Questioning how one can spend an energetic weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas? Take a look at this information!

I arrived in Little Rock the identical manner a lot of my husband’s coworkers did … on orders. As a army partner, the thought of shifting from my rural German dwelling to Central Arkansas gave me preemptive bouts of tradition shock. I had lived within the South earlier than, however after spending three years abroad, I had grown very accustomed to a European tempo of using my bike to the grocery retailer, settling in for pastries and occasional in my native kaffeeshop, and getting misplaced on scenic trails by way of lush forests. I ready myself for what I assumed would possible be an enormous change, however rapidly discovered myself settling again into that acquainted European tempo as I explored the sidewalks, cafes, and bike-friendly streets of my new hometown.

Little Rock was really found by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe, who named the city “La Petite Roche” after discovering a small rock formation on the banks of the Arkansas River. The rock formation stays at this time, as does that very same pioneering spirit with which the town was based. At present Little Rock has a vibrant arts tradition the place locally-owned companies thrive and creativity is nourished by way of quirky festivals and city-wide celebrations. Spend a weekend exploring Little Rock’s hottest spots, from the nightly yard events at a railyard-turned meals truck park to bike-in breweries and a boutique store promoting handcrafted items and snarky sundries.

The place to Keep

Downtown Little Rock is the heartbeat of the town, dwelling to the Quapaw Historic Quarter, the SoMa (South of Major) leisure district, and the thrilling River Market District. It’s additionally dwelling to the town’s most spectacular lodging at The Capital Lodge. This luxurious resort first opened in 1870. Rumor has it that the elevator was constructed to accommodate President Ulysses S. Grant’s horse, and native legends declare there was one time when all 135-members of the Arkansas State Legislature rode to the highest flooring collectively. Whereas there’s no proof both declare is true, I can say with absolute certainty that there’s loads of room to nail an superior cartwheel if you end up in there alone.

Verify right here for extra locations to remain in Little Rock

How you can Spend the Weekend in Little Rock

Saturday

Begin the morning with a espresso at Fidel & Co. Espresso Roasters, the place this stylish specialty espresso store roasts their very own single origin coffees and serves them alongside house-made pastries, house-made granola, and wholesome salads and sandwiches. For those who go together with their nitrogen-infused ice espresso, order it black, and don’t overlook to ask for further selfmade za’atar seasoning on high of your house-made bagel to gasoline your day with simply the precise spice.

From there it’s a couple of 15-minute stroll alongside a pedestrian pathway previous Heifer Worldwide’s City Farm and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum to the River Market, the place you should purchase recent flowers and greens or meet with the artisans on the Saturday Farmer’s Market. Most of the metropolis’s finest occasions and festivals occur on the River Market—together with the World Cheese Dip Championship.

It’s additionally the place you possibly can lease a motorcycle from Rock City River Outfitters to take a look at the well-known bike trails in, and round, the town. Mountain biking is a big deal in Arkansas, and Little Rock’s collection of city trails makes it simple to get a style of the paths … and a style of the city. Journey 8 miles alongside the Arkansas River Path to the Massive Dam Bridge (sure, the precise title!), earlier than heading again into city alongside the path to seize a well-earned taco at The Fold: Botanas & Bar. The restaurant is inside a renovated filling station from the Nineteen Sixties, and the décor is as recent because the hand-pressed cocktails they serve.

From there, head to the Stifft’s Station Historic District to take a look at the road artwork and boutique outlets. Stifft Station Items sells items from native artists and is likely one of the solely locations on the town you’ll find items from snarky native jewellery maker Bang Up Betty, who has made items for Julianne Moore, Janelle Monae, and extra. Seize a beer at Stone’s Throw Brewing’s latest taproom earlier than heading again out to wander by way of the outside sculpture backyard at Riverfront Park.

Because the solar goes down the bridges of Little Rock mild up, and it’s a sight finest seen from a well-positioned park bench on the riverfront. Seize a seat at The Capital Bar & Grill for cocktails to attempt what is going to possible be one of the best Moscow Mule of your life, and, do your self a favor and order two appetizers, the pimento cheese and the spiced pecans. You’ll thank me later. [Pro tip: They’ll sell you a bag of pecans to-go if you ask!]

Stroll or drive your manner over to The Railyard to finish your day with a laid-back yard occasion of meals vans, reside music, and garden video games. Cross your fingers for an look from Le Pops meals truck so you possibly can attempt the gourmand palleta-style ice lollies constituted of native elements.

Sunday

Sneak out of the town a bit this morning to drive—or take the classic trolly (at present not operating as a result of Covid-19)—over to the up-and-coming Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock for a cup of freshly roasted espresso on the unique Mugs Café or save your caffeine for after a free-spirited yoga class at Blue Yoga NYLA. This award-winning studio is ready inside an deserted college constructing in North Little Rock, and also you’ll must park within the again lot to enter this really particular house.

Head again throughout the river for a morning hike. The paths at Allsopp Park are deceptively difficult as they weave by way of this city park, however one of the best trails in Little Rock are discovered at Pinnacle State Park. Hike the scenic 2.2-mile Rattlesnake Ridge path or deal with the grueling 1.5-mile vertical Pinnacle Mountain West Summit path to achieve the summit of this 1,011-foot mountain.

After a protracted morning of climbing, you’ll have earned a seat for the lavish brunch at Misplaced Forty Brewing. Brunch is served all day on Sundays, from 10AM-9PM, so no must rush down from the mountain early!

Use the afternoon to take a look at among the wonderful Civil Rights websites within the metropolis by taking a guided tour of Little Rock’s Central Excessive College. This Nationwide Historic Website is the place 9 black highschool college students sought an schooling in an all-white highschool following the Brown v. Board of Training selections of 1954. Solely three of these college students graduated from Central Excessive College, and their tales of resilience and willpower proceed to encourage thousands and thousands.

Swap blissful hour with ice cream hour with a handmade cone at Loblolly Creamery within the SoMa district. Their flavors are impressed by native elements, and favorites embody Arkansas Heirloom Pumpkin Fromage Blanc and Dunbar Gardens Contemporary Lavender.

Stroll by way of the Bernice Backyard to stroll off your sugar rush earlier than heading to dinner throughout the road at The Root Café. This unpretentious farm-to-table restaurant has been featured on The Meals Community for his or her seasonally rotating menu that highlights Arkansas elements and native brews. Finish the evening with an evening cap at 109 & Co. cocktail membership, situated adjoining to The Capital Lodge, earlier than hopping again in mattress to start out recovering out of your thrilling weekend in Little Rock.

How would you spend a weekend in Little Rock? Tell us within the feedback!

For Extra Weekend Guides

Kristy Alpert is a contract journey journalist with bylines in Cosmopolitan, Meals & Wine, Males’s Well being, Esquire, Fodor’s Journey, and extra. Kristy has traveled to 84 international locations on seven continents, however her greatest journey has been her latest journey into the world of parenting. Observe her on Instagram @kristyalpert or order your copy of her Street Journey Exercise E-book and Journey Journal for Children.

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