CITY GUIDE: Little Rock

Today’s CITY GUIDE is brought to you by Mallory Nickels of Little Rock, Arkansas!

Rosalia’s Family Bakery is one of Little Rock’s hidden gems. A Brazilian bakery which sprung from a Brazilian restaurant next door, it’s a place people are constantly popping in and out of. It’s got authentic Brazilian coffee, daily homemade breads, and an ever changing array of American and Brazilian pastry favorites from macarons to pao de queijo to cookies and cupcakes. It’s the absolute perfect place to start a leisurely Little Rock morning.

Hillcrest is one of Little Rock’s most beloved neighborhoods with homes aging back to the 1920s. One monthly event everyone looks forward to is First Thursday Shop ‘N Sip. Kavanaugh Blvd. runs right through the middle of Hillcrest and is lined with amazing restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and antique shops. The first Thursday of each month they all stay open late, street music pops up out of nowhere and people wander up and down the street sipping wine, shopping and generally enjoying liveliness!

When the weather is nice, there’s no better place to spend an afternoon in Little Rock than on the deck at Ciao Baci whether you’re looking for drinks, appetizers, a full meal or just dessert. The atmosphere is just perfect and the menu matches. I personally can’t go without devouring the cheese board and the tabletop s’mores are as delicious as they are fun.

White Water Tavernis a local dive bar that always showcases the best live music in all of Little Rock.  Acts range from the local bands Amasa Hines and Velvet Kente to regionally and nationally renowned acts.  Up the narrow staircase and directly above the stage there are pool tables and spaces for people to chat. Out back is a patio area for fresh air and mingling. (White Water Tavern photos taken by Cody Riggan.)

A huge thanks to Mallory for sharing all her favorite spots in Little Rock! Be sure to visit her blog & follow her on Twitter!

Featured image by duluoz cats.