arkansas at the center visitors guide

V I S I T O R S G U I D E

SHOPPING & ANTIQUING OUTDOORS, PARKS & RECREATION HISTORY, HERITAGE & MUSEUMS FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Heart of Arkansas

Arkansas Arts Center,Little Rock

Prairie County Courthouse,Des Arc

Fine Dining, Conway

ArkansasAtTheCenter.com • 20

Arkansas Hospitality AssociationWelcome to the Heart of Arkansas. When you stay and play in central Arkansas, the Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA) wants to make sure your trip is a memorable one.

No matter where you set your sights in central Arkansas, these cities and towns have one thing in common: great hospitality. With more than 700 restaurants in Little Rock and North Little Rock alone, representing secret family recipes to global fusion cuisine, central Arkansas has something for everyone. From fresh seafood to sizzling steaks, soul food to authentic Italian, you’ll fi nd delicious fare for every taste and budget.

Central Arkansas also offers a wide variety of overnight accommodations. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, charming B&Bs or budget lodging, each property in cities across the region is staffed with qualifi ed service professionals eager to make your stay extraordinary.

AHA represents the Arkansas Lodging Association, the Arkansas Restaurant Association and the Arkansas Travel Council. Members include restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts and other tourism entities. AHA educates and trains students and professionals in the hospitality industry. It also offers scholarships to build the future of the hospitality industry in Arkansas. To learn more about AHA, call 501-376-2323 or visit arhospitality.org.

Left: Experience a bustling capital city and within minutes, fi nd the tranquility of the outdoors at Two Rivers Park – all in the Heart of Arkansas.

the Heart of Arkansas (Arkansas At The Center) which includes Pulaski, Prairie, Saline, Faulkner and Lonoke counties. Here, you’ll discover exciting cities, quaint towns, historic landmarks, visual and performing arts, great dining and miles and miles of scenic beauty with limitless opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, fishing and hunting.

In Pulaski County, Little Rock and North Little Rock are well-known vacation destinations. Downtown Little Rock’s River Market District is anchored by the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park located on the banks of the Arkansas River. The museum includes 20,000 square feet of exhibits on two levels and features replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. The Clinton Center houses temporary exhibits throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see each time you visit. Little Rock history is on display at the Old State House Museum, Historic Arkansas Museum, Arkansas State Capitol and Central High Museum and Visitors Center. North Little Rock is home to the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum where you can view the USS Razorback, a submarine present at Tokyo Bay for the signing of the treaty ending WWII. Also on the north shore of the Arkansas River is Dickey-Stephens Park, the home field of the Arkansas Travelers baseball team. The Big Dam Bridge, the longest bridge built specifically for pedestrians and cyclists, connects Little Rock and North Little Rock. In Jacksonville, tour the Jacksonville Military History Museum to view rare WWII artifacts, including the Mighty-Mite, the smallest jeep ever produced.

The outlying cities of Conway in Faulkner County and Benton and Bryant in Saline County add to the mix of shopping and dining in the central region of The Natural State.

On a drive to Scott, Keo and England in Lonoke County, marvel at the abundance of natural splendor. This area has a long-standing tradition of farming, as well as hunting and fishing. These towns are also known for excellent antiquing and down-home dining. History buffs can check out several museums and historic landmarks. Cabot is also located in Lonoke County and is home to Greystone Country Club which boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses listed on The Natural State Golf Trail: Mountain Springs and Cypress Creek.

Prairie County is renowned for its great outdoors and features the Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area near Hazen and Cache River National Wildlife Refuge near DeValls Bluff. Des Arc is the site of the Lower White River Museum State Park, which portrays the importance of the river in Arkansas’ early frontier days.

Throughout the year, festivals and events focus on heritage and history, music, food, holiday fun and more. With dozens of activities every month in our festive five-county area, it’s always a good time for a weekend getaway or family vacation.

From luxury hotels and charming bed and breakfasts to historic hotels, each city offers service and comfort that will keep you coming back.

For more information on Heart of Arkansas (Arkansas At The Center), visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Welcome to…

Toad Suck Daze, Conway

Festivals & Events

Left: The gondola ferris wheel is one of many attractions at Riverfest held annually in May in downtown Little Rock.

Festivals in central Arkansas celebrate everything from strawberries to toads.

Spring and summer festivals in central Arkansas include Cabot’s annual Strawberry Festival where local strawberry growers show off the fruits of their labor in April with a carnival, pageant and games.

Toad Suck Daze in Conway takes place in May and includes live music, a 5K/10K run and the world-famous toad races. Little Rock’s Riverfest takes place Memorial Day weekend on the banks of the Arkansas River. Also over Memorial Day weekend is Saline Summer Daze in Benton. This event features carnival rides, live music, food vendors and more.

Des Arc is the site of the annual Steamboat Days in June. The festival honors local history with a bass tournament, beauty pageant and more. The annual Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza takes place in June on the Arkansas River. Central Arkansas celebrates July 4th with fireworks displays in Sherwood, Conway, Maumelle and Little Rock.

Fall and winter festivals include Bryant Fall Fest held annually in September at Mills Park. Several cities and towns across central Arkansas participate in the state’s annual Trail of Holiday Lights. Burns Park in North Little Rock boasts an impressive drive-through light display beginning in November.

For more information on festivals, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Festivals & Events

Little Rock ZooThe Little Rock Zoo houses over 750 animals on more than 33 acres. Exhibits include big cats, bears, great apes, small carnivores, African veldt and an elephant barn. Special features include Lorikeet Landing, where visitors can feed nectar to playful lorikeets; Café Africa restaurant; and Over The Jumps, a beautifully restored antique carousel.

The zoo hosts regular educational presentations and special events throughout the year on the Civitan Amphitheater stage. Breakfast with Animals presents a unique opportunity to dine with a zookeeper. The Saturday morning breakfasts focus on a different animal each month, April through November. Boo at the Zoo is Arkansas’ largest Halloween celebration. The two-week festival features kiddie rides, trick-or-treating, haunted train rides, costume contests and more.

Many events are geared toward grown-ups. Wild Wines of the World offers food and wine pairings from Arkansas’ finest restaurants. Guests mingle from continent to continent as they experience a taste of cuisine from various cultures around the world. Woo at the Zoo introduces guests to the world of animal mating. Zoo Year’s Eve is the wildest New Year’s Eve party in town with live music, food and adult beverages.

For more information about the Little Rock Zoo, call 501-666-2406 or visit littlerockzoo.com.

Little Rock Zoo


Photo on Front Cover: Experience Little Rock in a whole new light aboard the Arkansas Queen.

Photo on Back Cover: Marvel at the Arkansas River view from the Big Dam Bridge.

Publisher: Cranford Johnson Robinson WoodsPre-Press: Magna IV Printer: Magna IV Typography: Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods

Printed in the U.S.A. 40M 5-10

This brochure was printed with a

com bi na tion of State Funds and Private Regional

Association Funds.

V I S I T O R S G U I D E

HOA Introduction ......................... 1-2

Festivals & Events ........................... 3

History, Heritage & Museums ....... 5-6

Pulaski County ............................. 7-8

Faulkner County......................... 9-10

Saline County .......................... 11-12

Lonoke County ........................ 13-14

Prairie County .......................... 15-16

HOA Regional Map .................. 17-18

Shopping & Antiquing ............... 19-20

Outdoors, Parks & Recreation ............................ 21-22

Table of Contents

Arkansas Hospitality Association ..................................... 2

Arkansas Inland Maritime

Museum ......................................... 6

Conway Chamber of

Commerce .................................... 10

Holiday Inn Express in Bryant ........ 12

Jacksonville Advertising

& Promotion ................................. 17

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau ............................... 8

Little Rock Zoo ............................... 4

Lower White River Museum State Park ...................... 16

Murry’s Dinner Playhouse ............. 18

North Little Rock

Chamber of Commerce ................. 20

North Little Rock Visitors Bureau ............................. 22

Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park ...................... 14

Featured Member Profi les

Heart of ArkansasP.O. Box 1958 Little Rock, AR 72203501-833-3068 | 866-672-7682ArkansasAtTheCenter.com

04 HOA 14422.indd 1 5/21/10 2:14:37 PM

History, Heritage & Museums

USS Razorback, North Little Rock

Faulkner County Museum, Conway

William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, Little Rock

Discover the history and heritage of central Arkansas at museums, state parks, Civil War battlefields, art galleries, an ancient archeological site, a high school at the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement and presidential library.

One of the best places to begin your historical tour of central Arkansas is Little Rock, Arkansas’ capital city. Downtown Little Rock is located on the banks of the Arkansas River. La Petite Roche, the city’s namesake, was used by early river traffic as a landmark and became a well-known river crossing. Hundreds of years later, it’s still the go-to place for great dining, shopping, lodging and nightlife in the River Market District. Two focal points in the area are the Clinton Presidential Center and Park and the neighboring world headquarters of Heifer International. A recent addition is the Central Arkansas Nature Center. All three facilities are “green” buildings and offer special tours.

In addition to the Clinton Presidential Center, some of the other historic sites include Historic Arkansas Museum, Mount Holly Cemetery, MacArthur Museum of Military History and Old State House Museum, which served as the seat of both the Confederate and Unionists governments in Arkansas during the Civil War and served as the state capitol until 1911. Black history is explored at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site depicts the 1957 integration of nine black students (the “Little Rock Nine”) into the all-white high school. A great way to get an overview of Little Rock and its major attractions is aboard a Little Rock Tours bus. Tours depart daily from the River Market District.

Little Rock’s position in the center of the state also puts it on such historic trails as the Butterfield Overland Trail, the Southwest Trail, the Trail of Tears and the Little Rock Campaign of the Civil War. These paths are part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System.

Lonoke’s history can be traced back to the advance of Union troops through central Arkansas during the American Civil War. The Lonoke County Museum explores county history and features a diorama of the Battle of Brownsville Civil War skirmish.

Learn about Arkansas’ agricultural history in the Scott/England/Keo area of central Arkansas. The Scott Plantation Settlement along Alexander Road contains 13 buildings that comprise a “typical Arkansas plantation.” Some of the structures on-site include a hand-hewn cypress corncrib, an 1840s log cabin, a washhouse, several tenant houses, a railroad depot and blacksmith shop.

Continuing south on U.S. 165 from Scott, travelers come to an oddity for this region: an apparent hillock in the flat terrain visible on the highway’s right side. It is a part of what is now Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, which preserves one of the largest Native American mound complexes in the lower valley of the Mississippi River. The site was home to people of the Plum Bayou culture and is believed to have been occupied from 650-1050 A.D.

For more information on history, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.


Arkansas Inland Maritime MuseumThe Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is a floating museum moored on the north shore of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. Arkansas’ only historic naval vessel open to the public for tours and the first submarine to open for tours in nearly a decade, the USS Razorback is the centerpiece of the museum. The USS Razorback is decorated for its WWII patrols and is one of only two surviving submarines that took part in the formal surrender of Japan at Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The submarine opened for tours at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum on May 15, 2005.

The museum also houses permanent exhibits on submarine history, training and operations, such as fi refi ghting and underwater escape, as well as the USS Razorback’s operational history. Rotating exhibits interpret a variety of topics. The museum library includes more than 2,500 books, periodicals, videos, CDs and DVDs. There are significant holdings on U.S. naval history, general military history, the Vietnam War, maritime piracy and pirate history.

The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is available for private parties and group tours. The USS Razorback now offers overnight stays for groups. Call 501-371-8320 or visit aimm.museum for details.

Left: The Old State House Museum in Little Rock is one of several structures in the region dedicated to preserving the history of The Natural State.

History, Heritage & Museums

Pulaski County

Left: Plan a tour of the Arkansas State Capitol when the apple blossoms are in bloom.

JacksonvilleBattle of Reed’s Bridge Markers – The Battle of Reed’s Bridge was fought during the 1863 Little Rock Campaign as Union soldiers advanced south while Rebel Troops tried to protect the Capitol. Ark. 161 and Ark. 184. 501-982-1511.

Jacksonville Military History Museum – Houses a collection of over 350 WWII posters and the Mighty-Mite, the smallest jeep ever produced. 100 Veterans Circle. 501-241-1943.

Little RockAerospace Education Center & IMAX® Theater – 300-seat IMAX® Theater and EpiSphere Theatre and Planetarium, one of two in the world. Other attractions include nine aircraft on display. 3301 E. Roosevelt Rd. 501-376-4232.

Arkansas Arts Center – Numerous galleries and exhibits. Also features theatrical productions by the Children’s Theatre. Best Impressions restaurant and gift shop on-site. 9th and Commerce St. 501-372-4000.

Arkansas Repertory Theatre – Professional repertory theatre performs renowned productions. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405.

Arkansas State Capitol – Circa 1899-1911. Guided and audio tours available. Monuments include Confederate Soldiers, Confederate Women, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Testament: Little Rock Nine Salute. Woodlane and Capitol Ave. 501-682-5080.

Central Arkansas Nature Center –Exhibits and programs highlight the work of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Watchable wildlife viewing. 602 President Clinton Ave. 501-907-0636.

Central High Museum & Visitors Center – Documents the 1957 integration of Central High School, now a National Historic Site, and its significance in the Civil Rights Movement. 2120 Daisy Bates Dr. 501-374-1957.

Heifer International & Heifer Village –Interactive exhibits and educational programs introduce visitors to Heifer’s

River Market District, Little Rock

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, North Little Rock

The Old Mill, North Little Rock


commitment to ending hunger and poverty through gifts of livestock and providing training to families worldwide. 1 World Ave. 501-907-2697.

Historic Arkansas Museum – The city’s oldest building, the 1827 Hinderlighter Tavern, is preserved here. Also features a contemporary art gallery and one of the country’s largest collections of Bowie knives. 3rd and Scott Sts. 501-324-9351.

Little Rock Zoo – See page 4.

MacArthur Museum of Military History – A National Historic Landmark and birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur. Houses a museum of Arkansas military history from territorial days to present day. 503 E. 9th St. 501-376-4602.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center – Preserves and celebrates Arkansas’ African-American culture from 1870 to present. 501 W. 9th St. 501-683-3593.

Murray’s Dinner Playhouse – See page 18.

Museum of Discovery – Hands-on interactive exhibits on science, history and technology for kids of all ages. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-396-7050.

Old State House Museum – It is the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River. Now a museum of Arkansas history with permanent and temporary exhibits and special programs. 300 W. Markham. 501-324-9685.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park – Interpretive programs, festivals, exhibits, picnic sites, pavilions, playground, hiking trails, canoe rentals, float trips and visitor center overlooking the Arkansas River. 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd. 501-868-5806.

Robinson Center Music Hall – Performing arts center hosting Broadway

performances, Ballet Arkansas productions and home of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. W. Markham and Broadway. 501-376-4781.

Wildwood Park – Hosts opera, jazz, cabaret and chamber performances and festivals throughout the year. 20919 Denny Rd. 501-821-7275.

William J. Clinton Presidential Center & Park – See pages 2 & 6.

North Little RockArgenta Entertainment & Arts District – See page 20.

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum – See page 6.

Arkansas National Guard Museum – Devoted to the history of the ArkansasNational Guard, Camp Pike and Camp Robinson. Located in Lloyd England Hallat Camp Robinson. 6th and Missouri Sts. 501-212-5215.

Arkansas Queen Riverboat – Sightseeing, dining and special event cruises on an elegant paddlewheeler. 100 Riverfront Park Dr. 501-372-5777.

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame – Celebrates major moments in Arkansas sports and the state’s top athletes. Located inside Verizon Arena. 501-663-4328.

Dickey-Stephens Park – See page 22.

Verizon Arena – Hosts major concerts and sporting events throughout the year. 1 Verizon Arena Way. 501-340-5660.

Wild River County – Water park featuring water slides, tube rides, wave pool, children’s areas and picnic areas. I-40 and Crystal Hill Rd. 501-753-8600.

For more information on Pulaski County, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Little Rock’s River Market DistrictLocated on President Clinton Avenue adjacent to Riverfront Park on the banks of the Arkansas River is where you’ll find one of Little Rock’s most thriving cultural scenes. Restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, bars and music venues line the bustling streets.

Ottenheimer Market Hall houses more than a dozen permanent merchants offering a growing list of market specialties year-round. From piping-hot pastries, hand-roasted coffee, succulent barbecue and gourmet foods, there is a wide selection of groceries at the River Market. There are two open-air pavilions where the Farmer’s Market takes place May through October.

The River Market District is within walking distance of major hotels. You can also stroll along President Clinton Avenue to tour the Clinton Presidential Center and Park and Clinton Museum Store.

In the summer months, Riverfront Park hosts concerts; festivals, including Riverfest in May; and Movies in the Park, free evening screenings of popular films in an outdoor setting in June and July.

The River Rail Trolley provides transportation from downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock attractions. For more information, call 501-375-2552 or visit rivermarket.info.

For more Little Rock informa-tion, call 800-844-4781 or visit littlerock.com.

Conway

Baum Gallery of Fine Art – One of the largest academic galleries in the state. Features four gallery spaces housing a range of international and national traveling shows and original exhibits, as well as faculty and student shows. Located on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. 201 Donaghey Ave. 501-450-5793.

Beaverfork Lake – Swimming, boating and fishing. Includes boat launch ramp, picnic tables, two pavilions, fishing dock, sand volleyball courts and softball field. 501-450-6186.

Cadron Settlement Park – Includes the Blockhouse restoration, Cherokee Trail of Tears exhibits, boat launching ramp, hiking trails, picnic areas, pavilion, handicapped trails, markers and interpretive signs. This port on the Arkansas River was also a stopping spot for the Butterfield Overland Mail Route. Both the Trail of Tears and the Butterfield Trail are part of the Arkansas Historic Trails System. Ark. 319. 501-329-2986.

Central Baptist College – Four-year private liberal arts college with majors in behavioral science, business, general education, missions, music, religion and science. 1501 College Ave. 501-329-6872.

City Parks – Conway is home to 11 city parks; two indoor recreation facilities; softball, baseball and soccer fields; basketball, racquetball and tennis courts; walking trails; a rodeo arena; fitness center; playgrounds; and picnic areas. 501-450-6186.

Conway Symphony Orchestra –Professional orchestra performs masterworks and other musical gems at Reynolds Performance Hall on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. 201 Donaghey Ave. 501-269-1066.

Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall – State-of-the-art performing arts auditorium used for concerts, theatrical shows and lectures. Also hosts UCA Public Appearances, which brings

Left: The Baum Gallery of Fine Art on the University of Central Arkansas campus is one of many places celebrating local art in Conway.

Faulkner County

Downtown ConwayChief Whitehorse’s Riding Stable, Mayflower

Woolly Hollow State Park, Greenbrier

world-class musicians, dancers and other entertainers to Conway. Located on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. 201 Donaghey Ave. 501-450-3265.

Faulkner County Museum – Preserves local history with artifacts, crafts and photographs on display. Housed in the historic 1869 County Jail on the Faulkner County courthouse grounds. 805 Locust St. 501-329-5918.

Hendrix College – Four-year private liberal arts college ranked in the top tier of liberal arts colleges in the country. Each year, the student social committee brings renowned entertainers to “The Brick Pit,” an outdoor patio in the center of campus. 1600 Washington Ave. 501-329-6811.

Lake Conway – The largest man-made Game and Fish Commission lake in the U.S., it covers approximately 6,700 acres. Excellent catfish, bream and bass fishing. U.S. 65 S. 501-327-7788.

Pickles Gap Village – This quaint shopping village gets its unique name from the legend of a German immigrant crossing the creek and overturning his load of pickles in the creek. Includes The Pickle Barrel Fudge Factory, Mack’s Knife Shop and Bull Pen, and Precious Memories Antiques. 315 Hwy. 65 N. 501-327-8049.

Toad Suck Daze – Three-day festival held annually in May. Includes Toad Market, Toadal Kids Zone, concerts, 5K/10K run and world-famous toad races. 501-327-7788.

University of Central Arkansas – Four-year state university with six distinct colleges offering over 75 majors. The school is most respected for its programs in education, physical therapy and occupational therapy. It is also renowned

for its Honors College. 201 Donaghey Ave. 501-450-3128.

Greenbrier

Cadron Creek – Popular float stream with great largemouth bass and flathead catfish fishing. U.S. 65 N.

Riddle’s Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary – Established by Scott and Heidi Riddle in 1990 on 330 acres in the Ozark Mountain foothills in Arkansas as a non-profit home for all elephants in need. The only internationally recognized sanctuary that accepts any elephant regardless of species, gender or disposition. Open house every Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ark. 25 off U.S. 65 N. 501-589-3291.

Woolly Hollow State Park – Woolly Cabin is the home of the area’s first settlers. Lake Bennett offers swimming, fishing and boating. Park includes campsites, picnic area, pavilion, gift shop and trails, plus boat, canoe and bike rentals. Ark. 285. 501-679-2098.

Mayflower

Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area & Nature Trail – Features a 2.25-mile trail with interpretive signs, observation blinds and lookouts. Excellent birding. Fall and winter are best for hunting waterfowl on Grassy Lake. Many blooming wildflowers can be seen February through November. 877-470-3650.

Chief Whitehorse’s Riding Stable – Guided horseback trail rides along the bend of the Arkansas River. Ride through a thousand-acre cattle ranch. Discounts for 10 or more guests. 869 Lolly. 501-327-7776.

For more information on Faulkner County, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Shopping in ConwayBoutiques, galleries, specialty stores and gift shops line the downtown streets of Conway. A Very Merry Christmas Store boasts over 7,000 square feet of holiday decorations. Arkansas Arts Beautification Gallery features the works of B.J. Abrams and Gene Hatfield, along with other Arkansas artists. The gallery also hosts Gallery Walk on the third Thursday of every month.

Beyond the downtown area is Conway Commons, an outdoor mall. Dozens of retailers provide a variety of shopping experiences and services. Big-name retailers include Belk, Kohl’s, Target, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Pier 1 Imports and Home Depot.

Yours Truly Consignment Shoppe has grown to become the largest consignment shop in the South with 15,000 square feet of apparel and accessories. Wilkinson’s Mall is Arkansas’ largest shoe store with hundreds of popular brands to choose from.

Antiquing is also popular in Conway. Bobbie’s Antiques, Carmen’s Antiques and Gallery, Jennifer’s Antiques, Jones Antiques and Collectibles, and Quattlebaum’s Antiques and Furniture are just a few of the many antique dealers in the area.

After a long day of shopping, you’ll find several day spas for relaxing and numerous places to grab a bite to eat. For more information, call 501-327-7788 or visit conwaychamber.org.


BauxiteBauxite Museum – Separate rooms in a 75-year-old Colonial-style building represent four decades (1920s through 1950s), including mining industry history, community living, military memorabilia, student-teacher activities and athletics. The hallway depicts Bauxite’s ethnic diversity, including Mexico Camp, Little Africa and Little Italy. A life-size bronze statue of a miner honors the memory of local miners. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesdays and 1:30-4 p.m. Sundays. Other days are open only by appointment. The large hall seats several hundred people and is available for weddings and receptions. 6707 Benton Rd. 501-557-9858.

BentonCinemark Tinseltown USA – First-run films shown on 14 screens. Stadium-style seating. 17314 I-30 N. 501-776-2224 or 501-776-2282.

Gann Museum of Saline County –Originally the office of Dr. Dewel Gann, Sr., the museum is in the only known structure in the world built out of bauxite. It was built in 1896 and now houses memorabilia, photographs and original office furniture. Among the exhibits is Niloak pottery, which was originally developed in Benton and shipped worldwide. Other exhibits include Quapaw and Caddo Indian artifacts, an area dedicated to the aluminum era of Saline County and a section devoted to the Civil War, WWI and WWII. 218 S. Market. 501-778-5513.

Harbor Island Adventure Golf – Features an interactive volcano that erupts for hole-in-ones, plus 40 feet of decks over water. Ideal for groups, day camps, field trips and birthday parties. 1725 I-30. 501-860-6700.

Helping Hands Craft Show – Annual event takes place at the Benton County Fairgrounds and draws crafters from all over the state. Features all handmade items. 501-778-6609.

Saline County

Left: The Saline River is a good year-round fl oat stream and has fi ne smallmouth and largemouth bass, Arkansas walleye and channel catfi sh.

Gann Museum of Saline County, Benton

Saline County Courthouse, Benton

I-30 Antique Mall – Antiques, furniture, glassware and collectibles. 18325 I-30. 501-778-9532.

Lake Winona – Fishing-only lake stocked with bass, crappie and catfish. Trails can be found in the surrounding Ouachita National Forest. 501-371-4510.

Royal Theatre – Old movie house that has been restored and is now used for stage productions by the Royal Players. 111 S. Market St. 501-315-5483.

Saline County Courthouse – Romanesque building dates back to 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Popular destination on Arkansas’ Trail of Holiday Lights. Santa visits the courthouse gazebo each holiday season. 501-303-5640.

Saline River – Comprised of three major divisions that merge above Benton, the Saline is the last major undammed stream in the Ouachita Mountain drainage. It offers excellent fishing, scenery and backcountry floating. Smallmouth bass are found in the upper reaches; largemouth bass occupy the lower stretch; and the middle section boasts plentiful spotted bass. Canoe rentals available.

Shoppach House Historic Park – The centerpiece is the 1853 Shoppach House, the oldest standing structure in town. Also includes Pilgrims Rest Church, circa 1860-1880; the DeTonti Post Office built in 1940; and an old covered well. 503 N. Main St. 501-778-5513.

Sunset Lake – Includes a fishing pier, walking trail and bridge spanning the water and launch ramp. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the lake with catfish regularly. Sunset Lake is listed in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Great Places to Fish in

Central Arkansas brochure. Located off I-30, take Exit 116 to Henry St.

Bryant

Blue Suede Shoes Antique Mall – Over 32,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles. I-30 W. 501-653-2777.

Charles and Norma Bishop Park – The 106-acre park includes a community center, indoor basketball courts, walking track, aerobics area, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, aquatic park, baseball fields, soccer fields, softball fields, walking trail and the Bryant Boys and Girls Club facility. 6401 Boone Rd. 501-847-4702.

Diamond Sports – State-of-the-art indoor baseball and softball training and practice facility. Batting cages open to walk-ins. Memberships and private coaching available. 519½ W. Commerce St. 501-653-2287.

Galarena Antique Mall – 22,000 square feet with 150 dealers. 22430 I-30. 501-847-6173.

Mary’s Pumpkin Patch – Pumpkin patch and hayrides in season, Christmas trees, fresh produce, gifts, gardening supplies, yard decorations and furniture, fountains, birdhouses and more. Ideal for groups and families. 3705 Hwy. 5 N. 501-847-3900.

Next Level Training Center – The 14,000-square-foot training center includes a cardio room, 10 indoor batting cages and facilities for racquetball, tennis, swimming, basketball, boxing and football. Former Arkansas Razorbacks Clint Stoerner, Anthony Lucas and J.J. Meadors offer training. 201 S. Elm. 501-653-0055.

For more information on Saline County, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Holiday Inn Express, Bryant


Holiday Inn ExpressLocated off I-30 just 20 minutes from the Little Rock National Airport, Holiday Inn Express in Bryant offers a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable overnight stay with easy access to bustling downtown Little Rock and surrounding cities of Benton and Bauxite. Amenities include spacious guest rooms, cable TV with over 50 channels and HBO, free high-speed Internet, outdoor swimming pool, access to off-site fitness center and the complimentary Express Start Breakfast Bar served daily.

Holiday Inn Express in Bryant is a short drive from downtown Little Rock attractions, including the Clinton Presidential Center, Arkansas Arts Center, Historic Arkansas Museum and Big Dam Bridge. Little Rock, Bryant, Benton and Bauxite offer great shopping, dining and entertainment, such as sporting events at Bishop Park and Sports Complex, Midland Park Soccer Complex, Verizon Arena and Dickey-Stephens Park.

For your convenience, the hotel is adjacent to a Walmart Supercenter and is within walking distance to familiar family-friendly restaurants, including Cracker Barrel, Ruby Tuesday and Firehouse Subs.

Holiday Inn Express in Bryant is located at 2915 Main St. (Exit 123 off I-30). For more information, call 501-847-0900 or visit hiexpress.com/bryantar.

CabotCamp Nelson Cemetery – Historic monument honors unknown Arkansas and Texas Confederate soldiers. Off Ark. 321.

Farmers’ Market – Fresh vegetables and fruits, handmade crafts, herbs, homemade breads, soaps and more. Open 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. 101 North 2nd St. 501-563-3276.

Greystone Country Club – Features two championship 18-hole golf courses listed on The Natural State Golf Trail: Mountain Springs with rock formations and waterfalls and Cypress Creek with a meandering creek and three reflective lakes. 34 Cypress Creek Dr. 501-941-4444.

EnglandIt’s All Good Antiques & Flea Market –Antique furniture, clothing, gifts and more. 122 E. Fordyce. 501-842-9940.

KeoCharlotte’s Eats & Sweets – Historic pharmacy building, complete with old soda fountain. Serves sandwiches, including the famous “Keo Klassic,” salads, burgers, shakes, sundaes, malts and homemade pies and cakes. 290 Main St., U.S. 165. 501-842-2123.

Morris Antiques – One of the largest dealers in the mid-South with 60,000 square feet of prime merchandise. Browse fine American, French and English antiques dating from the 1750s in eight large buildings that comprise the store. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Ark. 232 W. 501-842-3531.

Old Gin Antiques – Old cotton gin now houses an antique store, furniture repairs, woodwork and concrete lawn ornaments for sale. Ark. 232 W. 501-842-3219.

LonokeBayou Meto Double D Waterfowl Guide Services & Lodge – Hunt the flooded fields of Arkansas for large numbers of mallards, gadwalls and

Lonoke County

Left: With its diverse terrain, both on-road and off-road cycling can be found in Scott and many other locales in central Arkansas.

Greystone Country Club, Cabot

Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets, Keo

pintails. A stay at Double D includes overnight accommodations, guided hunts, all meals and even hot coffee and snacks while in the blind or pit. The lodge sleeps 16 and includes hot showers, heating and air, reclining leather sofas and chairs, satellite TV and a fully stocked bar. P.O. Box 800. 501-676-2191.

Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery – One of the world’s largest working fish hatcheries annually produces catfish, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, striped bass and hybrid striped bass. Features aquariums, bird watching and fish farming methods. Tours available. U.S. 70. 501-676-6963.

Lonoke County Museum – Displays county history, including a diorama of the Battle of Brownsville Civil War skirmish, an Eberts Field display, genealogy room and museum store. 215 W. Front St. 501-676-6750.

Pineview Quail Farm Shooting Resort – Quail, chukar and pheasant shooting from Oct. 1-March 31. Transportation provided for the elderly or physically impaired. Hunting dogs available or bring your own. Sporting clay shooting range, covered picnic area and playground for the kids also on-site. 1101 Lemay Rd. 501-843-6252.

ScottCotham’s Country Store & Restaurant – An old general store and restaurant known as the place “Where the Elite Meet to Eat.” Famous for the “hubcap burger,” Southern-fried catfish, onion rings, fried green tomatoes, fried pies and “Mississippi mud” dessert. Daily plate lunch specials. 5301 Ark. 161 S. 501-961-9284.

J&P Ranch – Children’s small maze, hayrides, horseback rides, a petting

zoo, pumpkin patch in season, playground, picnic area and more. Groups are welcome. Call ahead and make reservations. Open April through November. 966 McCoy Ln. 501-961-9938.

Marlsgate Plantation – Originally the Dortch family farm, the stately Greek Revival structure sits on the shores of Bearskin Lake. Features front porch Ionic columns over 40 feet tall and huge pecan trees that dot the lawn. The home has more than 30 antique-filled rooms and is open for weddings, receptions, tour groups and special events. Complete catering needs met on-site in a Southern plantation atmosphere. The interior accommodates up to 125; the exterior can host a crowd of 1,000. 2695 Bearskin Lake Rd. 501-961-1307.

Scott Plantation Settlement – Showcases typical Arkansas plantation buildings. Includes a hand-hewn cypress corncrib, 1840s log cabin, washhouse, several tenant houses and a blacksmith shop. Self-guided, outdoor walking tours throughout the year. Group tours by reservation only. Civil War interpretive sign explains the Battle of Ashley’s Mill, a portion of the Little Rock Campaign conducted by Union General Frederick Steele that led to the fall of Little Rock in 1863. Alexander Road. 501-351-5737.

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park – This National Historic Landmark preserves and interprets the state’s tallest Native American mounds. Features visitor center with exhibits, audio-visual theater and archeological research lab. Park interpreters lead site tours along two trails. 490 Toltec Mounds Rd. 501-961-9442.

For more information on Lonoke County, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Plantation Agriculture Museum, Scott


Plantation Agriculture Museum State ParkThe Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott is located at the junction of U.S. 165 and Ark. 161.

The brick building was built in 1912 by Conoway Scott Jr., grandson of William Scott, after whom the town of Scott is named, and operated as a general store for many years. Robert L. Dortch purchased the building in the 1960s and converted it into a museum commemorating Arkansas plantation life. In 1989, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism renovated and reopened it as the Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park.

Today, the museum boasts more than 10,000 artifacts and exhibits “from the fi eld to the gin,” explaining how cotton was grown and harvested in the pre-mechanized era. The lives of slaves, sharecroppers and plantation owners are also explored. Outside the museum, the Dortch Gin Exhibit Building features a 1920s Munger cotton gin and cotton press that has been authentically preserved and assembled into its original confi guration. Seed Warehouse No. 5 is also open and holds exhibits on Arkansas crops and the seed industry. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 501-961-1409 or visit arkansasstateparks.com/plantationagriculturemuseum.

Des ArcDondie’s White River Princess Restaurant – All-you-can-eat buffet featuring catfish, crawfish, ribs, chicken and seafood. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights only, and the first and third Sundays of the month for lunch. 101 E. Curran St. 870-256-3311.

Lake Des Arc – A 320-acre public Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lake with primitive campsites, electrical hookups, hunting, fishing and bird watching. Five miles north of Des Arc on Ark. 11. 877-734-4581.

White River Bridge – At night, the lighted bridge can be seen for miles. Ark. 38. 870-256-4316.

DeValls Bluff Cache River National Wildlife Refuge – Includes 33,000 acres of bottomland forest, sloughs and oxbow lakes, 4,300 acres of croplands and 7,500 acres of reforested areas. Large concentrations of wintering waterfowl. See listing under Hunting and Fishing for more information. 870-347-2614.

Civil War Trails – Three historic Civil War trails include: U.S. General Steele’s approach during the Little Rock Campaign, U.S. General Davidson’s approach during the Little Rock Campaign and Confederate General James Fleming Fagan’s approach to Helena. These journeys, along with other historic Civil War routes and significant movements such as the Trail of Tears, are now part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System.

Craig’s Brothers Café – A true Southern barbecue shack that dates back to the 1940s. Slow-smoked meats, fiery sauces and savory coleslaw. U.S. 70. 870-998-2616.

Family Pie Shop – Specializes in coconut, chocolate, sweet potato and egg custard pies, as well as crescent-shaped fried pies filled with fruit, an Arkansas delicacy. The fried peach pie is popular, and the chocolate and coconut pies topped with beautiful

Prairie County

Left: Duck hunting opportunities abound during the season in Prairie County, as well as white-tailed deer, turkey and small game.

White River Bridge, Des Arc

Craig’s Brothers Café, DeValls Bluff

¾-inch layers of meringue are Southern classics according to USA Today. Known to locals as “Mary’s Place.” Has also been featured in the New York Times and Roadfood by Jane and Michael Stern. U.S. 70. 870-998-2279.

Ms. Lena’s Pies – Peach, apple, apricot, chocolate and coconut fried pies made from a secret family recipe. Open Saturdays only. Featured in Southern Living magazine. Ark. 33 S. 870-998-1204.

Palaver Place Bed & Breakfast/Lodge – Built one room at a time, this bed and breakfast offers unique architecture, a relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality. Each room accommodates two to seven people and has a private bath. Swimming pool, hot tubs, indoor/outdoor bar, game room with billiards and big screen TV, library with Internet access, nature walks and lawn croquet are some of the many amenities. Canoeing, hiking and fishing are popular outdoor activities. During duck hunting season, guided hunting trips are available. Groups are welcome. Conference room on-site. The 10,000-square-foot lodge accommodates up to 22 people. 10498 Loomis Landing. 870-998-7206.

White River (Lower) – The lower portion of this famous river has excellent fishing for largemouth bass on its many oxbow lakes. See listing under Hunting and Fishing for more information.

HazenRailroad Prairie Natural Area – East and west of Hazen is a remnant of Grand Prairie, a noted bird sanctuary with native wildflowers and trees of the prairie that shows what the area was like before the introduction of modern agriculture. U.S. 70.

Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area – Primitive campsites, three retriever trial areas, 28 target archery ranges and concrete launch ramp. Bottomland hardwood forests attract deer and waterfowl hunters. Several small ponds offer excellent fishing. See listing under Hunting and Fishing for more information. Ark. 11. 870-734-4581.

Hunting and FishingCache River National Wildlife Refuge – Includes some of the most intact and least disturbed bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi Valley region. These valuable wetlands have been protected by the RAMSAR Convention as “Wetlands of International Importance.” The refuge is popular for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography.

Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area – Encompasses 17,433 acres next to the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. White-tailed deer hunting is limited to permit hunts for gun and muzzleloader, but bow-hunting opportunities are liberal. Raccoon hunting is good along the waterways, and fox and bobcat are trapped in the upland areas.

White River National Wildlife Refuge – Open for hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, small game and waterfowl in designated areas. Anglers ply the waters of the lower White River and the many small lakes of the White River National Wildlife Refuge in search of bass, catfish, crappie and bream.

For more information on Prairie County, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Lower White River Museum State Park, Des Arc


Lower White River Museum State Park The lower portion of the White River was one of the most vital transportation routes for the first frontier settlers in Arkansas. Located in Des Arc, Lower White River Museum State Park houses artifacts and exhibits telling the story of the river’s influence on settlements and commerce.

Life-sized figures of Captain James C. McManus; Miss Sallie Davis, a schoolteacher from Memphis; surveyor John Garretson; and Henry, a slave, greet you when you enter the museum. These characters introduce themselves via audio taken from oral history records and slave narratives.

Exhibit space depicts eight areas of importance to the territory during its frontier days: agriculture, Civil War, pearling and button-making, timber, education, fishing and hunting, medicine and riverboats. A new research room features archival materials, such as cemetery records, tax receipts, estate papers and other artifacts.

The park hosts events throughout the year including quilting workshops, painting classes, craft and quilt shows, beginner’s gourd workshops and more.

Lower White River Museum State Park is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Closed Mondays except for Monday holidays. For more information, call 870-256-3711 or visit a r k a n s a s s t a t e p a r k s . c o m /lowerwhiterivermuseum.

Jacksonville EventsLocated in Jacksonville, the Little Rock Air Force Base is the world’s largest training and maintenance facility for C-130 and C-130J aircraft. At the entrance to the base, the public can see an actual C-130 and read about its extensive history before being retired. A biennial air show opens the base to the public – often more than 250,000 people. During the free, two-day show, attendees can walk through numerous planes, sit at the controls and learn about C-130s and other aircraft. Plus, see gravity-defying stunts by the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. To learn more about the next scheduled air show, visit littlerock.af.mil.

Visit the new Jacksonville Farmers’ Market and browse the area’s best locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh fl owers, baked goods and homemade marinades and sauces. The market, located at 9 Municipal Drive, is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6 a.m.-6 p.m., May through October. For more information, call 501-982-4147.

Bring the whole family to Dupree Park for the annual Wing Ding Festival held the fi rst Saturday in October. The daylong event features a chicken wing cook-off and eating contest, live music, infl atables and more. For more information, call 501-982-1511.

Jacksonville Air Show

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Heart of Arkansas Regional Map

Visitors Centers

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M I L E A G E SAll mileages are calculated from the point of origin to Little Rock, AR.

Chicago, IL......................... 651Dallas, TX ........................... 317Fort Smith, AR ................... 159Hot Springs, AR................... 55Jackson, MS ...................... 263Kansas City, MO ............... 424Louisville, KY..................... 521Memphis, TN ..................... 137

New Orleans, LA ............... 427Oklahoma City, OK ........... 339Shreveport, LA................... 212Springfield, MO................. 216St. Louis, MO .................... 406Tulsa, OK............................ 274Wichita, KS ........................ 453

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Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, Little Rock


Murry’s Dinner PlayhouseMurry’s Dinner Playhouse combines buffet dining and professional theatre. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes carved roast beef, poultry and fi sh, assorted vegetable and pasta dishes, along with a variety of salads and desserts. Live stage productions feature top-notch Broadway musicals and comedies.

Murry’s is a long-time favorite in Little Rock. The theatre fi rst opened in 1967 as the Olde West Dinner Theatre. It was remodeled and reopened in September 1977 as Murry’s. Founder Ike Murry was a respected lawyer and served as state attorney general from 1948-1952. Today, his daughter, Ginger, and her son, Ike Murry McEntire, continue to run the theatre in his honor.

Show times are Tuesday through Saturday, dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the 7:45 p.m. show. There are two shows on Sunday. The buffet opens at 11 a.m. before the 12:45 p.m. show; the buffet reopens at 5:30 p.m. for dinner followed by the 6:45 p.m. show. Matinees take place on the fi rst, second and third Wednesdays of each new production. Murry’s offers special discounts for parties of 20 or more.

Murry’s is located at 6323 Colonel Glenn Road in Little Rock. It is a smoke-free facility. For more information, including a show schedule and ticket prices, call 501-562-3131 or visit murrysdinnerplayhouse.com.

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Shopping & Antiquing

Morris Antiques, KeoHillcrest, Little Rock Argenta Entertainment & Arts District, North Little Rock

Downtown Conway

In cities and towns across central Arkansas, you’ll find a unique mix of boutiques, shopping centers, antique malls, thrift stores and gift shops.

Little Rock is a good place to start your shopping excursion. Browse the River Market District in downtown Little Rock for souvenirs and gifts. The newest shop on President Clinton Avenue is Green Grass Rock ’n’ Roll Grocery and Bodega, which carries an assortment of local clothing, art and music. Midtown Little Rock offers a modern shopping experience on Markham and University with several high-end retailers. Across the street, Park Plaza Mall houses over 80 stores and a food court. The Heights and Hillcrest areas of Little Rock are home to quirky boutiques featuring apparel, accessories and housewares you can’t find anywhere else. In these neighborhoods, antique stores and art galleries are also worth browsing for one-of-a-kind gifts. Enjoy upscale shopping and dining at Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center in west Little Rock. Further west, the Promenade at Chenal is a luxurious open-air shopping center specializing in fine jewelry, apparel, and health and beauty products and services. It is also the site of Chenal 9 Theatres with IMAX®, which screens first-run Hollywood blockbusters, such as 3D action flicks.

In North Little Rock, McCain Mall – the largest indoor shopping mall in central Arkansas – remains a popular place to shop. Nearby, Lakewood Village contains specialty shops, restaurants and an amphitheater. Downtown North Little Rock’s Argenta Entertainment and Arts District is a thriving shopping, dining and arts destination as well (see sidebar.)

The central Arkansas communities of Scott, England and Keo are home to some of the best antiquing in the state. Morris Antiques in Keo is one of the largest dealers in the mid-South with 60,000 square feet of prime merchandise, including fine American, French and English antiques dating from 1750s to 1940s. Eight large buildings comprise the store. Fabulous finds include dining tables, bed sets, armoires, desks, bookcases, lamp tables, dresses and chairs, among many other items. While in Keo, visit Old Gin Antiques, an old cotton gin that now houses an antique store and furniture repair shop.

Benton and Bryant are also proud to offer a great selection of antique malls and furniture stores. Blue Suede Shoes Antique Mall in Bryant is a treasure trove of vintage clothing and antique furniture.

In Conway, Conway Commons is the place to find one-stop shopping for all of your lifestyle needs. Choose from several stores in one convenient location. Downtown Conway offers numerous furniture and antique dealers, as well as upscale boutiques and shoe stores. Pickles Gap Village is a memorable place to shop. This quaint little Ozark shopping village gets its unique name from the legend of a German immigrant crossing the creek and overturning his load of pickles in the creek. Retailers include Mack’s Knife Shop and Bull Pen, and the Pickle Barrel Fudge Factory.

For more information on shopping, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

Left: The Hillcrest District in Little Rock offers a variety of unique shopping experiences.


Argenta Entertainment and Arts DistrictLocated on the north shore of the Arkansas River, downtown North Little Rock’s Argenta Entertainment and Arts District has developed its own funky arts and entertainment scene – one that is distinctly different from what you’ll fi nd across the river in downtown Little Rock and in the surrounding parts of North Little Rock. Argenta has a creative vibe and laidback atmosphere, and locals like it that way.

Argenta’s Certifi ed Arkansas Farmers’ Market offers the freshest produce, meats, poultry, eggs, plants and fl owers. Situated at 6th and Main Streets, the farmers’ market is open Saturdays from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. April through September.

On the third Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m., Argenta ArtWalk features more than 20 local artists displaying work along Main Street and Broadway up to 7th Street. Galleries, shops and restaurants stay open late to welcome the crowds.

The Downtown Riverside RV Park is the only RV park located on the north banks of the Arkansas River. It is located across from the Clinton Presidential Center. Reservations and drive-ups are welcome. Call 501-340-5312 or visit northlittlerockriversidervpark.com or contact the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at 501-372-5959.

For more information, call 501-372-5959 or visit nlrchamber.org.

Shopping & Antiquing

Outdoors, Parks & Recreation

Burns Park, North Little RockLake Conway Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area, Hazen

Left: Pinnacle Mountain State Park is one of several state parks in central Arkansas and only one of many recreational venues suited for families.


Central Arkansas offers an abundance of outdoor adventures. Choose from hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, fishing, boating, birding and more.

In Pulaski County, locks and dams along the Arkansas River allow access to some of the best fishing in the country. Plentiful stockings of sport fish, such as bass, crappie, catfish and bream, make the river a popular location for major fishing tournaments such as the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza. Off Hwy. 10, Lake Maumelle is also a popular spot for fishing, boating and sailing regattas.

A stretch of the scenic Bayou Meto in Jacksonville is open for urban canoeing. The shaded waterway provides canoeists and kayakers a view that cannot be seen from any other location. Ramps are located at Dupree Park and Reed’s Bridge Memorial site. In Little Rock, an urban canoe launch ramp is accessible at Hindman Park. The canoe trail will eventually extend to Fourche Creek and connect with other city parks and trails.

The Arkansas River Trail is a recreational trail that stretches 17 miles along the Arkansas River at Little Rock and North Little Rock. It is open to pedestrians and cyclists year-round. A 14-mile loop connects the Big Dam Bridge to the Junction Bridge. The trail will eventually extend a total of 24 miles and link up with Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the 225-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

In Saline County, the Saline River is the last major undammed stream in the entire Ouachita Mountain drainage, and its watershed contains some of the

finest deer, turkey and squirrel hunting in Arkansas. That combined with excellent fishing, scenery and floating makes it no wonder that Arkansans regard it as a best-kept secret.

Lake Conway in Faulkner County is stocked with bass, catfish, bream and crappie. Boat rentals are available at numerous docks on the lake. Old creek channels found on all sides of the lake are some of the best places to bass fish.

Prairie County is where you’ll find central Arkansas’ best bets for hunting and wildlife watching. The Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area and White River National Wildlife Refuge contain some of the most valuable bottomland hardwoods remaining in the Mississippi River Valley. White-tailed deer, bobcat, raccoon and fox are found in these parts.

From fabulous country clubs to municipal and public golf courses, there are many opportunities to tee up in central Arkansas. Greystone Country Club in Cabot has two scenic 18-hole courses listed on The Natural State Golf Trail – Mountain Springs and Cypress Creek. In Maumelle, the Country Club of Arkansas is a beautiful 18-hole daily fee course known for its tight fairways bordered by trees, wetlands and water. Other places worth adding to your list are Rebsamen Park, Hindman Park and War Memorial Park in Little Rock; Burns Park in North Little Rock; and Longhills Golf Course in Benton, which are just some of the many courses in the area.

For more information on the outdoors, visit ArkansasAtTheCenter.com.

North Little Rock RecreationIn North Little Rock, 1,600-acre Burns Park features a 36-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, camping, picnic areas, horse trails, playgrounds, amusement park, disc and miniature golf courses, and pavilions. The city’s visitor information center located in Burns Park is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

The Old Mill is a historic landmark and was featured in the classic film, “Gone with the Wind.” It is located at 3850 Lakeshore Drive.

In downtown North Little Rock, the North Shore River Walk, part of the Arkansas River Trail, offers picturesque river views, lighted walkways, a pedestrian trail and displays recognizing the Trail of Tears.

Dickey-Stephens Park, the home fi eld of the minor league baseball Arkansas Travelers, is located in Argenta, as is Verizon Arena, which hosts a variety of sporting events – such as Arkansas Diamonds football – and concerts year-round. Sports fans celebrate post-game at local restaurants and music venues dotting the downtown streets.

Embarking from the north shore, the Arkansas Queen riverboat offers sightseeing excursions, as well as lunch and dinner cruises on the beautiful Arkansas River.

Call 501-758-1424 or visit northlittlerock.travel for more information.

Outdoors, Parks & Recreation

PULASKI COUNTY FAULKNER COUNTY LONOKE COUNTY PRAIRIE COUNTY SALINE COUNTY

ArkansasAtTheCenter.com