How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas’ capital and most populous city, Little Rock’s central locale in the middle of the state makes it an easy weekend away for visitors coming from in-state. Regardless of your point of origin, however, a Little Rock weekend will enlighten with culture and history, and invigorate with a wealth of outdoor attractions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. HAM it up at the Historic Arkansas Museum on East Third Street, a gallery of all things Arkansas, including old paintings, furniture, guns, hunting horns, jewelry, knives, silver and much more. A true journey back in time is provided by the five old homes, on their original block, which have been restored to antebellum appearances; tours of these historic edifices are enlivened by actors playing the roles of the original residents.
2. Spend an afternoon in the delightful River Market District, a once-forsaken warehouse district thoughtfully developed into a neighborhood rich in worthwhile restaurants, thriving businesses, interesting museums, hip shops and many galleries.
3. Set aside an hour or so for the State Capitol, on Woodlane Drive. A breathtaking limestone and marble neoclassical edifice, the Capitol has guided tours and visitors will be taken with the architectural details—such as bronze front entrance doors standing 10-feet tall that were purchased from Tiffany’s, and a cupola covered in 24-karat gold leaf.
4. Stop by the William J. Clinton Presidential Center on President Clinton Avenue to savor some of the state’s more recent history. This is a marvelous modern structure showcasing a massive archive and exhibitions related to Bill Clinton’s two-term legacy as U.S. president.
5. Turn back the clock in Little Rock by strolling the Quapaw Quarter. Comprising an area that contains a trio of National Historic Register districts and more than a hundred National Historic Register structures, the Quarter provides visitors with a taste of the state during its early antebellum and Victorian years. Each edifice serves as an actual home or business, but several can be accessed by the public for tours in early May.
6. Choose from an unexpectedly international array of restaurants that will whisk you away to another country the second you walk in the door. Chi’s Chinese Cuisine on Shackleford Drive boasts a soothing atmosphere enhanced by small waterfalls and Koi ponds; Graffiti’s, on Cantrell Road, dishes up authentically delicious Italian fare in a casual setting; and Juanita’s Café and Bar on South Main Street serves mouthwatering Mexican meals in a lively nightspot environment—and is reputed to be a favorite of the Clintons.
7. The city’s finest family fun is likely found at the Aerospace Education Center on East Roosevelt Road. From meteorite displays to ancient aircrafts to Arkansas’ only IMAX theater, this is a site where "rocket science" can be enjoyed by anyone.

Tips & Warnings

• Little Rock National Airport is served by several major airlines, including Continental, Delta and Southwest.

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