10 New Little Rock Attractions We Loved in 2014
2014 is the year that gave metro Little Rock trampoline parks, mini golf and baby tigers. Here are 10 new attractions and businesses that we just love.
1. Night Lights
The River Lights in the Rock started shining in December of 2013, and we’ve enjoyed their illumination all year long. The colorful lights adorn three bridges—Main Street Bridge, Junction Bridge and Clinton Presidential Park Bridge—that link downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. Reflecting onto the Arkansas River, the nightly light shows often celebrate central Arkansas’ major events and holidays with themed colors.
2. Gourmet Pops
High-quality (and often locally-grown or -made) ingredients make their way into the artisan popsicles from Le Pops. We can’t get enough of staples like the salted caramel or their hip new location in the Heights, which opened at the beginning of the summer.
3. High-Flying Fun
Not one, but two indoor trampoline parks opened their doors in the past year. Both Altitude Trampoline Park in west Little Rock and Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park in Maumelle were instant hotspots for burning off energy. With wall-to-wall trampolines, dodge ball courts, foam pits and birthday party space, we can see why families can’t get enough.
4. Putt, Putt
Big Rock Fun Park opened its brand-new mini golf greens in May to much excitement; the two 18-hole courses are named Willow Greens and Boulder Falls. One of the unique features is a miniature version of North Little Rock’s Old Mill. Families can also enjoy bumper boats, go-carts, batting cages, an indoor arcade and a birthday party room.
5. Candy Shop
Toffee, ice cream, fudge, caramel apples, truffles, caramel corn and more—there are lots of reasons to love Kilwins, the new sweets shop in downtown Little Rock. Many of the treats are made in-house every day, and visitors can watch as fudge is poured and candy apples are dipped into gooey caramel.
6. Lovely Library
In early April, the Laman Library’s Argenta Branch opened in its new home—a former Post Office building on downtown North Little Rock’s Main Street. The historic building retains features from its past life, along with renovated space for exhibits and community events. Plus, in the old attic, visitors will now find a computer hub and a children’s section.
7. Zoom at the Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo debuted its revamped train, the Arkansas Diamond Express, in early June. The zoo train has always been a favorite, but now families have a shiny, brand-new ride to zip them across the grounds.
8. Philanthropic Food
If you don’t live in Conway, you won’t regret making the drive just to savor the tasty Tex-Mex at Tacos 4 Life. The fast-casual concept is owned by the couple behind the popular Pitza 42. The two restaurants follow the same basic principal: for every meal sold, a meal is donated to a hungry child through the nonprofit organization Feed My Starving Children.
9. Kitty Cuties
Adorable overload: Four tiger cubs—Liem, Eko, Olan and Asmara—were born at the Little Rock Zoo in late 2013 and made their first public appearance in March this year. Locals have loved watching the Malayan tigers grow throughout the year, but their arrival has even bigger implications for wildlife conservation—the critically-endangered species only has a population of approximately 500 in the wild.
10. Pie, Pie and More Pie
Central Arkansas’ food truck scene is booming and one of our favorite newcomers is The Pie Hole. The mobile eatery doles out all kinds of pie, from traditional varieties to breakfast quiche to whoopie pies.