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5 Summer Date Ideas in Little Rock

By
Jess Ardrey
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0

Ah, summer lovin’. Even as adults it still feels like the season of adventure when anything is possible, but between the heat index and blockbuster fatigue, date night can start to look a little stale.

Never fear, love birds. We scoped out the fresh summertime fun to be had in Little Rock, so grab your S.O. and go have you a blast.

 

Food Truck Hopping

Remember how excited you got as a kid when you heard the ice cream truck coming your way? We much prefer this power dynamic. Little Rock is full of food truck hot spots — weekly markets, restaurant pop-ups, practically around the clock at The Rail Yard and The Filling Station — so dig in. Divide and conquer the trucks, sharing dishes and trying a little bit of everything, comparing notes until you’re practically food truck aficionados. Now that’s a relationship milestone worth bragging about. (Too hot out? Hit Ottenheimer Hall for a similar experience with AC.)

 

Credit: Downtown Little Rock Partnership

Outdoor Movie Nights

There’s nothing quite like watching your favorite flicks under the stars. See some of the  greats with snacks in hand and a stellar view at the monthly Rooftop Cinema series hosted atop the parking deck at 100 Center St. Movies begin at sundown and admission is free, so spread out your blanket and cozy up. Just make sure to BYO-bug spray.

 

Farmers Market Mornings

This one is a twofer. Not only do you get to peruse local produce and vendors in the fresh air, but afterward you get to spend time together in the kitchen crafting your next masterpiece menu. And the best part? Almost every neighborhood has its own farmers market (Psst! We mapped them all out here), so whether you want to stay close to home or visit an area you don’t often see, you’re all set.

 

Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Fun in the Sun

Summertime is the best time to get out and explore the city together. Rent bikes in the River Market (bonus points if you go for the tandem), finally try out a Lime Scooter or get a whole new perspective and take it to the water with kayaks from Rock Town River Outfitters. Be sure to take the proper heat safety precautions, but as Queen Bey once said, “a little sweat ain’t never hurt nobody.”

 

Get Giving

Ok, so maybe volunteering isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when drawing up your date night plans, but you’re looking for new ideas, right? From washing dogs for the Humane Society to stocking the nearest food pantry, volunteering is the perfect way to get you away from Netflix and working toward a greater good together. Plus, you might discover a new cause you’re both really passionate about. Win-win. (Not sure where to start? Try this.)

Little Rock Weekend Guide: July 17-20

By
Jess Ardrey
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0

If the forecast has you wanting to lock the doors, these (air-conditioned) activities will encourage you to get out and explore. Let’s get into it.

 

Thursday, July 17

Elliott West at UA Little Rock Downtown // Next up in the CALS Speaker Series, this author, historian and professor will discuss his book “Continental Reckoning: The American West in the Age of Expansion” and his focus on “the social and environmental history of the American West and of western Native peoples.” It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

PSA: Access Group’s annual Bingo Bash is sold out, but you can still donate and enter raffles to help the nonprofit reach its fundraising goal. More on that here.

 

Friday, July 18

Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // This monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include the Arkansas and Ozark Pastel Society Annual Show at Thea Foundation, hands-on fun at The Innovation Hub and an open studio with Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.

In the neighborhood: “9 to 5: The Musical” Comes to Argenta Contemporary Theatre This Month

 

Saturday, July 19

Living Craft Saturday at Historic Arkansas Museum // Time travel, anyone? HAM’s monthly series gives guests an immersive, hands-on opportunity to learn about life in the early days of Arkansas. July’s event is all about patriotism and politics in the territory. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.

The Rock City Margarita Festival + Great Arkansas Beer Festival at the Statehouse Convention Center // You thirsty, Little Rock? Two of the city’s most sippable events are teaming up to host one big, delicious bash. Expect tons of margarita stations, breweries, wines and seltzers, plus plenty of food, games and music. The fest lasts from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.

Not your thing? Try this mocktail recipe for summer sipping.

One Night Only at the Robinson Center // It’d be a tragedy to miss this show. The touring Bee Gees tribute band brings the brothers’ iconic groove to the stage, recreating their 1998 Las Vegas appearance. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Friday & Saturday, July 18 & 19

Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of “Sharkansas Women’s Prison Massacre” on Friday at 7 p.m., then “Shrek” on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Come back Saturday night to celebrate the Arkansas Sounds Songwriter Showcase. More on that here.

Make it a double feature: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer

 

Sunday, July 20

National Loblolly Day at Loblolly Creamery // Scoops all around! Where else to celebrate National Ice Cream Day than with the hometown scoop shop? They’ll be slinging limited edition flavors, hosting giveaways and having fun all day. Swing by the SoMa or Hillcrest shop noon – 9 p.m. or the Pinnacle Mountain State Park outpost starting at 9:30 a.m. Learn more here.

Stay cool: 8 Local Frozen Treats to Help You Weather a Southern Summer

Distill & Chill at Rock Town Distillery // The summer blockbuster vibes are alive and well in SoMa. Rock Town’s throwback movie series welcomes you to the barrel house for a free screening and popcorn, plus drink specials. July’s lineup is all about sharks, and this week it’s “Sharkansas Women’s Prison Massacre” (just in case you missed the CALS screening). BYO chairs and blankets. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Friday – Sunday, July 18-20

Annual Sidewalk Sale at The Art Group Gallery // The Pleasant Ridge Town Center is getting a little extra punch of color this weekend from this yearly (indoor) sale. We suggest stocking up and giving your walls some love. Sale hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, then 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.

Meanwhile, we found our muse: See who won the Soirée Cutest Dog Contest!

SPONSORED: Your Summer Skin Survival Guide: Hydration & Exfoliation

By
SKN at Franks Dermatology
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0

Summer brings unique challenges for your skin. Between sweat, UV rays and temperature changes, your skin faces a perfect storm of stressors. Add sunscreen buildup and increased oil production and you’ve got clogged pores and frustrated skin.

“What I see very often is my patients will come in the heat of summer and they say, ‘I’m washing my face in the shower, I’m washing it in the morning and I don’t feel like it’s getting clean,'” explains Barron Cheek, aesthetician at SKN at Franks Dermatology. “That’s because you have so much buildup from sweat, dead skin, sunscreen, and it’s all just kind of staying caked there.”

The solution isn’t to strip your skin bare or pile on products. Instead, proper hydration and strategic exfoliation, regardless of skin type, will help it look and feel its best all summer.

Credit: SKN at Franks Dermatology

Hydrating Morning Routine

Start with oil cleansing. Cheek recommends pure, organic jojoba oil regardless of skin type. This balancing technique gives dry skin needed oil while removing excess from oily skin. Jojoba oil matches your skin’s natural oil, making it effective even for acne-prone skin.

Follow with a gentle cleanser — more foam for oily skin, less for dry. Apply hydrating serum, then finish with tinted moisturizer containing SPF for moisture, sun protection and natural glow.

Hydrating Evening Routine

Remove makeup and buildup with oil cleansing, followed by gentle cleanser. Apply hydrating serum, then use a serum containing AHA or BHA that “works overnight like Pac-Man” to break down debris in pores. Seal with quality moisturizer.

Regular Exfoliation

Exfoliate twice weekly, choosing your method wisely. Manual exfoliation with gentle beads works best for dry or flaky skin, while chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid pads are ideal for oily, acne-prone skin.

“The biggest problem I see is people using too harsh of a cleanser and just too harsh of ingredients overall, trying to make their skin feel clean,” Cheek warns. “You end up stripping it down too much, and you’re opening up a whole new world of issues: worse acne, worse oil production and overall skin damage.”

Deep Exfoliation with Hydrafacial

For a summer skin reset, Cheek recommends monthly Hydrafacial treatments. This treatment deeply exfoliates while infusing skin with the right hydrating ingredients for your skin type. The result? A stronger skin barrier, even tone and optimal hydration.

“Helping patients who walk in with skin that bothers them to then walk out with confidence is the best part of the job,” Cheek says. “When you look your best, it boosts your confidence and you can tackle anything.”

Ready to create your personalized summer skin strategy? What works for your friend’s skin may not work for yours. Wrong product combinations can create opposite results. SKN at Franks Dermatology offers free consultations to discuss your skin concerns and discover which products and services will help maintain healthy, hydrated skin all season.

Learn more at sknatfranksderm.com.

A Soirée Paid Promotion

The 5 Types of Rivers You’ll Float in Arkansas

By
Jess Ardrey
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0

It’s hot out there, folks — we’re talking heat-advisory-nearly-every-day hot. And for many locals, that means a trip to the nearest river is in order. But before you dip your toe into the cool, refreshing Arkie-water, you first have to decide what kind of float trip you want to experience.

Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve sorted out the best float trips in Arkansas.

 

If you’re looking for an oldie, but a goodie, try the Buffalo River.

It’s no wonder this river is one of, if not the most floated waterways in the state. Rentals and tour guides abound so you don’t have to worry about going into “Castaway” mode. The Buffalo provides smooth sailing, gorgeous scenery and a little wildlife to keep things interesting. Click here for info.

 

If you’re looking for a good time, try the Spring River.

Sometimes you just want to cut a little loose, and we get it. The Spring River is no stranger to the good-time-lovin’ crowds, but don’t judge a book by its cover. The 58-degree temperature is a godsend in an Arkansas summer, and the crystal clear water isn’t bad, either. Click here for info.

 

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense float, try the Ouachita River.

Granted, most people don’t actually own canoes or kayaks, and sometimes renting them can get a little steep. That’s when you head to the Ouachita. Stick to the area between Remmel Dam at Lake Catherine and the whitewater park in Rockport near Malvern and all you’ll need is an inner tube. Click here for info.

 

If you’re looking for thrills, try the Mulberry River.

Hold on to your paddles, folks. Things are about to get a little dicey. Sure, Turner Bend offers some great swimming holes in the drier months, but the rest of the Mulberry boasts some pretty awesome whitewater rafting for the adrenaline junkies out there. Click here for info.

 

If you’re looking for something close to home, try the Saline River.

For only about a half-hour drive from downtown Little Rock you could be floating along through forests and farmlands. Want to stop for a swim? Take a fishing break? Go right ahead. Just another perk of living in The Natural State. Click here for info.

Bonus: If you really don’t want to travel, you can always hit the water right here in the city with downtown views from the Arkansas River like you’ve never seen before.

‘9 to 5: The Musical’ Comes to Argenta Contemporary Theatre This Month

By
Josie Burnett
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0

Grab a cup of coffee and cue the Dolly Parton soundtrack. “9 to 5: The Musical” is coming to Argenta Contemporary Theatre July 23 through Aug. 3.

Based on the hit 1980 film, this high-energy, feel-good production features original music and lyrics by the iconic country music artist Dolly Parton. The story, originally written by Patricia Resnick, follows three working women who have had enough of their overbearing, misogynistic boss and decide to take matters into their own hands.

With dazzling choreography and powerhouse vocals, this production tells a message that still resonates more than 40 years after the movie premiered. Viewers can expect a lot of laughs, catchy tunes and a fresh reminder to always stand up for what’s right.

Performances will be held at Argenta Contemporary Theatre, located at 405 Main St. in North Little Rock. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances open at 1 p.m. and begin at 2 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets (which are going fast), visit ACT’s website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Sip This: Mocktail MO’s Ranch Water Recipe

By
Little Rock Soirée Staff
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0

The heat is on in Arkansas, and so is the search for the perfect summer sip. And while a frozen cocktail can certainly cool you down, sometimes a boozy beverage just isn’t in the cards.

For a drink that’s equal parts tasty and refreshing — not to mention sippable by everyone — reach for this alcohol-free ranch water recipe from Little Rock’s own Mocktail MO.

Ranch Water Mocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative (0.0% ABV)
  • 1 oz. Mixly Grapefruit Jalapeño Mixer
  • juice of 1/2 a lime
  • Topo Chico sparkling water (MO recommends grapefruit)

Directions:

Begin by rimming a rocks glass with salt and chile lime spice. Fill with ice and add the tequila alternative, squeezed lime juice and mixer. Top with Topo Chico, then finish with a stir and enjoy.

Click here for more of MO’s summertime recipes.

Credit: Jason Masters

Alabama is Coming to Simmons Bank Arena

By
Little Rock Soirée Staff
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0

Sweet potato pie and, well, you know the rest.

Alabama just announced they’re bringing their latest tour to Simmons Bank Arena on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Last hitting the NLR stage in 2022, the iconic country band started with a trio of cousins 50 years ago and now has a slew of accolades, including Grammy, CMA and ACM awards, as well as spots in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Special guests The Marshall Tucker Band will open the show.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, July 18.

Get yours online at ticketmaster.com or at the arena box office.

Ronald McDonald House Golf Scramble Returns This August

By
Josie Burnett
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0

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana will host its 33rd annual Golf Scramble on Monday, Aug. 25, at the Pleasant Valley Country Club.

Supporters and players will enjoy a summer day on the renovated course, but most importantly, all of the funds they raise will go toward keeping families comfortable, safe and close to their children being treated at local hospitals.

The scramble calls for teams of four and includes casino-themed games along the course as well as a party stop stocked with everything you need, including a bourbon pull. Plus, when you play in the golf scramble, your tickets to the nonprofit’s A Night in Vegas on Sept. 19 at The Hall are included.

Flight times are at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. with breakfast served in the morning and lunch at noon. 

To register, head to the RMHCA-NLA website. Visit the nonprofit’s Instagram and Facebook pages for more information.

Ira Mittelman to Open New Restaurant on Third Street

By
Jess Ardrey
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0

A local restaurant vet is getting back in the game.

Fork, the latest venture from Ira Mittelman, is coming to 1900 W. Third St. with a “blend [of] Southern, New American, Italian and New World cuisine to create dishes that are unique and bold, yet approachable.”

The menu will include fresh, fast lunch dishes and fine dining dinner options “driven by seasonal harvests” and featuring produce from Dunbar Garden and other Arkansas items.

“Add that to our carefully curated wine list, craft cocktails and local brews, and we hope Fork will become the new spot for Little Rock dining,” says Mittelman, who was behind past local favorites Ira’s Park Hill Grill and Ira’s Restaurant.

Set just across the street from the Arkansas State Capitol, the space offers a deck with unique views of the downtown skyline and was most recently home to Mar y Tierra Cantina and Grill.

Developers hope the restaurant will serve as an anchor for new construction in the Rose Creek Station neighborhood.

Fork is set to open Aug. 18.

Credit: Madeline Circle

July Party Pics Now Online

By
Little Rock Soirée Staff
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0

The July issue of Little Rock Soirée is on newsstands, and you know what that means: There’s a fresh batch of event photos to peruse. As always, each edition’s Party Pics are posted right here on littlerocksoiree.com, and the latest photos from the new issue are now online.

Here are this month’s featured events:

Now, go ahead and share the links on socials, text your friends and spread the good times around.

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