Sarah G
Table of Contents
Named for the landmark la petite roche (French for the little rock), Little Rock, Arkansas, is a vibrant city filled with history, scenic views, and friendly people.
Prior to this trip, I considered Arkansas as one of those states with nothing but open fields and nothing to do, but boy was I wrong! I spent 6 weeks traveling through Little Rock, Bentonville, and Hot Springs and highly recommend a visit to The Natural State.
Staying in Little Rock
One of my main reasons for choosing Little Rock over surrounding cities and states was the cost of Airbnb options. For my 6 week stay, I paid around $1,500 USD (or $35.00 a night) after taxes and fees. I didn’t really have a great sense of the area prior to my arrival, but I knew I wanted to be around the downtown area. Where I stayed for 6 weeks, was within walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and the Little Rock nightlife (yes, there is that here too). Since I was very close to River Market, I found joy in frequently stopping by the farmer’s market and walking around the park.
For a future trip to Little Rock, I might consider staying in Hillcrest or SoMa.
Historic Craftsman near AR Children’s – Central HS
Places to Visit in Little Rock, Arkansas
I highly recommend having a car to help with ease of travel. Most activities are within a 10-minute drive and it’s relatively easy to find parking and avoid traffic outside of rush hour.
About a 20-minute drive from downtown is Pinnacle Mountain. This state park is filled with various hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Locals say there’s a “hard” and “easy” way to get to the top of the mountain, but honestly, both will make you huff and puff a little.
If you plan on hiking either the West Summit Trailhead or the East Summit Trailhead, please bring extra water and an energy bar. Tip: the West Summit Trailhead is the more popular between the two and has more parking available, as well as park benches and water fountains. Although the view is breathtaking from various angles, it is also incredibly rocky so watch your step as you try to find the best spot to take in the scenery.
The Old Mill is about a 10-minute drive from downtown and was shown during the opening credits of “Gone With The Wind.” It is located in a picturesque park filled with bridges and greenery. While you’re there, expect to see families taking group photos or professional photographers.
Directly behind River Market is a park where you can see and visit Junction Bridge. Walking across gives you great views of downtown Little Rock and the Arkansas River.
Ever heard of the Little Rock Nine? In 1957, after Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, nine black students were selected to attend Little Rock High School, an all white school at the time. This is still an operating high school and is the only school in the United States that is designated as a national historic site. There is a visitor center where you can learn more and take a tour of the high school.
Visit the Clinton Presidential Library that includes over 100,000 objects and works of art.
If you’re looking for cool views and a nice walk across the Arkansas River, visit the Big Dam Bridge that connects Little Rock and North Little Rock. It is only accessible for pedestrians and bicycle traffic.
Restaurants to Try in Little Rock
This restaurant was by far my favorite in Little Rock! I ate here about 10 times during my stay, and loved the staff and community environment The Root Cafe fostered. They source their food from small farmers across the state of Arkansas and have a great variety of vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Of everything I tried on their menu, my favorite thing to order was a spicy bahn-mi sandwich and a honey-ginger lemonade.
Located in downtown Little Rock, Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling is a Chinese hot spot specializing in dumplings, steamed buns, and of course, noodles! The minimalist environment and menu makes it easy to choose a great meal every time. My favorite was the regular size of the steamed bun.
If you’re looking for handcrafted ice cream with a variety of flavors, this is the place for you! Be sure to try some of Loblolly’s signature ice cream flavors like Arkansas Mud, Bourbon Pecan, or Honey Lavender.
This was one of those local restaurants that really made me feel at home. The menu isn’t fancy or trying to be something it’s not, but they do have delicious sweets, coffee, and sandwiches at reasonable prices.
This is a popular spot among locals and there’s a reason why! Fidel is a great place to order a custom coffee and sandwich while trying to finish up some work.
Mockingbird serves farm-to-table tacos and sources their food locally (the owners who manage The Root also own Mockingbird). They have a great variety of cocktails, mocktails, and Arkansas craft beer.
If you come here, you have to order the skillet queso, you’ll thank me later. It’s a little on the pricier side and located in the hip side of town, but their tacos and drinks are worth the splurge. I loved the crispy ahi tuna tacos and their grilled chicken tacos.
Visiting this restaurant will feel like you stepped back into the 1960s. Burges is famous for their smoked hams and turkeys. Stop in for a smoked meat sandwich at a great price.
Another hip taco spot coming your way! This spot was originally an auto repair shop that turned into a taco garage in 2012. It’s a fun place to grab a cocktail and try a taco or burrito.
Catfish, or any type of fried seafood, is a must while in Arkansas. While at the Flying Fish enjoy some southern hospitality and take a look at all of the fish plaques on the wall.
Looking for a great brunch or breakfast spot? The Corner is your place to go. Visiting this diner is a fun and delicious time.
Day Trips to Take in Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas
If you’re looking to explore outside of Little Rock, take a quick day trip to Hot Springs. After about a 1-hour drive from Little Rock, you’ll be in an area known for naturally heated thermal springs and mountain views. It can get crowded on the weekend, so the best advice is to get there early and secure a parking spot in one of the free garages in the city’s center.
Places to Eat in Hot Springs
Deluca’s came highly recommended from the friends I made in Little Rock. This place did not disappoint. If you like pizza, definitely check Deluca’s out.
Will’s is another top spot among tourists. If you do have a craving for freshly made cinnamon rolls be sure to get there early to beat the crowds. When they run out for the day, they are out.
Things to do in Hot Springs
What better way to enjoy the natural hot springs than by visiting a bathhouse and enjoying the various thermal pools. Be sure to plan ahead and bring plastic flip-flops for the bathhouse or you’ll end up paying a premium price for their plastic shoes. If you’re looking to upgrade your bathhouse experience, consider a spa service like a massage or facial.
Prepare to feel like you’re in a fairytale while visiting the gardens. You could easily spend a few hours walking around the property and enjoying the greenery and treehouses. While you’re there, visit Anthony Chapel and appreciate its unique architecture.
Walk around the Grand Promenade
This half-mile trail provides unique views over downtown Hot Springs as well as behind the bathhouses on bathhouse row.
Bentonville, Arkansas
I almost skipped a weekend trip due to double accommodations costs with my Airbnb in Little Rock. However, I’m glad I explored Northwest Arkansas. Bentonville, a 3-hour drive from Little Rock, offers stunning mountain views. Notably, it’s where Walmart began and its influence is evident in the city. The region boasts impressive mountain biking trails. If in Bentonville over a weekend, don’t miss the Saturday farmers market with music and local stalls.
Places to Eat in Bentonville
Talking to friends I made in Little Rock, there appears to be a little competition between coffee shops in Bentonville. In my opinion, Airship Coffee is the winner. I loved the atmosphere and had an amazing iced coffee during the hot summer month of August.
Onyx is located right in the town square, so expect it to be a tad busier than Airship (depending on the time of day). I enjoyed their pastries and iced coffee.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Pressroom is a fantastic place to eat within Bentonville’s square. If the weather is nice enough, ask for a seat outside.
Located right off the Bentonville Square, Oven & Tap serves wood-fired pizza and custom cocktails that are worth the wait.
This restaurant was recommended to me from someone who is from Bentonville. Pedaler’s Pub has amazing outside seating options, and just like the name would suggest, lots of cyclists stop here along their ride.
I ended up here by accident, and I’m happy I did! This market has a handful of local food and shop vendors. If you’re a fan of chocolate, definitely visit Markham & Fitz Chocolate for a speciality hot chocolate.
Museums in Bentonville
One amazing thing about Bentonville is that there are tons of museums to visit for free. Whether you’re into art or history, check out a few (or all) of the museums during your visit.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges might be one of the top museums I have visited in the United States. While you’re there, be sure to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House and enjoy the gardens surrounding the museum.
This museum offers contemporary art, live performances, and a nightly rooftop bar.
You can’t visit the heart of Walmart without visiting the Walmart Museum. Learn about the history of Walmart and end the tour with an ice cream at Spark Cafe Soda Fountain.
Other Things to Do in Arkansas
With over 4,400 Google reviews and a 4.8 star rating, this state park is an hour drive from Little Rock and filled with trails, waterfalls, and rock caves.
Why Should I Visit Arkansas?
A visit to the Natural State is perfect if you love hiking, biking, history, or the outdoors in general. There’s a little bit for everyone to enjoy during a trip to Arkansas and most experiences are attainable at a reasonable price (compared to other parts of the United States).
Trevor Carlson
Yvelle Corrielus
