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ideal-LIVING.com ideal-LIVING • FALL 2015
ideal towns >>> little rock, ar
Revitalized Little Rock offers a lovely setting in the rolling hills between the Ouachita Mountains and the Arkansas River. This vibrant capital city is brimming
with attractions from unique museums and epicurean
delights, to outdoor concerts and mountain biking.
It’s also a place of profound historical significance. In
1957, nine black teenagers attended their first day of school at
Little Rock Central High School, which marked the beginning
of desegregation. The school is a National Historic Site with
a fascinating museum nearby.
Other sites of historic significance include the William
J. Clinton Presidential Center, the MacArthur Museum of
Arkansas Military History and the Mount Holly Cemetery. The
original state capital of Arkansas, the Old State House Museum,
is a National Historic Landmark that boasts collections of Civil
War battle flags, Arkansas art pottery, maps, quilts and more.
For endless fun and entertainment, visit the River Market
District. You’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants, cultural attractions, nightlife and shopping. The annual Riverfest Arts and Music Festival is held in the magnificent downtown amphitheater.
Take a trolley ride through the 33-acre Riverfront Park to
enjoy incredible river views, and explore the Sculpture Garden
and History Pavilion.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Arkansas Arts Center, known
for having one of the world’s most unique collections of works
on paper, including Cézanne, van Gogh, Pollock and O’Keeffe.
The Arkansas Repertory Company features productions on
its 385-seat MainStage and 99-seat black box SecondStage,
and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents beautiful
masterworks, pop and chamber concerts.
Little Rock is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts
with its Big Dam Bridge, which was designed for pedestrians
and bicycles, and is built over the Murray Lock and Dam.
Locals love to walk, jog or ride their bikes over the bridge and
along the 15 miles of the scenic Arkansas River Trail.
At Pinnacle Mountain State Park, you can go horseback
riding, biking, kayaking, fishing and hiking to the mountain’s
summit for a panoramic view of the Arkansas River Valley.
Little Rock offers extraordinary natural beauty and
attractions in the heart of Arkansas.
New South
Culture Thrives in
Little Rock
by Nancy Gross
Savory Eateries
• Brave New Restaurant is an upscale spot with alfresco
dining overlooking the river. Features include innovative American fare like pork, duck, veal, beef, trout and
its famous chocolate crème brûlée.
• The Flying Fish is a super casual, laid-back eatery
that o;ers great seafood, including fresh cat;sh,
shrimp, oysters, crab legs, craw;sh chowder and more.
• One Eleven at the Capital, located inside the Capital
Hotel, combines ;avors of Provençal France and the
American South like seafood, beef, duck, lamb and
chocolate sou;é with vanilla chantilly cream.
• The Pantry invites you to enjoy a down-home feel
and hearty German and Czech foods like wiener
schnitzel, goulash, svickova (Czech-style roast beef),
house-made brats and cheese spaetzle.
TOP THINGS TO DO
• Arkansas Arts Center
;is art museum and center for the visual and performing arts
includes a world-class international collection of art, professional
theatre company, art classes, educational programs and museum shop.
• The Arkansas River Trail
Hikers, cyclists, skaters and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts
enjoy this beautiful 15-mile trail that winds its way across the
entire metropolitan area.
• Pinnacle Mountain State Park
;is 2,356-acre park includes two rivers for kayaking and canoeing,
plus numerous hiking and biking trails.
• River Market District
;e River Market stands as an uno;cial cultural center in Little
Rock. You’ll ;nd an exciting mix of food vendors at Market Hall,
plus galleries, music, bars and restaurants.
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