Metro Little Rock: From A to Z
Arkansas Arts Center:
The Arkansas Arts Center is home to a permanent collection featuring the works of greats such as Ansel Adams, Thomas Hart Benton and Picasso, as well as traveling exhibitions. The AAC also offers classes for both children and adults wanting to pick up a new skill like pottery, woodworking and more. Construction is currently underway for a new and improved arts center that’s projected to open in early 2020. In the meantime you can catch the AAC at their temporary location on Cantrell Road.
Big Dam Bridge:
The world’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge built specifically for that purpose is a favorite among metro Little Rock residents. Located over the Murray Lock & Dam, the bridge has a 14-foot-wide deck that extends 4,226 linear feet across the river.
Locals love to walk, run and ride their bikes over the bridge and around the 5,000-plus acres of parkland and paved paths.
Cheese Dip:
Cheese dip — not queso — is something Arkansas takes very seriously. Legend has it that cheese dip was first created in The Natural State. One of our favorites is the dip at Heights Taco & Tamale Co., which took home a win in the 2016 U.S. Senate cheese dip vs. queso face-off.
Doe’s Eat Place:
Known for their delicious steaks and tamales, Doe’s is one of President Bill Clinton’s favorite restaurants. The private party room was where he spent many nights strategizing during the presidential election.
Although Doe’s huge, juicy steaks have diners flocking in, the tamales have solidified this restaurant as a foodie destination.
East Village:
This up-and-coming development is gaining traction with a collection of two great breweries (Lost Forty and Rebel Kettle Brewing), delicious barbecue at Cathead's Diner and an indoor/outdoor food truck park called The Rail Yard.
The Fold:
This local hot spot was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2018. Guy Fieri especially loved the Bison Burrito and Cornmeal Waffle for brunch, and we’d recommend the Spicy White Cheese Dip with ground bison and a margarita for good measure.
Green Corner Store:
This offers everything from clothing made from organic materials and non-toxic cleaning products to environmentally friendly baby accessories and local jewelry. The store has also expanded to include a tea bar stocked with loose leaf tea from Savoy Tea Lab in Fayetteville.
Heifer Village & Urban Farm:
There’s no shortage of fun to be had while touring Heifer International’s headquarters in downtown Little Rock. Heifer Village is their interactive, free museum located at the headquarters where the whole family can learn about developing countries and the work that Heifer does around the world.
Recently, the nonprofit added an urban farm featuring barnyard animals, a community garden, beehives and butterfly garden.
Iriana’s:
Iriana’s is the place to go for a delicious slice of brick oven pizza and a side salad for dirt cheap that will keep you coming back time and time again.
Jägerschnitzel:
In the mood for some traditional Eastern European fare? The Pantry (in West Little Rock) and The Pantry Crest (in Hillcrest) offer delicious menus packed with Czech and German classics like sausage, schnitzel, sauerkraut and more. The bacon-wrapped dates are a must.
Kavanaugh Boulevard:
It won’t take you long to grow accustomed to this main thoroughfare connecting The Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods. Along the boulevard, you’ll find popular local restaurants and shops, Allsopp Park and beautiful homes.
Loblolly Creamery:
Over in SoMa, you’ll find the cutest little ice cream parlor with some of the tastiest and most unique frozen offerings. The Little Rock-based creamery builds every recipe with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Loblolly pays homage to local favorites with flavor staples like Barnhill Strawberry Buttermilk, Rock Town Bourbon Pecan and Dunbar Garden Fresh Lavender.
Movies in the Park:
This free outdoor movie series is a local favorite during the summertime. Movies begin at sundown each Wednesday in June and July. They’re held at Riverfront Park's First Security Amphitheater overlooking the Arkansas River. The best part? You can BYOB, as long as you don’t bring glass containers.
North Bar:
The North Bar was also featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” when the Food Network came to town. This North Little Rock restaurant is known for their gourmet burgers, like the peanut butter and jelly cheeseburger and the barbeque bologna burger.
Old State House Museum:
The Old State House Museum in downtown Little Rock was the original location of the state capitol building. Today, it serves as a museum documenting Arkansas’ history through the ages.
Pinnacle Mountain:
You aren’t truly a local until you climb to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. Located in West Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain towers 1,011 feet above the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers offering hikers beautiful views of the area.
Quapaw Quarter:
The Quapaw Quarter is home to some of Little Rock’s oldest and most historic buildings. Many of the extravagant homes in the quarter were built in the Antebellum and Victorian eras. Each spring, the Quapaw Quarter Association opens up a section of the area during their Spring Tour of Homes, which is a perfect time to explore some of the area’s most notable homes.
Rock Town River Outfitters:
Rock Town River Outfitters is your go-to spot for kayaking the Arkansas River. They supply the gear for first-time kayakers and experienced boaters alike. Rock Town offers sunset kayak tours as well as Sunday Bike & Brunch Tours, if biking is more your thing.
Shakespeare Theatre:
Located in Conway, about 30 minutes north of Little Rock, the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre produces a selection of the Bard’s plays in its celebrated summer festival each June.
Travelers Games:
Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock is home to the Arkansas Travelers. The Travs are a Minor League baseball team whose winning games end with a firework show above the Arkansas River.
U.S. Pizza Co.:
Yes, there are two pizza places on this list, but hear us out. U.S. Pizza Co. has various locations around the metro, but the one in Hillcrest is especially loved. The big patio is perfect for people watching and the half-priced mimosa buckets make it a winning brunch spot.
Vino’s:
Vino’s became Arkansas’ first microbrewery in 1993 when the state finally made brewpubs legal. Stop in for a slice of pizza and a glass of their Pinnacle IPA.
WunderHaus:
What started as a food truck (the WunderBus), is now a full-fledged restaurant in Conway serving up mouth-watering burgers and more. WunderHaus specializes in farm-to-table ingredients and inventive dishes on its ever-changing menu.
X Marks the Spot:
Little Rock, located in Pulaski County, is located at the geographical center of Arkansas, which makes it easy to access major cities in all directions like Memphis, Dallas, Bentonville and St. Louis via Interstates 30 and 40.
YaYa’s Euro Bistro:
Locals flock to YaYa’s for their delicious Sunday brunch buffet, spacious patio and creative cocktails. The popular spot at The Promenade at Chenal has a vibrant atmosphere. Great for girls night, date night or any night you’re craving something delicious. Regularly scheduled live music adds to the experience.
Little Rock Zoo:
Visiting the Little Rock Zoo is a must for any new resident. Where else can you see penguins, lions, gorillas and cheetahs in the heart of the city?
