Explore Little Rock, AR
Think “Mid-South” and “tourism,” and likely what comes to mind are Memphis and/or Nashville, the music capitals that have contributed so much to the nation’s popular culture.
But there is another town that definitely merits attention from those planning to visit that part of the country: Little Rock, Ark.
Granted, Arkansas’ capital city, which sits on the banks of the Arkansas River, isn’t as popular a tourist destination as those Volunteer State favorites, but there is certainly enough to see and do to merit spending a couple days there. Below are some noteworthy reasons to check out Little Rock:
William J. Clinton Library and Museum
1200 President Clinton Ave.
The crown jewel of Little Rock’s tourism industry is this repository dedicated to the life and career of the 42nd president, the only Commander-in-Chief to hail from The Wonder State. The complex celebrates Clinton’s life and career, from his rather humble childhood through his time as Arkansas’ governor and his eight years in the Oval Office.
The main focus of the impressive complex, which is part of a 30-acre campus, is the Presidential Center, which houses artifacts, photos, interactive displays and the like.
Self-guided tours begin with a moving 12-minute film about Clinton. Then it’s on to the main floor, whose multiple displays examine every facet of his life, from the various issues/crises he and his administration faced to his and Hillary’s relationships with celebrities—illustrated by correspondence to and from the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Mother Theresa, Paul Newman and Elton John.
The tour ends on the third level, which houses a clone-like recreation of the Oval Office as it was during his time in the White House. Visitors can have their pictures taken sitting at the Resolute Desk for $14.95 (pic or digital photo); $32.95 for the photo in a Clinton Center frame.
For more, go to clintonlibrary.gov
Arkansas State Capitol
500 Woodlane St.
Constructed between 1899 and 1915, this typically ornate seat of government--designed in neoclassical style as an homage to the U.S. Capitol--offers both (free) guided and self-guided tours. The building’s centerpiece is a Tiffany-created chandelier with 2,000 parts that sits under rotunda. There are plenty of photos and portraits to peruse with permanent exhibits focusing on such topics as the building’s history and Arkansans’ participation in various wars.
For more, go to sos.arkansas.gov/state-capitol
ESSE Purse Museum & Store
1510 Main St.
Located in a nondescript neighborhood near the downtown area, the ESSE Purse Museum & Store is one of two such establishments in the world and the only one in the United States (the other is in Seoul, South Korea).
The small, one-story storefront boasts scores of pocketbooks from the 20th century, arranged in displays by decade. Together, the purses of all shapes, sizes and colors illustrate the evolution of the handbag. But also included are authentic items women carried in them, among them vials of smelling salts and a tin of Sweet Sixteen brand face powder (from the 1900s) and World War II ration cards and a small metal photo album from the 1940s. Together the items tell the story of how women’s places in society changed as the years and decades unfolded.
One of the most interesting displays features a variety of travel bags offered during the no-longer-in-business Pan American World Airways.
For more, go to: essepursemuseum.com
Dining
It may not be heralded as a culinary capital, but Little Rock certainly has its share of options for a variety of tastes.
A venerated lunch spot is Cotham’s In the City (1401 W. 3rd St.), which sits in the shadow of the State House). Check out the fried catfish (platter or sandwich), which is Cotham’s signature dish (cothams.com).
For dinner, you can’t go wrong at The Fold Botanas & Bar (3501 Old Cantrell Rd.). So named because it focuses solely on Mexican street food served in hard and soft wraps, The Fold offers a winning blend of fresh, flavorful dishes, generous portions and surprisingly reasonable prices (thefoldlr.com).
Accommodations
Little Rock boasts a number of AAA-member hotels; during a recent visit, the AC Marriott (201 W. Capitol Ave.) proved to be an excellent, amenity-laden property that is centrally located.
