Visitor's Guide 2009 by Arkansas Times

2009 ’ Visitors Guide TO G R E AT E R L I T T L E R O C K

WH AT TO DO • WHE RE TO SHOP WH ER E TO STAY • WHAT TO E AT

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

we know

shopping trips

CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.

Whether your travels take you on a trip around the world or just across the state, a shopping trip is always involved! For the best shopping trip in the area, visit Park Plaza featuring Dillard’s and 85 specialty shops and eateries including Ann Taylor, Talbots / Talbots Petite / Talbots Woman, Banana Republic, Indigo, Aéropostale, Hollister, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Gymboree, Abercrombie and XXI. We know how to make your shopping trip complete!

Markham & University, Little Rock • 501-664-4956 Mon - Sat 10 am to 9 pm • Sun 12 to 6 pm Dillard’s and over 85 distinctive specialty shops and eateries parkplazamall.com

gift cards available v

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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Visitor’s Table Of

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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Guide

Contents

Welcome ..........................................8 Little Rock....................................10 What To Do clinton library.......................12 dickey-stephens park............14 mosaic templar.......................16 ATTRACTIONS.............................18 little rock tours....................26 10 fun things............................27 PARKS..........................................28 Children’s Activities..............30 Sports........................................31 little rock zoo........................32 movie theaters........................33 CITY Nights................................35 performing arts.....................40 Where to Shop..............................41 WhERE to Eat.................................48 Where to Stay ..............................66 Area Maps and Transportation Information.................................71 For information about Little Rock, call the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau at 501-376-4781 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. PUBLISHED BY

Welcome to Little Rock W

elcome to Little Rock! As Arkansas’s capital city we offer a bolstering metropolitan area rich in

history, full of excitement, and surprises around every corner; thus making Little Rock perfect for business meetings or family getaways. With daily headlines trumpeting economic growth and exciting new developments, the future looks brighter than ever for our city. While you are here, experience the unique opportunities that can only be found in Arkansas’s Capital City. View an exact replica of the Oval Office found in the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, stop by the Old State House Museum where President Clinton celebrated his victories in 1992 and 1996 and walk in the footsteps of the Little Rock Nine at Central High School. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the River Market District with its array of restaurants, museums, galleries and night spots. Sample the wares of the local Farmers Market, open each Tuesday and Saturday, May through October. Explore

historic neighborhoods in the Heights, Hillcrest and Quapaw Quarter for trendy shopping and a distinctive local flavor. Take a walk or bicycle across the Big Dam Bridge or tour Heifer International’s Global Headquarters. Travel to west Little Rock for an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment choices. For family fun, take a ride on the River Rail Electric Streetcar before visiting the Little Rock Zoo, Museum of Discovery and IMAX Theater. Dining out in Little Rock is a Capital idea. Whether you like home style Southern cooking, prime aged steak, fresh seafood, fusion cuisine, or more of a heart-healthy fare, our chefs offer the state’s best selections making Little Rock the dining capital of Arkansas. Accommodations are as varied as the city’s landscape from modern and historic luxury, to affordable and comfortable namebrand properties. Visit our web site at www.littlerock.com for more information about our great destination. We appreciate your interest in Little Rock. Enjoy your stay and come back soon. Sincerely,

Daniel E. O’Byrne Chief Executive Officer Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

WELCOME

Anchored by the Clinton library and a lively riverfront,

Little Rock is a happening place W

elcome, Arkansas travelers. Welcome to all of you — explorers, scholars, art lovers, baseball fans and gourmands. Welcome, families. Little Rock is ready for you. If you’ve been here before, you may be surprised at what’s new and what will unfold in the coming year. You’ll find luxury (at the newly renovated Capital Hotel), a new baseball park that offers fancy dining (Dickey-Stephens Park) and a new pedestrian and bike pathway over the Arkansas River (the Junction Bridge). The River Market district has breathed life into Little Rock, invigorated by the opening of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and the Clinton School of Public Service on the east end of Clinton Avenue. More than a million people have come to Little Rock to see the library. Dignitaries, politicians, scientists and celebrities — from Madeleine Albright to Jesse Jackson — give talks to the public on a weekly basis during the school year as part of the Clinton School’s Distinguished Speakers program. History buffs will also want to make their way to the Arkansas Studies Institute, a $25 million project of the University of Arkansas and the Central Arkansas Library System. The Studies Institute will open this year across from the River Market Hall in a historic building that has undergone a striking renovation. There you'll find the state's most comprehensive facility dedicated to the study of Arkansas. Visitors can learn more about the people, places and events that shaped the past and guide the future of Arkansas. The Historic Arkansas Museum offers a taste of Little Rock’s past with its restored antebellum houses

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

and Little Rock present in its art galleries. The Old State House Museum — the oldest standing capitol building west of the Mississippi — features changing exhibits on music, history, politics and other subjects Arkansas. Younger travelers will enjoy the recently dedicated Peabody Adventure Park located by the newly opened Junction Bridge in Riverfront Park. Just north of the Peabody Hotel and built with support from the Peabody, the adventure park is a playground-plus affair with water features, climbing walls and other attractions for active children. Fall 2008 will bring the addition of two new

attractions to downtown Little Rock. The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, a conservation education facility created by the state Game and Fish Commission, will open on the river behind the Museum Center on Clinton Avenue. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a museum celebrating the city’s African American heritage, debuts at Ninth and Broadway in September. Gourmet dining opportunities have expanded with the opening of the Capital Hotel on Markham, which re-opened last fall after a multimillion dollar kitchen redo and building renovation. Why even Dickey-Stephens ballpark in North Little Rock, the home of the Arkansas Travelers, offers upscale dining. There, Valentine’s restaurant has hit a home run. Cultural attractions in downtown Little Rock include the Arkansas Arts Center, known nationally for its collection of works on paper and several other galleries that display local, regional and nationallyrecognized artists. The Fireworks at Riverfest Arkansas Repertory Theater stages first-class productions in its theater on Main Street.   West Little Rock’s attractions include the new shopping magnet, the Promenade at Chenal, which features an Imax theater along with bigname retail stores. Pleasant Ridge Town Center, located on Cantrell Road, has become a mecca for designer fashions. For friendly and intimate shopping, make sure to visit the Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods.   The city has been called “A Southern Surprise” (Philadelphia Inquirer). The surprises keep coming. Make sure you spend some of your time here planning a return trip.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h a t To D o

One of America’s hottest destinations:

The Clinton Presidential Center is an important stop for visitors I

the first floor are the admission and information t was a cold November night in 1992 when thoudesks with personnel exuding all the rich Southern sands of people gathered in downtown Little Rock charm and hospitality customary of Arkansans. Also to wait for election results that would, unknown located on the first floor is Clinton’s presidential to them, put Arkansas’s young upstart governor, limousine, which showcases the exact specificaBill Clinton, into the White House. tions requested by the president. President Clinton, already one of the state’s The top two floors showcase a variety of favorite sons, became beloved throughout the exhibits about both the serious and the lighter nation. Now, walking through the William J. sides of Clinton’s presidency. There’s a jumboClinton Presidential Center and Park, one can sized timeline display spanning each of the hear any number of foreign languages being president’s years in office; life-size reproducspoken by visitors, a testament not only to the tions of Clinton’s cabinet room (complete with renown of a presidential monument, but also to interactive displays detailing all the positions the interest that President Clinton still draws of the cabinet) and the Oval Office; gifts from throughout the world. other world leaders; memorabilia from state So it’s little wonder that long before the dinners; and documents from Clinton’s early predicted date, the Clinton library welcomed its political life, beginning with his unsuccessful one-millionth visitor last year and remains one of 1974 race for Congress. the city’s biggest attractions. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Clinton’s influence on Little Rock didn’t stop when he left for Washington. His choice of location for the library, nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River on the eastern edge of the River Market district, played a pivotal role in the area’s revitalization. If you can, plan to spend at least one day taking in the library, park and the surrounding River Market district. Start out with breakfast at any number of River Market venues, set up in kiosk fashion for easy access. From there, take the short stroll up President Clinton Avenue — or hop the River Rail trolley — to the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Beautiful landscaping and a planned pedestrian bridge across the Arkansas River will make for a very scenic walk from either side of the river’s banks. The library building A view of the inside of the Clinton Presidential Center. itself is a must-see. On

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Clinton’s life, work and achievements while he served as president. With more than 76.8 million official documents, 1.85 million photographs and 75,000 museum artifacts, the library holds enough material to spend several years poring over. When it is time for lunch, a stop at Café 42 is a must. It is found in the museum’s basement and provides breathtaking views of the Arkansas River. The restaurant’s menu features many of Clinton’s favorite dishes. Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, with a range of lower prices for seniors, college students, children and military personnel. With free parking and plenty of spaces for tour buses and recreational vehicles, a visit is convenient. The Clinton Presidential Center is located at 1200 President Clinton Ave. Call 501-374-4242 for more information or visit the library’s website at www.clintonlibrary.gov.

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Minor league baseball

Catch a game at Dickey-Stephens Park W

hether it’s a Tuesday night or Sunday afternoon, hanging out with friends or making memories with the kids, Dickey-Stephens Park offers Little Rock visitors a chance to kick back in comfort and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Dickey-Stephens Park, the new home of the Arkansas Travelers, opened in 2007 at the foot of the Broadway Bridge on the north shore of the Arkansas River. It’s already surpassing the attendance numbers of last year’s record-setting season. The rise in attendance may have to do with the stadium’s downtown location. Fans are treated to a panoramic view of the Little Rock skyline, and there’s plenty nearby to do before and after the game — a tour of the U.S.S. Razorback submarine with the grandkids, a quick bite at a restaurant in the River Market district or an afternoon stroll along the river. After the game, catch the trolley to the River Market for a cold beer and a hot band in any one of the upbeat clubs on President Clinton Ave.

The $32 million ballpark brings a 5,600-seat, state-of-the-art facility to the Texas League’s Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club players and fans. There is space for an additional 1,400 fans on the grass berms surrounding the field. The stadium was designed with fan convenience in mind, including three entrances and four concession stands along the concourse. Fans will find plenty of picnic spots and a beer garden next to the general admission grandstand along the first-base line. The stadium even offers fine dining at Bill Valentine’s Ballpark Restaurant. A film-quality scoreboard, one of the biggest in the minor leagues, makes keeping track of the game easier for fans, and there are 24 skyboxes, with two available for single-game rental. The entire park was designed to be reminiscent of an old railroad station and is enclosed by a wrought iron fence. Its signature two-story clock tower marks the main gate. An aerial photograph

Dickey-Stephens Park located at the foot of the Broadway Bridge in North Little Rock.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

of the Travs’ picturesque ballpark was used as the cover for the 2008 Great Parks Calendar. This spring the Travelers opened a playground area for kids, as well as the on-site Travelers Baseball Museum for those who like to look back in time. The museum is housed on the main concourse inside the ballpark and contains artifacts and memorabilia ranging from the Travs’ original 1901 charter into the Southern Association to team photos from the years as an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels. The modern ballpark serves as a place to groom players for a major league ball career. Arkansas Traveler players are drafted directly from high schools and colleges all over the world and are signed to a contract by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The season runs from April through August. For ticket information, call 501-664-7559 or purchase tickets online at www.travs.com.

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The re-birth of the Mosaic Templars building T

ragically in March 2005, the the organization along with other original headquarters of the Mosaic businesses. For nearly 40 years, the Templars of America, at the corner of historic building was the anchor for Ninth and Broadway streets burned a thriving black social and economic to the ground. district on Ninth Street. But like the legendary Phoenix rising While the fire proved a heartbreak from the ashes, a new building has been and the original architecture of the resurrected as the Mosaic Templars building was forever lost, the new Cultural Center, a state-funded, Departbuilding offers the community a ment of Arkansas Heritage museum great way to explore its past. that is dedicated to the Templars and Also of note, are a number of Arkansas’s black history. remarkable items found unharmed While the new building pays homage by the blaze in the original corto the Templars, it’s not a replica of nerstone of the building. the 1913 building, says Constance The items were placed in the Sarto, the museum’s deputy director. cornerstone nearly 100 years ago Instead, the three-story museum, with and included a copy of the Templars’ 6,000-square-feet of exhibit space, The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center at the corner of Ninth and Broadway. national and state constitutions “highlights and celebrates” the impact and more. These will be on display of the black community in the areas of business, of successful insurance, banking and publishing during the grand opening this fall. Heifer International WorldofHeadquarters politics and the arts. companies as well as the establishment a business The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is located Few people realize the major contribution of college, nursing school and hospital. at 501 W. Ninth St. and will celebrate its grand the Mosaic Templars of America in the area of Construction of the first Mosaic Templars National opening on Sept. 19 -20, 2008. For more informaeconomic development including the founding headquarters was completed in 1913 and housed tion, call (501) 683–3593.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Old State House Museum

Attractions W h a t To D o

There are plenty of Little Rock attractions to keep you busy.

any of Little Rock’s visitors are pleasantly surprised when they discover the city’s rich and diverse culture. The city has museums, art galleries, celebrated landmarks and historic homes, not to mention the Clinton Presidential Center and the Central High National Historic Site. From the oldest building in Little Rock to the oldest standing capitol building west of the Mississippi, our history surrounds us. With offerings ranging from national politics to military, from civil rights to Arkansas’s early heritage and the latest space technology, there’s plenty of variety as well. An appetite for the arts is easily satisfied, with a steady stream of concerts at large and small venues, a firstrate facility for the visual and performing arts and a number of top-notch galleries featuring works from local, national and international artists. 1 8 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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Aerospace Education Center Whether you’re 6 or 60, the Aerospace Education Center offers an exciting line-up that’s sure to capture your attention and inspire your imagination. Located near the Little Rock National Airport, it is home to Arkansas’s first IMAX theater and the world’s first EpiSphere Digital Planetarium. The AEC offers aviation and aerospace exhibits, including an original Sopwith Camel and a replica of the Wright Flyer. The IMAX theater offers a wide variety of science-related films—call or visit them online to find out what’s showing. The theater has a six-story-high screen with a six-channel, 16,500-watt sound system. After a movie, shop at the Right Stuff Gift Store or visit the library, a part of the Central Arkansas Library System. The library has more than 35,000 aerospace-related books and is home to the Jay Miller Collection, one of the most complete gatherings of aviation information and memorabilia outside the Smithsonian Institution. The EpiSphere, a state of the art digital dome theater with 150 seats, offers a 360-degree full dome video screen with 20,000 watts of digital sound. Visitors can explore the human body, tour the universe, or whirl into the center of a tornado — all while remaining in (or on the edge of) their seats. 3301 E. Roosevelt Road. Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Museum is free. IMAX shows: Adults $7.50; children 12 and under $5.50; seniors $6.50. 501-376-IMAX (4629); www.aerospaced.org.

Dale Chihuly, Albert Paley, Peter Voulkos and Dorothy Gill Barnes. In addition to the collection and prominent exhibitions throughout the year, the Arkansas Arts Center is host to other cultural venues. The Children’s Theatre is a professional theater company that presents children’s classics for the stage September through May. Best Impressions Restaurant, which serves a progressive global cuisine, offers a delicious lunch experience. The Museum Shop features unique gifts and interesting works by regional artists. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum prides itself on attracting quality exhibitions to the state. Some upcoming highlights include: “Hot Color Cool Glass,” through July 27, 2008; “Tom Richard: Cereal Inquiries,” through July 20, 2008; “Andy Warhol: 15 Weeks of Fame,” Oct. 17, 2008-Feb.

Arkansas Arts Center Art lovers will find plenty to appreciate at the Arkansas Arts Center, the state’s largest cultural institution with more than a dozen galleries to browse. Over more than 30 years, the Arts Center has worked hard to build a collection of unique works on paper, primarily American and European, Arkansas Arts Center from the Renaissance to the present. Among the most recognizable works in the collection are 1, 2009; “World of the Pharaohs: Egyptian Masdrawings by Cézanne, Van Gogh, Jackson Polterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” lock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Rembrandt and Rubens. Sept. 10, 2009-June 27, 2010. Visit the museum’s The collection also features 135 drawings and web site for an updated exhibit listing. 501 E. 9th watercolors by the Post-Impressionist Paul Signac, St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 more than 100 Post-Minimalist drawings, Arthur a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday and major Dove’s Sketchbook “E,” and nearly 80 works by holidays. Free; donations welcome. 501-372-4000; Will Barnet. Masterworks in the collection include www.arkarts.com. paintings by Diego Rivera, Odilon Redon and Francesco Bassano; sculpture by Henry Moore, Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum Louise Nevelson and Roy Lichtenstein; and prints Home to the U.S.S. Razorback, the longest-servby Rembrandt, Whistler and Dürer. The second ing submarine in the world, the Arkansas Inland major area of the collection is contemporary objects Maritime Museum is fun for both young and old. in craft media, including teapots by contemporary Centered around the submarine and the historic artists, contemporary baskets, turned wood objects, tugboat U.S.S. Hoga, AIMM is more than just a studio glass, ceramics, metalwork and toys designed military museum. It features displays and programs on by artists. Among the highlights are works by the impact of maritime trade, the inland waterways

system, the Arkansas River and aquaculture. The submarine tour is not recommended for children under 5. 120 Riverfront Park Dr., North Little Rock. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Tours: Adults $6; active/retired military, children and seniors $4. 501-371-8320; www.aimm.museum. Arkansas State Capitol It’s hard to venture to the center of the city and not catch a glimpse of the Capitol’s bright dome with its 24-carat gold-leaf cupola. An upward view from beneath the rotunda — it’s surprisingly expansive — can weaken the knees. Construction on the imposing structure began in 1899. It took 16 years and $2.2 million ($320 million in today’s dollars) to

build the Capitol, which resembles a scaled-down version of the U.S. Capitol. The price and effort were well worth it. The bronze front entrance doors, which were purchased at Tiffany’s, are 10 feet tall and four inches thick. The Capitol’s halls are lined with changing displays devoted to Arkansas history and with works created by Arkansas artists. There’s a handy souvenir shop, too. Outside, 40 acres of grounds include nine historical monuments and markers, plus hundreds of plants, flowers and trees maintained by volunteers. The best way to see it all is to dedicate a couple of hours and tour the building. Personally guided tours may be scheduled with the Capitol’s tour director, or a free audio tour may be checked out at the Capitol Police Desk on the first floor. 500 Woodlane (between Markham and 7th streets). Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h a t To D o Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends and holidays. Tours offered 9 a.m. -4 p.m. weekdays. 501-682-5080; www.arkansas.gov. Arkansas Queen Riverboat See the beautiful Arkansas River from the decks of the elegant Arkansas Queen. The view from the water shows off Little Rock and North Little Rock in an entirely new light. See the Clinton Center, the Little Rock metropolitan skyline, the Old State House and the beautiful parks along the shore. The Arkansas River is 1,460 miles long, but the commercially navigable portion is 445 miles from where it joins the Mississippi River to the Port of Catoosa near Tulsa, Oklahoma. The captain’s commentary explores the river’s fascinating history. The Arkansas Queen sails from the North Shore Maritime Center, located next to the U.S.S. Razorback on the banks of the Arkansas River. The Arkansas Queen offers sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, dinner/dance cruises and special occasion cruises. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner cruises. 120 Riverfront Park Dr., North Little Rock. 501-372-5777; www. arkansasqueen.com. Central High School National Historic Site Last year people gathered from around the nation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of what became

Cycling on the Big Dam Bridge known throughout the world as the Central High Crisis. In 1957, nine African American students were denied entrance to the all-white Little Rock Central High School, and following the failure of talks with Gov. Orval Faubus, President Eisenhower called out the U. S. Army to escort the students into the school. Little Rock later came to be known as the city where the federal government took a stand on ending segregation. As a way to mark last year’s historic anniversary, a new Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center

was opened. The center’s standing exhibit, “All the World is Watching Us: Little Rock and the 1957 Crisis,” tells the tale. There’s also a gift shop with books, educational materials and souvenirs. 2125 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr. Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Free. 501-374-1957; www.nps.gov/chsc. Clinton Presidential Center and Park To describe this nationally-renowned facility on the banks of the Arkansas River as a “must-see” for anyone visiting Little Rock is an understatement. Explore the 20,000 square feet of museum exhibit space, including a 110-foot-long timeline detailing the history of President Clinton’s eight years in office. The timeline utilizes photographs, videos and interactive stations, and is flanked by thematic alcoves highlighting specific achievements during his two terms as president. Enjoy a power trip while standing in the full-scale replica of the Oval Office, or play the role of a cabinet member by using interactive media stations in a replica of the Cabinet Room. The upstairs alcoves contain displays about life in the White House, including personal artifacts from the former First Family. Surrounded by a 30-acre city park, the building’s design symbolizes President Clinton’s theme of “Building a Bridge to the 21st Century.” In addition to the museum, the center houses the largest archival collection in American presidential history as well as educational, research and reception facilities. Café 42, located inside the library, serves lunch Monday through Saturday and brunch on Sundays. Located at 1200 President Clinton Ave. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 501-374-4242 or visit www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org. Cox Creative Center Part of the Central Arkansas Library System, the Cox Creative Center is located in a renovated 1907 warehouse in the River Market district.

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The three-story building houses the library’s used book store, Rivermarket Books & Gifts, Sufficient Grounds coffee shop, an artist gallery and a 75person meeting room. 120 Commerce St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. Free. 501-918-3093; www.cals.org. Historic Arkansas Museum Restoration has been a major theme in the recent history of the Historic Arkansas Museum, whose grounds include some of Little Rock’s oldest homes. The newest batch of updates includes an expanded interpretation of the 1830s Plum Bayou Log House site and a River Rail stop along 2nd Street, making it easier than ever for visitors to access the city’s frontier past. The museum’s permanent and traveling exhibits are showcased in five galleries. A sixth exhibit hall, the Sturgis Children’s Gallery, offers interactive fun for the young and young-at-heart. The museum’s five pre-Civil War buildings, including the 1826 Hinderliter Grog Shop, offers visitors a unique way to learn about the early history of the state. Take a tour and you’ll encounter actors who portray Arkansans from various periods and predicaments. There’s also an impressive gift shop and a living-history theater. HAM is open late the second Friday of each month as a part of 2nd Friday Art Night, when downtown galleries stay open late with drinks, food, live music and art demonstrations. 200 E. 3rd St. Hours: 9 a.m. Monday–Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Free for museum center; tour of homes: $2.50 adults, $1.50 seniors over 65, $1 children under 18. Free for members. 501-3249351; www.historicarkansas.org. Hornibrook Mansion Experience the opulence and luxury of the 1880s. Now known as the Empress of Little Rock Bed & Breakfast Inn, this ornate 7,200-square-foot mansion is a spectacular example of Queen Anne architecture; the gardens that surround the house are equally beautiful. Public tours are available by appointment only, and the mansion is considered one of the best small luxury hotels in the country. 2120 S. Louisiana St. 501-374-7966 or 877-3747966; www.theempress.com. The Governor’s Mansion 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. While open to the public for tours on Tuesday and Thursday, you must call ahead for an appointment. 1800 Center St. 501-324-9805; www.arkansasgovernorsmansion.com. MacArthur Park Historic District and MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History The MacArthur Park Historic District is Little VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History Rock’s oldest surviving neighborhood. Named for World War II commander Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the museum was created to interpret the state’s military heritage from its territorial period to the present. The centerpiece is the 36acre MacArthur Park, the site of the U.S. arsenal founded in 1837. The existing Tower Building is the only surviving building; it was the first structure built at the site, in 1840. During the Civil War, the arsenal served the Confederacy until Union troops occupied Little Rock in 1863. During the late 1800s, Capt. Arthur MacArthur was stationed at the arsenal; his son (and future World War II hero), Douglas, was born in the Tower Building on Jan. 26, 1880. Today, MacArthur Park is home to both the Arkansas Arts Center and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. Located in the historic Arsenal Building, the museum honors the contributions of Arkansas’s servicemen and women at home and abroad. The massive edifice originally served as a munitions warehouse (its exterior walls are almost three feet thick) and witnessed pivotal exchanges during the Civil War. As part of a trade with the federal government, the City of Little Rock received the property in 1892 when it became the city’s first public park. Today the museum offers a look back at our military history through exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other items. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History ensures that “old soldiers never die.” Instead their sacrifice and service are preserved for future generations. 503 E. 9th St. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday and major holidays. Free; donations welcome. 501-376-4602; www.arkmilitaryheritage.com

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Mount Holly Cemetery This cemetery is the final resting place for some of the state’s most prominent people. Established in 1843, Mount Holly is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Buried here are Pulitzer Prize-winning poet John Gould Fletcher and executed Confederate spy David O. Dodd, as well as five Confederate generals, 10 former Arkansas governors and six U.S. senators. 1200 Broadway St. 501-376-1843. Museum of Discovery Proving that you’re never too old to learn something new, the Museum of Discovery is not just for kids. Dedicated to exploring the sciences, social sciences and technology, it is as entertaining as it is educational. Interactive and hands-on exhibits cover a broad range of topics: you can create crafts at the Imagination Station, explore the major parts of the body in the Health Hall or learn about Arkansas’s rich Native American heritage. Meanwhile, Passport to the World explores the cultures of other countries and Energy allows kids to explore the resources — oil, solar, nuclear, gas, coal, wind, hydroelectric and hydrogen — that power our world. 500 President Clinton Ave. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $8 adults; $7 for kids 1-12; $7 for seniors 65+. Admission is free the second Sunday of each month. 501-396-7050; www.amod.org. The Old Mill One of North Little Rock’s most popular attractions, the Old Mill is a re-creation of a water-powered gristmill dating to 1828. You’ll recognize it as the spot featured in the opening credits of “Gone With the Wind” (it’s believed to be the only structure from the film still standing). But that’s not the only VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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reason so many people come here to loll around, pack a picnic, have a photo shoot or get married. It’s just an undeniably scenic setting and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill was created in 1933 by Justin Matthews, and Dionico Rodriguez, a Mexico City artist, created concrete sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps and a tree-branch-entwined bridge that connects the mill to the rest of the park. During the summer of 1991, Rodriguez’s work was renovated by his grandson, Carlos Cortes. Lakeshore Drive and Fairway Avenue, North Little Rock. Hours: Sunrise-sunset daily. Free. Group tours are available. 501-758-1424; www.nlroldmill.org. Old State House Museum Newly renovated and set in the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River, the Old State House Museum is designated as a National Historic Landmark — although to many, it’s best known as the backdrop of President Bill Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 election-night celebrations. The magnificent Greek Revival building, overlooking the Arkansas River, houses a multimedia museum of Arkansas history with a special emphasis on the period from statehood (1836) until the present. It also has educational programming for children. The museum also boasts nationally recognized collections of Civil War battle flags, the inaugural gowns of governors’ wives (included in the First Families Exhibit), Arkansas art pottery featuring pieces from Camark and Niloak, African-American quilts and artifacts from Arkansas’s rich musical heritage. And don’t miss the Museum Shop, with hard-to-find regional books, plus historical souvenirs, crafts and vintage-style jewelry. 300 W. Markham St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Free. 501-324-9685; www. oldstatehouse.com. The Pulaski County Courthouse This municipal structure was built in 1889 by Max A. Orlopp (who then moved to Dallas and designed “Old Red,” the famous old Dallas County Courthouse). 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. In 1979 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 401 W. Markham St. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday–Friday. 501-340-8500. Trapnall Hall One of only a few remaining antebellum homes in the city, the stately neoclassical home was built in 1843 for Frederic Trapnall and his wife, Martha. After serving as a boarding house in the 1920s, it became the headquarters for the Junior League of Little Rock and underwent extensive renovation in 1963. Today, the building is owned by the Department of Arkansas Heritage and is open to the public. 423 E. Capitol Ave. 501-324-9716; www.trapnallhall.com.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Great for kids Whether or not you’re actually staying at the Peabody Hotel, no trip to central Arkansas is complete without watching the famous Peabody ducks waddle through the lobby to the hotel’s fountain, where they spend the day happily splashing around. After that bit of fun, take the kids to nearby Peabody Adventure Park. Designed to excite the imagination (and let kids burn off some extra energy), the city’s newest park is every child’s dreamland. The playground, located within the larger Riverfront Park, features tunnels, a tube slide, climbing wall, splash fountain, space net and a “tree room.”

River Market Located in the heart of downtown Little Rock’s River Market District, the River Market is a collection of owner-operated shops, stalls and market-style retailers that offer everything from fresh veggies to ornate jewelry. The River Market consists of a Farmer’s Market, Market Hall, pavilions and plazas. The Market Hall houses permanent merchants who offer a growing list of year-round specialties — oven-baked pastries and breads, hand-roasted gourmet coffee and specialty drinks, mouth-watering barbecue and an array of international cuisine. In the spring and summer, don’t miss the Farmer’s Market, where farmers gather to sell fresh produce on Tuesdays and Saturdays until 3 p.m. The River Market district, once a derelict warehouse area, was transformed in 1996 with the debut of the River Market. It’s a hip place to hang out with hot nightspots, including Sticky Fingerz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, the Underground Pub, the Flying Saucer, Boscos and Gusano’s Pizzeria. A number of art galleries and shops — Hearne Fine Art, River Market Artspace, Ten Thousand Villages and the Clinton Museum Store — are great for collectors and window shoppers alike. 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-375-2552; www. rivermarket.info. Walters-Curran-Bell House Now known as Curran Hall, just east of Trapnall Hall, the house was completed in 1843 by Col. Ebenezer Walters as a wedding present to his bride, who died before its completion. James Curran bought the house in 1849; in 1884 Mary Woodruff Bell purchased it. It remained in her family until 1997, when the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission saved the house from demolition. It is now the home of the Little Rock Visitor Information Center. 615 E. Capitol Ave. 501-370-3290 or 877-220-2568; www.littlerock. com/curran-hall.

A great view of the river

Those who want to move at a slower, more scenic pace while visiting downtown Little Rock might want to check out the view from the recently opened Junction Bridge. The historic bridge, formerly used by the Union Pacific railroad, is now reserved for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It offers a spectacular view — of the city’s skyline, Dickey-Stephens Park, the River Market and the U.S.S. Razorback submarine, just to mention a few. With the new downtown connection (access behind the River Market Pavilion), visitors can grab a burger and a beer in the River Market, head to the north shore for an Arkansas Travelers game and then come back across the river for some live music.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h a t To do

Enjoy an easy way to see the sights I

f you’re overwhelmed by the long and growing list of “must-sees” in the city, you might try a “Little Rock and Roll.” That’s the name of the 33-passenger bus operated by Little Rock Tours, which offers a two-hour sightseeing jaunt of the capital city that we can’t recommend highly enough! In fact, we’re not the only one recommending the tour—national publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Southern Living and Denver Post tell their readers, it’s one of the best ways to see all the city has to offer. Whether you’re a visitor on vacation, in town

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

for a family reunion or here for a convention, Little Rock Tours offers a unique look at the city with friendly, knowledgeable guides. Their expertise is

supplemented with on-board flat-screen DVD technology that features footage from Hollywood and national and local media that presents riders with historical and cultural contexts for what they can see from their panoramic windows. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, either. You can watch Bill Clinton’s first speech as President-elect as you drive past the Old State House where he stood that night and addressed the nation. You can relive the crisis at Central High through powerful film footage of the event as the bus approaches the Little Rock high school. And a trip to central Arkansas wouldn’t be complete without venturing out to the Old Mill. If you’ve seen Gone With the Wind, you’ll recognize the structure shown during the opening credits of the movie. If you don’t remember it, we have the movie clip to take you back! The knowledgeable guides are locals, right down to their native charm. They lead expeditions first through downtown Little Rock, passing dozens of sites within the opening mile, giving visitors a taste of the history of the area from the early 19th century up to the very day of your tour. Little Rock Tours also has small and large buses and limousines available for nationwide custom tours and now offers convenient transportation within the city for family reunions and conventioneers. While some travelers may only have time for the convenience of a guided tour, Little Rock Tours offers a rewarding experience for everyone. For those who plan to sightsee on their own, this tour offers exposure to landmarks that might otherwise be missed, and you may see places to explore more in-depth on your own. Little Rock Tours starts at the River Market and offers hotel pick-up for those staying in the downtown area. The tour runs once a day at 1 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students and $10 for children 6 – 12. Special tours and large group reservations are available. For more information or reservations, call (501) 868-7287 or 800-9333836; www.littlerocktours.com.

10 fun thin gs

W HAT To do

10 fun things to do in Little Rock The Big Dam Bridge/ Junction Bridge Just three years ago, Little Rock and Pulaski County celebrated the opening of the Big Dam Bridge — the world’s longest bridge built for pedestrian use. It crosses the Arkansas River near the Murray Lock and Dam, and connects a 14-mile series of foot and bike trails along both riverbanks. Hikers and bikers from around the country have visited the Big Dam Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the river, as well as kid-pleasing views of boats passing through the dam’s lock system. The bridge can be accessed from Murray Park on the Little Rock side and Cook’s Landing on For an action-packed day, take a trek up Pinnacle Mountain. the North Little Rock side. This year the city is celebrating the opening of the Living history Junction Bridge, a former railroad bridge that’s been The Clinton Presidential Center and Park is a must-see renovated for pedestrian use. It connects downtown for Little Rock visitors. Located in the River Market Little Rock’s River Market district with North Little district, the museum offers a look at the history of Rock’s historic Argenta neighborhood. For more the 42nd president and one of Arkansas’s favorite information, visit the Little Rock Parks Department sons. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-374-4242; website at www.lrpr.org. www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org.

Explore the arts The Arkansas Arts Center is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon. Browse the museum’s worldrenowned collection of drawings or take in a special exhibit from its own collections or from a national tour. Located at 501 E. 9th St., the Arkansas Arts Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 501-372-4000; www.arkarts.com. Go wild The Little Rock Zoo is the perfect place to unleash your inner beast, and during the summer there are plenty of special programs and events for kids. Located at 1 Jonesboro Dr. 501-666-2406; www. littlerockzoo.com.

Take a hike Just a few miles west of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers a great view from the top — but you’ll have to hike to get there! The park information center is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road. 501-868-5806; www.arkansasstateparks.com.

Back in time Drive or walk through the nine-square-mile Quapaw Quarter Historic District, where many of Little Rock’s grand, old homes retain their majestic stature. All of the district’s buildings are private homes or businesses, so they aren’t open to the public, but feel free to enjoy the architecture from the street or sidewalk. More information is available at www.quapaw.com. If you love the Quapaw Quarter, then you’ll enjoy nearby MacArthur Park Historic District, which includes some of the city’s oldest homes — a few dating back to before the Civil War. Also nearby, the Governor’s Mansion Historic District’s homes date from about 1880 to 1920. Stop by the Visitor’s Center for walking tour guidebooks for all of Little Rock’s unique historic neighborhoods. The Little Rock Visitor Information Center is located at 615 E. Capitol Ave. 501-370-3290 or 877-220-2568; www.littlerock.com/curran-hall/. See a show The Arkansas Repertory Theatre got its start in 1976 and has been offering Central Arkansas audiences

diverse and entertaining theatrical performances ever since. The Rep, as it’s known to hometown folks, is one 75 theaters nationally recognized by the League of Resident Theaters for its professional performances. The Rep draws guest directors and actors from around the world, many with impressive resumes that include Broadway, film and television. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405; www. therep.org. Getting back to nature One of downtown Little Rock’s newest attractions, the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center offers visitors a chance to see some of Arkansas’s wildlife without leaving the city. In addition to focusing on wildlife conservation, the center highlights the state’s wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The nature center will open this fall. 500 Clinton Ave. 501-907-0636; www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com. A salute to the military For many visitors, the sight of a World War II submarine docked on the north shore of the Arkansas River is truly a marvel. The U.S.S. Razorback is part of the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (AIMM), which is dedicated to celebrating America’s rich naval history. 120 Riverfront Park Dr., North Little Rock. 501-371-8320; www.aimm.museum. A moment in time Visit the Central High School Visitors Center and the restored Mobil Service Station across the street to learn about one of the seminal events of the Civil Rights Movement. Hear the story of the nine black students who changed Little Rock history when they entered Central High School for the first time in September 1957. 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr. 501-374-1957; www.nps.gob/chsc. Located in the historic former Mosaic Templars of America headquarters, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will highlight and celebrate Arkansas’s black history. It opens Sept. 19, 2008. 501 W. 9th St. 501683-3593; www.mosaictemplarscenter.com. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Parks W h a t To D o

PHOTO COURTESY ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

ittle Rock and the surrounding area offer a number of great outdoor activity options for visitors. Visit the Little Rock Parks Department website at www.lrpr.org. To find out more about about Arkansas state parks, visit www.arkansas.com.

Eden Falls at Petit Jean State Park

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

parks

guide

PARK

LOCATION DESCRIPTION

PHONE/WEBSITE

Arkansas River Trail (also known as Millennium Trail)

Little Rock and North Little Rock side of the Arkansas River

Already a popular biking/walking trail, the Arkansas River trail is a great way to see the city—from both sides of the river!

(501) 371-4770 www.rivertrail.org

Burns Park

North side of interstate 40, North Little Rock

One of the most popular parks in central Arkansas as well as one of the largest municipal parks in America. Visitors will find playgrounds, two golf courses (disc and miniature), a water slide, an amusement park, softball fields, tennis and racquetball courts and even a camping area.

(501) 791-8537 www.northlittlerock.org

Julius Breckling Riverfront Park

South bank of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock

Covering eleven blocks on the river, Riverfront Park is home to Riverfest, the city’s largest (501) 371-4770 annual festival that draws about 250,000 people to the river each May, and now, the recently www.littlerock.org opened children’s Peabody Park. Riverfront Park also has a number of walkways and paths that wind along the scenic Arkansas River, and even a history area so visitors can learn more about Little Rock’s colorful past.

Hot Springs National Park

Downtown Hot Springs, about an hour southwest of Little Rock

Today, Hot Springs National Park protects eight historic bathhouses, called “Bathhouse Row” in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. The entire “Bathhouse Row” is designated as a National Historic Landmark District and contains the grandest collection of bathhouses in North America.

(501) 624-2701 www.hotsprings.org

Macarthur Park

9th Street and Interstate 30

Home to the Arkansas Arts Center and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, MacArthur Park is the city’s first park. In 1892, the federal government traded the property to the city of Little Rock – all the structures except the tower building were removed, and the federal government transferred ownership of the site on the condition that the grounds be “forever exclusively devoted to the uses and purposes of a public park.” A great place to watch ducks or fish with the kids.

(501) 376-4602 www.arkmilitaryheritage.com

Murray Park

Rebsamen Park Road

Right on the Arkansas River, Murray Park is a great place to try some fishing. With eight pavilions, two soccer fields, two playgrounds, six volleyball courts, and a boat dock, the entertainment options are practically limitless. Known for its bike and jogging paths along the banks of the Arkansas River, Murray Park is a great place to run, ride or walk.

(501) 371-4770 www.littlerock.org

North Shore Riverwalk

Downtown North Little Rock side of the Arkansas River

North Shore Riverwalk includes a picturesque promenade featuring the Arkansas River and (501) 758-1424 the Little Rock skyline. It also provides the entry to a seven-mile pedestrian/bicycle trail that www.northlittlerock.com connects to the Arkansas River Trail.

Paws Park

Located in Little Rock’s Murray Park

Offering two shaded acres for your tail-wagging family members, Little Rock’s first fenced, off-leash park has several amenities your pooch will enjoy. Paws Park’s convenient parking and restrooms for humans are nearby and the park provides “mutt mitts” for cleaning up after your dog.

Petit Jean State Park

Near Morrilton on Hwy. 154

Arkansas’s first state park, it is less than an hour from Little Rock. Established in 1923, Petit (501) 727-5441 Jean State Park is a special place with beautiful vistas. The park’s focal point is Mather Lodge www.petitjeanstatepark.com on the bluff overlooking scenic Cedar Creek Canyon. Petit Jean Mountain is also home to the Museum of Automobiles, a showcase of antique and classic cars.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Located in Roland (about 30 minutes west of Little Rock)

Pinnacle Mountain is a great place for hiking and picnicking. It is a day-use park, dedicated to environmental education, recreation and preservation. Two trails – one easier and one more difficult – lead hikers to the top. Park interpreters and volunteers help visitors understand man’s relationship to the environment, and special interpretive programs may be scheduled by contacting the park.

(501) 868-5806 www.arkansasstateparks.com

War Memorial Park

I-630 and Fair Park

As one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks, War Memorial Park offers visitors an excellent golf course, as well as convenient picnic spots, pond fishing and playground equipment for the kids. It’s right next door to the Little Rock Zoo and War Memorial Fitness Center and is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch.

(501) 371-4770 www.littlerock.org

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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c hi ld re n’s activitie s

Children’s activities W

ith the emphasis on family in Little Rock, it isn’t surprising that much of the city’s recent growth is designed to entertain, educate and amuse younger visitors and their families.

Aerospace Education Center The perfect place for budding pilots or astronauts. The museum’s exhibits include replicas of historic airplanes and other flying machines. There’s an aerospace library, the popular IMAX theater and the EpiSphere Digital Planetarium. 501-376-4232 or 501-376IMAX (4629); www.aerospaced.org.. Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre Designed to tickle a child’s imagination, AAC’s Children’s Theatre presents traditional and original productions for children, teens and their families. 501-372-4000; www.arkarts.com. Arkansas Skatium This west Little Rock hot spot offers roller skating, ice skating and “broomball” for active youngsters and teens. 501-227-4333; www.arkansasskatium.com. ASO “Crayon Concerts” The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s children’s series makes classical music fun for kids of all ages. 501-6661761; www.arkansassymphony.org. Arkansas Travelers Baseball For most baseball fans, few things in life top the phrase “Play ball!” Dickey-Stephens Park opened last spring in downtown North Little Rock. 501-664-7559; www.travs.com. Burns Park North Little Rock’s 1,575-acre park, one of the nation’s largest city parks, has a 36-hole championship golf course, disc and miniature golf courses, a tennis complex, softball and soccer fields, playgrounds, an archery range, BMX track, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and even an amusement park. 501-791-8537; www. northlittlerock.ar.gov. Chuck E. Cheese It’s loud but loaded with pint-sized diversions and specializes in a kid’s favorite food. Kids just love it. 501-227-8363; www.chuckecheese.com. Gator Park Gator Park offers bumper boats, go-karts, batting cages, video games and a snack bar. Just down the road is Gator Golf, with two 18-hole miniature golf courses. 501-455-3750; www.gatorparkfun.com. Historic Arkansas Museum Practically every museum in Little Rock offers something for kids. Of particular interest is the Historic Arkansas Museum, offering exhibits designed to educate children about Little Rock and frontier life. 501324-9351; www.arkansashistory.com. Jack Stephens Youth Golf Academy This first-rate facility includes a championship nine-hole course, a nine-hole par-three pitchand-putt course, a 15-acre driving range, a short

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Peabody Adventure Park game area and a putting course. 501-562-GOLF (4653); www.thefirsttee.org. Little Rock Zoo No trip to Little Rock is complete without a trip to the zoo to see the city’s most celebrated toddler a 2-year-old gorilla named Mosi. The Little Rock Zoo is also home to more than 750 mammals, birds and reptiles. 501-6662406; www.littlerockzoo.com. Museum of Discovery Located in the River Market District, the Museum of Discovery’s handson and interactive exhibits, which cover a wide range of topics, are as fun as they are educational. 501-396-7050; www.amod.org. Peabody Hotel ducks Nearly as famous as Little Rock’s former president, the ducks make a daily appearance via a red carpet at the hotel lobby’s marble fountain, where they frolic all day before returning to the Royal Peabody Duck Palace at 5 p.m. 501-906-4000; www.peabodylittlerock.com. Peabody adventure Park After visiting the ducks, follow it up with a trip to the city’s new park dedicated exclusively to kids. Located in Riverfront Park, it features tunnels, a tube slide, climbing wall, splash fountain, space net and a tree room. 501-371-4770; www.littlerock.org. Pinnacle Mountain State Park It’s just a few minutes from the city, but offers a vastly different view of the world from the top of Pinnacle Mountain. You’ll find three different trails, from the gentle, paved .6-mile Arkansas Trail loop to the challenging West Summit Trail, which takes you straight — and we do mean straight — to the top. 501-868-5806; www.arkansasstateparks. com/pinnaclemountain. River Rail Streetcar For the younger crowd, it’s a whole new experience, while for older folks it’s a chance to relive childhood memories. It’s also a great way to see the River Market, the Clinton Presidential Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum, the U.S.S. Razorback submarine and more. See

page 74 for more about the streetcar routes. 501374-5354; www.cat.org/rrail. Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park Arkansas’s tallest prehistoric Native American mounds are preserved at this National Historic Landmark. The mounds and an earthen embankment are all that remains of a large ceremonial and governmental complex inhabited from A.D. 600 to 1050. 501-961-9442; www.arkansasstateparks. com/toltecmounds. Two Rivers Park It 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 wheelchairs. 501-371-4770. Wild River Country North Little Rock’s popular water park offers almost a dozen different water attractions. It’s open from May until August. 501-753-8600; www.wildrivercountry.com. Willow Springs Water Park Little Rock’s original water park, Willow Springs was built in 1928, but continues to develop and improve. The park features picnic tables and grills, a large kiddie pool, lifeguards on duty, a 400-foot waterslide and much more. Open weekends beginning in May and then seven days a week from the end of May through August. 501-888-4148; www. willowsprings.net. The Painted Pig This Heights hot spot sports a ceramic and artist studio where kids can select an unfired piece of pottery and paint it to their heart’s desire; the staff handles the glazing and firing. 501280-0553; www.paintedpigstudio.com. Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center One of Little Rock’s newest attractions, the nature center encourages children to explore their natural surroundings through educational and interactive exhibits. The nature center opens this fall. 501-907-0636; www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com.

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City sports L

ittle Rock’s sporting offerings hit the big time this year, when Alltel Arena hosted a portion of the NCAA tournament.The national college competition drew basketball fans from across the country and once again threw the city into the national spotlight. Little Rock offers more than just a place to watch professional baseball, basketball and football or a boxing match between a Middleweight Champion (Arkansas’s own Jermain Taylor) and his challenger, it’s a great city to get into the middle of the action.

Baseball When the hot summer sun has your mouth watering for a cold beer, a juicy hot dog and of course a baseball game, look no further than the new Arkansas Travelers’ baseball stadium, Dickey-Stephens Park, for the cure. The Travs are affiliated with the Anaheim Angels and have won five league titles since 1966. The season runs from April through August. For ticket information, call (501) 664-7559, or visit them on the web at www.travs.com.

ticket and schedule information, call (501) 7658117 or visit www.thearkansasrhinos.com. The Arkansas Razorbacks traditionally schedule two of their college football games each season at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. This year the Razorbacks will take on Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 6 and LSU on Nov. 28 at War Memorial Stadium.

Boxing Former World Middleweight Champion boxer Jermain Taylor has fought at Alltel Arena and calls the greater Little Rock area home. He won the title in July 2005 and retained it for over two years.

Golf With the abundance of golf courses in Central Arkansas, an afternoon on the links is never far away. Burns Park—Two 18-hole courses along the Arkansas River. 30 Championship Dr., North

Little Rock (501) 791-8587 Camp Robinson—9 holes, good course for novice golfers. Camp Robinson, North Little Rock (501) 753-8877 Country Club of Arkansas—18 holes, tight fairways lined with trees and water. 3 Country Club Circle, Maumelle (501) 851-0095 Hindman Park—18 holes on challenging terrain. 60 Brookview Dr., (501) 565-6450. Pine Valley—18 holes, tight fairways line with trees. 9311 Tom Box Rd., North Little Rock (501) 835-3424 Rebsamen Park—18 holes along the Arkansas River near downtown. 3400 Rebsamen Park Rd. (501) 666-7965 Stone Links—Scottish-style course with 18 holes. 110 Hwy 391 N., North Little Rock (501) 945-0945 War Memorial—Hilly 18-hole course in the middle of Little Rock. 5511 W. Markham St., (501) 663-0854

Basketball The new Stephens Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is home to the Trojans, an NCAA Division I basketball team. UALR’s Lady Trojans also play there (the women’s basketball program is part of the Sun Belt Conference). For schedule information, visit them on the web at www.ualrtrojans.com. Although the University of Arkansas’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play most of their home games in Fayetteville, they do schedule a game or two each season in Little Rock. For more Arkansas Razorback information, visit www. hogwired.com.

Football Arena football’s lightning-fast pace and nonstop excitement are making the sport increasingly popular across the country, and Central Arkansas is no exception. Since entering the Arena 2 Football League in 2000, the Arkansas Twisters have set league attendance records at Alltel Arena and has seen its players continue on to every major professional football league in the world. The season runs from early April thrpugh July. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at (501) 975-7575 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. The Arkansas Rhinos, a member of the semiprofessional North American Football League, play their games at Jacksonville Middle School in Jacksonville. The Arkansas Rhinos begin their season in June and play through September. For

Catch an Arkansas Travelers game at Dickey-Stephens Park. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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the little rock zoo

The city’s wildest park ions and tigers and a baby gorilla! Oh, my! If Dorothy had only known about the Little Rock Zoo, she might not have been so impressed by Oz. The zoo, one of Little Rock’s most beloved institutions, had humble beginnings: Its first animals were a circus bear and a timber wolf. But since its founding 80 years ago, it’s grown by leaps and bounds. It is now home to more than 200 animal species, including Little Rock’s most popular baby, a 2-year-old gorilla that no visitor is going to want to miss. Born at the zoo in October 2006, the baby gorilla, Mosi (“firstborn” in Swahili), will continue to grow

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Mikaltodd Wilson

Lions, tigers, bears and more can be found at the Little Rock Zoo. and develop for the next three years. This makes a glimpse of young Mosi special; he’s exciting to watch as he explores and learns. Today, the zoo, which is accredited by the

Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has grown to 33 acres and draws more than 300,000 visitors each year, and it continues to expand and add new attractions. The African Veldt exhibit is a mixed-species exhibit featuring zebras, kudus and ostriches, a new species for the zoo. It mimics an African plain, with tall grass and few trees. A running water feature separates guests from animals, providing a natural barrier instead of a fence or cage, and a new overlook deck provides ideal viewing. The original WPA lion house, now used for primate and reptile habitats, isn’t the only structure that recently received a facelift. The zoo also boasts a new gift shop, entry complex and lorikeet exhibit. It’s even home to a few animals of an entirely different kind: the newly restored wooden creatures on the Over the Jumps carousel, which is the only fully operational antique carousel of its kind in the country. It sits near the zoo entry under a newly constructed pavilion, and both children and adults can ride it during normal zoo hours. But a visit to the zoo is more than just a chance to observe animals you’ve never seen before. Zoo staff members are experts in their fields and enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors through educational programs and activities. Don’t forget to check out Café Africa, a full-service restaurant and catering facility. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 through Sept. 30. The rest of the year (Oct. 1 through March 31) it closes at 4:30 p.m. The zoo is located off Fair Park Boulevard near Interstate 630. For more information, call (501) 666-2406 or check the website, www. littlerockzoo.com.

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On the Silver Screen Little Rock offers a number of places to catch a movie.

UA Breckenridge Village 12: Interstate 430 at Rodney Parham Rd., 501-224-0990

Chenal 9 Theatres with IMAX: 17825 Chenal Pky., 501-821-2616; wwwchenal9.com

Market Street Cinema: 1521 Merrill Dr., 501-312-8900; www. marketstreetcinema.net

Rave Motion Pictures: 18 Colonel Glenn Plaza Dr., 501-687-0499; www.ravemotionpictures.com

Riverdale 10: 2600 Cantrell Rd., 501-296-9955; www.riverdale10.com

Cinemark Tandy 10: 4188 E. McCain Plaza, North Little Rock. 501-945-7400; www.cinemark.com

Imax Theater: Aerospace Education Center, 3301 E. Roosevelt Ave., #2 (near the airport), 501-376-4629; www.aerospaced.org

UA Lakewood 8: 2939 Lakewood Village Dr., North Little Rock, 501-758-5354

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

City Nights W h a t To D o

Sticky Fingerz Rock ’N’ Roll Chicken Shack VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

ci ty n i g h t s

CLUB

LOCATION

DESCRIPTION

HOURS

PHONE/WEBSITE

The Afterthought

2721 Kavanaugh Blvd.

One of the best places in town to hear live music especially well known for its jazz and blues. Enjoy live jazz on Monday nights and the blues on Tuesdays.

Mon.-Thurs. 8 p.m. Fri. 9 p.m.–2 a.m. Sat. 1 p.m. THIS IS MISSING INFO

501-663-1196 www.afterthoughtbar.com

Cajun’s Wharf

2400 Cantrell Rd.

Cajun’s Wharf is a must-do while in Little Rock. In addition to excellent seafood dishes, its musical diversity may be its strongest point. Bands of all genres play at the wharf on the Arkansas River, and there’s a roomy dance floor. The atmosphere and view of the sunset, especially from the desk overlooking the river, is one of the best in central Arkansas.

Mon.-Thurs. 4:30 p.m.closing; weekends 5 p.m.closing.

501-375-5351 www.cajunswharf.com

Capital Bar & Grill

111 W. Markham St.

A longtime favorite watering hole for the state’s political movers and shakers. Cocktails are handmade, and lunch and dinner are served daily.

Mon.-Sun. 11a.m.-10p.m.

501-374-7474 www.capitalhotel.com

Ciao Baci

605 N. Beechwood St. A great place to have a quiet bottle of wine or an unbelievable dessert (appetizers and entrees are fantastic as well). Peruse the great wine list or choose from a vast selection of mixed drinks. The patio is especially nice in warm weather.

Coffee Beanery Café

17200 Chenal Pkwy.

Tasty desserts and live music on some nights with no cover charge. 7 a.m.- 8 p.m.

501-821-7747 www.coffeebeanery.com

Cornerstone Deli & Pub

314 Main St., North Little Rock

Cornerstone’s wide beer selection and regular live music make this a fine stopping-off spot. It succeeds on the food end as well, with the usual and not-so-usual pub selections and sandwiches.

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

501-374-1782 www.cstonepub.com

Discovery

1021 Jessie Road

A private club for night owls about town, Discovery boasts a huge dance floor and a massive theater where you can sit and enjoy a variety of entertaining shows.

Sat. 9 p.m.-5 a.m.

501-664-4784 www.latenightdisco.com

Double Tree Plaza Bar & Grille

Corner of Markham Located inside the DoubleTree Hotel, the restaurant offers guests and Broadway streets a quiet place to grab a nightcap and unwind before heading up to their room.

Mon.-Sun. 5-10 p.m.

501-372-4371 www.doubletreelr.com

Downtown Music and Records

211 W. Capitol Ave.

Local and regional heavy rock acts.

Weekends only; hours vary.

501-376-1819 www.downtownmetal.com

Easy Street Piano Bar

Corner of Seventh and Spring streets

A fun piano bar where locals wail torch songs or Broadway classics. Mon.-Fri. 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; Thursday nights feature a hot jazz trio while the weekends are Sat. 5p.m.-midnight dedicated to cabaret camp. Good wine selection.

501-372-3530 www.easystreetpianobar.com

Electric Cowboy

9515 Interstate 30

For the boot-and-hat crowd. They even offer dance classes for Wed.-Sun. 7:30 p.m.-5 a.m. those who might be in need. You never know who you might catch playing live.

501-562-6000 www.electriccowboy.com

Ernie Biggs

307 President Clinton A private club that offers dueling pianos as entertainment. Two Mon.-Sun. 7 p.m.–2 a.m. Ave. piano men, well-practiced at getting the crowd worked up, perform all those songs you never thought you knew all the words to. The only River Market club that stays open until 2 a.m. on Saturday nights.

501-372-4782 littlerock.erniebiggs.com

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

323 President Clinton With more than 200 beers to choose from, guests can spend all Mon.-Thurs.11 p.m.-1 a.m.; Ave. night just making up their mind which one to try next. And if you’re Fri. 11 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 11 hungry, the menu offers a great choice of tasty selections from p.m.-1 a.m. meaty burgers and bratwurst to healthy salads and wraps. The beer cheese soup, served in a bread bowl, is a lunchtime favorite. Monday is Pint Night, Wednesday is Brewery Night (you keep the glass) and Thursday is Live Music Night.

501-372-7468 www.beerknurd.com

Fox and Hound

2800 Lakewood Village Dr.

A North Little Rock sports hot spot with pool tables and live music on the weekends.

Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

501-753-8300

Grumpy’s Too

1801 Green Mountain Drive

Live music (mostly rock) is served up Monday through Saturday with no cover charge. This neighborhood pub has scrumptious sandwiches and chicken wings, plus a comfortable deck.

Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 4 501-225-3768 p.m.-1 a.m.

Gusano’s Pizzeria

313 President Clinton This popular sports bar quickly became a hot spot after joining Ave. the downtown scene three years ago. Gusano’s offers fantastic Chicago-style pizza, nightly drink specials, live music, billiards and 21 televisions that carry every major sporting event.

Hillcrest Fountain

2809 Kavanaugh Blvd.

The first pool hall/games/sports bar-type club to open in Hillcrest in HOURS? years. Large selection of wine and beers, and occasional live music.

501-614-9818

Juanita’s Cantina Ballroom

1300 S. Main St.

Juanita’s is the city’s granddaddy of live-music venues, hosting a variety of local, regional and national acts. While half of Juanita’s is devoted to music (you’ll hear everything from rock and country to funk and reggae), the other half of the space offers terrific TexMex food and a loaded bar.

501-372-1228 www.juanitas.com

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Mon.-Sat. 5p.m. until last call. 501-603-0238

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. to close; Sat. until 1 a.m.

Restaurant: lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner 5-9 p.m. Bar: Mon. 11 a.m.-9p.m.; Tues.Fri. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sat. 11 p.m.-1 a.m.

501-374-1441 www.gusanospizza.com

ci ty n i g h t s

CLUB

LOCATION

DESCRIPTION

HOURS

The Lobby Bar

3 Statehouse Plaza

Inside the Peabody Hotel, the Lobby Bar is the perfect place for a café au lait and croissant, a lunchtime aperitif, afternoon tea, predinner cocktails or after-dinner brandies and liqueurs. This is the place to see and be seen.

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; 501-906-4000 Sat. 4-10 p.m.; Sun. 4-10 p.m. www.peabodylittlerock.com

PHONE/WEBSITE

The Loony Bin Comedy Club

10301 N. Rodney Parha.m. Rd.

They don’t have much in the way of live music, but the laughs are plentiful. You can catch up-and-coming comedians Wednesday through Saturday, with low cover charges.

Showtimes: Wed.-Thurs. 8 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sat. 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

501-228-5555 www.loonybincomedy.com

Mallard’s Bar

3 Statehouse Plaza

Located in the Peabody Hotel, it is the perfect place for an informal, Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sat. relaxing drink. The club-like atmosphere is enhanced by the 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun. antique duck decoys and rich décor. noon-10 p.m.

501-906-4000 www.peabodylittlerock.com

Midtown Billiards

1316 Main St.

A downtown private club/pool hall that draws a large after-hours Mon.-Sun. 3 p.m.-5 a.m. crowd (and serves one of the best burgers in town). Enjoy late night live music on the weekends.

501-372-9990 www.midtownar.com

On the Rocks

107 E. Markham St.

A new addition to the downtown club mix. Enjoy live or deejay music every weekend. Poker tournaments and games weekly. Check out their menu, which includes burgers, wings, cheese dip and other items. Tuesday night is karaoke night.

501-374-7625 www.clubontherocks.com

The Oyster Bar

3003 W. Markham St.

A local favorite for catfish po’boys and oysters on the half shell. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9:30 Grab a cold beer and feast on great seafood in a casual atmosphere. p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat. noon-10 p.m.

501-666-7100 www.lroysterbar.com

Pizza D’Action

2919 W. Markham St.

This is the place for a tasty slice of pizza, a cold brew, a dark corner and a good dart game. Known by locals as “Pizza D’s,” it’s a little off the beaten path for visiting bar-hoppers, but it is a great local hangout. You’ll meet a number of notorious Little Rock characters who can recommend where to go when Pizza D’s calls it a night.

501-666-5403

Tues.-Fri. 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Mon. 3 p.m.-3 a.m.; Tues.Fri. 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Rumba/ Revolution 300 President Clinton Enjoy great “Mexi-Cuban” food and live music at this restaurant/ Ave. club combo. Rumba! (the restaurant) is open for dinner Monday through Saturday. Also enjoy a variety of specialty drinks, the largest rum selection in the state and a lot of great tequilas, too. The Revolution Music Room is a visually enticing multi-purpose facility that hosts larger national touring acts and provides a unique “dance club” experience on certain nights.

NEED ACCURATE HOURS 501-823-0090 HERE  RUMBA IS NOT OPEN www.rumbarevolution.com FOR LUNCH WEEKDAYS ANYMORE, IS IT?

Sticky Fingerz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack

107 S. Commerce St.

Stinky Fingerz has become one of the city’s most popular livemusic venues. With good reason—the bands it draws (mostly a mix of rock, blues and funk) are first-rate; the food’s good, the drinks are cool, the dance floor is usually hoppin’ and the decor—dripping with funky folk art—is high-octane. The cover charge usually isn’t much, either. For those who’d like a cozier escape, there’s Sticky Fingerz Lyric Lounge next door. Designed to have the feel of a big living room, the lounge has the same menu as the Shack but offers a larger selection of wines and mixed drinks. And although the lounge shares a common entrance with the Shack, it has no cover charge.

Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 501-372-7707 p.m.; dinner 4:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; www.stickyfingerz.com Sat. 11 a.m.-1a.m. Live music Tues.-Sat.

U-B-U

824 W. Capitol Ave.

A club geared toward alternative lifestyles, mostly focusing on female clientele.

Open on weekends.

501-375-8580

Underground Pub

500 President Clinton The Underground offers a little something for everyone. For the Ave. sporty sort, this English-style pub boasts pool and darts. Hungry? Try the fish and chips. Thursday night features karaoke; Friday and Saturday, there’s live music. Best of all, there’s generally no cover charge.

Mon.-Tues. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m.; Sat. 11a.m.-midnight.

501-707-2537

Vino’s Brew Pub

923 W. 7th St.

Another Little Rock bar staple. Just about everyone from politicos to punkers is drawn to the city’s original brewpub, which serves up some of the best pizza, salads and calzones in town. As for its music, Vino’s is known for its slate of up-and-coming, cutting-edge bands.

Mon.-Wed. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs.11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun. 1-9 p.m.

501-375-8466 www.vinosbrewpub.com

West End Smokehouse and Tavern

215 N. Shackleford Road

A private club that caters to sports enthusiasts. Watch your favorite team on televisions located throughout the bar and munch on great food—burgers, catfish, steak and more.

Mon.-Thurs. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

501-224-7665 www.westendsmokehouse.net

White Water Tavern

2500 W. 7th St.

WWT has been in the live-music business for years and leans to Mon.-Fri. noon-2 a.m.; Sat. 6 rock and country sounds. Hear local bands and touring groups, too. p.m.-2 a.m.

Willy D’s Dueling Piano Bar

322 President Clinton Doubling as a restaurant and piano bar, Willy D’s has dueling pianos Tues.-Fri. 7p.m.-2 a.m.; Ave. upstairs every night and a DJ on Wed., Fri. & Sat. downstairs in DEEP Sat.7p.m.-1 a.m Lounge. Food served till midnight each night.

501-375-8400

501-244-9550

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h a t To D o

On Stage If you’re looking for a play, comedy, classical music or dance performance while in Little Rock, this rundown will come in handy.

Scene from Barefoot in the Park performed at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Arkansas Repertory Theatre Now in its 33rd season, the Rep is again offering patrons and Little Rock visitors a line-up of professional stage productions. The Rep has received national recognition for its performances, which include dramas, comedies and musicals. Visit their website for a complete listing of upcoming performances. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405; www.therep.org. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Indoors and outdoors, this group performs with internationally known musicians from September through May, including for seasonal celebrations around the Fourth of July and Christmas. The symphony is celebrating its 42nd season and calls Robinson Center Music Hall home. Markham and Broadway. 501-666-1761; www.arkansassymphony.org. Ballet Arkansas The only professional ballet company in the state, Ballet Arkansas is a popular Little Rock attraction. It stages four major productions annually, including the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” 501-223-5150; www. balletarkansas.org. Celebrity Attractions A steady stream of nationally touring plays, musicals and other performances are brought to Robinson Center Music Hall each year. The office is located at 300 S. Spring St. 501244-8800; www.celebrityattractions.com Murry’s Dinner Playhouse Murry’s Dinner Playhouse has been dishing out

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

dinner and live performances for more than 30 years. From Broadway to comedic relief, entertainment is served up with buffet choices of roast beef, poultry, fish, pasta, vegetables, salads and desserts. Reservations recommended. 6323 Colonel Glenn Road. 501-562-3131; www. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com. The Public Theatre This 66-seat performing arts space downtown focuses on improv and other stage productions. As its name suggests, The Public Theatre is a place where creative artists can develop and express their ideas in an open-spirited, collaborative environment, while at the same time offering quality entertainment. 616 Center St. 374-PLAY (7529); www. thepublictheatre.com. Weekend Theater This community group stages high-quality productions, ranging from avant garde and experimental theater to more mainstream plays. The season runs all year with shows on, well, the weekend, with modestly priced tickets. Seventh and Chester streets. 501-374-3761; www.weekendtheater.org. Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts This west Little Rock venue in a scenic setting brings big names and local performers to its intimate, stateof-the-art performance hall. There’s also the Blooms Festival in the spring, as well as other events scheduled throughout the year. 20919 Denny Road. 501-821-7275; www.wildwoodpark.org.

c ity s hopping

W H E R E T O s h op

City shopping I

f shopping’s your thing, you’ll have no trouble filling your day in Little Rock. The city’s retailers offer enough variety to please any taste, and with shops spreading from the heart of downtown to the western edges of the city, there’s bound to be something interesting just around the corner. We’ve compiled a partial list of stores organized by neighborhood. It is by no means complete, but it will give you an idea of what’s available and where you might want to head first.

River Market District & Downtown

The River Market area is known for its hot nightspots and the seasonal Farmer’s Market, but there’s much more than that along President Clinton Avenue. The district is an emerging arts hub with a number of galleries, and you’ll also find a bookstore, bath products shop and other retail stores.

Arkansas Flag & Banner Flags of the patriotic variety star, but you’ll also find Jolly Rogers, garden ornaments, seasonal banners and an all-year Christmas corner. 800 W. 9th St. 501-375-7633. Arkansas Junction Get your Arkansas tourist goodies and t-shirts here. Located outside the River Market. 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-907-9777. Bath Junkie Choose from nearly 200 fragrances to create your own bath and body products, including bubble bath, lotions, salt scrubs, shower gels, body mists and more. 322 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-0500. Bennett’s Military Supplies With leather jackets and Army boots, tents, backpacks and other outdoor gear, this a great place for the guys. 302 Main St. 501-372-2944. Clinton Museum Store Clinton memorabilia stars, but you can also shop for books, artwork, jewelry and more. 610 President Clinton Ave. 501-748-0400. Coin & Stamp Shop A collector’s haven. 107 Main St. 501-375-2113. Downtown Music Hall & Record Store A record store and live entertainment venue. 215 W. Capitol Ave. 501-376-1819. Downtown News Mart A hole-in-the-wall convenience store offering magazines, newspapers, tobacco, beer and liquor. 304 Main St. 501-3758322. Downtown Wig & Fashion A selection of wigs, women’s urban fashions, shoes and other accessories. 305 Main St. 501-374-3478. Explore Store Part of the Museum of Discovery,

Ozark Outdoor Supply in the Heights has been central Arkansas’s headquarters for the best in activewear and outdoor gear for over 36 years. the Explore Store has great gifts, puzzles, games, books and more for kids of all ages. Museum Center, 500 Clinton Ave. 501-396-7050. Farmer’s Market Shop for fresh produce, flowers, herbs, crafts and other interesting items from May to October on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Ottenheimer Market Hall Pavilion, 400 Clinton Ave. Gifts of Arkansas Shop a large selection of Arkansas-produced gift items, including foods, crafts and all kinds of “Natural State” goodies. Check out the gift baskets or customize your own. All proceeds benefit the Girl Scouts of Ouachita Council. 123 E. Markham St. 501-225-7624. Hearne Fine Art A fine art gallery specializing in African American art from nationally recognized artists. Museum Center, 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-6822. Historic Arkansas Museum Store Located in the museum’s atrium, the Museum Store offers the best of contemporary, Arkansas-made arts and crafts as well as merchandise related to frontier Arkansas. Shop for pottery, quilts, baskets, books and more. 200 E. 3rd St. 501-324-9351. I Liket All From ironwork to containers, this hidden treasure-trove has everything you need to accessorize your outdoor living space. 2420

Bragg St. (Interstate 30 at the Roosevelt Exit). 501-372-9900. Mr. Cool Offering a selection of urban clothing, including suits and active-wear, shoes and accessories. 301 Main St. 501-378-0107. The Museum Store Choose from books, jewelry, toys and items by artists and artisans from around the state and region. Arkansas Arts Center, 9th and Commerce streets. 501-372-4000. 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 antique jewelry, unusual artwork and traditional souvenirs. 300 W. Markham St. 501-342-9685. Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing A sister business to Hearne Fine Art, offering prints, books and customized framing. Museum Center, 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-5824. River Market ArtSpace Voted “Best Art Gallery” by locals, it represents contemporary art and crafts from local and nationally known artists. 301 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-ARTS (2787). River Market Books & Gifts Part of the Central Arkansas Library System, offering new or used books at up to 60 percent off retail prices, toys and other gift VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h E R E To s h op items as well as seasonal specialty items. Cox Creative Center, 120 Commerce St. 501-918-3093. Ten Thousand Villages Browse unique ethnic-inspired goods, including folk art, jewelry, toys and games, tableware, rugs and more at this store, which provides fair trade income to Third World artisans. 305 President Clinton Ave. 501-374-2776.

Riverdale Often referred to by locals as Little Rock’s design district because of the number of home-related and interior design shops, Riverdale is located at the bottom of Cantrell Hill at Rebsamen Park Road. About Vase Browse a variety of flowers or have Phil make you a one-of-a-kind arrangement. 3400 Old Cantrell Road. 501603-9200. The Antique Co. Offers fine European antiques, including lighting, furniture and architectural elements, as well as other home accessories. 1408 Rebsamen Park After visiting the Clinton Library, make sure to stop by the Clinton Museum Store. Road. 501-666-0339. Bear-Hill Interiors Furniture, lamps, home accessories and other items. and other accessories. 3513 Old Cantrell Road. 1420 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-907-9272. 501-664-0355. Box Turtle Imports and Gifts Shop for Botanica Gardens From houseplants and MertinsDyke Home Furniture and home unique home accessories, including linens, candles planters to nursery items and gardening tools. 1601 accessories store with a modern flair. Also offers and lighting, as well as hand-made jewelry, local Rebsamen Park Road. 501-614-3000. books, gifts, rugs and bed linens. 1500 Rebsamen designer clothing and one-of-a-kind gift items. Cynthia East Fabrics Select from upholPark Road. 501-280-3200. 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-661-1167. stery, decorator and drapery fabrics as well as New Orleans Antiques and Jewelry The Full Moon Fun and whimsical gifts, decorative accessories. 1523 Rebsamen Park Road. Featuring a large selection of fine European home accessories, baby items, personal care 501-663-0460. antiques, furniture, art and jewelry. 2226 Cantrell products and much more. 3625 Kavanaugh Blvd. D. May Antiques Specializing in European Road. 501-374-3119. 501-663-4367. antiques and accessories. 3400 Old Cantrell Road. Private Collections Consignment Gallery 26 Highlighting works created by 501-614-9100. Gallery A consignment shop featuring quallocal artists, including glass work, prints, original Elements of Design A literal warehouse ity home furniture and accessories in traditional, works and jewelry. Also offers framing services. full of furniture and decorative accessories. 2400 transitional and contemporary styles. 2326 Cantrell 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-8996. Cantrell Road. 501-375-4520. Road. 501-372-3270. Handworks Gallery A knitter’s paradise Fabulous Finds Antique Mall A fleaSOHO modern A furniture and home décor offering designer yarns and knitting supplies. 2911 market-style antique store where you never shop specializing in both period pieces from the Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-6300. know what you’ll find. 2905 Cantrell Road. mid-20th century and contemporary designs. 7710 Haus Werk A fun collection of clothing, house501-614-8181. Cantrell Road. 501-372-4884. wares, decorative accessories, furniture, jewelry and Loft By Cobblestone & Vine An expanded The Showroom Offers custom framing options gifts. 2923 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-633-5251. version of the original home furnishings and accesand a wide selection of prints, frames and original Hillcrest Junk Co. Shop for vintage furniture sory store. 2314 Cantrell Road. 501-372-1966. artwork. 2313 Cantrell Road. 501-372-7373. and accessories in this eclectic store. 623 Beechwood Louie’s Unique Framing & Gallery Offers St. 501-681-7999. custom framing, original artwork and prints. 1509 Hillcrest Paddywacks A funky vintage clothing and A Mart Dr. 501-907-6240. kitschy collectibles store. 109 N. Van Buren St. Marshall Clements An interior design firm Located just minutes from downtown Little Rock, the 501-663-9019. with antiques and artwork on display and for sale. city’s original suburb offers quaint shops and centuryRiver City Coffee and Tea Offers a wonderful 1509 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-1828. old architecture. Stroll along Kavanaugh Boulevard selection of gourmet coffees and teas, food items, Massimo An interior design firm with and choose from a variety of retail options, including related accessories and supplies. 2715 Kavanaugh modern/transitional furniture, original artwork clothing, gifts, antiques, art and home décor. Blvd. 501-661-1496.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

The Shoppes at Woodlawn A collection of antique, home décor and art-related shops. 4523 Woodlawn Road. 501-666-3600. Sweet Home Furnishings A tucked-away antique store offering antique and vintage furniture, home décor items and other art-related accessories. 2909 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-296-9198.

The Heights Best known as Little Rock’s oldest planned residential development, this area is another spot filled with antiques, products for the home, art and clothing. Antiques On Kavanaugh An antique store offering furniture, artwork, lamps and other accessories. 5701 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-7746. Bella Boutique A great girly store with fine linens, cosmetics, skin care products, bathing and bath accessories, as well as books, candles and other personal care and home-related items. 5623 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-5373. Cabbage Rose Florist A florist specializing in custom-designed dried, silk and fresh floral arrangements. 5701 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-4042. Caracalla Day Spa A hair salon and day spa with a wide selection of personal care products and accessories. 5715 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-280-0866. Cobblestone and Vine Fine furniture, linens, decorative gifts and accessories with a European flair. 5100 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-4988. Dauphine A great selection of fine linens, some antiques and gifts as well as custom-designed lamps and shades. 5819 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501664-6007 Feinstein’s A women’s clothing boutique offering fine apparel and accessories. 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-7330. Foster Cochran A gift shop with a wide selection of silver pieces, jewelry, gifts and other personal care items and home and clothing accessories. 5020 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-3925. Heights Fine Wines and Spirits Offering an excellent selection of wines, beer and other spirits. 5012 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-9463. Heights Gallery An art gallery featuring works by regional and local artists, offering customframing services as well. 5801 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-2772. Heights Toy Center A toy store for the young and young-at-heart. 5918 R St. 501-663-8383. Kristin Chase A women’s clothing store. 5008 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1665. Mary Healey’s Fine Jewelry Offers fine jewelry and custom-jewelry design services. 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-661-1314. Mr. Wicks Men’s Clothing A men’s clothing store offering fine men’s business apparel and weekend wear. 5924 R. St. 501-664-3062. New Traditions A women’s designer clothing store offering a great selection of shoes, purses and other accessories. 1920 N. Grant St. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h E R E To s h op 501-663-2388. Ozark Outdoor Supply For the outdoor enthusiast, get your camping gear and other supplies here. 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-4832. Pflugrad’s Antiques Specializing in fine European antiques and old leather books. 5624 R St. 501-661-0188. Roberson’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts A fine jewelry and watch store. 5815 R St. 501-664-9000. Tipton & Hurst Longstanding Heights florist offering a vast array of gift and home accessories. 1801 N. Grant St. 501-666-3333. The Accessory Fine home furnishings, accessories and botanicals. Designer lamps, too. 5608 R St. 501-664-5363. The Painted Pig This Heights hot Pleasant Ridge Town Center at 11525 Cantrell Road has become a shopping mecca for fashion and home spot sports a ceramic and artist studio accessory shoppers. where kids can select an unfired piece of pottery and paint it to their heart’s desire. 5622 Tulips A hip clothing boutique offering fun bedding accessories and select furniture items and R St. 501-280-0553. styles for women and babies. 5817 Kavanaugh artwork. 5617 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-1008. The Toggery A children’s clothing store. 5919 Blvd. 501-614-7343. R St. 501-663-8662. Wordsworth Books A wonderful indepenCantrell Road Trianon Antiques Offers a wonderful dent bookstore offering a wide selection of books. selection of fine antique furniture and accessories 5920 R St. 501-663-9198. A major thoroughfare in Little Rock, Cantrell Road imported from Europe. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd. W. Randall Byars Interiors and Accesruns from downtown to West Little Rock, and there’s 501-663-5502. sories An interior design firm with fine linens, an unbelievable number of shopping options all along the way. Take a day and just shop Cantrell Road. You’ll find clothing, art, flowers, furniture, gift shops … the list goes on and on. B. Barnett A designer women’s clothing store including designs by Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Rena Lange, and cosmetics by Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier and Nars. Check out their day spa! 8201 Cantrell Road. 501-223-2514. Bahama Joe’s Offers outdoor furniture with a fun, taste-of-the-tropics twist. 8124 Cantrell Road. 501-224-2339. Barbara/Jean Ltd. One of the city’s premier women’s boutiques, offering Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and clothing, shoes and handbags from other top-name designers. Their cosmetic counter is stocked with Yves St. Laurent and other designer cosmetics and skincare products. 7811 Cantrell Road. 501-227-0054. Bauman’s Men’s Shop A men’s fine apparel store offering styles by, among others, Hugo Boss and Armani. 8201 Cantrell Road. 501-227-8797. BEYOND COTTON Hip clothing store with names such as Poleci, BCBG, Thorn and more. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-221-1539 Cantrell Design Center Offering furniture, carpets and rugs, lighting and other home-related items. 7619 Cantrell Road. 501-225-0002. Cantrell Gallery One of the oldest galleries in the city, with works by local and regional artists. 8206 Cantrell Road. 501-224-1335. Catering To You In addition to wonderful gourmet foods, shop their collection of fun gifts. 8121 Cantrell Road. 501-614-9030.

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Companions Women’s and contemporary clothing from names such as Trina, Turk, Parameter, Isda and Womyn. 14810 Cantrell Road. 501-868-8484. CUPCAKES & CATE R PILLA R S U p s c a l e children’s clothing store. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-224-4747. Forsythe’s Ladies Apparel A women’s apparel store with the latest trendy fashions and accessories. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-225-4743. Friday’s Florist A floral shop with fresh and silk arrangements offering vases and garden accessories as well as lamps, pottery and other home-related gifts. 7011 Cantrell Road. 501-664-5800. Hadidi Oriental Rugs Fine antique and new Oriental rugs and other floor coverings. 8116 Cantrell Road. 501-225-8999. Ken Rash’s of arkansas An outdoor living one-stop featuring grills, furniture and other outdoor living accessories. 7214 Cantrell Road. 501-663-1818. MINX Upscale designer clothing store with labels such as Vivienne Westwood and Helmut Lang. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-223-8879. Pacific Rim Imports Features imported Asian furniture and accessories. 1800 N. Pierce St. 501-666-6500. Posh Furniture and home accessories store with a distinctive style. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-312-0400. Scarlet A hip clothing store featuring celebrity-flavored fashions, shoes and accessories. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-223-8585. The Sassy Stork Everything for the expectant mother. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-661-5151. Solemates Browse a fantastic selection of women’s shoes in a wide price range. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-716-2960. Powder & Smoke Carries a large selection of perfumes and gifts including jewelry, handbags, picture frames and more. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-225-5353. Thread Men’s and women’s contemporary clothing. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-280-0190. Understatement Fine lingerie and women’s accessories boutique. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501663-2208. VESTA’S Find unique gifts, rare one-of-a-kind jewelry, fun and funky clothing and luxurious bedding here. 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-375-7820.

West Little Rock Known for its shopping options, West Little Rock offers so many stores you could spend the entire day in the area. Many national chains are located in this part of the city, along with small local stores. All the Rage A good source for formal wear and special occasion attire. Market Place Shopping Center, 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-225-7666. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h E R E To s h op Barbara Graves Intimate Fashions A wonderfully large lingerie store with an excellent selection of bathing suits, cover-ups, robes and sleepwear. Breckenridge Village, 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-5537. B and B Bridal & Formal Wear For all your wedding and formal event needs. Pleasant Valley Plaza, 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-2192164. B e d f o rd C a m e r a & V i d e o Everything the shutterbug could ever desire. 11400 Rodney Parham Road. 501-224-2020. Beyond Cotton A relaxed clothing store featuring FLAX linen and other wearable styles. Village at Pleasant Valley, 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-221-9195. Cecil’s Fine Jewelry A fine store offering men’s and women’s distinctive jewelry. Trellis Square, 10720 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-225-5068. The Crown Shop A Hallmark Midtowne Little Rock is conveniently located in the center of the city and features names such as Pottery store with a wonderful gift shop and Barn and Williams-Sonoma. a wide card selection. Village at Pleasant Valley, 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road. J. Oliver’s Fine Jewelry A jewelry store the advantages of modern science and high-quality 501-227-8442. offering fine men’s and women’s jewelry. Bowman products. Rejuvenation offers some of the best skin Easy Runner Offering shoes and clothing for Curve Shopping Center, 400 Bowman Road. and body treatments available. It’s also the only runners and serious athletes. Bowman Curve Shop501-954-9400. place in Little Rock to get Sonya Drakar Skin Care ping Center. 400 Bowman Road. 501-221-0017. Martinous Oriental Rugs Fine antique products (as seen in People, Elle and Vogue). 11125 Ethan Allen A retail furniture store specialand new Oriental rugs and other floor coverings. Arcade Dr., Suite G. 501-228-0666. izing in custom orders. 12301 Chenal Parkway. 1521 Macon Dr. 501-224-0313. RK Collections Hip clothing and denim for 501-219-8400. Norwalk, the Furniture Idea From both men and women featuring names such as Favorite Things Featuring furniture and home contemporary to traditional, shop the finest in True Religion, Seven and Citizens for Humanity. accessories with a contemporary, Asian influence. furniture, tables, lamps and accessories. Perris Plaza, 11715 Rainwood Dr. 501-225-8532. Bowman Curve Shopping Center, 400 Bowman 12310 Chenal Parkway. 501-224-7272. Sana’s Shoes A fantastic shoe store also Road. 501-221-3350. Ozark Angler Specializes in clothing, offering handbags and accessories. Pleasant Valley Fifth Season >From crystal and silver to equipment and other gear for the fly fisher and Plaza, 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-224china and fine collectibles, find the perfect gift outdoors enthusiast. 12301 Chenal Parkway. SHOE (7463). for someone or treat yourself. 10020 N. Rodney 501-225-6504. sportstop Sports headquarters for all things Parham Road. 501-225-0544. Pinky Punky A trendy clothing store for the athletically-inclined Find shoes, shorts, jerseys and Greenhaw’s Men’s Wear Fine menswear hip-minded female. Breckenridge Village, 10301 equipment here. Trellis Square, 10720 N. Rodney store offering business apparel and weekend wear. N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-7303. Parham Road. 501-224-4033 Breckenridge Village, 10301 N. Rodney Parham Rejuvenation Clinic and Day Spa CombinT. Lamarr Interiors An interior design firm Road. 501-227-8703. ing time-honored traditions and techniques with retailing fine linens, furniture and other home décor essentials. The fine art portion of the business has fabulous art on display from local and regional artists. Dogwood Crossing, 5501 Ranch Drive. 501-868-9882. The Toggery A children’s clothing store with the latest styles for your little fashionistas. Pleasant Valley Plaza, 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-8492. Whole Foods/Wild Oats For the organically inclined, a food market with a deli, excellent vitamins and herbal supplement selection, books and more. Village at Pleasant Valley, 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-221-2331. Wild Card A quirky gift shop, full of surprises. Bowman Curve Shopping Center, 400 Bowman Road. 501-223-9071.

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ONE-STOP SHOPPING Visitors on a schedule will find all the shopping they might want in any one of the area’s malls and shopping centers. The Promenade at Chenal Designed in a French Gothic style, Little Rock’s newest shopping center offers shoppers an open-air layout that replicates a nostalgic Main Street. The Promenade, a 340,000-square-foot lifestyle center located in Chenal Valley, is home to a delightful array of upscale national, regional and local retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues, such as Chenal 9 Theatres with IMAX. The merchandise mix for the center includes DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), J. Crew, J. Jill, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, bebe, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Select Comfort, American Eagle Outfitters and Kay Jewelers. The Promenade at Chenal is open seven days a week and is located at Chenal Parkway and Rahling Road. 501-821-5552.

is located at the corner of University and Markham, across from St. Vincent’s. While retailers are free to set their own hours, most are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.; www.midtownelittlerock. com. Pleasant Ridge Town Center Pleasant Ridge Town Center is one of Little Rock’s newest upscale, next-generation shopping centers with national stores like Belk, Fresh Market and Strasburg Children alongside a host of local boutiques such as Tuck and Cover, Glo Limited, Beyond Cotton, M2 Gallery, Kitchen Co., Cupcakes and Caterpillars, Frock and Sole, Frontiers Outdoor, Indigo Home, Vesta’s, Minx, Scarlet, Jeanté, Thread, Hallmark, Warren’s Shoes and Solemates. There are great dining choices, too, including Cheeburger Cheeburger, Bonefish, Crew Restaurant and Panera Bread. The center is located at 11525 Cantrell Rd. 501-225-7807.

McCain Mall Covering almost 60 acres on two levels, North Little Rock’s McCain Mall is anchored by Dillard’s, JC Penney and Sears. With more than 80 stores, practically every area of retail shopping is covered. Shops include Old Navy, the Buckle, the Limited and Bath & Body Works. Food options include Chick-Fil-A and the Great American Cookie Company. Located at 3929 McCain Blvd., the mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. 501-758-6340. Lakewood Village This open-air shopping center in North Little Rock is home to S & K Menswear, Lane Bryant, Stein Mart, Books-a-Million and Shoe Carnival. The center also includes a movie theater, TGI Friday’s, Olive Garden, Corky’s BBQ and Saddle Creek Woodfired Grill. Hours vary at the center, located at 2851 Lakewood Village Drive. 501-758-7745.

Park Plaza This shopping mecca at 6000 W. Markham St. has recently undergone a multimilliondollar renovation and is double anchored by Dillard’s at each end. It’s also home to an additional 85 stores, including Coldwater Creek, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, Ann Taylor, the Limited, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Victoria’s Secret, Talbots and many more national names. Visit the updated food court if you’re feeling a little hungry. Park Plaza is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. 501-664-4956, www. parkplazamall.com. Midtowne Little Rock One of Little Rock’s newer shopping destinations, Midtowne Little Rock is home to Harold’s, White House/Black Market, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor LOFT, Chico’s, the Container Store, the Children’s Place, Francesca’s Collections, Harold’s, J. Jill, JoS A. Bank Clothier and Lewis & Clark. Pei Wei Asian Diner is also located there. A couple of hip local clothing retailers, Evolve and Impulse by RK Collections, make their home at Midtowne, too. The center

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cit y dining

city dining L

ittle Rock’s restaurant scene is as varied as it is vibrant. You’ll find familiar national chains, but also a host of locally-owned places offering everything from the humblest home cooking to the finest of European dining. Whatever you’re in the mood for barbecue, seafood, upscale fusion, ethnic or some of the best pizza in the country, Little Rock has a restaurant for you.

American

Acadia 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-9630. A jewel of a restaurant in Hillcrest. Wonderful soups and fish dishes. Extensive wine list. Alley Oops 11900 Kanis Road. 501-221-9400. The restaurant at Creekwood Plaza (near the Kanis-Bowman intersection) is a neighborhood hangout serving delicious plate lunches, burgers and homemade desserts. Applebee’s 12110 Chenal Parkway. 501-954-8444. (Also 4333 Warden Road, NLR. 501-791-3300.) A vast menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas and appetizers, served in a pleasant setting. Arkansas Burger Co. 7410 Cantrell Road. 501-663-0600. Excellent burgers, fries and shakes, plus salads and other entrees. Ashley’s 111 W. Markham St. 501-374-7474. Fine dining at the historic Capital Hotel. Completely new menu featuring locally grown ingredients. It’s hard to find a bad pick. Athletic Club 11301 Financial Centre Parkway. 501-312-9000. What could be mundane fare gets delightful twists and embellishments here. Located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel. Aydelotte’s 5524 John F. Kennedy Blvd., NLR. 501-975-5524. Sleek restaurant in North Little Rock’s Lakewood stars with its wood-fired steaks and seafood dishes. Give the New Zealand venison a try; you’ll love it. Now serving Sunday bunch. There is a solid but not-overly-priced wine list. Best Impressions 501 E. 9th St. 501-907-5946. The menu combines Asian, Italian and French sensibilities in soups, salads and meaty fare. Located inside the Arkansas Arts Center. Boscos 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-907-1881. This River Market bar does food well, too. Along with tried and true goodies like sandwiches, burgers, steaks and really big salads, they have entrees like black bean and goat cheese tamales, open hearth pizzas and muffalettas. Boulevard Bread Co. 1920 N. Grant St. 501-

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

For award-winning desserts, try Trio’s located at Pavilion in the Park on Cantrell Road. 663-5951. (Also 400 President Clinton Ave. inside the River Market. 501-374-1232.) Fresh bread and pastries, fantastic soups and sandwiches, along with a wide selection of cheeses, meats and side dishes all superb. Good coffee, too. Brave New Restaurant 2300 Cottondale Lane. 501-663-2677. The food’s great, portions are huge and all reasonably priced. Diners can look into the open kitchen and watch the culinary geniuses slicing, dicing and sautéing. It’s great fun and the fish is simply divine. Buffalo Grill 400 N. Bowman Road. 501-2240012. (Also 1161 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-296-9535.) A great crispy-off-the-griddle cheeseburger and handcut fries star at this family-friendly stop. Burge’s Turkeys and Hams 5620 R St. 501-666-1660. Famous for its smoked turkey and hams, the Heights restaurant also serves delicious fried catfish and homemade fried pies. Cafe 42 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-537-0042. The Clinton Presidential Center’s restaurant has Sunday brunch that pushes all the right buttons in

the style of a grand hotel, and it’s a solid choice for weekday lunch as well. Camp David I-30 and 6th St. 501-975-2267. Located inside the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center, Camp David particularly pleases with its breakfast and themed buffets, served seven days a week. Exceptional Sunday brunch. Capers 14502 Cantrell Road. 501-868-7600. It’s never been better, with a wine list as good as any in the area, and a menu that covers a lot of ground  seafood, steaks, pasta  and does it all well. Catering to You 8121 Cantrell Road. 501614-9030. Painstakingly prepared entrees and great appetizers in this gourmet-to-go. Catfish City and BBQ Grill 1817 S. University Ave. 501-663-7224. (Also 14800 Cantrell Road. 501-868-7171.) Fried fish and sides, including green tomato pickles, and now with tasty ribs and beef, pork or sausage sandwiches. Cheeburger Cheeburger 11525 Cantrell Road. 501-490-2433. While not based on the cheeseburger skit made famous on “Saturday Night

Live,” employees were shown film clips before the 1950s-style restaurant opened. Customers can choose from 35 different toppings for their cheeseburgers and 35 flavors for their milkshakes. Cheers 2010 N. Van Buren St. 501-663-5937. (Also 1901 Club Manor Road, Maumelle. 501-851-6200.) All locations offer good burgers and sandwiches, vegetarian plates and salads at lunch. Fish specials and good steaks in the evening. The Heights location is intimate and the wine list is emphasized, while the Maumelle location is spacious inside and on the porch. Coast Café 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-3710164. A variety of salads, smoothies, sandwiches and pizzas, and there’s breakfast and coffee, too. COCK OF THE WALK 7103 Cock of the Walk Lane, Maumelle exit off I-430, 1.5 miles west 501758-7182. Catfish and more restaurant nestled in the woods off I-430. A longstanding favorite known especially for the homemade cornbread prepared from scratch flipped in the pan right before your very eyes. The chicken and shrimp are great, but go for the unbeatable catfish. The slaw is some of the world’s best. A great place to bring the whole family or a large group. Coffee Beanery Café 17200 Chenal Parkway. 501-821-7747. Come for the coffee and stay for the delicious sandwiches and desserts. Cold Stone Creamery 12800 Chenal

Parkway. 501-225-7000. While it may take a little longer to get an old-fashioned ice cream cone, the daily fresh-made (you can watch as they make the ice cream) is decidedly worth it. Order it natural or add from a long list of goodies like chocolate chunks, fruits and more. Community Bakery 1200 Main St. 501-3757105. (Also 270 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-1656.) This sunny downtown bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the Arkansas Times, but if you’re in a rush at lunch, it’s a great spot to dash in and out of for sandwiches, soups and salads. Copper Grill & Grocery 300 W. 3rd St. 501375-3333. Dine in on the restaurant side or grab a quick bite from the gourmet-to-go items at the grocery next door. The grocery stocks fine cheese, meat, seafood items and more. Cornerstone Deli and Pub 312 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. Numerous beers and heavier drinks along with regular live music makes this a fine stopping-off spot, but is succeeds on the food end as well with unusual pub selections and sandwiches. Cotham’s in the City 1401 W. 3rd St. 501370-9177. A Capitol neighborhood version of the famous Scott country store, with the same crowdpleasers  hubcap hamburgers, home-cooked plate lunches and finger-lickin’ fried pies. Crazee’s Cool Café 7626 Cantrell Road. 501-221-9696. Good burgers, daily plate specials

and bar food amid pool tables and TVs. Crew Restaurant 11525 Cantrell Road. 501223-3553. The owner/chef’s culinary background shows in thoughtful but not fussy entrees, including fish, lamb and duck. Interesting appetizers include Chinese pork spring rolls and seared tuna with seaweed salad, plus quesadillas and spinach dip perhaps more suitable to the spacious bar, with its big-screen TVs for sports watching. Dave’s Place 210 Center St. 501-372-3283. Downtown’s premier soup-and-sandwich stop for lunch, and a cool dinner spot on Friday night. Beef, chicken and fish are served with a continental flare. Delicious Temptations 11220 Rodney Parham Road. 501-225-6893. A great variety of sandwiches, meal-sized salads and homemade soups, many heart-smart. Great desserts, too. DICK'S AMERICAN CANTINA (Opening July 2008) 1615 Rebsamen Road 664-0046. Fashioned after Rick's American cafe in Cosablanca, Morocco. Serving authentic Mexican food, including fish tacos. Daily specials, sandwiches, salads & charbroiled burgers. Dixie Café 1301 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-6639336. (Also 10011 Interstate 30, 501-568-6444; 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-224-3728.) An abundance of vegetable choices that are inexpensive, wholesome and satisfying, along with a wide variety

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of meat selections and warm, homemade rolls. Doe’s Eat Place 1023 W. Markham St. 501376-1195. A skid-row dive turned power brokers’ watering hole with huge steaks, great tamales, broiled shrimp and killer burgers. DoubleTree Plaza Bar & Grill Markham and Broadway. 501-372-4371. The lobby restaurant in the DoubleTree is elegantly comfortable, but you’ll find no put-on airs at the heaping breakfast and lunch buffet tables. Downtown Deli 323 Center St. 501-372-3696. A locally owned eatery, with bigger sandwiches and lower prices than most downtown chain competitors. Also big baked potatoes, soups and salads. EJ’s Eats and Drinks 523 Center St. 501-6663700. This friendly downtown hoagie shop serves at a handful of tables and by delivery. The sandwiches are generous, the soup is homemade and the salads are cold. Vegetarians can craft any number of acceptable meals from the flexible menu. Faded Rose 400 N. Bowman Curve. 501-2243377. (Also 1619 Rebsamen Park Road. 663-9734.)

The Cajun-inspired menu never disappoints and the steaks and soaked salads are legendary. Ferneau 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-9208. Delicious seafood among other great culinary delights is served at this Hillcrest neighborhood restaurant. Flight deck Central Flying Service at Adams Field. 501-975-9315. A not-your-typical daily lunch specials, inventive sandwiches, salads and burgers are a few of the highlights at this pilots’ hot spot. Flying Saucer 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-8032. Beer, with dozens on tap, is the big draw at this popular River Market venue, but the food’s good, too. Sandwiches, including a great Reuben, quesadillas and bratwurst. Frontier Diner 10424 Interstate 30. 501-5656414. Order at the counter for home-cooked plate lunches, burgers and delicious pies. Frontier Grill 2924 S. University Ave. 501568-7776. The well-attended all-you-can-eat buffet includes American, Mexican and Chinese foods. Gadwall’s Grill 14710 Cantrell Road. 501868-4746. (Also 14 North Hills Shopping Center.

The Ferneau burger is so big it practically deserves its own parade. Served with a side order of homemade kettle chips, it’s an artful collaboration of an 8 oz. beef patty, Colby cheese, tomato, arugula, spicy mayo, mustard, and fried pickles. Have lunch at Ferneau while shopping in Hillcrest.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

834-1840.) Mouth-watering burgers and specialty sandwiches, plus huge salads. Beer and wine. Gypsy’s Grill and Bar 11401 Rodney Parham Road. 501-2254152. Gypsy’s has an affordable menu with an international flare but even offers burgers. It has “the best lobster bisque in the world,” and a full bar. Homer’s 2001 E. Roosevelt Road. 501-374-1400. Great vegetables, yummy yeast rolls and killer cobblers. Just follow the hungry crowd. Hop Diner 201 E. Markham St. 501-244-0975. Good burgers and fries. You might want to consider a milkshake with your meal. Izzy’s 5601 Ranch Dr., just off Highway 10. 501-868-4311. It’s clean and casual with a snappy service team serving delicious sandwiches and fries, lots of fresh salads, about a dozen pasta choices, hand-rolled tamales and at night, brick-oven baked pizzas. Jason’s Deli 301 N. Shackleford Road. 501-954-8700. A huge selection of sandwiches, wraps, po’ boys and pitas, organic salads, spuds, as well as red beans and rice and a tasty chicken pot pie. Plus, a large selection of heart-healthy and light dishes. Jimmy’s Serious Sandwiches 5116 W. Markham St. 501-666-3354. Consistently fine sandwiches, side orders and desserts. Chicken salad’s among the best in town. Get there early for lunch. Julie’s 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-4501. A quiet and pleasant spot, the kind of place to get away from the maddening crowd with great prime rib, pasta and seafood dishes. Laughing Moon Café 722 N. Palm St. 501663-1636. Grab a cup of joe and sit a while, surf the web or enjoy a snack (or full meal) from the varied and delicious menu. Tasty, homemade desserts. Loca Luna 3519 Old Cantrell Road. 501-6634666. Grilled meats, seafood and pasta dishes that never stray far from their country roots, whether it’s Italian, Spanish or Arkie dishes. “Gourmet plate lunches” are good, as is the Sunday brunch. Markham Street Grill and Pub 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. The menu has a dish for everyone. The burgers are big, juicy and just fine. McAlisters Deli 12019 Westhaven Dr. 501-2287727. (Also 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road, 501-5374848; 5507 Ranch Dr., 501-367-5050.) Hefty deli sandwiches with good, no-nonsense cold cuts, quality breads, a large selection of meats and cheeses. Mimi’s Café 11725 Chenal Parkway. 501-2213883. Breakfast is our meal of choice here at this upscale West Coast chain. Portions are plenty to

The Pepper Delicious Martini is just one of the creative cocktails served at the Copper Grill located within walking distance of all downtown hotels.

last you through the afternoon, especially if you get a muffin on the side. Middle-America comfortstyle entrees highlight other meals, from pot roast to pasta dishes. Ozark country restaurant 201 Keightley Dr. 501-663-7319. Football-sized omelets filled with the same marvelous smoked meats and cheese that are heaped on their sandwiches at lunch. The breakfast-time biscuits and gravy and grits would make any granny proud. Purple Cow 11602 Chenal Parkway. 501-2244433. (Also 8026 Cantrell Road. 221-3555.) A blast from the past 1950s-style cheeseburgers, chili dogs and thick, creamy milk shakes. San Francisco Bread Co. 101 S. Bowman Road. 501-537-0200. National chain with breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, soups and a hot cup of coffee or cold iced tea. Satellite Coffee Co. and Café Kavanaugh and University. 501-663-6336. This Heights technopop coffee shop offers fresh breads and fruits all day. Sandwiches are trendy and good. Scallion’s 5110 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-666-6468. Always great service, food and desserts in a pleasant setting a solid lunch spot. Shotgun Dan’s 10923 W. Markham St. 501224-9519. Hearty pizza and sandwiches with a decent salad bar. Shorty Small’s 11100 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-224-3344. Land of big, juicy burgers, massive cheese-logs, smoky barbecue platters and their signature onion loaf. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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An extensive menu of sushi options and cafe specialties can be found at the Sushi Cafe in the Heights. Salut! Bistro 1501 N. University Ave. 501660-4200. Contemporary Southern fare. Located in the Prospect Building. So Restaurant Bar 3610 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1464. Good ingredients are prepared simply from salads and sandwiches to a four-course prix-fixe menu. It’s open to 2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday nights. Sports Page 414 Louisiana St. 501-372-9316. Perhaps the largest, juiciest, most flavorful burger in town. Grilled turkey and hot cheese on sourdough gets praise, too. Now serving lunch specials. Sticky Fingerz Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicken Shack 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. Fingers anyway you can imagine, plus sandwiches and burgers served in a fun setting. The joint is famous for live music and happy hour. Sufficient Grounds 124 W. Capitol Ave. 501-372-1009. A neighborhood café with comfy chairs and an all-are-welcome attitude. It serves pizza, wraps, quiches and, of course, coffee, good bagels and pastries. Town Pump 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-6639802. Daily soup specials for lunch, a dependable burger and other basic beer bar food. Trio’s 8201 Cantrell Road. 501-221-3330. Fresh, inspired and satisfying lunches; even better fare served at night when the chefs’ creativity takes flight. Best array of fresh desserts in town. Vermillion Water Grille 200 S. Commerce St. 501-371-9600. Chef Michael Selig’s River Market

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

district restaurant is an after-work hot spot  check out all the suits  as well as a fine dining choice with superb fresh fish selections. We’re big fans of the Mediterranean salad. Vieux Carre 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. A pleasant spot in Hillcrest with specialty salads, seafood and steaks. At lunch, the menu includes an all-vegetable sandwich and a half-pound cheeseburger. West End Smokehouse and Tavern 215 N. Shackleford Road. 501-224-7665. Its primary focus is a sports bar with 50-plus TVs, but the dinner entrees, including grilled chicken, steaks and such, are plentiful and the bar food is upper quality. Willy D’s Dueling Piano Bar 322 President Clinton Ave. 501-244-9550. Willy D’s serves up a decent dinner of pastas and salads as a lead-in to its nightly sing-along piano show. Go when you’re in a good mood. Wrought Iron Grill & Pub 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-376-4766. A “family friendly” grill and pub with a food menu that is amply laden with all the fried fare you could dream of. Your Mama’s Good Food 220 W. 4th St. 501-372-1811. Simple and satisfying cafeteria food, with burgers and more hot food off the grill. Zack’s Place 1400 S. University Ave. 501-6646444. Expertly prepared home cooking and huge, smoky burgers.

Asian Benihana Riverfront Hilton, NLR. 501-374-8081. A Japanese steakhouse with a fun cooking show. Make sure you get a little filet with your meal and do plenty of dunking in the fabulous ginger sauce. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W H E R E T O e at Chi’s Chinese Cuisine 5110 W. Markham St. 501-604-7777. A big menu spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings. CHI DIMSUM & BISTRO 6 Shackleford Drive 501-225-8878. More menu choices than one can imagine. From traditional Chinese dinner selections to bistro specials, if you want Chinese check out this locally-owned winner. Conveniently located at the corner of Markham and Shackleford. CHI’S EXPRESS 17200 Chenal Parkway 501-821-8000. A smaller version of the popular Chi family of restaurants serving most of the same favorite dishes in a casual and fast atmosphere. Crazy Hibachi Grill 2907 Lakewood Village, NLR. 501-812-9888. The folks that own Chi’s and Sekisui offer their best in a three-in-one: teppanyaki cooking, a sushi bar and sit-down dining with a Mongolian grill. Fantastic China 1900 N. Grant St. 501-663-8999. The food is delicious, the presentation is beautiful, the menu distinctive, the service perfect and the décor bright at this Heights area eatery. Forbidden City Park Plaza Mall. 501663-9099. The Park Plaza staple has fast and friendly service, offering up good lo mein at lunch, a deal at $6.50, and Cantonese and Hunan dishes. Fu Lin 200 N. Bowman Road. 501-2258989. Quality in the made-to-order entrees is high, as is the quantity. Hanaroo Sushi Bar 205 W. Capitol Ave. 501-301-7900. A former Austin, Texas, sushi chef has brought his off-beat and interesting creations to downtown Little Rock. Hunan Balcony 2817 Cantrell Road. 501-666-8889. The owner of New Fun Ree has combined forces with the Dragon China folks to create a formidable offering with both buffet and menu items. Cajun’s is famous for its fabulously fresh seafood and aged Angus Beef. In addition to decadent seafood, Hunan Oriental Cuisine 11600 the expansive deck that overlooks the Arkansas River is not to be missed. Pleasant Ridge Road. 501-223-9966. Old favorites such as orange beef or chicken, and the Japanese cuisine such as a delicious teppanyaki 4424. Nuevo Chinese from the Brinker chain. Enjoy Hunan green beans are still prepared with care in and sushi. some terrific flavors and presentations. very nice surroundings. Lilly’s Dim Sum Then Some 11121 Rodney Saigon Cuisine 6805 Cantrell Road. 501-663Igibon Japanese Restaurant 11121 N. Parham Road (Market Place Shopping Center). 4000. Traditional Vietnamese (the first served Rodney Parham Road (Market Place Shopping 501-716-2700. Great Asian comfort food  fried in this area) with Thai and Chinese selections. Center). 501-217-8888. It’s a complex place, where or steamed dumplings and more in a variety of Be sure to try the authentic pho soups and tasty the food is almost always good and the ambiance presentations. Thai ginger noodles, Thai Panang spring rolls. and service never fail to please. The sushi is good, and pad Thai are a few of the highlights. Sekisui 219 N. Shackleford Road. 501-221-7070. while the Bento box with tempura shrimp, California Mt. Fuji Japanese Restaurant 10301 Fresh-tasting sushi, traditional Japanese, the fun rolls and other such delights stands out. Rodney Parham. 501-227-6498. The dean of Little hibachi Japanese style and an overwhelming Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Rock sushi bars with fabulous lunch specials. assortment of entrees. Nice wine selection, sake 11401 Financial Centre Parkway. 501-225-5999. Osaka Japanese Restaurant 5501 Ranch and specialty drinks. Though answering the need for more hibachis in Dr., Suite 1. 501-868-3688. Veteran operator of Shogun Japanese Steakhouse 2815 Little Rock, Kobe stands taller in its sushi offerings several local Asian buffets has brought fine-dining Cantrell Road. 501-666-7070. The chefs will dazzle, than at the grill. Japanese dishes and a well-stocked sushi bar to as will the variety of tasty stir-fry combinations and Koto 17200 Chenal Parkway. 501-821-7200. A way-out West Little Rock. the sushi bar. Usually crowded at night. quaint West Little Rock bistro serving authentic P.F. Chang’s 317 S. Shackleford Road. 501-225SUSHI CAFÉ 5823 Kavanaugh 501-663-9888. A

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

small intimate restaurant located in the Heights area of the city. A great place to enjoy an extensive menu of sushi options and café specialties such as tuna tataki, fried soft shell crab, seafood Napoleon and many more. Lunch specials include bento boxes and sushi combos. Van Lang Cuisine 3600 S. University Ave. 501570-7700. Terrific Vietnamese cuisine, particularly the way the pork dishes and assortment of rolls are presented. Wasabi Bar & Grill 101 Main St. 501-374-0777. Tasty sushi and a tempting variety of fresh rolls. Very urban setting and great service.

Barbecue Bare Bones Pitt Bar-B-Q 5501 Ranch Dr., Suite 4. 501-868-7427. A carefully controlled gas oven, with wood chips added for flavor, guarantees moist and sweet pork pulled from the shoulder or back ribs. The side orders are excellent, particularly the baked beans and potato salad. Chip’s Barbecue 9801 W. Markham St. 501-2254346. Finger-licking good, if a little pricey, barbecue piled high on sandwiches generously doused with tangy sauce. Pie is tall and tasty. Cross-Eyed Pig 1701 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-227-7427. (Also 6015 Chenonceau Blvd. 501-868-8991.) Generous portions of marvelous barbecue, including amazingly tender pulled pork; lean-and-meaty, fall-off-the-bones tender ribs, and crusty-brown, juicy half-chickens. HB’s Bar-B-Q. 6010 Lancaster Road. 501-565-1930. Great slabs of meat with fiery barbecue sauce, but the ribs are served on Tuesday only. Other days, try the tasty pork sandwich on an onion roll. Lindsey’s Barbecue 203 E. 14th St., NLR. 501374-5901. Serious barbecue eaters should go for the large sandwich. Well-known for its fried pies. Mr. Mason’s Pit Bar-B-Q 915 W. Capitol Ave. 501-372-4227. Beef, pork, sausage and chicken, all smoked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and doused with a choice of sauces. The crusty but tender back ribs rock. Side dishes are top quality. Sim’s Bar-B-Que 1307 John Barrow Road; 7601 Geyer Springs Road; 716 W. 33rd St. 501-372-6868. Good spare ribs, sandwiches, beef, half and whole chicken and an addictive vinegar-mustard-brown sugar sauce that is unique to this part of the South. Terri-Lynn’s Bar-B-Q and Deli 10102 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-6371. High-quality meats served on large sandwiches and good tamales served with chili or without. Whole Hog Café 2516 Cantrell Road. 501-6645025. The pulled pork is a classic, the back ribs are worthy of the numerous blue ribbons  Arkansas’s only World Champion Barbeque  and a fine beef brisket. There’s a six-pack of sauces for all tastes.

European/Ethnic Café Bossa Nova 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite 105. 501-614-6682. Brazilian cuisine prepared VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

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by a native: sandwiches, salads and desserts, all quite good, as well as an array of refreshing South American teas and coffees. Ciao Baci 605 N. Beechwood St. 501-603-0238. The focus is on fine dining in this casually elegant Hillcrest bungalow, though tapas are also available, and many come for the comfortable lounge that serves specialty drinks until 2 a.m. nightly. CREGEEN’S IRISH PUB 301 Main Street, NLR 501-376-7468. Just a short trolley ride over the Main Street Bridge to downtown North Little Rock. Enjoy a great Sunday brunch or all-day Irish breakfast here for something a little different. Their dinner menu is filled with all of the favorites you would desire like corn beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash and Harp battered fish and chips. Atmosphere is comfortable and energetic. Kebab & Curry Indian Restaurant 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road (Market Place Shopping Center). 501-978-8920. Offering both Northern and spicy Southern Indian specialties in a bustling, non-fancy narrow storefront. Complex cuisine that’s exclaim-out-loud delicious, with chutney, curry, yogurt, naan, rice cakes and all that good stuff.

Lunch is served cafeteria style; dinner is better, and get there early to avoid the rush. Leo’s Greek Castle 2925 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-666-7414. Wonderful Mediterranean food  gyro sandwiches or platters, falafel and tabouleh  plus the dependable hamburgers, ham sandwiches, steak platters and BLTs. Lulav 220 W. 6th St. 501-374-5100. A small, quaint restaurant in downtown Little Rock that serves good fish, veal, daring salads and much more. Restaurant 1620 1620 Market St. 501-2211620. Steaks, chops, a wide choice of fresh seafood and meal-sized salads are just a few of the choices on a broad menu at this popular and upscale West Little Rock bistro. It’s romantic, but without being fussy or overly formal. Rumba/Revolution 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. Enjoy great “Mexi-Cuban” food and live music at this restaurant/club combo. Rumba is open for lunch and dinner. Enjoy a variety of specialty drinks as well as the largest rum selection in the state. Star of India 301 N. Shackleford Road. 501227-9900. The best Indian restaurant in the region,

Enjoy a drink at the bar at Fantastic China in the Heights.

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

with a unique lunch buffet and fabulous dishes served at night. Terrace on the Green 2200 Rodney Parham Road. 501-217-9393. This Greek-Italian-Thai-andwhatever restaurant has a large menu, and surprisingly, you can count on each dish to be good. Some are excellent. Underground Pub 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-707-2537. Hearty, tasty British pub-style fare, including exceptional custom-made sausages, crunchy fish and chips and a decent Rueben. Inviting bar with an impressive draft beer and single-malt whiskey selection. Velo Rouge Brasserie 225 E. Markham St. 501-324-8600. A classic Parisian chophouse featuring French-inspired dishes  an inspirational onion soup, sea scallops, steak frites and prime filet. Leave room for dessert!

F i s h a n d S e af o o d ARGENTA SEAFOOD COMPANY 521 Main Street, NLR 501-375-5800. Loads of fresh fish options along with prime rib, filet mignon and

roasted chicken. This restaurant is located along the trolley stop just over the Main Street Bridge in downtown North Little Rock. Reservations are recommended and waiting in the stylish bar area is encouraged. Bonefish Grill 11525 Cantrell Road. 501228-0356. Enjoy modern interpretations of fresh fish, grilled specialties and big city cocktails in a sophisticated setting. Cajun’s 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. The venerable seafood restaurant has a new look to go with the great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and options for non-seafood eaters include fine steaks. In the citified bar, you’ll find some of the best nightly entertainment in town. Flying Fish 511 President Clinton Ave. 501-3753474. The fried seafood is fresh and crunchy but there are plenty of raw, boiled and grilled choices, too. The hamburgers are a hit. It’s self-serve.

Oyster Bar 3003 W. Markham St. 501-666-7100. Seafood served in a casual neighborhood setting. Gumbo, red beans and rice, peel-and-eat-‘em shrimp and oysters on the half shell.

I ta l i a n Bene Vita 3701 Old Cantrell Road. 501-6668482. Simple pastas that are artfully constructed, and the bruschetta, veal and lovely fish dishes are also alluring. Great desserts. bill VALENTINE’S 400 W. Broadway, NLR. 501324-2255. A delicious Northern Italian restaurant located in Dickey-Stephens Park, with a view out the third-base line. Flavorful steaks, fresh seafood and creamy pastas. For dessert, try the Chocolate Bomb. American and Italian wines at unbelievable prices. Open year-round. Reservations recommended. Café Prego 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-5355.

Dependable entrees of pasta, pork and the like, plus great sauces, fresh mixed greens and delicious dressings, crisp-crunchy-cold gazpacho and tempting desserts in a comfy bistro setting. Capriccio Grill Italian Steakhouse 3 Statehouse Plaza. 501-906-4000. Large portions are the rule, though the menu is not, as the name suggests, exclusively Italian. Steaks, soups and seafood are good choices. Carino’s Italian Country Kitchen 4221 Warden Road., NLR. 501-758-8226. (Also 11600 Pleasant Ridge Road. 225-3212.) A homey chain joint, from the same people who brought you the Macaroni Grill, offering irresistible Italian bread and affordable, tasty and substantial lunches and dinners. Ciao 405 W. 7th St. 501-372-0238. Don’t forget this casual but elegant bistro when making your dining plans. The fine pasta and seafood dishes, ambiance

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and overall charm combine to make it a relaxing, enjoyable and affordable choice. Damgoode Pies 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501664-2239. (Also 6706 Cantrell Road.) A somewhat different Italian/pizza place, largely because of a spicy garlic white sauce that’s offered as an alternative to the traditional red sauce. Good bread, too. Grady’s Pizzas and Subs 6801 W. 12th St. 501-663-1918. Pizza features a pleasing blend of cheese rather than straight mozzarella. The grinder is a classic, and the chef’s salad is big and tasty. Graffiti’s 7811 Cantrell Road. 501-224-9079. The casually chic and ever-popular Italian-flavored bistro avoids the rut with daily specials and careful menu tinkering. Gusano’s 313 President Clinton Ave. 501-3741441. They make a tomatoey Chicago-style deep-dish pizza the way it’s done in the Windy City. It takes a little longer to come out of the oven, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Iriana’s Pizza 201 E. Markham St. 501-3743656. Unbelievably generous thick-crust pizza with unmatched zest. Good salads, too, and the grinders are great, particularly the Italian sausage. Jim’s Razorback Pizza 16101 Cantrell Road. 501-868-3250. (Also 10900 Stagecoach Road. 501-407-9800.) For those who are watching their waistline, this pizzeria offers a healthy alternative, specializing in vegetarian, chicken and other choices, plus a fresh salad bar. Larry’s Pizza 1122 Center St. 501- 372-6004. (Also 12911 Cantrell Road. 501-224-8804.) Follow the line that often reaches out the door. The buffet is the way to go  fresh, hot pizza in a wide variety of tasty choices, all brought to the table and for a low price. Luigi’s Pizzaria 8310 Chicot Road. 501-5629863. Excellent thin-crust pizza; whopping, well-spiced calzones, ample hoagies and pasta with tomatoey, sweet marinara sauce. Olde World Pizza 1706 W. Markham St. 501-374-5504. Thin-crust, crisp pizzas in “new” or “olde” styles, solid sandwich line-up and huge salads piled high with hearty ingredients. Olive Garden 10715 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-225-7673. (Also 2943 Lakewood Village Dr., NLR. 501-758-4603.) Chain restaurant with lots of basic favorites and a great eat-til-you’re-stuffed salad deal, if the pasta doesn’t fill you first. Pizza Café 1517 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-6646133. Thin, crunchy pizza with just a dab of tomato sauce but plenty of chunks of good stuff and topped with gooey cheese. Draft beer  frosty and generous  is oh so nice on the open-air deck. Pizza D’Action 2919 W. Markham St. 501-6665403. 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. Ristorante Capeo 425 Main St., NLR. 501376-3463. Authentic cooking from the boot of Italy is the main draw of this cozy, brick-walled restaurant on North Little Rock’s Main Street. Familiar pasta dishes will comfort most diners, but let the chef,

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Doe's Eat Place is a skid-row dive turned into a power broker’s watering hole with huge steaks, great tamales, broiled shrimp and killer burgers. who works in an open kitchen, entertain you with some more exotic stuff like crispy veal sweetbreads. They make their own mozzarella daily. Romano’s Macaroni Grill 11100 W. Markham St. 501-221-3150. A loud, sprawling theme park of a mega-chain restaurant with a large menu of pasta, chicken, beef, fish and unusual dishes like Italian nachos and special dishes with crispy thin-crust pizza, frosty beers and heaping salads drowned in creamy dressings. The Italian Couple Restaurant 1900 W. Third St. 501-372-4448. The location may be nofrills, but the Northern Italian, family-style cooking doesn’t fail to please. Mostly pasta dishes, with some meat and seafood. Good desserts. U.S. Pizza 9300 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501224-6300. (Also 2814 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-2198; and 5524 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-664-7071.) Crispy thin-crust pizzas, frosty beers and heaping salads drowned in creamy dressing. Villa Italian Restaurant Rock Creek Square, West Markham and Bowman. 501-219-2244. Hearty, inexpensive, classic southern Italian dishes. Vino’s 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. Great rock ‘n’ roll club, as well as a fantastic pizzeria with big calzones and home-brewed beers.

Mexican Browning’s Mexican Food 5805 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-9956. For a blast-from-the-past approach to Tex-Mex, this is it. You definitely won’t leave hungry. Canon Grill 2811 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-6642068. Creative appetizers come in huge qualities, and the varied main-course menu rarely disappoints, though it’s not as spicy as its competitors. Casa Manana Small stand in the River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-6637. (Also 6820 Cantrell Road. 501-280-9888.) Great guacamole and garlic beans, superlative chips and salsa (red and

green) and a broad selection of fresh seafood, plus a deck out back at the Cantrell location. Chili’s Grill and Bar 4000 McCain Blvd., NLR. 501-753-3333. (Also 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-224-0455.) You can put some Mexican flair into your meal or go for more of an all-American platter at this chain spot with a huge menu. Cozymel’s 10 Shackleford Dr. 501-954-7100. A trendy Dallas-chain cantina with flaming cheese dip, cilantro pesto, mole, lamb and more. El Chico 8409 Interstate 30. 501-562-3762. (Also 1315 Breckenridge Dr. 501-224-2550.) Hearty, standard Mexican served in large portions. El Porton 12111 W. Markham St. 501-223-8588. (Also 5021 Warden Road. 501-753-4630.) Very good Mex for the price and a wide-ranging menu of dinner plates, some tasty cheese dips, especially the white, and great service, too. Juanita’s 1300 Main St. 501-372-1228. Menu includes a variety of combination entrees  enchiladas, tacos, flautas, shrimp burritos and such  plus creative salads and other dishes. And of course don’t forget the “Blue Mesa” cheese dip. La Hacienda 3024 Cantrell Road. 501-6610600. (Also 12315 Chenal Parkway. 501-223-2716.) Creative, fresh-tasting entrees served along side traditional favorites, all painstakingly prepared in a festive atmosphere. Great taco salad, nachos and maybe the best fajitas around. La Palapa 18321 Highway 10. 501-868-8822. Casa Manana’s owners created this seafood-focus Mexican offering, and the menu is overly large but contains some gems, including land-based items like a great chili verde. Plus a nightly pan-fried fish special topped with cheese and a tomato-based sauce. Moe’s Southwest Grill 12312 Chenal Parkway, Suite 1. 501-223-3378. This West Little Rock restaurant could be described as a “build-yourown-burrito” joint, with several tacos and nachos to chose from as well. Wash it down with a beer from their large selection.

On the Border 11721 Chenal Parkway. 501217-9275. This Brinker chain offering has great Tex-Mex food and a menu that offers some specialty chicken, shrimp and fish dishes. We recommend the Live Guacamole, made at your table to your liking. The salsa is so good, they sell it separately. We also recommend the Mercedes margarita  maybe the best in town. San Jose Grocery Store and Bakery 7411 Geyer Springs Road. 501-565-4246. This mercadoplus-restaurant smells and tastes like Mexico, and for good reason: Fresh flour tortillas, overstuffed burritos, sopes (moist corncakes made with masa harina), and the chili poblano. It’s the real deal. Senior Tequila 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-224-5505. (Also 1101 S. Bowman Road. 501954-7780.) Authentic dishes with great service and prices, and maybe the best margarita in town.

Steakhouses Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse 27 Rahling Cir. 501-821-1838. Great steaks, great wine list, with prices to match. Black Angus Restaurant 10907 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-7800. Charcoal-grilled burgers, hamburger steaks and steaks proper are the big draws at this local institution. Butcher Shop 10825 Hermitage Road. 501312-2748. The cook-your-own-steak option has been downplayed and several menu additions complement the calling card including large, fabulous cuts of prime beef, cooked to perfection. Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon 10901 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-8898. Dark imitation roadhouse, with cowboy paraphernalia and the soft glow of beer signs. Cowboys will feel at home with the beef selection, which is good. Big salads, too. Outback Steakhouse 4401 Warden Road, NLR. 501-771-7799. (Also 105 Markham Park Dr. 501-221-7655.) Huge portions of well-grilled meats at decent prices as well as a perfectly roasted rack of lamb and massive, succulent salmon. Riverfront Steakhouse 2 Riverfront Place, NLR. 501-375-7825. Steaks delivered fresh from Chicago twice a week are salted, peppered, seared in an infrared oven and then buttered for a meat-eater’s dream chow down. There’s more to like  crab cakes, shrimp bisque, chops, chicken and lobster tail. Saddle Creek Woodfired Grill 2703 Lakewood Village, NLR. 501-812-0883. Upscale chain dining in Lakewood, with a menu full of appetizers, burgers, chicken, fish and other fare. It’s the smoke-kissed steaks, however, that make this joint a winner. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. Steaks, chicken and seafood in a wonderful setting in the River Market. Steak gets pricey, but the lump crab meat au gratin appetizer is outstanding. Give the turtle soup a try. VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Good Eats

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. Benihana, Arkansas’ premier Japanese Steakhouse, where a meal is much more than a meal, it’s a performance. Enjoy live entertainment in the lounge every Friday and Saturday.

Open for Lunch Mon. - Fri. 11am-2 pm. Dinner Mon. -Thur. 5-9:30pm Fri. & Sat. 5-10pm. Sun. 4:30-8:30pm

#2 Riverfront Place North Little Rock 501-374-8081 Located in The Wyndham Hotel

A favorite lunch destination, Best Impressions Restaurant offers unique American Fusion cuisine served in a fine dining, relaxed atmosphere – perfect for entertaining clients or a business lunch. The menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, hot entrees, daily specials and homemade desserts. Free parking, patio dining, private dining room for events. Tuesday - Sunday 11 am - 2 pm Located in the Arkansas Arts Center • 9th & Commerce Streets, Little Rock 501-907-5946 www.bestimpressionsrestaurant.com Recognized by Southern Living Magazine as “Best of the Best in Little Rock”, Boulevard Bread Company is known for amazing bread and pastries, gourmet coffee, unmatched European cheese selection, deli, soups, lunch, and nightly dinner special at the heights location. Great draught beer and exceptional and well priced wine. Happy hour prices between 3-7. 1920 North Grant Heights • 501-663-5951

One of Arkansas’ highest rated restaurants featuring Northern Italian cuisine in a hip, fun and casual atmosphere. Moderately priced grilled meats, authentic pastas, and “The best fish” we’ve ever had in a Little Rock Restaurant!” –Arkansas Times. 3701 Old Cantrell Rd. Riverdale • 501-666-8482

Bill Valentine’s Ballpark restaurant in the new Dickey-Stephens Park is a MUST for true Italian food lovers. This is not for minor-leaguers. Authentic Italian menu with an extensive wine list focusing on Italian & California red wines. A full bar is also available. Reservations recommended,especially on game evenings. Free Valet Parking & Heated Patio seating.

Dinner only Tuesday-Saturday seating begins at 5:00 (open Monday's during Travs games) Broadway at the bridge •324.2255 • 400 W. Broadway • North Little Rock

Located in the Historic Heights district, Browings has been a ﬁxture since 1946. Serving flavorful but not too spicy TexMex. Bring a big appetite for their “Bonafide Breakfast”. The Fruit punch, cheese dip & salsa are also long – time favorites. Brownings offers a casual atmosphere, friendly staff, prompt seating and they’re kid friendly too. Open Monday – Saturday 6:30a – 9p serving breakfast until 10 on weekdays 10:30 on Saturdays. Closed Sundays

400 President Clinton Ave River Market • 501-374-1232 4301 W. Markham UAMS • 501-526-6661

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

5805 Kavanaugh Blvd • Heights 501-663-9956

Good Eats

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. Best Burger In Town! Buffalo Grill is also known for friendly service and a wide range of menu offerings including nachos, salads and much more. Perfect place for larger groups! Visit for lunch or dinner 7 days a week.

Serving award winning fine Italian Food since 1949. Bruno’s offers delicious traditional and original fare as well as great service. Featuring Homemade Pastas, Homemade Italian Sausage, HandThrown Brick-Oven Pizza, Veal, Seafood, Chicken and other Neapolitan delicacies. Dinner Mon-Sat from 5pm.

400 N. Bowman West Little Rock 501-224-0012

SERVING FINE ITALIAN FOOD SINCE 1949

315 N. Bowman Rd. • Little Rock • 501-224-4700

Buffalo Grill has been serving awardwinning burgers since 1986 and that’s no bull! The service is also fast and friendly, so shuffle on down for lunch or dinner 7 days a week. This location features outside dining on one of the best decks in town.

A local favorite since 1982, The Butcher Shop has built its powerful reputation by serving the finest hickory charcoaled steaks cut from the highest quality grain-fed beef direct from the Midwest. Excellent service, fair prices and a comfortable atmosphere make The Butcher Shop the prime choice for your evening out. Shackleford & Hermitage Road Little Rock • 501-312-2748 www.thebutchershop.com

1611 Rebsamen Park Rd. Riverdale • 501-296-9535

Located inside the Holiday Inn Presidential, Restaurant Camp David is a hidden treasure with a culinary style surely fit for both Presidents and First Ladies. Featuring the decor of a presidential lounge, this pleasant establishment gives off a nostalgic and romantic air of leisure. Full bar, worldly menu and knowledgeable service staff.

Cajun’s Wharf is famous for its fresh seafood, aged Angus Beef and full-flavored 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

600 Interstate 30 Little Rock 501-975-CAMP (2267) VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Good Eats

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES.

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. A favorite neighborhood restaurant with a cheerful early-evening bar scene featuring Dos Equis on draft and colorful margaritas attracts local denizens, who often stick around for Tex-Mex dishes as well as pastas, pizzas and burgers. Kid friendly too!

2811 Kavanaugh Hillcrest • 501-664-2068

Catfish restaurants come and go, but Arkansans know quality when it comes to catfish and Cock of the Walk Restaurant in Maumelle is one of Central Arkansas’s favorites. Set back in a stand of piney woods by a manmade pond, beautiful water features and roaming peacocks, the Cock of the Walk features the country look with a flair. From the moment you step into the entrance with its glossy wood floors, you can smell the homemade cornbread prepared from scratch. Mon-Thur 5-9pm • Fri-Sat 5-10pm • Sunday 11:30am-9pm 7103 Cock of the Walk Lane • Overlooking Pinnacle Pond Maumelle exit off I-430, 1.5 miles west 501.758.7182 • North Little Rock

Great reasons to visit Copeland¹s for Lunch, Dinner or Sunday Brunch ... Copeland¹s offers authentic New Orleans cuisine from Gumbo to Alfredeaux, salads to sandwiches, seafood platters to the best USDA prime aged steaks. For dessert, delicious Cheesecakes, Cheesecake Napoleons TM, and more. Great hospitality and famous New Orleans cuisine, in a relaxed atmosphere. Meeting Rooms and Private Dining Rooms available, for your special event. 2602 S. Shackleford Rd • Shackleford Crossing Center (Shackleford Rd & I-430) •501-312-1616

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

14502 Cantrell Road Little Rock • 501-868-7600 www.capersrestaurant.com

Comfort Inn & Suites Lobby Café/Bar, features soups, salads, pizza, hoagies, wings and more. Closest Hotel to the Little Rock National Airport. Open MondaySaturday 4 –10pm. See our display ad on page 70.

4301 East Roosevelt • Little Rock From I-30, take I-440 East to Exit #3 From I-40, take I-440 West to Exit #3 (501) 376-2466 choicehotels.com/hotel/ar099

AIRPORT

A great urban restaurant and corner grocery store. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner, a gourmet experience, the perfect business lunch, a wine and cheese cocktail hour or a morning coffee before the rush, Copper Grill & Grocery offers gourmet your way. Nestled on the ground ﬂoor of the 300 Third Tower, this casual, comfortable restaurant invites Little Rock’s food enthusiasts. Stop in the grocery for artisan cheeses, baked goods, prepared meals and other grocery items. 300 Third Tower Little Rock • 501-375-3333 coppergrillandgrocery.com

Good Eats

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. Think “Rick’s American Cafe” in Casablanca, Morocco. This is what you will experience here in our own Little Rock, Arkansas. Featuring Authentic Mexican Food, Fish Tacos, Charbroiled Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches, you can’t go wrong. Offering Daily Specials and Happy Hour from 4-6. Open 7 Days a Week 10:45am10pm. Sleeping later on Sundays.

501-664-0046 1615 Rebsamen Park Rd.

A Little Rock landmark of national renown – Doe’s Eat Place – has its origins in the unlikeliest of models, a no-frills diner deep in the delta. But then nothing about Doe’s is quite what one would expect from a world-class steakhouse – except fabulous steaks, that is.

1023 West Markham St. Little Rock • 501-376-1195 www.doeseatplace.net

Lunch: Mon thru Friday 11am - 2pm Dinner: Mon thru Thur 5:30pm - 9:30pm; Fri & Sat 5:30pm - 10pm

For over 26 years recognized as one of Little Rock’s best steak places along with great seafood and other Creole/Cajun dishes in a casual fun atmosphere.

West Little Rock • 400 N. Bowman Rd. • 501-224-3377 Rebsamen Park • 1619 Rebsamen Park Rd. • 501-663-9734

AFTER EATING AT THE FADED ROSE, RACHAEL RAY SAID “IT'S SO GOOD... THIS IS ONE OF MY BEST FINDS EVER.”

One of the Heights most reliable and satisfying restaurants, Fantastic China is a local’s favorite and offers more than the average Asian Food Restaurant. The chefs always use the freshest ingredients and prepare the food made to order, meaning your food is piping hot, steaming and guaranteed delicious. 1900 N. Grant • In the Heights 501-663.8999

Located in the historic Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock, Ferneau prides itself on serving the freshest fish, (flown in daily) and the highest quality food. See a culinary master at work as Chef Donnie Ferneau prepares your meal in the open kitchen. Let the staff hand pick from a vast selection of wines to pair with your meal. Don’t miss the nightly dessert specials... most serve at least two! Live music Fridays and Saturdays. For your next special event, reserve the new private party room! Now Open for Lunch and Brunch.

Looking for a REAL old fashion diner? Specializing in hot off the grill hamburgers and cheeseburgers. Also offering chef salads, hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches, onion rings and the BEST shakes and malts in town. Plus a wide selection of bottled beverages. For a treat, Hop on In.

2601 Kavanaugh Blvd Hillcrest 501-603-9208 www.ferneaurestaurant.com

Just 2 blocks west of the River Market • 201 E. Markham • 501-244-0975 Monday - Saturday 11am-8pm Closed Sundays

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Good Eats

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES.

Irresistible Stone Oven-Baked Pizza, Cold Beer, Salads and Sandwiches served at this downtown favorite in an uptown atmosphere. Iriana’s has been in business for 20+ years for good reason and is conveniently located at the mouth of the River Market.

IrIana’s

201 East Markham Heritage West Bldg. Downtown 501-374-3656

Picked as one of the “Best Neighborhood restaurants in America!” by Bon Appetit magazine. This is where the locals hang out! A fun, casual American bistro with a little bit of everything on the moderately priced menu. Great bar and dynamite plate lunches! 3519 Old Cantrell Rd. Riverdale • 501-663-4666

Juanita’s is a legend in Little Rock. Since opening over 20 years ago the food is better than it’s ever been – they offer the highest quality Tex-Mex cuisine, fast and friendly service. The music lineup is the finest entertainment in town, any night is sure to be an unparalleled experience. 1300 S. Main St Downtown • 501-372-1228 www.juanitas.com

Lulav Restaurant has an elegant and exotic blend of flavors, ambiance, and nightlife that stands alone in downtown Little Rock. A California / Mediterranean style of fare promises to please your palette and create a one of a kind dining experience. Fresh fish, Prime aged Beef, Lamb & Veal selections available and prepared with the freshest ingredients. Lulav’s wine cellar is perfect for a private dinner or Chef’s Tasting. Offering over 1000 bottles of wines from every region of the world and a full bar offering 76 Vodkas. Lulav is the place for an intimate evening and an exotic experience for the mind, body and soul. Let Lulav come pick you up for dinner, they also offer a private limousine service. Visit lulaveatery.com for more information, menus and wine list.

This isn’t your average pizza! Pizza Café is a local favorite featuring extra-cold mug beer, thin crispy crust and more. Don’t miss dipping your pizza bones (crust) in honey – a pizza café tradition. A year round deck, friendly staff and “quaint digs” promise a great pizza experience!

The Riverfront Steakhouse features USDA Prime steaks and seafood including whole lobster tail. Most customers agree our steak is the best they have ever tasted. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed and the service is second to none. Open for Dinner Mon-Thur 5-9:30pm Fri & Sat evenings 5-10pm. #2 Riverfront Place North Little Rock 501-375-7825

1517 Rebsamen Pak Rd 501-664-6133

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Located in The Wyndham Hotel

Lulav

220 West 6th St. Downtown 501-374-5100

Good Eats

MAKE YOUR STAY IN LITTLE ROCK MORE ENJOYABLE BY DINING AT SOME OF OUR FINEST RESTAURANTS. HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. Located in hip downtown Little Rock’s River Market District, Sonny Williams’ Steak Room serves only the finest steaks and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Their classy piano bar enriches your fine dining experience, and their renowned chef creates nothing but the finest. See you at Sonny’s!

The River Market District’s newest addition is Rumba-Revolution (featured in Southern Living’s June 2007 issue). Rumba restaurant boasts the neighborhood’s largest patio and specializes in casual FUN dining. The menu hosts an array of Mexi-Caribbean lunches and dinners and a tantalizing Tapas selection. Fabulous Happy Hour specials weekdays from 4-7 P.M. featuring authentic mojitos and margaritas. Revolution Music Room, attached to Rumba restaurant, is downtown Little Rock’s largest live music venue and dance club. Shows playing nightly. Call for listings and reservations. 300 President Clinton Ave. River Market District 501-823-0090 www.rumbarevolution.com www.revroom.com

500 President Clinton Ave., Suite 100 River Market District 501-324-2999 www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com

Come discover eclectic cuisine on the cutting edge of the Little Rock independent restaurant scene. Enjoy your meal in Trio’s casually elegant dining room or relax on the patio in the spring or fall. If you’re planning a party, the Pavilion Room is available for your next event. A long standing staple in the River Market District, Sticky Fingerz Rock-n-Roll Chicken Shack is Little Rock’s funky not-so-little-holein-the-wall. Stickyz hosts the best in live music 4-5 nights a week featuring local, regional and national touring acts of all genres. RockN-Roll Karaoke every Tuesday beginning at 9 P.M. Sticky Fingerz is a true Little Rock original. Serving lunch daily from 11-1:30 P.M. and Weekday Happy Hour from 4-7:00 P.M. Kitchen open until midnight. Clinton & Commerce River Market District 501-372-7707 www.stickyfingerz.com

Pavilion in the Park 8201 Cantrell Road, Suite 100 Little Rock • 501-221-3330 www.triosrestaurant.com Cell phone and smoke free

WINNER 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Don’t miss this one…southern Italian at its very best! Specializing in veal dishes, Pizzas, pastas and home-baked desserts. 12111 W. Markham • Suite 310 West Little Rock • 501-219-2244 www.thevillaitalian.net

Listed in the prestigious Fodor’s travel guide, Whole Hog Café is a must for anyone visiting the Little Rock area. From winning first place in the World Championship Barbeque Cook-Off to consistently winning numerous Reader’s Choice Awards, Whole Hog is a local favorite not to be missed! Open until 8pm Monday through Saturday.

World Champion Barbecue 2516 Cantrell Rd. • Riverdale • 501-664-5025 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

W h E R E To s t a y

City Accommodations W

ith more than 8,000 rooms to choose from in Central Arkansas, from luxury suites to economy inns, business and leisure travelers alike should have no trouble finding suitable accommodations. High-quality lodging is abundant in downtown Little Rock, as well as in the bustling commercial and financial districts at the western end of Interstate 630. Some visitors may want to look north, toward the junction of Interstates 30 and 40, with easy access to downtown and the airport and the rest of the city just minutes away. There are also a number of comfortable options near the vicinity of Little Rock National Airport. See the list here for information about area hotels.

The Capital Hotel

Embassy Suites

Airport Airport Travelodge 7615 Fluid Dr. 501-490-2200 www.travelodge.com Comfort Inn & Suites Airport 4301 E. Roosevelt Rd. 501-376-2466 www.comfortsuites.com Days Inn and Suites 3200 Bankhead Dr. 501-490-2010 www.daysinn.com Holiday Inn Airport 3201 Bankhead Dr. (I-440 at Airport Exit) 501-490-1000 www.holiday-inn.com Holiday Inn Express 3121 Bankhead Dr. (I-440 at Airport Exit) 501-490-4000 www.holiday-inn.com

Downtown Little Rock Capital Hotel 111 W. Markham St. 501-374-7474; 800-766-7666 www.thecapitalhotel.com

Crowne Plaza

Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown 707 Interstate 30 501-687-7700; 888-472-6717 www.comfortinnlittlerock.com Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 521 President Clinton Ave. 501-975-9800; 800-321-2211 www.courtyard.com Doubletree Hotel 424 W. Markham St. 501-372-4371; 800-222-8733 www.doubletree.com

VISITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK â&#x20AC;˘ 2009

Empress of Little Rock 2120 S. Louisiana St. Little Rock 501-374-7966 www.theempress.com Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center 600 Interstate 30 501-375-2100; 866-900-7625 www.holiday-inn.com La Quinta Inns & Suites 617 S. Broadway St. 501-374-9000 www.laquinta.com Legacy Hotel 625 Capitol Ave. 501-374-0100 www.legacyhotel.com

Peabody Little Rock 200 W. Markham St. 501-906-4000; 800-PEABODY www.peabodyhotelgroup.com River Market Lofts 423 E. Third St. (located inside Candy Bouquet) 501-375-9990 www.rivermarketlofts.com Rosemont Bed and Breakfast 515 W. 15th St. 501-374-7456 www.rosemontoflittlerock.com

West Little Rock Best Western Governors Suites 1501 Merrill Dr.

501-224-8051; 800-422-8051 www.bestwestern.com/governorssuites Candlewood Suites 10520 W. Markham St. 501-975-3800 www.candlewoodsuites.com Comfort Inn West 300 Markham Centre Dr. 501-227-0120 www.comfortsuites.com Courtyard by Marriott West 10900 Financial Centre Pkwy. 501-227-6000; 800-264-0382 www.courtyard.com Crowne Plaza 201 S. Shackleford Rd. 501-223-3000; 866-276-6648 www.crowneplazalittlerock.com

Embassy Suites 11301 Financial Centre Pkwy. 501-312-9000 www.embassysuiteslittlerock.com Extended Stay America 600 Hardin Road 501-954-9199; 800-398-7829 www.extendedstayamerica.com Extended Stay America 10800 Kanis Road 501-224-9453 www.extendedstayamerica.com Hampton Inn and Suites 1301 S. Shackleford Road 501-537-4600 www.hampton-inn.com

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Holiday Inn Express and Suites 4900 Talley Road (501)-224-2600 www.holiday-inn.com Jameson Suites 10920 Financial Center Pkwy. 501-225-1075 www.jamesoninns.com La Quinta Inn 1010 Breckenridge Dr. 501-225-7007 www.laquinta.com La Quinta West 200 S. Shackleford Road 501-224-0900 www.laquinta.com Marriott Execustay 3200 S. Shackleford Road 501-221-7356; 800-735-7356 www.execustay.com MarrioTt Residence Inn 1401 S. Shackleford Road 501-312-0200 www.marriott.com Marriott Springhill Suites 306 Markham Centre Dr.

501-978-6000 www.courtyard.com Motel 6 West 10524 W. Markham St. 501-225-7366 www.motel6.com Premier Suites 11601 W. Markham St., Suite D 501-221-7378; 800-735-2955 www.premiersuites.com Ramada Limited and Suites 8 Shackleford Dr. 501-221-7666 www.ramada.com Studio Plus 10800 Kanis Road 501-227-8689 www.studioplus.com Value Place 21 Remington Dr. 501-225-3400 www.thevalueplace.com Wingate Inn Little Rock 1212 S. Shackleford Road 501-227-6800 www.wingateinns.com

Midtown Economy Inn 4000 W. Markham St. 501-664-0950

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites 7900 Scott Hamilton Dr. 501-562-2694 www.bestvalueinn.com

Guesthouse Inn 301 S. University Ave. 501-664-6800 www.littlerockguesthouseinn.com

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites 6401 S. University Ave. 501-565-4488 www.bestvalueinn.com

Hilton Inn Little Rock 925 S. University Ave. 501-664-5020 www.hilton.com

Best Western Inn and Suites 8219 Interstate 30 501-562-4448 www.bestwesternarkansas.com

La Quinta Medical Center 901 Fair Park Blvd. 501-664-7000 www.laquinta.com Markham House Suites 5120 W. Markham St. 501-666-0161 www.markhamhousesuites.com

Southwest Little Rock Acme Motel 3301 W. Roosevelt Road 501-663-6361

Budget Inn 5620 S. University Ave. 501-565-1568 Cimarron Inn 10200 Interstate 30 501-565-1171 Comfort Inn 8115 Frenchman Lane 501-562-9383 Executive Inn 2600 W. 65th St. 501-562-1122 Hampton Inn I-30 6100 Mitchell Dr. 501-562-6667 www.hampton-inn.com Heritage House Inn 7500 S. University Ave. 501-565-2055 Knights Inn 9709 Interstate 30, Exit 131 501-568-6800 www.knightsinn.com La Quinta Otter Creek 11701 Interstate 30 501-455-2300 www.laquinta.com Motel 6 7501 Interstate 30 501-568-8888 www.motel6.com Rest Inn 8217 Interstate 30 501-537-4646 www.restinlr.com

Ritz Motel 5301 Asher Ave. 501-565-7501

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Rodeway Inn & Suites 2401 W. 65th St. 501-801-0188 www.littlerockrwinn.com Super 7 Inn 9525 Interstate 30 501-568-9999

North Little Rock Baker House Bed and Breakfast 109 W. 5th St., North Little Rock 501-372-9930 www.bakerhousenlr.com Comfort Inn & Suites 5710 Pritchard Dr., North Little Rock 501-955-9453 www.comfortsuites.com Comfort Inn North 3915 McCain Park Dr., North Little Rock 753.5533 www.comfortinn.com Country Inn and Suites 110 E. Pershing Blvd., North Little Rock 501-758-2002 www.countryinns.com Days Inn 7200 Bicentennial Rd., North Little Rock 501-851-3297 www.daysinn.com Days Inn 5800 Pritchard Dr., North Little Rock 501-945-4100 www.daysinn.com Fairfield Inn by Marriott 4120 Health Care Dr., North Little Rock 501-945-9777 www.fairfield.com Galloway Inn 3124 Highway 391, North Little Rock 501-955-0700 Hampton Inn McCain Mall 4801 W. Commercial Dr., North Little Rock 501-753-8660 www.hampton-inn.com Hampton Inn North 500 W. 29th St., North Little Rock 501-771-2090 www.hampton-inn.com Holiday Inn Express and Suites 4306 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock 501-945-4800 www.holiday-inn.com

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Holiday Inn North 120 W. Pershing Blvd., North Little Rock 501-758-1851 www.holiday-inn.com Howard Johnson 111 W. Pershing Blvd., North Little Rock 501-758-1440; 800-IGOHOJO www.hojo.com La Quinta 4100 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock 501-758.8888 www.laquinta.com La Quinta 4311 Warren Rd., North Little Rock 501-945-0808 www.laquinta.com Marriott North Residence Inn 4110 Health Care Dr., North Little Rock 501-945-7777 www.residenceinn.com Motel 6 400 W. 29th St., North Little Rock 501-758- 1932 www.motel6.com Red Roof Inn 5711 Pritchard Dr., North Little Rock 501-945-0080 www.redroof.com Super 8 1 Grey Rd. (Interstate 40 at Protho Junction), North Little Rock 501-945-0141 www.super8.com Super 8 3925 McCain Park Dr., North Little Rock 501-791-3200 Travelodge I-40 3100 N. Main St., North Little Rock 501-758-8110 www.travelodge.com Wyndham Riverfront 2 Riverfront Place, North Little Rock 501-371-9000; 800-465-4329 www.wyndham.com

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

H O W To g e t t h ere

Transportation M

any of Little Rock’s local attractions, entertainment, shopping and convention destinations are within walking distance or a short drive of each other. The city also offers visitors easy airport access along with a public transportation system that features both city buses and the River Rail trolley line — an attraction in itself. Little Rock National Airport While Little Rock’s airport is large enough to meet any traveler’s needs, its friendly, welcoming atmosphere is more like that of a smaller locale. Amenities like car rental and parking are just a short walk away. Several major hotel chains also have locations nearby. In fact, customer service was so important to airport officials that they spent $180 million on updates in recent years, including an expanded car rental plaza, atrium, larger entrances and a multilevel parking deck. For quicker check-in, the airport recently expanded its passenger screening area. There are now several restaurants and quick food court options, too. With more than 2.1 million passengers annually and 150 daily flights, Little Rock National Airport is a bustling hub of activity. The airport is served by American Eagle, Continental Express, Delta, Delta Connection, Frontier, Northwest, Northwest Airlink, Southwest and US Airways Express. The airlines offer nonstop jet service to 18 national and international gateway cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, DallasFort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Phoenix and St. Louis. Call 501-372-3439 or visit www. lrn-airport.com for more information. River Rail Streetcar Project AKA “The trolley” Trolleys provide a quick link to some of downtown’s hot spots: They make a loop through the River Market area to the Clinton Presidential Center and the Heifer International headquarters, then

across the Arkansas River to downtown North Little Rock. Don’t be fooled by their retro looks — these modernized trolleys are outfitted with airconditioning and wheelchair lifts. River Rail day passes are $2 each (individual rides are $1). For additional fare and route information, contact Central Arkansas Transit at 501-375-6717 or visit www.cat.org/rrail. Central Arkansas Transit Authority The metro area bus line, referred to as CAT by locals, is fast, efficient and inexpensive (regular one-way fare is $1.25; discounts are available). The River Cities Travel Center at 4th and Cumberland is the hub for 28 bus and express routes. Call 501-375-6717, or visit www.cat.org for more information. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle The Amtrak’s Texas Eagle, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, offers its passengers a truly unique way to see America’s landscape. In addition to direct service to 41 cities, the Texas Eagle offers connections to another 30 cities via other train lines. For more information about Amtrak’s Texas Eagle daily service, call 501-372-6841 or 800-USA-RAIL, or visit the web site, www.amtrak.com. Additional Ground Transportation •Yellow Cab: 501-570-9999 •Little Rock Limousine: 501-224-5466; www.littlerocklimo.com •Signature Transportation: 501-907-2277

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

Little Rock Area Map 72

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009

River Rail Streetcar Route

VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GREATER LITTLE ROCK • 2009