Days 6-7 Little Rock North KOA, AR

North Little Rock, AR

April 10-April 11

Days 6-7

We headed out to Little Rock, AR around 8:30am under rainy skies. After about a couple hours, the skies cleared and we had blue skies for the rest of the 7 hour trip, our longest yet. We arrived at the North Little Rock KOA around 3:15. The campground was a KOA Journey and was not very well kept nor did it offer spacious sites. We had a similar experience with another KOA Journey in Woodstock, NY. Not sure if that’s the standard for these campgrounds. We will find out soon enough when we head to another KOA in Oklahoma City.

On route to Little Rock, a dear friend from college, Lisa Floryshak, who lives an hour north of the campground, offered to drive down and have dinner with us. Not only did she and her boyfriend Joey drive all the way down, but they stopped at a locally sourced butcher and brought down 4 of the most tasty delicious T-Bone steaks I’ve ever eaten. She even insisted we keep the extra 2 that we didn’t cook! As the boys grilled, Lisa and I enjoyed catching up, talking about the good ole’ college days, speed skating and her planned trip to the Adirondacks this summer. After dinner, we relaxed around the fire chit-chatting and enjoying Lisa’s homemade gift of Persian Love Cake. We feel so blessed to have such amazing friends. Thank you Lisa and Joey! We’ll see you in NY.

On Sunday we had big plans to ride the 17 mile Arkansas River Trail to the River Market District and Riverfront Park. What made it even more special is that our little side-kick Tucker, joined in on the fun, riding rumble seat style! OMG is was so adorable to watch him taking in the sights as his ears flapped in the wind. It was like riding in the car with the window open. We started the adventure by heading over the Big Dam Bridge, Arkansas’ claim to fame as the longest pedestrian and cycling bridge in the US. I’m starting to become skeptical of these pedestrian bridge claims. We then traveled the trail down the southern shores enjoying the sites. As we reached the city we saw the Arkansas State Capitol in the distance, standing on Capitol Hill, so we headed over. We were impressed with its size and architectural design. It’s so similar to our US capitol that it’s been used in Hollywood film making as a stand in.

After a few navigational errors through the city, we finally found the River Market District and River Front Park. What a beautifully designed area. Unfortunately most businesses were closed, but we did enjoy touring the River Front Park. 6 unique and very different style bridges span the Arkansas River down along the park. There were also lots of sculptures, historical plaques marking AR’s Civil War history, playgrounds and waterfront activities to be had. An amphitheater for outdoor concerts overlooked the river as well. Before heading over to the north side, we stopped at World Famous Stickyz Rock and Roll outdoor cafe for lunch, and only because they allowed our little side-kick to join us.

After lunch, we headed down to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library for a photo op and then rode over Bill’s newly renovated Presidential Park bridge to ride along the northern banks of the ART back to the Big Dam Bridge. We stopped to take a look at the USS Razorback sub on display at the Maritime Museum. The sub was one of only 12 selected to be present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrender was signed. Just after the Museum, the trail to I-30 bridge was part of the ‘Trail of Tears National Historic Trail’ with interpretive murals and markers. After we headed under the train trestle, it was a beautiful ride back to the start with lots scenic views right along the river.

To wrap up our adventures, we had time to visit The Old Mill in North Little Rock. We weren’t sure what to expect, but we were blown away by the Magic and beauty of this historic re-creation of an 1880s water powered grist mill. We couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. The spring azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and magnolias were in full bloom. It was honestly breathtaking. Lots of photographers were taking advantage of the lighting and shooting prom, family and wedding photos. What an idyllic place. So glad we made the decision to check it out.

We wrapped up the evening with a visit back to the Big Dam Bridge to check it out all lit up at night and to enjoy stargazing. Tomorrow we are off to Oklahoma City!

Destination North Little Rock KOA, Arkansas

Home 'Sweet' Home for 2 nights.

Can't think of a better welcome to Arkansas!

We began our River Trail adventure by crossing the Big Dam Bridge.

BDB stretches 4226 feet across the Arkansas River. Pinnacle Mountain stands in the distance.

It's Tucker day!

A local judge concerned about the financing of the bridge was quoted as saying "We're going to build that dam bridge!" and so the name stuck.

We rode along the southern side down to the River Market District in Little Rock.

Tucker's taking in the sites on the golf course.

Construction took 16 years and was completed in 1915.

God's Not Dead and it's sequel were filmed on the capitol gounds in 2016.

River Market District.

The Junction Railroad Bridge renovated for pedestrian and cycling use.

The Broadway Bridge also has a lane for pedestrians and bicycles.

One of the 80 Vogel Schwarz garden sculptures located throughout the park.

How cute are these 2?!

General Casmir Pulask distinguished himself during the Revolutionary War when he saved George Washington's Life. Who knew?!

Main street bridge, Junction Bridge, I-30 bridge and the The William J. Clinton pedestrian bridge in the distance.

Lots of cyclists out enjoying their group rides.

World Famous Stickyz known for their Stickyfingerz chicken.

Rich insisted we stop to take a picture at Bills Library for his mom. He knows how happy this will make her!

He is so freaking cute!

Clinton Bridge is a former railway bridge built in 1899. Also known as the Rock Island Bridge

USS Razorback behind the Navy boat.

Thank goodness we didn't have to wait for that train to go by.

Tucker riding piggy back did get a lot of looks and comments.

Riverside at Rockwater Million Dollar Row! I'm sure these cost a sweet penny these days.

Beautifully scenic trail. Nice and flat.

Rich kept saying thank you after the ladies walking by would say, " He's so cute!"

Yep, I had to let him know they were talking about Tucker. lol

We made it back to the Big Dam Bridge. What a fun day!

The Mill can be seen in the opening scenes of the classic movie "Gone With The Wind".

We'll see y'all in Oklahoma City!

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