2008 Little Rock Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ about Arkansas

"So, you boys are from Arkansas, huh? I been through there. Little Rock's a fine town."—Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump.

A few questions that you might have about Little Rock:

Q. Is there really a little rock?
A. Yes. And you can see it. It's embedded near the bank of the river, on the south side. Back in the day, when some tradesman on the river wanted you to meet him between the Mississippi River and Fort Smith, he might have told you to meet him at the little rock -- and then you knew where to take your beaver pelts. You can walk to the little rock from the Peabody. It's at the end of -- what else? -- Rock Street. (Between the Peabody and the Clinton Library.) Beaver pelts optional.

Q. What's the weather like in Arkansas in September?
A. No telling. Bring some shorts for your walks. Along with a light jacket and an umbrella. October in Arkansas is as close to Heaven as this life gets. With luck and a cool breeze, September can be almost there.

Q. Is Little Rock a big city?
A. Little Rock really is as big as you need it to be. We have a repertory theater and world-class hospitals and museums and a happening River Market and little skyscrapers and the longest pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge in the country (the Big Dam Bridge), and well, lots of other stuff. . . . And in the shadow of those skyscrapers, a farmers' market and the best mom-and-pop plate-lunch diners you'll find anywhere in the South. You need Little Rock to be big, it's big. You need it to be small, it's small.

Q. Do I need a rental car?
A. Not for convention-only attendees. The convention has buses for all off-hotel site activities and you'll be within walking distance of shops, restaurants, the Clinton Library and trolleys can take you around downtown and across the river to North Little Rock, which is going through a nice growth spurt. If you are traveling with a companion, and that person wants to take a day-trip to Memphis or the Ozarks, please look online for the best deals.

Q. What's the best bet for airfares?
A. Southwest, Travelocity, Priceline or Kayak.

Q. What's the best way to get to the hotel?
A. The Peabody offers a shuttle from the Little Rock airport.

Q. I'm a walker/jogger. Where can I head early in the a.m. before events start?
A. In the early morning, the streets of Little Rock are well lit and you won't be worried about tripping over cracks in the sidewalks. Try running down Clinton Avenue to the Library with its riverside park.

Q. If I want to extend my stay, what are the options?
A. Hey, stay in Little Rock as long as you like! Or come early! We have plenty to eat.
 
If you'd like to come a few days early The Pajama Game is playing at Robinson Center Music Hall from September 9-11th. Tickets are $15-$42, and can be bought through TicketMaster. On September 12th, the downtown/River Market District plans a Friday Art Night, offering opportunities for art and movie lovers at several locations.Also that Friday night, the River Market will have something called "Crusin' in the Rock," which features muscle cars, street rods, classic cars and motorcycles from across the Natural State.

After the convention, on Sept. 26-27: WorldFest 2008 at MacArthur Park. Worldfest was created to embrace Little Rock's different cultures and ethnicities while educating folks about global cultures. And on that Saturday, the Big Dam Bridge is having its cycle tour of central Arkansas.

If you'd like to rent a car and stay a few more days, the Ozarks have always been a place where Arkies seek cooling waters in the warmer months. Float the Buffalo River, or fish in the White River. Both only two hours away from Little Rock. Or take advantage of the many golf courses from Fort Smith to Texarkana. Or maybe Memphis barbecue is more to your liking. (We recommend the ribs at the Rendezvous.) Or the concerts, festivals and live shows of Branson, Missouri. Or even the casinos just across the state boarder in Tunica, Mississippi.

Arkansas is dotted with the most beautiful lakes in the South, in our considered editorial opinion. For boating, swimming or fishing, try Bull Shoals Lake on the Missouri boarder, or Lake Ouachita near Hot Springs. For a more romantic get-away, try staying at the new lodge at Mount Magazine, featuring a breathtaking view of the Petit Jean River Valley.and Blue Mountain Lake. We've got a full roster of picturesque state parks (our favorites are Devil's Den and Petit Jean) within driving distance.

Questions about Arkansas? Need somebody to direct you to the right place/person? Call David Barham at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette at 501-399-3641