Little Rock is a fun city. I didn’t know much about it -besides the Little Rock Nine- until I moved there. We were stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base (which is actually in Jacksonville), but opted to live south of the river in Little Rock proper instead of near the base.
While living in Historic Hillcrest I learned that Little Rock loves beer and wine. Each year I had several events to look forward to -such as Little Rocktoberfest (a beer festival), Wild Wines (a wine festival benefitting the zoo), and Etsyfest (a street festival featuring local Etsy vendors plus local food trucks and music). February through April is peak festival season and the whole state gets together for good food and drinks as many weekends as possible – it really is wonderful if you also enjoy eating and drinking.
But what if you’re in Little Rock and can’t attend any such festival? Be it admission prices, lack of babysitters, or simple timing -you still want to enjoy what the city has to offer. Try this list out for size! In no particular order, here are five favorites in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Esse Purse Museum (1510 Main Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202)
facebook.com/EssePurseMuseum/
Located in SoMa, Esse is nestled in an excellent neighborhood full of unique restaurants and shops. The Purse Museum can easily be double listed as a history of feminism exhibit, and it is wonderful. Beautiful displays, an excellent shop, and fun area -Esse is a must for feminist museum lovers.
Little Rock Zoo (1 Zoo Dr, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205)
facebook.com/zoolr/
Who doesn’t like a zoo? Happy cats, piles of penguins, and funnel cakes. I love this zoo especially for the adult events that they hold. I am a big fan of Boo at the Zoo Adult Night, and Wild Wines. Meanwhile, the Little Rock Zoo is a great place to spend a free afternoon. They do have a military discount, but parking is $2 (anywhere south of Markham, so I was told).
Rock Town Distillery (1201 MAIN ST, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202)
facebook.com/rocktowndistillery/
Distilleries are fun for Mister Jupiter and I. The tour guides are knowledgable and it’s clear that Rock Town is proud of their products. Sampling is a blast, as long as you’re over 21 and not driving immediately. Water is provided of course. Our favorite purchases are their gin (it’s very floral), and the grapefruit vodka. Remember to bring a designated driver, or just Uber over.
Big Dam Bridge (7600 Rebsamen Park Rd, Little Rock, AR 72207)
facebook.com/bigdambridgefoundation/
This shouldn’t be a shock, but this is a bridge…a big bridge. It is “the longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge in North America that has never been used by trains or motor vehicles” -thanks wikipedia. Give it a go, what do you have to lose? It’s a great way to see the Arkansas River and the other bridges that join Little Rock to North Little Rock. (PS – the red bridge in the photo above is the Junction Bridge.)
The Green Corner Store (1423 Main St, Ste D, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202)
facebook.com/thegreencornerstore/
This recommendation takes us back to SoMa. The Green Corner Store is a nice little variety store full of natural goods and local wares. Luckily The Green Corner Store is also right next to Loblolly (AMAZING ice creams, sherbets, macarons, coffee, etc.), and Moxie; a charming vintage-flavored shop with the best shop kitty. Make sure to block out at least an hour for these three shops, and bring a reusable shopping bag or two!
☞ Want to visit another city? Let’s go! Five Favorites in Las Vegas, NV
Lady Jupiter 