Little Rock trips and vacations
Sitting on the banks of the Arkansas River, this state capital is sometimes seen as a pit stop on the way to the lush lakes and springs of the Ozark Mountains. But trips to Little Rock are more than a pushing-off point to nature. From civil rights history and presidential monuments to a thriving nightlife, Little Rock packs a whole lot of Southern charm.
Little Rock vacation highlights
Back to nature
They don’t call Arkansas the Natural State for nothing. In Little Rock start the day with a sunrise kayak on the river, then hike to the top of a 1,000-foot peak at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in the afternoon. Finish in time to watch the sunset while pedaling across Big Dam Bridge, North America’s longest cycling bridge.
History and culture
Vacations to Little Rock are steeped in US history. The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site honors the Little Rock Nine, while the Clinton Presidential Center tells the story of the 42nd president, complete with a full-size replica of the Oval Office. And behind its handsome Art Deco facade, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts has eight centuries of art in its collection.
Where to stay
The hotels peppered throughout downtown range from budget to lavish. National chains catering to business travelers are clustered in the western part of the city. In the Quapaw Quarter, southeast of downtown, the Empress of Little Rock is an 1888 Victorian mansion–turned–upscale boutique hotel that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to do in Little Rock
Places to eat
Little Rock isn’t just great for barbecue and spicy chicken wings — it’s also the (alleged) birthplace of cheese dip, a warm, melty indulgence topped with chili sauce and scooped up with corn chips. Head to The Heights to find several cozy neighborhood bistros and speakeasies. SoMa and East Village are packed with wine bars, food halls and artisan ice cream parlors.
Nightlife
After dark head to Little Rock’s main entertainment district, River Market. Here you’ll find piano bars, craft beer halls, late-night country dance halls, salsa clubs, Irish pubs and more. If your tastes tilt upscale, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet and the Repertory Theatre are all nearby. A few blocks to the south, Rock Town Distillery offers tours and cocktail classes.
Shopping
Main Street, in the hip ‘SoMa’ (South Main) neighborhood, has it all — from art galleries and antique shops to locally made t-shirts, eco-friendly soap and more. There’s even the ESSE Purse Museum, the only American museum dedicated to the handbag. Pop across the river to browse the galleries of North Little Rock’s Argenta Arts District too.
