5 Rides on the River Rail

There’s a lot to see downtown, and the River Rail Trolley can take you to most any destination. Truthfully, your feet can carry you most of the time, but they aren’t as charming. The electric streetcar’s 3.4-mile route is most stunning where it traverses the Arkansas River and spies the Little Rock skyline. Two dollars gets you an all-day pass. Once you’re all aboard, you’ve got 14 stops to choose from – here are just five we think you’ll like.
1. Stop No. 7 – The River Market’s Bars and Restaurants. These picks aren’t necessarily in chronological order, but Bosco’s Sunday brunch is pretty killer. At lunch, you can get food from all around the world inside Ottenheimer Market Hall or something a little more mainstream in the district’s numerous freestanding restaurants. As night falls, the music comes up and the spirits flow from piano bars, dance clubs and classy lounges. Of course, you’re on vacation. Grab a drink earlier if you like!
Contact: (501) 375-2552
2. Stop No. 4 – Dickey-Stephens Park. You actually will have to walk a couple blocks to the park, but it’s worth it. Dickey-Stephens is one of the nicest, newest minor league ball parks in the country. It’s also one of the best spots to take in a view of the Little Rock skyline, and games are just as much a social event as they are a sporting event. Baseball season runs April through September, but Ump’s Sports Bar is open even during the off-season.
Contact: (501) 664-1555
3. Stop No. 1 – Argenta’s ArtWalk. About a dozen galleries and establishments debut the works of local artists from 5-8 p.m. on the third Friday of every month. Some stops are actually galleries and studios; the others are unexpected places. Who knows where you’ll stop or what you’ll find. Doesn’t everyone need a little mystery and art in their life?
Contact: (501) 340-5305
4. Stop No. 13 – Robinson Center Music Hall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 2,609-seat performance hall hosts Celebrity Attractions’ touring Broadway productions, and the 2010-11 season is an exciting one. “Wicked,” is in town Nov. 3-14, 2010; Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple,” Jan. 21-23, 2011; “Aluminum,” March 29-31, 2011; and Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast,” May 24-26, 2011. The Greek Revival style columns out front and the marble foyer add to the experience.
Contact: (501) 244-8800
5. Stop No. 8 – Jasmine Nail Salon. You’re already giving your feet a rest by taking the trolley, so why not go for a pedicure? The salon’s other services include manicures and facials – even waxing. But it’s not your traditional salon – you settle into a couch for your pampering and get complimentary drinks from the bar.
Contact: (501) 244-2698