Little Rock
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Little Rock (early October). In addition to visiting the Clinton Library, what other attractions and nearby cities would you recommend?

Have you been to Hot Springs? It's a very nice mountain town with lots of thermal baths.

Here's some info:

http://www.hotsprings.org/

I almost forgot--in early October the fall colors s/b quite impressive. :-)

I'm not sure what has possessed you to go to Little Rock, but there is not a thing there, period. Head to Hot Springs as soon as you finish touring the library.

The Clinton Library is right down town where you can also visit the headquarters of Heifer International, which just won a design award for being eco-friendly. Another site would be the Central High School Civil Rights Museum--this is the 40th anniversary of Orville Faubus' famous stand on the schoolhouse steps, opposing integration. The museum tells an interesting story about how the women of Little Rock took over the conflict and brought peace.

Hot Springs National Park is in downtown HS--it's actually the historic bath houses on Central Avenue and worth a visit. Southern Living magazine currently has a showhome you can visit. The website says it's closing the end of September but I heard yesterday that it's going to be open through Christmas. Also in Hot Springs, you can go up the tower to have a great view of the Ouachita Mountains (pronounced Wa'sha-ta). Last October was gorgeous but it's been hot and dry lately so we might not have as much color. If you have time, drive out to Lake Ouachita State Park and see if you can take a ranger-led boat tour to see the eagles.

Hot Springs has some really good restaurants. My favorites: Chef Paul's for lunch and dinner, Brickhouse Grill for great steaks, Cafe 1217 for lunch, J's Italian Villa overlooking Lake Hamilton.

Enjoy your visit to The Natural State!

we lived there for 4 years,and liked it.Definitely go to Hot Springs,and the horse racing track there is vernice,if its racing season.Memphis isnt too long a drive--we'd go there for a day trip.Quachita lake is very nive,and just the mountain raod drive towards fayettville is a nice trip.

You could watch the March of the Ducks at the Peabody Hotel.

Little Rock has a downtown riverfront market that is very enjoyable -- at least it was when I visited a few years ago. ... There's also a terrific park and riverwalk area north of the city. And you can see the governor's mansion where Clinton carried on his affairs of state. ... Hot Springs and its beautiful lake area are wonderful places to visit. You can even bottle your own (free) spring water.

The horse racing season in Hot Springs is from the end of January to mid-April.

If you want a night of peace and beauty, stay at the Lodge at Mt. Magazine. http://www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/
If you enjoy the outdoors and hiking, Petit Jean State Park in Morillton is a good option.
While in Little Rock, try the Flying Fish restaurant at the River Market and Whole Hog on Cantrell (1-2 miles from downtown, which has excellent BBQ. I used to recommend Sonny Williams for a good steak with white linen atmosphere and service but lately, the food and service has been mediocre at best.

A lot of what you decide to do depends on how long your trip is and what types of activities you enjoy (hiking, musueums, etc)?

The River Market area (which is where the Clinton Library is located) is nice on Saturdays but it is somewhat deserted on Sundays. This website has some information on things to do in the River Market. http://www.rivermarket.info/index.html

There are several hotels in the RiverMarket which I enjoy...
1) The Peabody has beautiful rooms and a great restaurant (Capriccio) although it is pricey. Sunday Brunch there is absolutely to-die-for. It is the furthest walk from the Library (5-6 blocks), but you can always take the trolley for a dollar.
2)The Courtyard Marriott is the newest hotel on this street (renovated building) and also the closest to the Library and main River Market area. There rooms are also nice there.
3)There are 2 or 3 other hotels in the vicinity. You might want to check out the Little Rock Website http://www.littlerock.com/

A new website just started up that is supposed to have information on what's going on in LR and the surrounding areas. I haven't browsed it much so I can't validate its content helpfulness. http://sync.arkansasonline.com/

Little Rock has some really great restaurants if you are willing to drive 10-20 minutes from the River Market area. If you tell me some of your favorite foods then I could probably give you some good tips on restaurants.

Once you respond on the length of your trip and activity preferences then I can try to address some other good cities/attractions to visit. :)

Good luck on the trip planning!

If you like art, the Arkansas Arts Center is fabulous.

I visit Little Rock just about yearly and love it. It is a great city and state. Lots to do - Hot Spring is only a drive away and the mountain are gorgeous up north. Enjoy

Not sure if you're driving or flying but there is an excellent desk at the airport, around the baggage area, that is full of info in the city as well as the entire state. I've found it to be excellent and I live there. Lots of ideas for days or week(s) of visiting. Hope you enjoy your stay