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1. THE CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER.

How can you move to Metro Little Rock and not check out the notable center named for our 42nd president? The 148,000-square-foot William J. Clinton Presidential Center & Park encompasses a museum, presidential archives, and educational and research facilities. Must-see permanent exhibits include full-scale replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room, decorated exactly the way they were during Clinton’s time in office. A steady stream of visiting exhibits also comes through the center each year. Visit on August 13 and get free admission in honor of President Clinton’s birthday! (501) 374-4242, ClintonPresidentialCenter.org

2. QUAPAW QUARTER

History buffs, this one’s for you. Located in downtown Little Rock, the Quapaw Quarter contains Little Rock’s most historic homes and mansions, some pre-dating the Civil War and many on the National Register of Historic Places. Drive or stroll through the neighborhood, or take advantage of the Quapaw Quarter Association’s annual Tour of Homes; the next one will be held on Mother’s Day weekend, May 12-13, 2012. (501) 371-0075, Quapaw.com

3. RAZORBACK FOOTBALL

The Razorbacks make the trip to Little Rock twice a season for games at War Memorial Stadium. Both the tailgating and the football are often memorable – like the Hogs’ 21-20 victory over LSU in 2002 that will forever be known as the “Miracle on Markham.” Being a part of a packed house at War Memorial in the fall is simply hard to beat. ArkansasSports360.com

4. ARKANSAS TRAVELERS BASEBALL GAMES

Like beer and brats? We do too. You can get this, plus take in a great baseball game at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. Home to the Arkansas Travelers, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, this $38 million facility boasts wide-open concourses, comfortable seating, luxury boxes for rent, a party deck, a beer garden and a restaurant. The Travelers have been playing ball since 1901, giving them one of the longest running histories of any minor league franchise. Fun giveaway nights featuring floppy hats, kids’ gloves and T-shirts are scheduled throughout the season from April through August. Single tickets range from $6-$12. Travs.com

5. LOCO ROPES

Zip lining has propelled toward popularity over the past few years, and Arkansas has several locations that offer the high-flying adventures. Loco Ropes at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View is worth the drive. Choose from a handful of zip lining options that vary in intensity, height and length. Don’t worry if you’re afraid of heights; cutting-edge safety equipment and harnesses ensure your safety. (888) 669-6717, LocoRopes.com (One-way travel time - 2 hours)

6. THE BUFFALO RIVER

Located just off Scenic Byway 7 near the town of Jasper and approximately 100 miles from Little Rock, the Buffalo National River winds through the Arkansas Ozarks, flowing into small rapids and calm pools before emptying into the White River. The Buffalo’s beauty and mild manner make it a perfect destination for canoeing, floating and fishing, and the 95,000 acres of public land surrounding the river offer campgrounds and cabins, as well as springs, caves, waterfalls, trails and more. (870) 741-7286, www.NPS.gov/Buff (One-way travel time - 2 hours)

7. ARKANSAS REPERTORY THEATRE

Known to locals as “The Rep,” this is the only professional, nonprofit theatre of its size within 300 miles of Little Rock, including Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans. 2012 performances in the newly renovated theatre include “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Jan. 27, 2012-Feb. 12, 2012), “The Wiz” (March 9, 2012-April 1, 2012), “Next to Normal” (May 4, 2012-May 20, 2012) and more. (501) 378-0405, TheRep.org

8. 2ND FRIDAY ART NIGHT

On the second Friday night of each month, galleries, museums and businesses in downtown Little Rock are open late (5-8 p.m.) for an after-hours gallery walk featuring music and hors d’oeuvres. Hop on the free shuttle to each venue, or stroll the River Market District and visit galleries on foot. 2ndFridayArtNight.com

9. ALLSOPP PARK

Located in historic Hillcrest on Cantrell and Cedar Hill roads, Allsopp Park is a local favorite that features popular shaded biking and hiking trails, and a 7-acre activity area with a ball field, playground, pavilion, and tennis courts. LittleRock.org/ParksRecreation/Parks

10. FIRST THURSDAYS IN HILLCREST

One of Little Rock’s most unique neighborhoods, Hillcrest (located on Kavanaugh Boulevard) is home to a plethora of charming boutiques and shops. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, Hillcrest merchants and restaurants stay open late and offer sales and samples, plus entertainment, nibbles and drinks. It’s a great way to meet the natives and get some great deals. (501) 666-3600,
HillcrestMerchants.net

11. OAKLAWN RACING & GAMING

Some of the world’s best Thoroughbreds have raced at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, including Smarty Jones, the 2004 winner of both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Oaklawn’s live season runs from January through April annually and simulcast racing is broadcast year-round. In addition, the park has recently expanded to allow forms of electronic gambling, including video poker and other “games of skill.” And don’t leave the park without gobbling up one of the popular corned beef sandwiches. (800) OAKLAWN, Oaklawn.com (One-way travel time – 1 hour)

12. FARMERS MARKETS

Over the past few years, farmers markets have sprouted up all over the state, and they’re especially plentiful in Metro Little Rock. Local markets sell everything from farm-fresh eggs, grain-fed beef and organic produce to goats’ milk soap and heirloom plants and seeds. For more information and a helpful list of farmers markets in the area, visit www.Arkansas.com/Dining/Farmers-Markets

13. ARKANSAS LITERARY FESTIVAL

Held annually, this event features panels, events, performances, workshops and appearances, and readings by celebrated authors such as David Sedaris, Garrison Keillor, Arkansan Charlaine Harris and many more. This year’s event will be held Thursday, April 12, 2012-Sunday, April 15, 2012 in the downtowns of Little Rock and North Little Rock. (501) 918-3029, ArkansasLiteraryFestival.org

14. ROCK TOWN DISTILLERY

“Arkansas’ first ‘legal’ distillery since prohibition,” Rock Town Distillery is a must-see. Owner Phil Brandon and distiller Andy Lewis make Arkansas Lightning, Brandon’s Gin, Brandon’s Whiskey and Brandon’s Vodka using mainly Arkansas-sourced ingredients at the company’s East Sixth Street location. Tours and tastings are available by reservation only on Saturdays at 1:30 and 3 p.m., and the cost is $7 per person. Call (501) 907-5244 to make a reservation. ArkansasLightning.com

15. ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER

The AAC is known for one of the world’s most unique collections of works on paper, including sheets by Cezanne, van Gogh, Pollock, O’Keeffe, Saar, Rembrandt and more. In addition, the center houses an art school, children’s theatre, restaurant and gift shop, specializing in unique gifts and works made by regional artists. Admission is free. A fee may be charged for special exhibitions. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. (501) 372-4000, ArkArts.com

16. MOVIES IN THE PARK

A free outdoor movie series in Little Rock’s River Market, Movies in the Park is one of our favorite summer activities. Movies begin at sundown each Wednesday in June and July and are held in the Riverfest Amphitheatre on the banks of the Arkansas River. Picnics are encouraged and alcohol is allowed, but glass containers are prohibited. Concessions are also available for purchase. Don’t forget a blanket and some bug spray! MoviesInTheParkLR.net

17. RIVER MARKET ON ICE

Even though winter temps in central Arkansas are mild, thanks to an outdoor ice rink in the River Market, we can still enjoy good old-fashioned ice skating. Located in one of the River Market Pavilions, the rink opens just before Thanksgiving and closes after the New Year. Check the website for ticket information and times. (501) 375-2552, HolidaysInLittleRock.com

18. LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL

Founded by Emmy and DGA-nominated filmmakers Brent and Craig Renaud, the five-day Little Rock Film Festival is held annually in the downtowns of Little Rock and North Little Rock. Hailed by Austin’s Paste Magazine as “potentially one of the best fests in the country,” the LRFF draws more than 25,000 attendees and features more than 100 films from across the world, as well as workshops, panels and parties. Visit the website for 2012 festival info. LittleRockFilmFestival.org

19. ANTIQUES

Metro Little Rock is home to too many antiques stores to count. Some of our favorites include Mid-Towne Antique Mall and Fabulous Finds, both in Little Rock, I-40 Antique Mall in Maumelle and Blue Suede Shoes Antique Mall in Bryant. ArAntiques.com

20. CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

This touring company brings Broadway performances to Little Rock every year. The 2011-12 season includes favorites like “Shrek The Musical,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Blue Man Group” and “Young Frankenstein.” All performances are held at Robinson Center Music Hall in downtown Little Rock at the corner of Markham and Broadway. (501) 244-8800, www.CelebrityAttractions.com

21. HEIFER INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Tour the nonprofit organization’s LEED Platinum building that features a 30,000-gallon rainwater collection tower, among other things. Heifer Village on the Heifer International campus showcases inspiring, interactive exhibits that describe how individuals can help end hunger, poverty and environmental problems. Also, check out Shop@Heifer to purchase ethically sourced and artisan products from around the world. (800) 422-0474, Heifer.org

22. WINE COUNTRY

About a half dozen wineries near where the Arkansas River meanders between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in Altus offer tastings, tours and events. Wine-making actually began there in the 1880s, making Arkansas the South’s oldest wine producing state. Two European families started it all after noting the region’s similarities in climate and soil with that of Switzerland and Germany’s wine-making regions.
www.Arkansas.com/Things-To-Do/Wineries-Micro-Breweries (One-way travel time – 2 hours)

23. PINNACLE MOUNTAIN

Eight hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous wind their way around Pinnacle Mountain, with two leading to the summit. Those who reach the 1,011-foot peak are rewarded with views of the Arkansas River, downtown Little Rock and Lake Maumelle. The park also features two mountain bike trails—the 0.70-mile Rabbit Ridge Trail and the 7.4-mile Jackfork Trail—and two barrier-free trails, the half-mile paved Kingfisher Trail and the 0.60-mile paved Arkansas Trail in the Arkansas Arboretum.
www.ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain

24. BIG DAM BRIDGE

The nation’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge built especially for that purpose, the Big Dam Bridge is a favorite among Metro Little Rock residents. Located over Murray Lock & Dam, the bridge has a 14-foot-wide deck that extends 4,226 linear feet across the Arkansas River. Locals love to walk, run or ride their bikes over the bridge and along the 17 miles of scenic Arkansas River Trail that runs on either side. BigDamBridge.com

25. ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Led by Conductor Philip Mann, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents a season of beautiful masterworks, pops and chamber concerts. Don’t miss the “Russian Winter” performance on January 28-29, 2012, at Robinson Center Music Hall. Can’t get enough of the symphony? We’ve got good news; season subscribers enjoy the best seats in the house and hefty discounts over single ticket prices. (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org

26. CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

As soon as you get settled in, this is a trip you must take. Opening November 11, 2011, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville houses “one of the most dazzling and glorious collections of American art anywhere,” says Executive Director Don Bacigalupi. Envisioned by Walmart heiress Alice Walton and named for the nearby Crystal Spring, the museum’s architecture is inspired by its picturesque surroundings and aimed at enhancing and protecting the natural beauty of the site. Inside the eight individually designed pavilions, works by Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, Roy Lichtenstein, John Singer Sargent and more grace the walls. (479) 418-5700, CrystalBridges.org (One-way travel time – 3.5 hours)