InArkansas.com

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Looking for a great spot to enjoy your lunch and bask in the sun?

Little Rock has a few awesome spots that have beautiful views. Here is a look at our list:

1. Clinton Presidential Library, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: This hot spot in downtown Little Rock is so gorgeous, everyone should make a least one stop here. Set up at one of the picnic tables (if there are any available), take over one of the many benches that line the sidewalk parallel to the river or spread out that blanket on the lush green lawn in front of the library. You'll get beautiful views of the super-modern library, Clinton Presidential Bridge and the William E. "Bill" Clark Presidential Park Wetlands, as well as the Arkansas River and downtown Little Rock. On your way to the picnic, stop by Boulevard Bread Co., located in the River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave., and pick up a delicious sammy or salad already prepared. My favorites include the traditional Smoked Turkey sandwich on ciabatta bread minus the mayo and the Organic Garden Lettuce Salad. Yum! Check out the full menu here.
2. Murray Park, Rebsamen Park Road, Riverdale, Little Rock: Located just a few minutes from downtown Little Rock, this park is situated right on the banks of the Arkansas River next to the Big Dam Bridge. Several pavilions are lined up and picnic tables are scattered all around the park, so there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors during your lunch hour. What's great are the picturesque views of the river, as well as the bridge and the bluffs on the North Little Rock side of the River Trail. If you don't have a lunch already prepared, stop by one of the few restaurants on Rebsamen Park Road and get your food to-go. Spots like Maddie's Place, Buffalo Grill and Pizza Cafe make for a fantastic non-traditional picnic lunch.
3. Two Rivers Park, Country Farm Road: Two Rivers Park, a 1,000-acre tract at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers, is a perfect shady spot overlooking the Arkansas River and I-430 bridge in west Little Rock. Just past the Two Rivers Bridge that is connected to the Arkansas River Trail, you'll find several picnic tables on the trail and cozy spots to throw down that blanket. Looking for an ideal place to pick up lunch? You can stop by Chipotle in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road, Bldg. 1000, Little Rock, and get a delicious burrito bowl to-go, or even a salad or burrito. See the full menu here.
4. Riverfront Park, LaHarpe Boulevard: The sprawling downtown Little Rock park right on the Arkansas River is filled with plenty of spots to eat your grub outside while taking in the spectacular views of all of the park's cool features (sculptures, playgrounds, etc.) and the river. Picnic tables are scattered around the park, with most concentrated right behind the River Market. If you're needing a quick lunch, stop by the one of the many River Market Hall vendors, ranging from authentic Mexican dishes and Asian cuisine to pizza and Middle Eastern food. Check out the full list of vendors here.
5. Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd.: If you're on the other side of Little Rock, the state park is a great place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown and enjoy nature. There are several picnic sites and two pavilions to enjoy your lunch, including wide open spaces for a picnic on the grass. Because it's within somewhat close proximity to Two Rivers Park, Chipotle is also great stop along the way to the state park.

Picnic necessities:

• Basket filled with napkins, eating utensils and condiments you like
• Blanket (if you plan on posting up on the grass)
• Frisbee (for those who want a little entertainment)
• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses

Image by KATV

Clint Stoerner (middle) will be joining fellow former Razorback Pat Bradley at KKSP-FM, 93.3, on May 6.

Pat Bradley will be launching his new sports morning radio show May 6 and his permanent co-host will be Clint Stoerner, a former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback and Dallas Cowboys player, Arkansas Business has reported.

The show will air on KKSP-FM, 93.3 (Sports 93.3 The Source), of Little Rock.

Bradley, a former Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star, left KABZ-FM, 103.7 (The Buzz), of Little Rock in February after about six years with the station. Stoerner was a regular guest host on Bradley's KABZ show The Zone.

The show will air 6-9 a.m. on weekdays. The show's name hasn't been finalized.

Check out Arkansas Business' full report here.

Learn about the science (and art!) of canning during Eggshells Kitchen Co.'s monthly hands-on cooking class tomorrow (April 30).

Looking for some foodie fun this week?

Tomorrow (April 30), Eggshells Kitchen Co., 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, is having two special events -- inside and outside the store.

In the store, you'll find a little canning going on. The Root Cafe will be on hand for the store's monthly hands-on cooking class and it's all about canning. There, you'll find that canning is not only a science, but a delicious art. Attendees will be able to can their very own goodies (strawberries might be on the list!) and take creations home.

A glass of wine will be served and attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks (wine, beer, gin and tonics) for sipping on while the guest chef teaches the secrets of canning. The class is from 6 - 8 p.m. and it is $50 per person. Register here.

Just outside from 4 - 7 p.m., Sam Hedges from the Arkansas Local Food Network (ALFN) will be available to help educate the public about the Little Rock Local Food Club, a project of the ALFN whose mission is to make local food convenient and accessible. They operate an online farmers’ market that makes local products from more than 30 small farms and artisans easily accessible. Members pick up their groceries at Christ Episcopal Church every Sunday and Monday.

Learn the ropes of the online market, ask questions and even make your first online purchase, all in one stop. He will also showcase a selection of the goods available from local vendors. For more information, click here.

Arthur Miller's “Death of a Salesman” at The Rep

Last week, one of the greatest American plays ever written -- "Death of a Salesman" -- began its run at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main St., Little Rock.

Now, you have a chance to see it -- for free!

InArkansas.com is giving away a pair of tickets to see the new production. To enter, all you have to tell us in the comment box below why you would like to go and who you would take with you.

The deadline to enter is 4 p.m. today (April 29). A winner will be notified via email by 5 p.m.

Check for a review of the play later this week.

Got questions? Email ljames@abpg.com!

Sam's Club will be welcoming the public to a three-day spring Open House in more than 600 U.S. communities, including Little Rock and North Little Rock this weekend.

From today (April 26) to Sunday (April 28), members and non-members can access big savings on the newest items for spring and summer entertaining.

Locals can attend the Open Houses at Little Rock's Sam's Club, 900 S. Bowman Rd., and North Little Rock's Sam's Club, 5600 Landers Rd.

The Sam's Club three-day spring Open House allows shoppers to taste dozens of complimentary warm weather food and beverages before they buy, while browsing luxurious patio sets with weatherproof Sunbrella upholstery, hybrid grills for the multi-medium BBQ chef and accessories for outdoor living from gazebos and pop-up gardens to pool floats and play sets.

Sam's Club presents a festival of summer-inspired food and beverage samples from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the Open House weekend, including but not limited to:

• Patriotic Pound Cake with assorted fresh berries
• Assorted gourmet cheeses including smoked gouda, gruyere and Jarlsburg
• Fresh Enchilada Bake with Brisket and Salsa
• Grilled Steak Salad with Wish-bone Dressing
• Applewood Smoked Pork Chops
• Garlic and Herb Chicken with Just Add Juice Seasoning
• Artichoke Spinach Dip with Pita Chips
• Italian Deli Pasta Salad with Daily Chef Rotini and Castle Wood Sliced Salami
• Pre-marinated Honey BBQ Pork Tenderloin
• Olive Garden Steak with Olive Garden Italian Dressing
• Fruity Lemonade Cooler with Country Time Lemonade and fresh watermelon

Several food pairings are sourced from recipes in "Fresh, Fast & Fabulous (Version Three)," an exclusive Sam's Club cookbook provided to Open House guests while supplies last. A digital version of the cookbook with inspiring recipes, cooking tips and photography is also available for complimentary download at SamsClub.com/meals.

Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart, is the nation's eighth largest retailer and a big-time membership warehouse club offering products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Sam's Club members save an average of 34 percent versus shopping traditional retailers, according to its website.

For information about Sam's Club U.S. locations, visit SamsClub.com/clublocator.

We are gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated events every other year -- Tabriz 2013 -- and we can't wait for all of the fun festivities!

This includes Thursday night’s Tabriz event, the Morrocan Market Silent Auction, slated for May 2.

With more than 100 pieces of art (ranging in value from $100 to $2,200) and 300 auction packages, there is something for just about everyone. We've looked at Arkansas Business Publishing Group special publication publisher Rachel Bradbury's picks for the auction, as well as Little Rock Soiree sales manager Graham Cobb.

Here is a look at five items Heather Bennett, editor of Little Rock family, is planning to bid on:

• Custom-Made Costumes for Your Children: The cool (and spooky!) package includes custom-made Halloween costumes for up to four children. It must be used by Aug. 15, 2013.
• Museum of Discovery Slumber Party: This once-in-a-lifetime sleepover package includes a super-fun slumber party at the downtown Little Rock museum for up to 50 kids with 10 pizzas from Little Rock Caesars for a midnight snack.
• Holiday Light/Installation/Rental: Light up the neighborhood with this holiday light installation/rental for one property from Lights by Sparky. Everything to "Light Up Your House for the Holidays" is provided.
• Music Lessons: The package includes one month of tuition (four 30-minute private lessons in the Young Musicians of America studio) for piano or violin by YMA and a 20 percent discount off the cost of the regular lesson price for another student for one month.
• Custom Contemporary Painting of Your Kids (or Pets) by Matt McCleod: Wouldn't be cool to have custom done of your kids or pets? With this package deal, you can! Artist Matt McLeod will paint a portrait of your choice in Energetic Color and can be of your loved one, child or pet(s).

Enjoy a great evening, bid on these items and more at next Thursday night’s event from 6 to 9 p.m. May 2. Click here to buy tickets. All proceeds from Tabriz benefit various Arkansas Arts Center programs, ranging from from Children’s Theater to the AAC permanent collection.

To get ready for this year's festivities, be on the lookout for some of InArkansas.com one more staffer's auction picks over the next couple of weeks. We'll be highlighting more items perfect for art auction veterans, in addition to everything you need to know about the smartphone bidding app Bidpal.

Get more information about Tabriz 2013, click here.

Leave the cold behind and jump into Spring at Fairfield Bay’s ‘Bloomin’ in the Bay’ celebration. On Saturday (April 27), join Fairfield Bay, the Van Buren County Master Gardners and a host of local artisans, as spring comes into full bloom at beautiful Ed Leamon Park, Fairfield Bay.

The day-long family event, kicking off at 8 a.m., is organized into three bloomin’ sessions morning, afternoon and evening. Free and open to the public, ‘Bloomin’ in the Bay’ is a celebration of spring featuring the 10th annual Van Buren County Master Gardeners Annual Plant sale, live folk music all day, puppeteers, unique garden and creative artisans, authentic Southern style cuisine, plus a special dinner and concert featuring the popular group Still on the Hill. Tips and Tricks sessions will be sprinkled throughout the day, with more than 40 vendors awarding great prizes.

Here is a rundown of the special events lined up for the day-long event:

Morning Glories: 10th Annual VBC Master Gardners Plant Sale: Love to see things grow? Be sure to spend the morning with the VBC Master Gardeners selecting beautiful homegrown plants, including herbs, perennials, annual, shrubs, native plants, hostas and trees. Gardening enthusiasts are all abuzz as special event guest, Janet Carson, a University of Arkansas horticulturist and one of the state’s top Master Gardners, will be sharing gardening tips and tricks throughout the morning.

Afternoon for the Birds: In the afternoon, the local music will continue and guests will be treated to local artisans sharing their craft and passion. Learn about raising honeybees and butterfly gardening and delight in the puppet shows and easy, do-it-yourself crafts. Engage the kids with fun and games, including sidewalk art, mini-golf and face painting. Seeking a bit of fresh air? Try taking a stroll through the lovely gardens at Ed Leamon Park, or join Tom Welch, Fairfield Bay nature enthusiast, at 1 p.m. for a short nature tour. And as always, Scenic boat cruises are available around beautiful Greers Ferry Lake, from the Fairfield Bay Marina. Children’s activities will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Evening Featured Event with Music from Still on the Hill: The day’s events culminate with a dinner at the Indian Hills Country Club and performance by Still on the Hill – the popular Ozark “folkgrass” duo.

For more information about the event, call (501) 884-6010.

Matthew McConaughey in the title role of Little Rock native and director Jeff Nichols' film "Mud," which was shot in southeast Arkansas in 2011.

Arkansan Jeff Nichols' film "Mud," which prompted a universe of star sightings while shooting in Stuttgart and Dumas the summer of 2011, is opening today (April 26) at selected theaters in the state.

This includes central Arkansas theaters' Rave Motion Pictures, 18 Colonel Glenn Plaza Dr., Little Rock, and McCain Mall Stadium 12, 3929 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock.

Get showtimes for Rave and McCain Mall. You can purchase advance tickets for both theaters.

The film, written and directed by Nichols ("Take Shelter", "Shotgun Stories"), is billed as a coming-of-age drama about the adventures of two 14-year old boys who encounter a mysterious fugitive named Mud (Matthew McConaughey) hiding out on an island in the Mississippi River. Intrigued, they enter into a pact to help him evade capture and reconnect with the love of his life (Reese Witherspoon).

The film competed for the Palme d’Or in the 2012 Cannes Film Festival May 16-27 and was highly received. And the fantastic reviews have been coming in from some big national critics at the Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times and New York Magazine.

Get more on "Mud" here:

Celeb Sighting: Reese Witherspoon Shopping at Dumas Dollar General

Reese Witherspoon's Stunt Double, Arkansas' Mary Ellen Hunthrop, Talks About Working on the Film 'Mud'

Yell County Native Stars in Jeff Nichols' Film 'Mud'

Check out the trailer below.