1. Fashion is Art: The one-of-a-kind fashion exhibition, “Oscar de la Renta: American Icon” celebrates the world-renowned work and inspiring life of designer Oscar de la Renta. It features more than 30 of his iconic creations worn by leading arbiters of style, from First Ladies to Hollywood’s brightest stars. It tells the story of the designer’s life, career, and impact on the fashion world through his original designs. In December 1998, then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton graced the cover of Vogue, the first time in history the magazine featured a sitting First Lady on its cover. “Oscar de la Renta: American Icon” will be on display at the center until Dec. 1. For more information, visit ClintonPresidentialCenter.org.
2. Shopping Local: Who doesn’t love farmers markets? There’s no better way to eat healthier, stock up on local goods and bolster the local economy than by shopping at your neighborhood farmers market, and in Little Rock, you have plenty of options. There’s the Little Rock Farmers Market, happening every Tuesday and Thursday at the River Market pavilions, as well as the Hillcrest Farmers Market, which is open every Saturday, and The Bernice Garden Farmers Market in SoMa, open every Sunday. If you’re in west Little Rock, a new market has sprouted in the parking lot of Whole Foods Market in the middle of the week. And in North Little Rock, you’ll find the Argenta Farmers Market, right on Main Street. For a full listing of farmers markets in the area, visit Arkansas.com.
3. Light Up the Sky: What better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than the annual Pops on the River, the state’s largest Fourth of July celebration? Many will convene on the banks of the Arkansas River wearing their red, white and blue while enjoying the orchestral bliss of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra as fireworks burst in the sky. And best of all, it’s free and attendees can also do some shopping, check out a classic car show and indulge in good eats from one of the many food trucks on site. Get more information about the annual event at www.InArkansas.com.
4. Movies Under the Stars: We always look forward to the time of the year when we can watch our favorite flicks under the stars on the banks of the Arkansas River. We’re talking about Movies in the Park, which screens a diverse list of films at the First Security Amphitheatre in downtown Little Rock every Wednesday night through August. Movies like the huge blockbuster “The Dark Knight Rises,” the cult favorite “Big” with Tom Hanks, as well as the classic flick “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” are included in the lineup this month. For more information, visit www.MoviesInTheParkLR.net.
5. Go Bohemian: If you prefer your diamonds with a little edge, B. Barnett is carrying fabulous new line Jessie Lane Jewelry that features an eclectic assortment of pieces combining the elegance of beautiful semi-precious and precious stones with the natural feel of organic materials from all over the world. Rendered in everything from semi-precious stones like laboradite, opal and onyx, to precious stones such as emeralds, rubies and garnet, Jessie Lane offers truly original earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Get more information about this beautiful line at JessieLane.com.
6. Foodie Getaway: When it comes to planning your next date, think outside the box. Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain is offering a special “Table for Two” culinary class Saturday, July 19, where Chef Robert Hall will demonstrate how to whip up delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu while you and your significant other enjoy a freshly made appetizer. After getting a lesson, it’ll be your turn to step up to the plate and practice your cooking skills. The newly created entrée will be enjoyed at a candlelit table for two followed by a decadent dessert straight from the kitchen. The class will start at 5 p.m. and includes overnight lodging and a continental breakfast. For more information, visit www.LiveTheLegacy.org.
Model wearing an Oscar de la Renta gown with the designer featured in the inset.
Shoppers pick through fresh produce at the Little Rock Farmers Market.
Fireworks on the Arkansas River in Riverfront Park above First Security Amphitheater.
Jessie Lane Jewelry at B. Barnett.