Girl Meets City: Little Rock
What happens when you’re friend (possibly someone you’re sort of kind of dating at that moment) is moving to Arkansas and has a hiccup in the moving process and you’re a WAY TOO NICE person and volunteer to help? You end up with another Girl Meets City trip, if you’re me, that is. And you find yet another place where you can leave a piece of your heart.
My trip to Little Rock wasn’t one of my normal ones. I drove over there is a cargo van loaded down with this guy’s stuff and I was grumpy about it for several reasons:
A- I hate cargo vans. I used to be a manager at Enterprise Rent-a-Car and those things used to scare me so bad I would cry sometimes. WHAT IN THE SAM HELL WAS I THINKING VOLUNTEERING FOR THIS?!
B- It was very likely that my sort of kind of dating scenario wasn’t going to last with this person, again WTF was I thinking.
C- It’s a damn long drive. Like… 12 hours. In a cargo van. I drive a Prius in my everyday life WTH.
And that’s all I can think of at the moment BUT I was going to get to see something new, I was going to drive across the Mississippi River for the first time, and I was hopefully going to conquer a huge fear of mine. Conquer the fear, I did! See something new? You betcha.
My first official stop in Little Rock was to Le Pop’s to cool down from the heat of moving.
5501 Kavanaugh, Little Rock, AR 72201
You can opt to get your pop covered with additional topping or keep it as is. I got the lavender lemon and it was super yummy and refreshing. Head next door for some super local shopping at Domestic Domestic.
5501 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207
The very best way to shake things up is with a US made @vitamix blender. These are available at @eggshells. We have put the Vitamix to the test time and time again, and firmly believe it’s the best damn blender on the market, and the last one you’ll ever need to buy. #matchalatte #matcha #pepinyourstep #brainpower #staysharp #shopdomestic #demoday A photo posted by Domestic Domestic (@domesticdomestic) on
What’s more timeless and All-American than gingham? We’re proud to put our name on this handcrafted button down from @newenglandshirt. #dresswell #menswear #americanmade #shopdomestic A photo posted by Domestic Domestic (@domesticdomestic) on
From their website: “The product selection is rigorous. We bring to you fine products with attention to quality, function and design. Nothing is added without reason. The objects we curate tell a story and have a history. They’re potential heirlooms, unique in type, simply determined to be the best damn stuff on the market.” This is just a really cool part of town, I also stepped into Eggshells Kitchen Company.
5501 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207
They’ve got all kinds of fun kitchen items here and do cooking classes! They also label which items are from Arkansas along with what part of the state they’re from. Which is really nice for out of towners and locals.
While here I learned about Izard Chocolate Company.
623 Beechwood St, Little Rock, AR 72205
They were founded in 2014 by Nathaniel Izard and are focused are “buying above Fair Trade standards, organic, high quality, and fine flavor cacao. We use organic cane sugar for both our chocolate and our caramel. We incorporate local ingredients as often as we can.”
Must stop spots in Little Rock include Lost 40 Brewing & Big Orange Burgers. A HUGE regret of mine is I somehow miscalculated my days and thought I could pick up a six pack of Lost 40 to take home on Sunday and…. they don’t allow Sunday alcohol sales in store here. Major bummer.
(Photos from Lost 40 & Big Orange Facebook pages)
Big Orange Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, AR 72223 Burgers are a culture all their own in the culinary scene- so if you love a burger you need to stop here.
Lost 40 Brewing 501 Byrd St, Little Rock, AR 72202 Beer is also become a cult classic to follow, and if you even have just the slightest love of beer you will want to stop in here. Plus they’re just cool people. As if I didn’t get enough beer, the next stop was The Flying Saucer where I learned they have this UFO club and when you drink enough different types of beer you get a saucer on the ceiling with your name on it.
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
323 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201
Next was one of the most charming parts of Little Rock, for me, and that was stopping by Junction Bridge- part of the Arkansas River Trail.
I’ve heard a lot of talk about riverwalks and what not with the one we’re building in my hometown, and everyone raves about the one in Columbus, Georgia (I even got to see it when I did Girl Meets Columbus) but y’all- THIS river trail dwarfs any that I’ve ever seen before.
They’ve got LED lights on the bridges that you can even rent for special occasions, people get married on them, it’s just amazing. And I only made it to one of them: Junction Bridge. There’s also the Big Dam Bridge: “This famous 4,200 foot structure is the longest pedestrian/cyclist bridge in the world built solely for recreation. It reaches up to 90 feet above the river, and its state-of-the-art linear ‘wall-wash’ LED fixtures illuminate its exterior and can create more than 16 million color schemes.”
And the Clinton Presidential Bridge, and Two Rivers Park Bridge. Really any of my city planner types out there who are looking to build river trails, y’all have to get out here.
And I totally fell in the love with the fact that someone has apparently started the Love Locks trend here made famous by the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris.
This would close my first day in Little Rock, as there was so much more to come on the second day. So… the second day. This started out with a breakfast at Mylo’s Coffee Company and getting to meet Libby from the Little Rock CVB.
Mylo’s Coffee Company 2715 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72205
Girl Meets Little Rock Posted by Southern Bon Vivant on Saturday, June 18, 2016
Oh. My. Goodness. Y’all. This food and coffee was so good, and of course Libby had me order a little bit of what seemed like EVERYTHING.
Not pictured: their hand pies which I really really wanted some of. But you DO see their quiche and Kouign Amann- which is a pastry from the French region of Brittany. I honeslty don’t remember what coffee I got except that I asked for something that was good black (and likely they laughed at me- because any true coffee conoissuer will drink their coffee as such) and whatever it was, was good.
Check out THIS beauty from @mylocoffeeco – coming up soon in #GirlMeetsLittleRock!! @littlerockcvb A photo posted by Southern Bon Vivant (@southernbonvivant) on
This “Hen in a Nest” was super yummy: cornbread muffin with Freckle Face Farm sausage, Gruyere, spring onion & soft boiled egg. Whoa, y’all. I should note that Mylo’s & Izard Chocolates are in the beautiful and historic Hillcrest Neighborhood. Established in the late 19th century, it is often referred to as the Hillcrest Historic District by the people that live there. It is the lower, southern section of Pulaski Heights neighborhood.
Hillcrest is often thought of as the “heart of Little Rock”, as it is located almost directly in the center of Little Rock and was arguably the first fully established suburb in Little Rock, and among the firsts of neighborhoods in Arkansas. And I would not have known this had Libby not told me! I love learning the history of places.
Next it was back home and then off to the SoMa district.
According to the Little Rock CVB, the “Southside Main Street District (SoMa) embodies the very essence of neighborhood. SoMa is anchored by the 63 year old Community Bakery. It is sprinkled with the beautiful Bernice Garden that houses local artwork, and the Dunbar Community Garden maintained by middle school children and used as a locally-sourced produce resource for the award-winning South on Main, Boulevard Bread Co. also Root Café restaurants. Topping off the District is the Green Corner Store with historic Loblolly Creamery ice cream and soda fountain (Loblolly has been featured in Saveur). It has gone through a major revitalization, and was named a ‘Next Great Neighborhood’ by Southern Living in 2014.”
I may have also freaked out and almost caused my companion to crash the car when I saw the Oxford American offices nearby. Maybe.
See? True fan right here. Anyways. We stopped for lunch at The Root Cafe.
1500 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202
I got the Toasted Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich: “Our chicken salad is made with Grass Roots chicken (Marshall), homemade pickles, grilled carrots, and toasted curry, with Arkansas Natural Produce spring mix on a toasted bun from Arkansas Fresh Bakery (Bryant)”. And I also got the Vanilla Cardamom Latte- I wish it had been just a little bit more chilly that day because THAT would have just been perfect.
Then it was just a hop skip and a jump (sort of) across the street to Green Corner Store & Loblolly Creamery.
Green Corner Store / Loblolly Creamery
1423 Main Street, Suite D
According to Libby at the CVB, Green’s Corner Store is “the first and only eco-lifestyle retail store in Arkansas. The Green Corner Store sells environmentally friendly goods that are truly better for people, pets and the planet. They offer easy ways to be ‘greener’ without sacrificing style, convenience or comfort.” And Loblolly is “makes super good, small batch ice cream, fizzy sodas, and other fine lollies. Their inspirations are the gardens, markets, and artisan producers (and local chefs) of Arkansas.” And what do I think? It’s just really good and cool stuff. And yummy 😉 Next it was off to the ESSE Purse Museum- one of only three in the world!
1510 S Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 916-9022
So, I feel guilty for saying this, but I would have never imagned that Little Rock, Arkansas would hold not just one of the only three purse museums in the world- but also the only one in the United States. I would have expected one in NYC or LA but nope- it’s in Little Rock.
Being a purse lover I was enthralled with getting to see the evolution of something that really is pivitol in my own life. It was also cool to get the chance to see the swimwear exhibit. Next it was dinner at Table 28! I was very much looking forward to this ever since they first responded to my tweets. 🙂
1501 Merrill Dr, Little Rock, AR 72211
Due to what I would cite as interesting circumstances, I ended up going to dinner alone. I actually have no problems doing this and it’s usually easier anyway when I’m travelling or writing up an article. No worries on whether or not the person with me is an adventurous or picky eater- I get to order whatever I want! And let me tell y’all- these people certainly treated me right. I got to chat with the chef beforehand and the bartenders were awesome and made me all kinds of drinks….. phew!
Meredith and Alex were my bartenders, and they made these lovely concoctions:
This drink at @table28lr is my new favorite… Is it sad that I miss it at the beginning of my day? Or just being realistic? ??? #GirlMeetsLittleRock @littlerockcvb A photo posted by Molly @ Southern Bon Vivant (@mollymwilkins) on
The drinks were lovely, but the food was incredible. First up was the Bone Marrow & Escargot- I’ll admit, I was a little daunted in it’s appearance and kind of wished I had soneone to share it with but the flavors were incredible. This is a classic example of why you try something you aren’t used to: you never know when you will have a pleasant surprise.
Then the Gulf Shrimp and Bacon Grits- whew! It’s listed as an appetizer but it was filling enough for me to be an entree.
Then the Cuttlefish- an unexpcted pleasantry.
And I had to close it out with dessert. A S’mores bar cake. Enough said.
“Savor the delectable flavors of Table 28 only at The Burgundy Hotel. Award winning Executive Chef Scott Rains’ first-class restaurant offers Modern American Cuisine with a twist. Chef Rains is proud to source locally-grown organic produce from Arkansas farmers in a bold menu that showcases his brilliance in working with Southern flair to create a revolutionary take on Modern American Cuisine. Select one of our 27 tables or dine at Table 28 for the ultimate chef experience**. Guests dining at the feature table will receive a Six-Course meal, prepared exclusively for their party and served by Chef Rains. In addition to the unique dining experience, a percentage of the chef’s table tab will benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital.”
My last day in Little Rock would start out with brunch.
201 E.Markham Street
This is clearly a popular spot, just based on the line to get in. You order first and sit afterwards. My first couple of choices were sold out so I ended up with biscuits and gravy- never a bad option. And a mimosa- because brunch = mimosas.
River Rail Electric Streetcar Trolley
I just love trolleys, and there’s multiple places where one can hop aboard. There weren’t many people on this trolley which was actually kind of nice. Our trolley operator (driver?) also had a lot of cool information on Little Rock.
1200 President Clinton Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72201
“The William J. Clinton Presidential Center & Park, located on the banks of Arkansas River in Little Rock, Arkansas, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to its grounds each year. Opened in 2004, the Center is home to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and the Little Rock offices of the Clinton Foundation. The Center also plays an active role in the Little Rock community, hosting a number of events, lectures, and conferences throughout the year. The Center was instrumental in catalyzing $3.3 billion in economic impact in the downtown areas of Little Rock and North Little Rock, including renovations of the nearby historic River Market district,” from their website.
Rock Town Distillery Tour and Tasting
1216 E 6th St, Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 907-5244
“Rock Town Distillery, located in downtown Little Rock, is the first legal distillery of any kind in Arkansas since prohibition. We are an artisan craft distillery that uses grains from Arkansas to distill award winning spirits. Rock Town is a true grain-to-glass distillery, our spirits are carefully distilled from corn, wheat and rye that are grown within a 125 miles of the distillery. Our passion is our spirit and our dedication is to our craft. Founded in 2010 by Phil Brandon, Rock Town Distillery has won numerous international awards for its spirits and can be found in 12 states and the UK,” from their website.
Arkansas Life Magazine – Rock Town Distillery from Bespoke Video Production on Vimeo.
Well y’all, that concludes it for Girl Meets Little Rock. I hope you’ve enjoyed my journey through the town that says everything can be done with a Southern Accent- and better with it, too. The guy may have turned out to be just a friend, but I found one more city in the South to fall in love with- one more place that can claim a piece of my heart.
Wondering where I’m going next? Well, I can tell y’all now- it’s New Orleans, Louisiana! I can’t wait to keep sharing more of my journeys.
Oh and, for some more exciting news, I’m pleased to tell y’all that we’re working on letting you bring Southern Bon Vivant into your own homes with a candle and notecard line. Take a look at one of our first candles to be released! 
“Love to All Y’all” is the my signature scent! It features top notes of tuberose with rose & Lily of the Valley middle notes. A vanilla musk bottom note rounds out this lovely candle.
Love to All Y’all is a light, romantic smell, and is recommended to be given to those you want to convey the hospitality of the South. And it is so named because this is how I sign off all of my posts. You can pre-order now by emailing us at southernbonvivant@gmail.com. Speaking of…. til next time!
Love to all y’all, Molly
