Capital Destinations In Little Rock, Arkansas, By Iris Dean

Capitalize on Your Visit! - No trip to Little Rock is complete without a stop at the State Capitol. Designed in the Neoclassical style, construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1915. Modeled after the nation's Capitol, the building features Arkansas granite and six bronze doors and three chandeliers crafted by Tiffany's of New York. Free audio tours are available. Call weekdays to schedule free, guided tours. Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays and holidays. Take a moment to step into the lobby of the historic 1876 Capital Hotel across the street from the Peabody Little Rock and you'll travel back more than a century. The marble columns and breathtaking skylight alone are worth the stop!

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas - MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, located at 503 E. Ninth St., in MacArthur Park, highlights the state's military heritage from Territorial days to the present. The Tower Building of the old U.S. Arsenal where it resides has a rich history, too. It was completed in 1841 and was the birthplace of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1880. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed major holidays.

 The Old State House - This is the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. The Old State House served as the state's first capitol from 1836 until 1911 until the current capitol was completed. Newly renovated, the Old State House, located at 300 W. Markham St., today houses a museum of Arkansas history. It is here where Bill Clinton announced his campaign for presidency and celebrated his victory, both in 1992 and in 1996, on election night in front of the Old State House. Open 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 -5 p.m. Sunday.

Civil Rights History - Experience Civil Rights History Up Close and Personal! Visit the circa 1927 Gothic -style Central High School which received international attention during the Civil Rights Movement and the museum in the restored service station across the street. There, you can tour the interactive exhibit "All the World is Watching Us" which tells the story of the nine black students who made civil rights history when they entered Central High in September 1957. 2125 Daisy L. G atson Bates Drive. Open 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 -4:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed major holidays.

"Cruisin' in the Rock" - Each year we looked forward to cruising South in April to share our love of classic cars at "Cruisin' in the Rock." Every third Thursday of the month through October Classic Cars of a golden age cruise into Little Rock. From 6 to 9 p.m. we gather with cars lovers from around the country to admire over 100 vintage, classic, and exotic cars, trucks and motorcycles gathered under the River Market Pavilions in the River Market District. The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau's popular "Cruisin' in the Rock" is become a popular attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Art At The Market - Held in the River Market's ARKLA Tower Plaza, Art At The Market, is the perfect place to find creative works by local artists and crafters in Little Rock. Art lovers can participate in a night of artistic entertainment on the second Friday of each month at the Historic Arkansas Museum , located at 200 E. 3rd Street. Art and history come together on the Friday Art Nights that takes guests on the River Rail to visit seven participating locations open late for shopping, viewing, and mingling . Enjoy a great night of art and history along with light refreshments while you tour the towns great art, exhibits and shopping venues . The Historic Arkansas Museum takes visitors back to the age of grace and elegance with annual events and special activities. A numbers of fun and interactive hands-on projects are available for families to share.

 River Market - Once an abandoned memory, Little Rock's River Market District has transformed into a lively riverfront community. Fine restaurants, museums, galleries, boutiques and shops line the streets for visitors to browse. At night the River District comes to life with music and entertainment. Nearby visitors can stroll through the riverside park or enjoy an evening concert at the amphitheater.

The heart of the River Market District is the River Market itself that features 16 specialty food shops. Another event to look forward to in the spring is the return of Farmer's to local market. In Little Rock at the Ottenheimer Market Hall locals and visitors alike gather from May 3rd through the Fall to find a fresh selection of homegrown produce & products at the Farmer's Market held every Tues & Sat from 7 AM - 3 PM. It is also the site of  Big Downtown Thursday when the Market features fabulous food from local vendors, live music & entertainment in the evenings beginning on Thursday, May 5th at 5pm.

 Snap a Shot with the Sugarbakers! - Considered a local Little Rock landmark, the circa 1881 Villa Marre, a Second Empire/Italianate home gained fame in the 1980s.

This is when television producers and former Arkansas residents Harry Thomason and his wife, Linda Bloodworth -Thomason used the home's exterior to depict the Sugarbaker design firm on the couple's CBS television series "Designing Women."

Formerly a house museum, the Villa Marre, 1321 S. Scott St., is now a private residence and no longer open for tours, but you can take of photo of its famous exterior!

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