Little Rock, A Capital City

I recently had the opportunity to accompany my husband on a business trip to the capitol of Arkansas, Little Rock.  The pity of it all was that is was only for one night, but I was able to squeeze in a few activities and sight seeing while there.

We had stayed in downtown Little Rock once before for an LSU/Arkansas football game.  At that time we stayed at the downtown Marriott Courtyard hotel which was very nice with a gallery of local art on display.  On this trip, I was very excited to learn we were staying at the Capital!  This is the most historic hotel in the city and probably in the state.  The Capital sets the tone for the revitalized downtown area.  The multiple story lobby is anchored by dozens of Greek revival columns.  A grand staircase flanks the south end of the Lobby across from the entrance.  We were greeted by name and were taken to our Superior Queen Room which had two beds with luxurious bedding and fluffy pillows.  The spacious closet (complete with fluffy robes) and dressing area was adjacent to the large bathroom.  Fun Fact:  The hotel boasts the largest elevator in the world!

When my husband was back from his convention at the Little Rock Convention Center across the street, we decided to forego a formal dinner and opted for a more casual setting and dined in the Capital Bar and Grill in the note.  This award winning tavern sports the motto, "Rules are made at the Statehouse; laws are made at the Capital Bar..."  This is long been the gathering spot for Little Rock's business and political leaders.  The menu's focus is upscale comfort food.  Do not leave this establishment without trying the homemade pimento cheese!  You can also order a pimento grilled cheese sandwich or top a burger with this creamy concoction.  We were building quite a thirst so we ordered from the eclectic cocktail menu.  I enjoyed a featured cocktail, "The Debutante,"  made with Kai Lychee vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, lime, grapefruit and topped with a flower and basil leaf.  If you're in the mood for a bloody mary, you've picked the right spot.  Their version is topped off with celery "foam."  

When we returned from dinner, our beds had been turned down and waiting for us was a gift bag with delicious locally made pecan toffee in lieu of the standard chocolates.

Within in walking distance of the hotel are several restaurants and the River Market shopping pavilion which is a mall with a variety of shops carrying locally made goods.  Across from the pavilion is the Junction Railroad Bridge which has been overhauled to create a pedestrian bridge which connects downtown Little Rock with North Little Rock, an up and coming area.  

The Argenta Arts District, located in North Little Rock is a revitalized area with a bohemian theme.  This is the place to go when looking for live music and art galleries.  New restaurants are popping up too.  I was lucky enough to attend a cooking class with Little Rock Chef, Donnie Ferneau, at his restaurant, Good Food by Ferneau.  While not a hands-on class, his class was informative

and fun.  We sat in the restaurant kitchen while he prepared several dishes and explained his passion for sustainable, rather than organic, food.  We were able to take notes and were taken to the back patio area of the restaurant to watch him grill spatchcocked marinated chicken, marinated shrimp and vegetables.  We returned to the kitchen where we were served lunch while Chef Ferneau prepared dessert.  

Alas, our time came to an end in Little Rock all too quickly, but next time I will visit more of the arts district, the Bill Clinton Presidential Library, Gus's Fried Chicken Restaurant and more.

Capital Hotel, 111 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, 1-501-374-7474, www.capitalhotel.com

Good Food by Ferneau, 521 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114, (504) 725-4219
http://www.goodfoodbyferneau.com

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