SOUTHERN STATES
Planning your trip to Little Rock, Ark.
THE BEST WAY TO LITTLE ROCK
From LAX, Southwest has direct flights to Little Rock, while American, United, Southwest, Continental and Northwest offer connecting flights (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $198.
WHERE TO STAY
Capital Hotel, 111 W. Markham St.; (501) 374-7474, www.capitalhotel.com. Historic Southern hotel, still glowing from a face-lift, has 94 suite-style rooms well-appointed with luxuries. Doubles from $199 a night.
The Empress of Little Rock, 2120
La Quinta Inn & Suites, 617 S. Broadway; (800) 531-5900, www.lq.com. Moderately priced chain a few blocks from the bar and restaurant scene and near the
Peabody Hotel, 3 Statehouse Plaza; (501) 906-4000, www.peabodylittlerock.com. Renovated and reopened under the famous
WHERE TO EAT
Ashley's, 111 W. Markham St.; (501) 370-7011, www.capitalhotel. Lee Richardson's Southern charm has an upscale twist at the refurbished Capital Hotel's equally refined restaurant. Fixed-price three-course dinner for $49; evening tasting menu and wine pairing: $95.
Doe's Eat Place, 1023 W. Markham St.; (501) 376-1195, www.doeseatplace.net. Little Rock institution a few blocks from the Capital serves steak by the pound and tamales with chili and fries. Lunch: $4 and up; dinner: $8 and up.
Vino's Brewpub, 923 W. 7th St.; (501) 375-8466, www.vinosbrewpub.com. Beloved brew house several blocks from the Rivermarket District that's famous for calzones and ales. Pizza by the slice or the pie (large $17.50), sandwiches and salads. $2 to $10.
Whole Hog, 2516 Cantrell Road; (501) 664-5025, www.wholehogcafe.com. Barbecue restaurant chain serves regional favorites such as pulled-pork or pulled-chicken sandwiches and beef brisket and ribs platters. $4 to $12.
Your Mama's Good Food, 220 W. 4th St., No. 130; (501) 372-1811. Southern food like fried catfish, chicken-fried steak and okra served cafeteria-style to a lunchtime crowd. Breakfast is also available. $7 to $10.
TO LEARN MORE
Little Rock Visitor Information Center at historic Curran Hall, 615 E. Capitol Ave., Little Rock; (501) 371-0076, www.littlerock.com/curran-hall/.
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