINTA INN LITTLE ROCK NORTH

4100 E. McCain Blvd

501-758-8888

yes

MOTEL 6 LITTLE ROCK NORTH

400 West 29th St.

501-758-5100

yes

QUALITY INN & SUITES NORTH LITTLE ROCK

500 West 29th St.

501-771-2090

yes

RED ROOF INN NORTH LITTLE ROCK

5711 Pritchard

501-945-0080

yes

REGAL INN

2508 Highway 161

501-353-2008

yes

RESIDENCE INN LITTLE ROCK NORTH

4110 Health Care Drive

501-945-7777

yes

REST INN

5801 Pritchard Drive

501-537-3106

yes

SIMPLY HOME INN & SUITES NORTH LITTLE ROCK

110 East Pershing

501-758-2002

no

SUPER 8 LITTLE ROCK/NORTH/AIRPORT

#1 Gray Road

501-945-0141

yes

SUPER 8 NORTH LITTLE ROCK/MCCAIN

3929 McCain Park Drive

501-791-3200

yes

WYNDHAM RIVERFRONT LITTLE ROCK

#2 Riverfront Place

501-371-9000

no

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

95

Downtown Riverside RV Park PARK YOUR HOME IN THE HEART OF IT ALL available for group rentals.”

Speaking of groups, the Downtown Riverside RV Park bring your home with you? You can do that at the has been the site of several rallies and RV conventions Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock. since it opened in 2008. The inaugural event was the Family Motor Coach Association’s Six State Regional Owned and managed by the North Little Rally during which a thousand RVs camped Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, this in the park and throughout downtown North facility is perfectly situated on the bank of Little Rock in September 2008. More than the Arkansas River with an up-close and 2,300 people attended the week-long rally personal view of the Clinton Presidential that included a trade show, RV dealer display, Center and Little Rock skyline. In fact, it is motor coaches, meetings and seminars as well the only RV park located in a downtown along as nightly entertainment. the Arkansas River.

“The Six-State Rally Association is one “It’s a unique option for people who enjoy of 10 associations within the Family Motor traveling, sightseeing, dining and attractions,” Coach Association, which represents the south says Bob Major, executive director of the central area consisting of Arkansas, Kansas, North Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas,” Commission. “The park can accommodate 61 Major says. “We have since hosted a number recreational vehicles, and the amenities include of other rallies, which have ranged from 10 water, 50-amp electricity and sewer. There RVs to 250. While the park does not accomalso is a dump station, shower and restroom modate tents, we welcome anyone who has facilities for women and men, a clubhouse a motor coach or RV to make a reservation with washers and dryers, free WiFi access and and enjoy all of our park’s features.” a boat ramp. There is even a 70' x 50' pavilion SO YOU WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL but

NORTH LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Downtown Riverside RV Park

One of those is the pedestrian and cyclistfriendly Arkansas River Trail, conveniently located next to the park. The River Rail streetcars also are available to take visitors through the downtown areas of North Little Rock and Little Rock. Sites on the tour include Verizon Arena, the Argenta Arts and Entertainment District, restaurants and art galleries, the Historic Arkansas Museum and William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Two nearby pedestrian/bicycle bridges make it a short walk to the Clinton Center and Little Rock’s River Market from the RV park.

Within a five-mile radius of the Downtown Riverside RV Park, visitors can find the Old Mill, which was featured in the opening scenes of Gone With the Wind; Dickey-Stephens Park, home of the Arkansas Travelers’ minor-league baseball team; private sightseeing excursions as well as holiday lunch and dinner cruises on the beautiful Arkansas River aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat; guided tours of the historic USS Razorback (SS 394) submarine at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum; and the Clinton Presidential Center.

The Downtown Riverside RV Park’s rates start at $22, and discounts are available through AAA, AARP, FMCA, Escapee’s, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports, Passport American, Good Sam, for groups and large rallies as well as active and retired military, police, fire and EMS personnel.

Reservations are suggested at the park, but drive-ups are welcome. Special rates also are available for those receiving medical treatments at local hospitals. Discounts do not apply to weekly rates. Located at 250 South Locust Street in North Little Rock, the park’s office is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the winter.

For reservations or more information about the Downtown Riverside RV Park, visit downtownriversidervpark.com or contact Sheila Bullerwell, onsite manager, at sbullerwell@northlittlerock.org or 501-340-5312. n

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1959!

There are many brands of beef, but only one Angus brand exceeds expectations. The Certified Angus Beef brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. Ten quality standards set the brand apart. It's abundantly flavorful, incredibly tender, naturally juicy.

1701 MAIN STREET 501-376-3473

7507 CANTRELL RD 501-614-3477

10320 STAGE COACH RD 501-455-3475

7525 BASELINE RD 501-562-6629

2203 NORTH REYNOLDS RD, BRYANT 501-847-9777

www.edwardsfoodgiant.com

4 Naughty or Nice?

At Cupids you can find something for every mood!

Lingerie | Toys | Games Party Supplies | Adult DVDs

Ask us about the new

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Your Pleasure is our Passion! www.ShopCupids.com | | Conway 2585 Donaghey Ave Conway, AR 72032 (501) 764-0404

Little Rock South Little Rock West North Little Rock Jacksonville 3920 W 65th St 9700 N Rodney Parham Rd 5400 John F Kennedy Blvd 6111 John Harden Drive N Little Rock, AR 72116 Jacksonville, AR 72076 Little Rock, AR 72209 Little Rock, AR 72227 (501) 565-2020 (501) 227-8282 (501) 753-3353 (501) 241-2777 Open 24 Hours Open 24 Hours

Hot Springs 1910 Albert Pike Rd Hot Springs, AR 71913 (501) 623-1250

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

97

Fit for Fun LITTLE ROCK MARATHON 501-371-4639 or 501-918-5321 littlerockmarathon.com Known as Arkansas’ race for every pace, the Little Rock Marathon and companion races are running and walking tours through the scenic streets of Arkansas’ capital city. The Little Rock Marathon is held annually the first Sunday in March. Recognized for giving the world’s largest marathon finisher’s medal, the Little Rock Marathon offers a variety of events to its participants. The Little Rock Marathon is a project of and benefits Little Rock Parks and Recreation.

ATHLETES ARE RACING TO THE NATURAL STATE FOR RUNNING AND CYCLING MARATHONS, RACES AND FUN RUNS. WITH BIG RACES COMES BIG CROWDS, AND CENTRAL ARKANSAS CAN ACCOMMODATE NEEDS BOTH ON- AND OFF-COURSE.

of the Junior League of Little Rock as well as its presence in the community. The race starts and finishes at the historic Woman’s City Club in downtown Little Rock and takes runners near the River Market and the Arkansas Arts Center. Races include a 10K and 5K, and the event focuses on the League’s health and wellness initiatives.

Diet Pepsi 10,000 meter run in 1980. The Little Rock Roadrunners Club continued to administer the race under the Pepsi sponsorship for the next 13 years and the race attracted thousands of runners. Today, the Capital City Classic 10K lives on at Two Rivers Park on the west side of town, resulting in a nearly hill-free course.

CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC 10K 501-231-3730 arkrrca.com The Capital City Classic 10K started as the

BIKE & HIKE FOR ALS bikehikeforals.com The ALS Bike & Hike is the once a year event that raises funds and awareness for the Arkansas ALS Foundation. Participants ride from the Arkansas River in North Little Rock to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, then hike Pinnacle. Once that’s done, they bike back to North Little Rock to cool off and cheer for a cure to ALS.

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 501-603-0113 bigdambridge100.com Founded in 2006, the Big Dam Bridge Cycling Tour is the largest cycling event in Arkansas with distances from 14-100 miles. The Big Dam Bridge Foundation is 501©(3) nonprofit whose mission is to promote the use, support and preservation of the Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

TOUR DE ROCK 501-296-3429 carti.com/events/tour-de-rock CARTI’s 13th Annual Tour de Rock caters to cycling enthusiasts of all levels. This event features an advanced ride which consists of 30-, 50-, 62- and 100-mile scenic distances.

The after-party features live music, cold drinks and BBQ. Funds raised at Tour de Rock allow CARTI to continue bringing the fight to cancer by providing the most advanced forms of treatment available while also meeting the needs of patients and their families.

RACE FOR THE CURE 501-202-4399 komenarkansas.org/arkansas-events/komenrace-for-the-cure/ Nearly 30,000 participants will gather in downtown Little Rock for the 23rd Annual Arkansas Race for the Cure in 2016. The race honors those surviving breast cancer and remembers those who have lost the fight.

Whether you walk, run, volunteer or donate, your support is helping save lives and provide priceless support to those in need.

DOWNTOWN DASH jllrdowntowndash.racesonline.com The Downtown Dash highlights the history

98

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

JINGLE BELL RUN 501-664-4591 arthritis.org/arkansas/events-in-your-area/ jingle-bell-run-walk.php The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive 5K fundraising event that benefits arthritis research. Get in the spirit by wearing holiday themed costumes and tying jingle bells to your shoelaces. Be a part of the nation’s largest holiday 5K race series aimed to fight arthritis and help lead the way in conquering the nation’s leading cause of disability.

MUD RUN 501-371-4770, mudrun.org Hailed as Little Rock’s dirtiest 5K, the Mud Run is for those who think a little differently about running. The Mud Run is for the adventuresome spirit and is a family friendly race.

Participants run, walk, skip, trot and even cavort through the 5K-ish course, which winds through the scenic trails of Two Rivers Park. Participants must overcome an “obstacle” or two along the way then finish with a spectacular frolic through a 300-foot mud pit filled with Arkansas mud. The Mud Run is a project of and benefits Little Rock Parks & Recreation.

RIVERFEST ROCK-N-STROLL 501-255-3378 riverfestarkansas.com/attractions-events/ rock-n-stroll-5k-fun-run The Rock-N-Stroll 5K Fun Run/Walk is a family event brought to you by Riverfest Inc. Registration includes a t-shirt, a ticket to the three-day Riverfest weekend, one entry into a drawing for a REAL guitar autographed by a Riverfest headlining act, three bands along the route, food and activities post-race.

RACE TO REMEMBER 5K RUN/ WALK 501-817-6442 mamiespoppyplates.com/race-to-remember-2016 Race to Remember takes place at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock as a fundraiser to help Arkansas families who experience infant loss. Families who lose children rarely, if ever, get an opportunity to publicly recognize their baby, and the Race to Remember gives them a chance to join together for a special occasion in memory of that special child. n

www.littlerock.org www.littlerock.org

Little Rock is literally at Little Rockofis everything literally at the center the center of Arkansas haseverything to offer!

Arkansas has to offer!

Kiplinger’s top pick for 10 Best Places to Live, 2013 Kiplinger’s top pick for 10 Best Places to Live, 2013

Affordable Housing - Centrally Located with easy access to parks, trails, lakes and rivers - Revitalized Downtown with River Market, Main Street Creative Corridor, and South Main Districts. Great Shopping at Affordable Housing - Centrally Located with easy access to parks, trails, lakes and rivers - Revitalized national brands and unique boutiques - Nationally recognized Symphony, Ballet, Repertory Theatre Downtown with River Market, Main Street Creative Corridor, and South Main Districts. Great Shopping at Arkansas Arts Center - Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden - Museum of Discovery - Zoo - 6,000 acres of national brands and unique boutiques - Nationally recognized Symphony, Ballet, Repertory Theatre Parks - Golf - Tennis - Clinton Presidential Center - Bill Clark Wetlands - Big Dam Bridge (longest Arkansas Arts Center - Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden - Museum of Discovery - Zoo - 6,000 acres of pedestrian/bicycle-intended bridge in the world!) - Miles of Paved and Unpaved Cycling Trails - Excellent Parks - Golf - Tennis - Clinton Presidential Center - Bill Clark Wetlands - Big Dam Bridge (longest Medical Facilities including University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, VA Medical Center & Arkansas pedestrian/bicycle-intended bridge in the world!) - Miles of Paved and Unpaved Cycling Trails - Excellent Children’s Hospital - Great Restaurants throughout the City - and Much More!

Medical Facilities including University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, VA Medical Center & Arkansas Children’s Hospital - Great Restaurants throughout the City - and Much More!

CityLittleRock i t y LRock i t t l eofficial R o c ksmart phone app at the Apple iTunes Download the new City of C Little app store and Google Playofficial store.smart phone app at the Apple iTunes Download the the newAndroid City of Little Rock

app store and the Android Google Play store.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

99

WEEKEND WARRIOR & BEYOND THINGS TO DO

TRAVEL TIME

Malvern Arkadelphia

Brickfest Turtle Point Golf Club, Arkadelphia Aquatic Park Watermelon festival, Birthplace of Bill Clinton Don't you need to meet someone there?

Cowboys game and Cowboys cheerleaders!

SXSW Festival Bulls, Cubs, Bears oh my!

Hollywood, Santa Monica Beverly Hills, Malibu

45 min.

$22

1 hr., 10 min.

$22

1 hr., 59 min.

$38

7 hr., 40 min.

$108

8 hr., 20 min.

14 hr.

14 hr., 13 min.

$122 $170 $192

Hope From the Windy City through to St. Louis and on to the prairies and oil fields of Texas, to the modern cosmopolitan skyscrapers of Dallas, to the state capitol at Austin, to the pine forest and immense landscape conjuring images of cowboys and stagecoaches, to the picturesque Hill Country and on to “Remember the Alamo” at San Antonio — there's always something worth seeing in the cities served by the Texas Eagle!

St. Louis Dallas Austin Chicago Los Angeles

1400 WEST MARKHAM STREET • LITTLE ROCK • (800) 872-7245 *Prices vary based on date, time and accomodations. Prices where based on random dates and times and are subject to change. These are estimates of existing rates. Schedule and Route stops are also subject to change.

100

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2016

ROUND TRIP AS LOW AS*

STOPS

$498