Amanda Isbell’s Guide to Little Rock

The Bernice Garden manager and lover of all things local shows us her favorite parts of the city.

Never gets old: Anything about the Arkansas River. I love being on it, in it and near it. Power boat or kayak, the River Trail, the bridges, I love it all.

Park: The Bernice Garden. I love to grab a baleada from the El Sur food truck and enjoy the flowers buzzing with tiny pollinators, notice a sculpture’s angle I hadn’t noticed before and pet all the dogs. My pack and I also love the dog park at MacArthur Park.

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Seasonal activity: The Travs!

Credit: Mark Wagner

An afternoon with friends: It would start with a trip to the Bernice Garden Farmers Market, then to my kitchen and a late lunch on my front deck in Historic Central High Neighborhood.

Wardrobe staple: Neck scarves and bandanas. I always enjoyed wearing them, now I get to wear them every day!

Museum: The Esse Museum is history, politics and culture. It’s fascinating and unique.

Gift shop:  Has to be Bella Vita. I love her handmade jewelry.

Dish: The Caesar salad from Ciao Italian or the vegetarian pho from Mike’s Cafe on Asher.

Cocktail: The bloody mary at Raduno’s. There is a slice of cold pizza on top! Also, it’s not a cocktail, but I’m a big fan of the iced tea at Boulevard Bread Co. on Main Street.

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