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Enjoy Sophisticated, Urban Fun in a Small Town Setting
River Market District/Riverfront Park
Formerly a nearly abandoned warehouse district, this area of downtown Little Rock is now filled with restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, museums, library, bars, seasonal farmers market and holiday events of every description. The River Market District is bordered by Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River. The park stretches 11 blocks and provides an enchanting natural ambiance.
River Rail - Ridin' In The Rocks
For the first time in 57 years in Little Rock and 65 years in North Little Rock, electric streetcars will travel downtown city streets again. River Rail opens with three replica vintage trolleys operating on 2.5 miles of new track. An overhead catenary wire powers the cars, linking vibrant destinations in the River Cities. The streetcar route uses the Main Street Bridge over the Arkansas River to connect to North Little Rock and includes stops at Alltel Arena, the Statehouse Convention Center, the River Market, both city halls, the Argenta neighborhood, restaurants, Historic Arkansas Museum, Discovery Museum, the main Library, two Chambers of Commerce, courthouses, Robinson Auditorium Concert Hall, Riverfront Amphitheater and dozens of office buildings.
Clinton Presidential Library
The Clinton Presidential Center and Park -- America's 12th Presidential Library - is now officially open. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River in the River Market District of downtown Little Rock, the $160-million-dollar structure contains 20,000 square feet of library and museum space, including an authentic replica of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. The Clinton library contains the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history. The center is situated in a 30-acre city park, which replaces an industrial site of old warehouses and vacant space. Also part of the Clinton Presidential Center and Park, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service is located within the park in the renovated 1899 Choctaw Station. Additionally, future plans include the renovation of the abandoned Rock Island Railroad Bridge near the library as a pedestrian crossing over the Arkansas River. The facility has exceeded 400,000 visitors in its first year of operation, well above the projected goal of 300,000.
Shopping
River Market District, The Heights, Hillcrest & Bowman Curve
These neighborhoods abound in boutiques catering to every shopping desire invented by acquisitive women ... clothes, jewelry, gifts, housewares, art & collectibles. All four areas are suitable for strolling from shop to shop and stopping for lunch or liquid refreshment.
Antiquing
Known for it's vast array of antiques and vintage items, Little Rock is a virtual haven offering everything from the traditional owner-operated shop that encourages browsing to the seemingly endless "barns" of goodies at Morris Antiques; over 60,000 sq. ft. of European and American pieces.
Fine Dining Downtown
River Market Restaurants
Some of our favorites are Ciao's, a wonderful Northern Italian restaurant conducive to romance and Juanita's with the best Tex-Mex outside the Republic plus incredible live music in their bar. Community Bakery is the locals' favorite hangout for great sandwiches, soup, pastries, breads and coffee. All three are just blocks away from the Inn. Also in the neighborhood is Doe's Eats Place. In the RIver Market you will find everything from the upscale, eclectic Markham 225, Vermilion's and Sonny Williams exceptional steak house to more casual fare at the Flying Saucer with 100 different beers on tap, Flying Fish, Underground Pub and Andina's.
Other Little Rock Dining
The Heights, Hillcrest and Old Cantrell areas have excellent restaurants providing every kind of dining experience you could want. Most small, charming, one-of-a-kind, many with European chefs and owners who see food as a sacred experience. West Little Rock offers endless dining opportunities, many with familiar names.
Night Life
After dark, the music's hot and the drinks are cold, so take your pleasure. Choose from piano bar, comedy club or dance clubs, live music and concerts. In the River Market, stroll casually down the central boulevard, eat, drink, shop or window shop, browse and enjoy the river view. Many River Market restaurants have tables overlooking the river, many on open-air decks.
Beauty & Day Spas
For the ultimate in relaxation, visit one of the excellent Beauty & Day Spas in Little Rock. All cater to women who want "the works" while they have time to relax and indulge. If you want to make a day trip, enjoy a luxurious breakfast at Rosemont, then make the one hour drive to Hot Springs for the thermal bath & massage experience returning to Rosemont in time to dress for dinner and an evening out.
Museums, Museums, Museums
The Arts Center is a first-class fine arts museum with an internationally recognized collection plus it has an excellent restaurant and gift shop. Historic Arkansas Museum is a historic site depicting the state's frontier days and includes five pre-Civil War houses. The spectacular Old State House Museum, the oldest surviving capitol west of the Mississippi, was the scene of President Clinton's 1992 and 1996 election night celebrations. Not to be missed are the Museum of Discovery and the Central High Civil Rights Museum. The latter was the site for the 1957 desegregation order issued by President Eisenhower. And, the Cox Center with it's constantly revolving exhibits many forerunners to the soon-to-open Clinton Library.
Theater & The Arts
The Rep, a nationally acclaimed repertory theater, and, Robinson Auditorium presenting performances by Broadway & international touring companies ranging from Phantom of the Opera to the Bolshoi Ballet are both five minutes from the Inn. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performs more than 30 concerts annually in Robinson Center Music Hall hosting nationally known guest artists.
Concerts, Golf, Walking, Biking & Hiking
The cities of Little Rock-North Little Rock host major sporting events and concerts at the 18,000 seat Alltel Arena. If you are looking for something more physical we have several walking, biking and hiking trails in and around the city or we will be happy to arrange a convenient tee time at one of Little Rock's outstanding golf courses.
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