Little Rock: Brand New
Little Rock Travel Ideas
Life in Little Rock
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is located in Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas and most populous city with nearly 200,000 people calling it home. Featuring big city amenities in the heart of the Natural State, Little Rock is the hub of cultural, economic, government, and transportation within Arkansas and the South. Downtown Little Rock is only a five-minute drive from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, and a 20-minute drive will take you to just about any location in Little Rock. Whether you like beautiful scenery, museums and cultural events, parks, gourmet dining or the night life, the city has it all. Plus, Little Rock offers affordable housing in great neighborhoods and a low cost of living.
Food and Drinks
- At the Corner and The Root Cafe are amazing breakfast and lunch spots and both reasonably priced.
- The Pantry is a great spot for hearty German cuisine.
- Zaza’s, Iriana’s, Damgoode Pies, and Vino’s are all excellent pizza places.
- For beer, Lost 40 Brewing (also amazing food), Flyway, and Stone’s Throw are all great local places.
- For the ultimate burger go to Big Orange. The Root Cafe’s is pretty incredible as well.
- Rocktown Distillery (also local), and SOMA are great spots to grab some solid cocktails.
- If you miss your dog or just like being around them, we also have a dog bar aptly named Bark Bar.
- For coffee, Mylo is near UAMS and is excellent. Zateo is downtown and carries the local nationally renowned Onyx Coffee.
Music
Take in the Arts & Culture
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Little Rock is a thriving scene of music, performing arts, museums, and galleries. Experience the beauty of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts the sounds of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the very best of Broadway, the grace of Ballet Arkansas and much more. The Clinton Presidential Center is the home of the Little Rock offices of the Clinton Foundation, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and the Clinton School of Public Service, the first institution in the nation to offer a Master of Public Service (MPS) degree. The Center is a world-class educational and cultural venue offering a variety of educational programs, special events, exhibitions, and lectures. Little Rock’s Old Statehouse Museum and Historic Arkansas Museum also offer one-of-kind treasures and are worth a visit. The River Market District, with its great Arkansas live music and nightlife spots in Little Rock, is conveniently located downtown, all within walking distance of each other or by use of Little Rock public transportation.
Outdoors
Explore the Outdoors
Wherever you live in Little Rock, you’re just minutes away from some pretty amazing outdoor opportunities. We are surrounded by natural beauty at every turn and enjoy a four-season climate. You can go road cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain 
climbing, hiking, fishing, and more. Resorts and state and national parks are all within easy driving distance to enjoy on the weekends too. We have something for everyone from waterfalls and caverns to mountain trails and scenic drives as well as lakes and fall foliage that will take your breath away. We also have fascinating historical sites and spectacular golf courses. And did we mention that we have wineries, breweries, and distilleries, the only public diamond mine in the world, thoroughbred horse racing and one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world? How awesome is that?
To the west, Pinnacle Mountain State Park features two of the area’s most popular mountain biking trails, and as well as paddling, hiking, rock climbing, star gazing and other fun activities for the outdoor enthusiast. The Arkansas River Trail takes you over the Big Dam Bridge and connects more than 15 miles of trails, where you can explore and relax as you enjoy Central Arkansas’s natural beauty. Murray Park offers soccer, beach volleyball, a dog park, a boat dock, and more.
Indoors
- Museum of Discovery: This children’s museum located in downtown Little Rock was named one of Mensa Society’s top 10 science museums of 2013. Although considered a children’s museum, this museum is also a favorite of adults as well.
- Clinton Library: The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is located within the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. In addition to the archival collections and research facilities, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum features exhibits, special events, and educational programs. The museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Permanent exhibits utilize documents, photographs, videos and interactive stations. A timeline and alcoves highlight domestic and foreign policy, as well as life in the White House.
- Little Rock Central High School: Both a functional high school as well as a museum created to preserve the legacy of the 1957 desegregation crisis and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Where to Stay
Little Rock Neighborhoods
Downtown Little Rock offers residents a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city. The downtown area has seen dramatic transformation and growth, with more on the way. Residents in the area can’t get enough of the new amenities and enjoy living in high-rise condos and apartments, the historic homes of the Quapaw Quarter, or in the and hip SoMa neighborhood, boasting eco-friendly dwellings and refurbished beauties. Food establishments offer a variety of local flavor, as does the farmers market and a host of popular bars. Business abounds with the likes of Stephens Inc, Heifer International, the state government, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
The Riverdale area is located near the Arkansas River, attracting those who enjoy the prospect of an outdoor adventure. Luxury apartments, townhouses, condos, and single-family homes of all price ranges give residents plenty to choose from. While known more for being the city’s design district, you’ll find big businesses here as well, including Verizon’s regional headquarters and the world headquarters for both Dillard’s and ATA International. Great dining? Yep.
The part of Little Rock known as the Heights is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Little Rock. With it’s beautiful homes and central location, the area is full of both character and convenience. Boutiques, banks, grocery stores, and amazing restaurants are all located within walking distance for the the friendly neighborhood residents. The demand is high for homes in the area–from quaint cottages and bungalows to large and lavish abodes. Nestled up against some of the neighborhood’s largest homes is the exclusive and historic Country Club of Little Rock, which just happens to be one of the oldest country clubs west of the Mississippi River.
To the south, you’ll find the more laid-back cousin of the Heights in an area known as Hillcrest. With it’s turn of the century homes and craftsman cottages, Hillcrest offers a lower price point than the Heights and more rental options, too. The historic district is full of neighborhood residents who enjoy the diverse shops, patio-gathering restaurants, and the easing going atmosphere the area brings. To the south is Stifft Station and Capitol View, both filled with bungalow homes located close to UAMS.
Little Rock’s Midtown area is a hub for retailers and large employers. Residential areas surround the business activity offering both ranch-style and modern homes. The area is located between the Heights, Hillcrest, and West Little Rock, with neighborhoods that include Cammack Village, Kingwood, and Leawood that are close in proximity to UAMS, CHI St. Vincent Hospital, and UA-Little Rock Need retail therapy? Little Rock’s main shopping mall, Park Plaza, and other centers that attract customers city-wide are located in this central part of town.
West Little Rock is an expansive section of the city with spacious neighborhoods, thriving retailers, and outlying areas that offer recreational activities. Housing options range from gated neighborhoods and million-dollar homes to apartments, condos, and charming homes. The area is home to numerous big box retailers, along with several local boutiques, and a host of dining options that will make your mouth water. Close in proximity to Pinnacle Mountain and Lake Maumelle, West Little Rockers can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind views.
Chenal Valley is located within what’s considered West Little Rock, but has its own distinguishing qualities that draw both long time Little Rock residents and newcomers alike. It is made up 4800 scenic areas on which 34 separate neighborhoods have been established. The community is considered one of the safest and most family friendly in Little Rock. The area is home to two championship golf courses and the Promenade at Chenal, a one-stop hub of top retailers, great restaurants, and the only IMAX theater in town.