wander lust

Your Itinerary for a Weekend Getaway in Little Rock

If you’re looking for a place with Southern charm, American history, great food, and an impressive arts scene, look no further than Little Rock, Arkansas. The history-packed capital city is full of fun and fabulous things to do for a lovely Southern getaway. Don’t believe me? Keep reading and you’ll find my whole weekend itinerary full of things to do for two full days in Little Rock. Because when it comes to personality and fun, there is nothing little about this city!

Next time you find yourself wanting a different vacation experience in your home country, pack your bags and head to Arkansas. Little Rock certainly may surprise you with its quirks, culinary scene, and style!

Bridge Little Rock

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Little Rock, and I was sure to pack my calendar full of activities! You know me… Always on the go! So luckily for you, I have a whole itinerary planned out for you when you visit Little Rock, Arkansas. Even if you hit just a few places on this list, you will not be disappointed!

Below are all my tips for where to stay, eat, shop, and explore in Little Rock, AR.

DAY 1:

Check in at the beautiful Capital Hotel

111 Markham St.

Hang out at Little Rock’s “front porch.” Southern comfort meets modern elegance meets historical prominence in this one-of-a-kid hotel. For the true Little Rock experience, you must stay here! Paying homage to the capital city it calls home, Capital Hotel was built in 1876 and has since been fully restored since 2007. You will feel like Southern royalty staying at this hotel, a little like President Alexander Grant who also once was a guest here.

Capital Hotel Little Rock Capital Hotel Little Rock Capital Hotel Little Rock

Enjoy a late lunch at Café Bossa Nova

2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite 105

Save room for a big lunch at Café Bossa Nova, because the menu is full of authentic Brazilian dishes. Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with the famous cheese bread and black beans and rice at this delicious, homegrown restaurant.

Cafe Bossa Nova Little Rock Cafe Bossa Nova Little Rock Cafe Bossa Nova Little Rock

Shop at the unique Box Turtle

2616 Kavanaugh Blvd

Your eyes will have a feast at this unconventional boutique! Box Turtle gives local designers and artists a place to showcase their work, and all the artists are showcased every Fall at the Hillcrest Harvest Festival. How cool is that?! A souvenir from here is such a cool idea.

Box Turtle Little Rock

Get a treat at Izard Chocolate

623 Beechwood

Because chocolate is always a good idea! Especially organic chocolate. Izard Chocolate was the first chocolate-making company in Little Rock, founded in 2014 by Nathaniel Izard. For a little sugar buzz, snag some tasty chocolate-dipped caramels here—they’re a town favorite.

Izard Chocolate Little Rock Izard Chocolate Little Rock

Catch cocktails at Cajun’s

2400 Cantrell Rd

A couple pre-dinner drinks never hurt. Sip a Play-De-Do on the deck of Cajun’s Wharf—your view will be the Arkansas River!

Cajun's Wharf Little Rock

Do dinner at Red Door

3701 Cantrell Rd

For some of the best good in Arkansas, you must dine at Red Door Restaurant! Chef and Owner Mark Abernathy will amaze you with his culinary chops (over 40 years of experience)!

Red Door Restaurant Little Rock

Sip at Rock Town Distillery’s Nightcap Tour and Tasting

1216 E 6th St

End your day in Little Rock at Rock Town Distillery, where you can sip samples and learn about the distilling process at the aptly named Nightcap Tour and Tasting. Rock Town is Arkansas’ first legal distillery since Prohibition! This is such a fun and different way to experience Little Rock’s drink scene.

Rock Town Distillery Little RockRock Town Distillery Little Rock

DAY 2:

Do a driving tour of the Main Street Creative Corridor

Soak in the arts of Little Rock on your own little driving tour. On Main Street, an area has since been revitalized using art. Now known as the Main Street Creative Corridor, this strip of mixed-use real estate is ode to Little Rock’s culture and art scene.

Main Street Creative Corridor Little Rock

Do a driving tour of SoMa

While you’re rolling down Main Street, once you pass the Creative Corridor, you can keep touring Southside Main Street otherwise known as SoMa. Anchored by the 63-year-old Community Bakery, this neighborhood is also home to the Bernice Garden and the Dunbar Community Garden maintained by middle school children. If you must stop, Loblolly Creamery ice cream and soda fountain is a good place to rest for a sec! 😉

SoMa Little Rock

Grab breakfast at The Root Café

1500 South Main

The Root Cafe is all about sustainability, so you can savor every last bite of that locally-sourced breakfast.

The Root Cafe Little Rock The Root Cafe Little Rock

Visit the Esse Purse Museum

1510 Main Street

Accessory aficionados, this one is for you! ESSE Purse Museum & Store is one of three purse museums in the entire world. Here, marvel at owner Anita Davis’ dream of exploring concepts of art, history, and the feminine. See just how iconic the right bag can be at this interesting and fabulous museum!

Esse Purse Museum Little Rock Esse Purse Museum Little Rock Esse Purse Museum Little Rock

Eat Casual Lunch at Lost Forty Brewing

Breweries have become a great way to get to know the soul of smaller American cities. For Little Rock, Lost Forty Brewing is one of those places. Named after the storied forest standing on 40 acres of Arkansas’s last virgin soil in Calhoun County, Lost 40 aims to brew wild and “uniquely Arkansas” beers. Sip on one of these while you chow down into a rustic meat plate, seasonal salad, sorghum & black pepper pecans, and/or an open-faced fried Italian bologna + egg sandwich. Yeah, this brewery knows food!

Lost Forty Brewing Little Rock Lost Forty Brewing Little Rock

Take a guided tour of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

2120 Daisy G. Bates Dr.

The epicenter of the 1957 segregation crisis, Central High School was the setting when nine African-American youth broke racial barriers and integrated into the school. This event was so historic that President Clinton has awarded these youth,“The Little Rock Nine,” with Congressional Medals and he maintains a close relationship with them today.

Little Rock Central High School

Stop by The Green Corner Store

Need a little afternoon pick-me-up? I know just the place. Snag an afternoon tea and sconce at the eco-friendly Green Corner Store.

Green Corner Store Little Rock Green Corner Store Little Rock

Tour the Clinton Presidential Center

Celebrating the life and achievements of Bill Clinton, our 42nd president, the Clinton Presidential Center is certainly worth a tour. You’ll see everything from presidential archives to the president’s limo and more. Scandal fans, you know you’ve got to check it out!

Clinton Presidential Center Little Rock Clinton Presidential Center Little Rock

Indulge in dinner at One Eleven at the Capital Hotel

111 Markham St.

End your weekend in Little Rock with a bang. Since you’re staying at the Capital, you must try the in-house fare from One Eleven. Headed by a James Beard award-winning chef, you know you’ll get an incredible meal. Plus, it’s a modern Southern menu, so you’re bound to find a dish you love.

Capital Hotel One Eleven Little Rock Capital Hotel One Eleven Little RockCapital Hotel One Eleven Little Rock

Nikka Shae The Undercover Socialite

*This article is sponsored by Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. All travel accommodations were hosted, however all opinions are my own.

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16 Comments

  • Reply Sarah Bailey February 26, 2019 at 10:51 am

    Oh My Gosh! What an incredible place Little Rock looks like! And it seems like you really managed to get a great mix between being out and exploring and relaxing a little in bed ;). I am loving the look of the food as well delicious!

  • Reply GiGi Eats Celebrities February 26, 2019 at 11:09 am

    Shit girl! You must have read my mind because THIS GIRL needs a weekend away!! You’re giving me ideas and motivation to just GO FOR IT!

  • Reply kage2015 February 26, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    If we are ever visiting Little Rock we will know where to stay for a comfortable weekend. Plus where to go to get some great food.

  • Reply Jeanette February 26, 2019 at 12:57 pm

    You definitely know how to do a great weekend getaway! I have never been to Little Rock but I thought ever do you get there I’m definitely going to check out the places you’ve been to.

  • Reply Tasheena Nicole Johnson February 26, 2019 at 2:56 pm

    This looks like such a fun trip. Everything about this trip looks amazing. I would love to stay at this hotel.

  • Reply Amber February 26, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    I would love to get here one day. I’ve never been to Little Rock before. All your food photos look delicious.

  • Reply Heather Castillo February 26, 2019 at 10:51 pm

    That looks like such a fun place to visit. I would love to go to Little Rock one day.

  • Reply 1StopMom February 27, 2019 at 12:54 am

    I have not been to Little Rock in years. The last time I was there I had to be around 8 or 9. The itinerary you have shared would be perfect for a little getaway for my husband and I. I definitely will be bookmarking this.

  • Reply Beth February 27, 2019 at 12:58 am

    That hotel is beautiful! It looks like you had such good food and saw a lot of interesting things. I never really considered Little Rock as a place to vacation before, but now I do!

  • Reply terristeffes February 27, 2019 at 9:30 am

    I am definitely going to look into your finds. I plan to go to Little Rock in the future to see some friends in the area.

  • Reply whispersinspire83 February 27, 2019 at 11:51 am

    Wow, what a nice little weekend getaway. I love all the dining options and the trendy shops. SO much to see!

  • Reply Ruth I February 27, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    I love everything about your trip. The hotel looks luxurious and the all the food looks so delicious!

  • Reply Catalina @ Sweet and Savory Meals February 27, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    OMG! What a beautiful hotel. I need to stay there for a night or two or even for a week. So elegant and awesome!

  • Reply Lisa Favre February 27, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    I have never been to Arkansas before but I’d definitely love to! And wow – Capital Hotel is absolutely stunning!

  • Reply Ricci February 28, 2019 at 12:17 am

    I live around Little Rock and I am so glad to see it portrayed in such a gorgeous way! The play-de-dos at Cajuns are my FAVE!!!

  • Reply Louise x (@withlovefromlou) March 5, 2019 at 9:55 am

    Ooh, Little Rock sounds like the perfect place for a little getaway. I’ll have to bare it in mind for when I FINALLY get to travel the world 🙂

    Louise x

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