Our City
Road Trip
Nashville, KCMO, Saint Louis, Dallas, OKC are all within a 5-ish hour drive from Little Rock. Arkansas on it's own is a geographically and culturally dynamic state with some really cool little towns. The entire state is basically a sandstone rock quarry (our neighborhood was back in the day). Therefore, you’ll see all sorts of old, stone homes, no matter where you’re headed. Ask Erin or myself for some out of the way hikes, waterfalls, or small towns to visit. Other parts of the state may get more notoriety, but central Arkansas has it all without the traffic! We’re fairly close to New Orleans and points south. You’ll have to put up with driving through the Mississippi River Delta (zZzZzZz), but towns like Vicksburg, Natchez, Gulfport, and New Orleans are rich with Civil War and Southern history and worth the trip if you’re making a road trip of it. Plus, the food. This is Cotter’s recommendation if you’re really wanting to road trip!
Exploring the City
Little Rock is full of unique neighborhoods, rife with old-growth trees, hollers n’ hills, and picturesque architecture. A driving tour is highly recommended and one of Erin and my favorite past-times. The Heights, Hillcrest, and SOMA are safe and you’ll see some of the coolest houses in town. Additionally, they have the best restaurants. The downtown River Market area is touristy, but has plenty to see. Bill Clinton’s Presidential Library is located there, along with various restaurants and other points of interest, plus a nice little park down by the river. You can go look at the Capitol Building, the old State House Museum, the Arkansas Military History Museum (Douglas McArthur was born in LR), and the Fine Arts Museum has been recently renovated! Across the Arkansas River is the North Little Rock neighborhood of Argenta. This is our favorite neighborhood to hang out and eat in, especially due to the proximity of Dickey Stevens Park (AA Baseball). You're safe in the daylight.
Antique Stores
o Midtown Vintage Market o Crystal Hill Antique Mall o Twin City Antique Mall (across from Crystal Hill Antique Mall - do both) o Fabulous Finds Antiques o Sweet Home + Clement
Get Outside
Little Rock is named for a “little rocky outcropping on the Arkansas River that was the defining landmark of a low water ford." It is centrally located within the state and at the confluence of the Mississippi Delta to the east, the terminus of the Ouachita Mountains to the west, directly below the Ozarks to the north, and full of mixed pine and hardwood forests that make up Southern Arkansas. You’d be remise if you didn’t spend a little time exploring the diverse and dynamic geography in and around Little Rock. Some outdoor areas to visit are Pinnacle Mountain State park - less than 10 miles from our humble abode and a focal point of most of our adventures; Burns Park in North Little Rock, Rattlesnake Ridge WMA near Pinnacle, and Two Rivers/River Mountain Park (city park with mountain bike and walking trails, right in our neighborhood).
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain is dang near the last peak of the Ouachita Mountains and one of my favorite hikes. This strenuous (no foolin’ - it’s a bitch) hike is a must-do for the outdoor enthusiasts. There is an East and West side trailhead, with the West being slightly easier. There is also a base trail that allows you to go up one way, down the other, and around, or just simply around the base of the mountain (2 miles-ish). The base trail is a moderate hike. But even if you’re not a seasoned hiker, you should visit the park. There are two 1-mile, paved trails within the park- Kingfisher Trail (located at West parking lot) and the Arboretum Trail (Erin's favorite - located a quarter mile from East parking lot). These trails make for an easy walk and have great flora/fauna. Both trails will take you next to the Little Maumelle River where you can see all sorts of snakes, owls, hawks, deer, etc. The Kingfisher trail has HUGE cypress trees that will make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park.
Where to Eat
Heights: - George’s Italian (upscale - reservations recommended) - The Pizzeria - Height's Tacos & Tamales - Lepop’s (dessert) - Mugs (coffee & more) - Prospect (sports bar) Argenta: - Capeo’s Italian (incredible) - Brood and Barley - Four Quarter Bar (a true bar) - Flyway Brewery - Blackberry Market (coffee & more) Promenade: - Local Lime - Big Orange - Buttered Biscuit (very NWA of us) West Little Rock: - Sky Japanese - Petit & Keet (upscale - good for drinks) - Senor Tequila (your college Mexican restaurant) - Santo Coyote (bit fancier Mexican restaurant) - Three Fold Hillcrest: - Kemuri Sushi - The Oyster Bar - Hill Station - Milo's (coffee) - The Pantry Crest Rivermarket/Downtown: - Samantha’s - The Railyard (beer garden/food trucks) - Flying Saucer - Fidel & Co.