More laid-back than its cousin to the north, the Hillcrest Historic District is located west of downtown along Markham Street and the south leg of Kavanaugh Boulevard. The neighborhood is full of beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and cottages, as well as a wide variety of boutiques and shops. Box Turtle and The Full Moon are both local favorites. For a quick bite or a relaxing dinner, diners can choose from top-notch pizza, Brazilian and French cuisine, upscale continental dining and more.

Head southwest from Hillcrest into Midtown and you’ll find an array of new shops and well-known restaurants. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are both located in this area of town, as are the Little Rock Zoo, War Memorial Stadium and War Memorial Golf Course.

Park Plaza Mall, anchored at both ends with Dillard’s, completed a major renovation in 2007. It is home to such mall staples as Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, Pandora, Banana Republic and other favorites. Directly across the street from the indoor mall, Midtowne Little Rock is an upscale outdoor shopping center boasting a mix of local and national retailers, including Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, The Container Store, The Children’s Place, Jos. A Bank, Ann Taylor Loft, Evolve and Francesca’s Collections. Restaurants here include Pei Wei Asian Diner and Cantina Laredo.

And just across the way, Park Avenue continues adding retailers and restaurants to the area—namely a new Target anchoring the multi-use development.

Things to Do
Little Rock Zoo
Murry’s Dinner Playhouse

Places to Eat
Boulevard Bread Co. at UAMS
The Oyster Bar
U.S. Pizza Company

Places to Shop
Mid-Towne Antique Mall
Terry’s Finer Wines
The Pipe & Tobacco Shop
The Safari Trader at the Little Rock Zoo

Places to Stay
Guesthouse Inn
Hilton Inn Little Rock