Beyond the Border: Little Rock, Arkansas

Just a short flight or five hours by road from Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas is an innovative city on the banks of the Arkansas River. The capital receives millions of visitors every year, and visitors may be surprised by the town’s combination of warmth and sophistication.

Atmosphere: From global cuisine to innovative art, attendees can encounter something new in Little Rock. The city is known for its historic role in the Civil Rights Movement, and residents created a preserve to commemorate that legacy and the people who made the ultimate sacrifice in the early days of desegregation.

transportation: Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport offers flights to and from major U.S. cities, and Interstates 30 and 40 bring attendees to Little Rock from Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The METRO streetcar system and Rock Region Metro bus service provide easy transportation around town.

hotel: The Little Rock Marriott has 418 guest rooms, 40,000 square feet of meeting space and direct access to the Statehouse Convention Center. The DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock is connected to the Robinson Center and offers an additional 12,700 square feet of meeting and event space and 288 guest rooms. Another popular choice is the historic Capital Hotel, with 95 rooms and 6,000 square feet of meeting space.

Meeting location: The Statehouse Convention Center has 220,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space, a ballroom and 12 conference rooms. The nearby Robinson Center, overlooking the Arkansas River, is a 25,000-square-foot conference center and performing arts venue. The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, located in the Riverside Market District, brings an air of elegance and grandeur to the proceedings. The venue has 10,000 square feet of event space.

Dining room: Near downtown, the Riverside Market District stretches 11 blocks along the Arkansas River and offers attendees a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining options. The Cache Restaurant serves fine American cuisine and features three chef’s tables, a VIP lounge and multiple private spaces. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room brings
Create a festive atmosphere when gathering on the terrace, piano bar or in a private room. For a more leisurely stay, the Lost Forty Brewing restaurant seats up to 75 people and serves bar food and beer.

Must-see attractions and things to do: Little Rock is filled with cultural, artistic, and historical attractions. Reserve a seat with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra or visit the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, explore the 88-mile Arkansas River Trail, which connects 38 parks, 12 museums, and 4 towns, including Little Rock. The Quapaw Quarter is home to the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, where in 1957 the Little Rock Nine were the first African American students attending white public schools.

Littlerock.com