Outdoor Eats: 5 Scenic Picnic Spots in Little Rock
July is National Picnic Month. Pack a few nibbles for the family and dine al fresco at one of these natural locales. Didn’t plan ahead with bites from home? Don’t worry—we’ve found the best nearby food stops for each picturesque picnic.
1. The Clinton Presidential Library, located in downtown Little Rock, is set up with picnic tables and benches lining the sidewalk for those who aren’t keen on plopping down in the grass. For those who are, there is plenty of lush green lawn for your family to spread out that blanket. You’ll get beautiful views of the library’s modern architecture, the Clinton Presidential Bridge and the William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands, as well as the Arkansas River and downtown Little Rock.
Food Stop: Boulevard Bread Co., located in the River Market, offers delicious sammies, salads and baked goods. Our favorites include the traditional Smoked Turkey sandwich on ciabatta bread and the Organic Garden Lettuce Salad.
2. Located just a few minutes from downtown Little Rock, Riverdale’s Murray 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. Enjoy the picturesque views of the river, as well as the bridge and the bluffs on the North Little Rock side of the River Trail.
Food Stop: 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 Buffalo Grill and Pizza Cafe make for a fun, non-traditional picnic lunch.
3. 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 bustling 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.
Food Stop: Nearby Pleasant Ridge Town Center is a great place to pick up grub for the family. Grab to-go burritos at Chipotle, put together a spread of fresh fruit and gourmet cheese at Fresh Market, or snag scrumptious sandwiches at Panera Bread.
4. The sprawling Riverfront Park in downtown Little Rock is right on the Arkansas River and filled with numerous spots to snack outdoors and take in 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.
Food Stop: Don’t dismiss the River Market Hall vendors; the diverse cuisine ranges from authentic Mexican dishes and Asian cuisine to pizza and Middle Eastern food (try the baklava!).
5. Residents of west Little Rock can get away from the hustle-and-bustle at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. There are several picnic sites and two pavilions to enjoy your lunch, including wide open spaces for a picnic on the grass.
Food Stop: As you drive the long stretch of Hwy. 10, you’ll have plenty of options to make a pit stop. We never tire of chips and dip from Mexico Chiquito.