The day after President Clinton’s 49-minute speech at the Democratic National Convention, we’re recommending Little Rock, Arkansas (his home state) as a must-visit retreat. Looking for a quick, convenient city in which to kick back, get back to nature and see a submarine moored far from the sea? This is it:
- Head downtown, to the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. That’s where the River Trail begins, running 17 miles along the banks of the Arkansas River. A series of pedestrian and bicycle bridges connect to the trail, rendering Little Rock the only city in the country with four pedestrian bridges stretching over a navigable body of water. Bottom-line: the vistas are bodacious.
- Drive to East Little Rock and revel in the close-in wilds of the Audubon Nature Center. This is a superb wetlands area, a diverse, accessible place where you can learn legions about conservation, restoration, flora and fauna.
- Go to the river and don’t rub your eyes. There’s a submarine down there. She’s USS Razorback and she’s open for your inspection at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. Razorback embarked on five combat patrols back in World War II. Among her duties: rescuing American pilots who’d been shot down over the Pacific.
- Bring the kids along for the ride. Little Rock is home to one of the best children’s theater anywhere, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre. This is the place contemporary stories and classic tales come to life, up-close-and-personal and in the kind of 3D that puts the best of movie magic to shame. It’s a great way to introduce kids to live theater.
- Stay awhile at the Arkansas Arts Center and explore the masterworks of artists such as Cézanne, Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Rembrandt and Rubens. That’s just some of what you’ll find hanging on these walls. The museum’s collection also sports fine ceramics, studio glass metalwork and jewelry.
(Image: Sean Davis)
