Where to Stay in Little Rock on Your Weekend Getaway

The Arkansas Queen chugging along in front of The William J. Clinton Presidential Library (Photo Courtesy of the Little Rock Convention and Visitor's Bureau)

Bill and Hillary Clinton may have put Little Rock, Arkansas on the map, but this charming state capital has more to offer than just the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. The library is located on the Arkansas River in the thriving River Market District.

Where to Stay in Little Rock- 4 Hotels in Little Rock Offering a Unique Experience:

Capital Hotel

Offering luxury to visitors for 130 years, the Capital Hotel is central to the cultural and political life of downtown Little Rock. On site dining includes One Eleven at the Capital run by James Beard award-winning Chef Joel Antunes, offering a mixture of southern and continental fare. Also on site is The Capital Bar and Grill, known for provincial southern cooking, and as the place where Arkansas politicians make Arkansas laws.

Baker House Bed and Breakfast

This elegant 1890s Victorian home, located on the north side of the river, is the only bed and breakfast on the trolley line that serves the river market district. Not only does the house have spacious and comfortable rooms, but big bathrooms with claw-foot tubs. Baker House has period furniture, but modern mattresses.

The BnB provides a free trolley pass, enabling you to cross the river and enjoy the nightlife without the worries of driving and parking.

Trolley (Photo Courtesy of the Little Rock Convention and Visitor's Bureau)

Robinwood Bed and Breakfast

The historic Robinwood BnB is located in the Quapaw Quarter, Little Rock's oldest neighborhood featuring over 200 homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Robinwood is only minutes from the waterfront's shopping, museums, dining and nightlife, but so quiet you would never know it. Robinwood features two lovely sun rooms, spacious and comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and two gracious hostesses. There is also a walking/driving tour of the historic area's Antebellum, Victorian, and Craftsman-style homes and buildings.

Rosemont Inn and Cottages

Do you suffer separation anxiety and never take a vacation because it breaks your heart to kennel Fido? Rosemont Inn and Cottages has pet friendly accommodations. Two of the cottages have private enclosed gardens for your pooch to roll around in. Rosemont Inn has plenty to offer pup's parents, too: deep bathtubs, fluffy robes, and home-cooked breakfasts at the Inn, or you can have your cottage refrigerator stocked. All in a quiet, charming historic neighborhood located only a few blocks from downtown shopping and restaurants.

Riverfront Park Summer Movies ( (Photo Courtesy of the Little Rock Convention and Visitor's Bureau)

Things to do in Little Rock:

Museums:

In addition to the presidential library, The River Market District has several other museums to offer including: The Museum of Discovery, The Historic Arkansas Museum, and The Old Statehouse Museum. In the neighboring Quapaw Historic District are more museums: The Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

Dining and Nightlife:

There is a thriving live music scene at nightclubs such as Stickyz Rock 'N' Roll Chicken Shack, The Rev Room, Juanita's, and Vino's Brew Pub. During the day you can take tours of the Diamond Bear Brewery or Arkansas' first (legal) distillery, Rocktown Distillery. Stop at Dugan's Pub for Guinness on tap, fish n' chips or their home-made sausage. But beware, if it is St. Patrick's Day or they're calling the Hogs, it will be packed. The Market Hall Food Court has a variety of cuisines to offer, so each family member can eat what they want.

Shopping:

Looking for souvenirs handcrafted in Arkansas? Stop by the Historic Arkansas Museum Store or the Freckled Frog. Or maybe you like a more global style? Try 10,000 Villages, a shop offering thousands of fair trade items from around the world. Looking for Clinton memorabilia? Check out the Clinton Museum Store. The River Market District has these and many more boutiques and shops to offer.

Outdoors:

Riverfront Park offers 33 acres of urban parkland located along a portion of the 17 mile River Trail. This paved trail is home to the Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in North America . Bring a quilt and feast on food truck goodies while you watch a movie or live entertainment at First Security Amphitheater.

The Arkansas Farmers Market (May-October) located alongside the park offers not only an abundance of local produce, flowers, baked and canned goods, but arts, crafts and entertainment as well. All of these outdoor areas are welcoming to dogs.

All of these lodgings and activities are located in an area small enough to park your car and not use it again until you leave. You'll probably want to plan another weekend getaway, because you'll never be able to enjoy everything Little Rock has to offer in just one visit.