Hotel Online Special Report
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Little Rock CVB Report: 
River Market Provides One-Stop Visitor Destination
 
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 10, 1998 -  Long considered a vacationer's getaway for its natural beauty and pleasant climate, Little Rock, Ark., has gained new recognition as a visitor destination over the past few years thanks in part to national attention generated by the Clinton Presidency. With the addition of new attractions, museums and hotels, Little Rock also has experienced impressive growth, elevating its status to a travel hot-spot that offers something for everyone.

"Whether you're a history buff with interest in the Bill Clinton 'Path to the Presidency' walking tour or the Central High Museum or a shopper looking for one-of-a-kind gifts created by local artists and craftsmen, Little Rock is the place for you," said Barry Travis of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Little Rock is growing and changing daily. There is a feeling of excitement here like we've never had before."

Nowhere is the city's new vitality more evident than in the River Market District -- Little Rock's own urban renewal success story. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River -- the birthplace of the city -- the River Market District, once a series of underused and abandoned late-1800 and early-1900 warehouses, has been transformed over the past five years into restaurants, bars, breweries, museums, art galleries, retail stores and loft apartments. Just a few feet from the rock formation that gave the city its name, shoppers and tourists now stroll along brick-lined sidewalks and maple trees, stopping to visit the District's many offerings.

The River Market District has several options aimed to entertain, as well as educate, visitors. The Museum of Discovery is the place where history, science and technology combine for state-of-the art hands-on exhibits and computer-aided learning designed especially for kids. Two blocks away, the Arkansas Territorial Restoration transports visitors to frontier Arkansas with its collection of taverns, homes and log cabins featuring performances by living history actors. An outdoor film festival, a three-on-three basketball tournament and musical concerts in the Riverfront Amphitheater are just a few of the events also held in the District throughout the year.

For a unique dining experience or after-hours entertainment, the District offers a variety of eateries and bars with one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Local cuisine with a gourmet flare, mouth-watering barbecue and food from around the world ranging from traditional English pub food to Middle Eastern are just a few of the dining options available. A coffee house, micro brewery and cozy bar are a few of the after-hours options where patrons can unwind and relax. There also are bustling bars with live bands for those in search of a more fast-paced outing. No travel stop would be complete without shopping, and the River Market more than satisfies with a variety of specialty stores featuring fresh flowers, gifts and art works. Two art galleries feature the work of local artists among their collections. Other unique offerings include an Arkansas- based producer of hand-made furniture, lamps and accessories; an importer of decorative items from Africa, Jamaica and Mexico; and a dealer specializing in rare and vintage guitars.

Conveniently located within walking distance or a short trolley ride from several downtown hotels and the city's convention facilities, the River Market District, like Little Rock as a whole, presents an abundance of exciting tourist opportunities. "Shopping, food and entertainment -- the River Market and Little Rock has something for everyone," said Travis. "One visit and you'll discover why everyone is Big on Little Rock!" 

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Contact:
Tim Stephenson for the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau 501-375-3003
Web site: http://www.littlerock.com
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