Discovering Little Rock One Meal at a Time

Carrie and me walking across the bridge

We took a vacation this past week while Carrie was on Spring Break at her work. I took a few days off so we could all go on a trip together. We traveled with Erin and Greg, and while we had originally planned to go to Florida, those plans did not work out. Instead, we threw a bunch of destinations into a virtual hat and voted.

From that list, we narrowed it down to Chicago, San Antonio, and Little Rock. We do plan to go to Chicago at some point, likely by train, but decided now was not the right time. While we had all passed through Little Rock on various trips, none of us had ever spent any real time there. With the voting finished, we started researching places to stay and, more importantly, places to eat.

We reviewed several Airbnb options and selected one. About two weeks before our trip, the owner reached out to let me know they needed to cancel. What? There was some mix up on their end, and they said they could no longer host us. The host asked us to cancel the reservation so they would not lose their preferred host status. Instead, I contacted Airbnb customer service and asked them to assist with the process. The host was not happy about it, but they ultimately had to cancel, which allowed us to receive a full refund. Airbnb's FAQ clearly states that if a host asks a renter to cancel, you should not do so and should contact customer service, which is exactly what we did.

Lunch at Torchy's Tacos on our Way

We scrambled to find another place since several of the spots we had originally saved were no longer available. We did find one that had been on our original list, but it was outside of Little Rock. The house was in Alexander, about twenty minutes from downtown. It turned out to be the perfect spot. The host was excellent, kept us updated on everything, and provided great recommendations on where to eat and drink.

We stayed in the Little Rock area for five nights, leaving on Saturday, March 14, and returning on March 19. We could not take Oliver with us, so Joan and Eddie watched him while we were gone. We figured he would have a better time with them than traveling with us, and the Airbnb we selected did not allow pets anyway.

Between friends, Reddit, vloggers, and our Airbnb host, we had no shortage of recommendations for places to eat, drink, and visit. We had a great time exploring the area and even managed to fit in some cultural stops along the way.

Some highlights from our trip included the following.

• George’s Little Rock is an upscale Italian restaurant in the Heights neighborhood of Little Rock, located on Kavanaugh Boulevard. The menu focuses on classic Italian dishes, along with house made desserts and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
  
  

  

  Lasagna at George's

  
  
• Brave New Restaurant overlooks the river and is located in a business area. The food was delicious, with a menu that includes seafood, wild game, and locally sourced ingredients. It was a perfect spot for lunch or dinner. We went for lunch and sat outside.
  
  

  

  Shrimp for Lunch at Brave New Restaurant

  
  
• The Oyster Bar was a place we discovered while searching for local spots. It was a great find, offering oysters, Cajun options, and other seafood selections. It worked well for either lunch or dinner.
  
  

  

  Oysters and Lobster for Lunch

  
  
• Dust Bowl Lanes was another spot we found when we decided to go bowling on Sunday. It is a retro location where we bowled on old school lanes, drank local beers, and had a great time.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Brood & Barley was recommended by vloggers Kelly and Cody, whom I follow. We stopped in for drinks. While we did not eat there, the food coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. We almost went back before we left town but decided to try something else. It is definitely a spot we will visit again on a future trip.
  
  
• Local Lime was another place we came across while researching. It offers Mexican inspired street food done very well. They also had some of the best margaritas I have had in quite a while. A great spot overall. No pictures from this visit.
  
  
• Scoops was one of the ice cream places we found that had not been on our original list. We each ordered two scoops, which turned out to be a lot of ice cream, but I finished all of mine. It was a great stop and one I would highly recommend if you are in Little Rock. We almost went back again before leaving the area. No pictures from this visit.
  
  
• Delicious Temptations was the one breakfast spot we visited. It is family owned and was very busy, with about a twenty five to thirty minute wait, but it was well worth it. This was a recommendation from our host, and I would absolutely suggest stopping in if you are nearby. No pictures from this visit.

Bill Clinton Presidential Library

Those are just a sampling of the highlights from the trip, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert. We all want to go back again, as there was so much more to do beyond eating and drinking. We also did some sightseeing to expand our cultural experience. We visited the Bill Clinton Presidential Library, which was interesting to see, and stopped by the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, a key moment tied to the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling and one that connects directly back to Topeka, Kansas.

Sunset in Little Rock

It was a fun trip, and we all hated to leave and head back home. I cannot wait to visit again. Hopefully next time we will be camping, as we scoped out several locations for a future camping trip. After all these years of driving through Little Rock without stopping, I am glad we finally did. It was well worth the trip, and I look forward to going back.

Blues, Friends, and Good Times at King Biscuit Blues Festival 2025

I’m behind on this week’s update since I was away camping over the weekend, so here’s another short recap of the prior week.

The 2025 King Biscuit Blues Festival took place over two days this year: October 10 and 11. That’s one day shorter than in previous years. After almost not having a festival at all, it was great to enjoy two days of music, friends, and blues.

Corrie didn’t attend this year, which meant Carrie didn’t either. Eddie and I headed down on Wednesday even though the festival was only Friday and Saturday. We planned to meet up with Tommy, Eddie’s childhood friend, Tommy’s nephew Eddie, and Bart, a family friend. We stayed together for four nights in a VRBO. Two nights on our own before the festival started gave us time to relax and get ready for the fun.

The house was in Dundee, MS, right across the river from Helena, AR. It was our first time staying there for the festival, and it turned out to be a great spot. We spent time relaxing by the lake, enjoying the sun patio, and watching baseball at the house while we prepared for the weekend.

Thursday is usually busy with the festival kicking off, but this year was different. We had a laid-back day with lunch in downtown Helena and plans for dinner at Kathryn’s that evening. We called ahead and heard their voicemail say they were now open Thursday through Saturday. Perfect! We left a message for reservations. But when we arrived Thursday night, they were closed. We were so disappointed because we had really been looking forward to that meal. Instead, we headed back to the house and had leftovers from the night before.

Friday, the festival began, and we had a great time. There were some solid acts, including regulars we see every year like Anson Funderburgh. The weather was perfect, not too hot, cold, or rainy. Ideal for a festival.

Saturday was another good day of music and catching up with friends. With the schedule changes and uncertainty about the festival, the crowd wasn’t as big as usual for a Saturday night, but it was still a fun day and a great festival overall.

Until next time...

Hamilton Loomis Saturday Night in Topeka Kansas

Wow! What a show! Hamilton Loomis put on a great show! He went on stage around 8:45 and played three sets. We left the place around 1:30 in the morning after he finished his last set. It was a great time!

Hamilton and his band had great sound as well as a good feel with the audience. At one point walking out into the audience standing on the tables and playing his guitar.

If they can get him to the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in October, I think he would be a great fit. A Friday act would work out great for him and the festival. His interaction with the crowd was like a seasoned veteran of the stage. He wore a wireless mic and would definitely be a "walker" at the festival.

He played three sets and everyone enjoyed the performance. The drummer was really good too! Fun to watch and definitely did a great job on the drums.

The band was recommended by Uncle Tommy from Texas and I know why he likes Hamilton Loomis so much... Uncle Tommy use to be a drummer and this drummer was good!

Going back to the "walker" comment. This is one of my favorite parts about working the festival. I have worked the festival the past two years and typically there are at least a couple of the musicians than like to walk through the crowd. Thus, I get to guide them through the crowd making sure that they get through safely and then return them back to the stage. I can definitely see Hamilton wanting to walk the crowd.

I would highly recommend if you get the chance to check out Hamilton Loomis. Great songs, great performer, and a great time!

Today I find myself relaxing watching movie, playing on the Internet, and trying to get over a hang over from the night before. To check out all pictures from Hamilton Loomis, check out my Flickr page.

Saturday Night Music and Basketball

On this cold winter day, I will be spending time relaxing and enjoying television, the computer, and possibly a nap or two. This is a three day weekend for me with Washburn being closed on Monday. Tonight a group of us are going to see Hamilton Loomis. It should be a good show! I am listening to him now as I write this blog.

As mentioned in a previous posting, Hamilton will probably be at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival in October. I have worked the main stage the past two years. It is a lot of fun! I carry equipment on and off the main stage. I have a chance to meet blues legends! The best part is that while I work I get to drink beer which is provided free from Budweiser. Nice!

Anyway, Hamilton is probably going to be at the Blues Fest this year. Uncle Tommy in Texas who helps to get some of the performers contacted me back in November to let me know that Hamilton was going to be in Topeka on January 19. He said he had seen him a few times and that he puts on a great show. So, we are going to go see him tonight. My father-in-law has been a huge part of the Blues festival in Arkansas during the past 20 plus years. He is going to see Hamilton tonight with us. It would be cool if we could talk to Hamilton for a bit either before or after he plays.

The other even that I will be doing today is to watch the Missouri/Kansas basketball game. The game is at 7 pm CST, so I will definitely be watching that and hopefully it ends before we have to head to see Loomis. Go Jayhawks!

Everyone have a great weekend and be safe!

Hamilton Loomis Playing in Topeka Possible Festival Musician

Hamilton Loomis will be playing at the Ramada Inn in Topeka, KS January 19. Hamilton is being considered to play at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in October 2008. He has a good sound and has been recommended by others. I have been listening to him on Rhapsody (http://www.rhapsody.com/hamiltonloomis).

I like the sound he has and I think he would put on a good show. If you get a chance, listen to his music. Hopefully he will be able to make it to the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival 2008 (http://www.bluesandheritage.com/).

Arkansas Blues and Hertiage Festival 2008

It is that time again to begin thinking about the dates for the Arkansas Blues and Hertiage Festival 2008. I have already thinking about the dates which appear they will be October 9 - 11, 2008. The dates have already been reserved for my third annual visit to Helena, Arkansas.

If you have never been, make it a point to attend this year. Information about the venue as well as scheduled acts is available at http://www.bluesandheritage.com/. It is definitely worth the visit!

Arkansas Blues and Festival Sampler

This is a sampler of some of the acts that was at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival which took place October 5 - 7, 2006. I worked the main stage and carried equipment on/off for some of these acts. Great times! Pictures to follow....

Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival Sampler:

1. Tuff Enuff - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
2. Wrap It Up - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
3. Powerful Stuff (O.S.T.) - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
4. Harder Knock - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
5. Got To Get Out - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
6. Painted On - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
7. Stagger Lee - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
8. I Can Tell - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
9. My Babe - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
10. She's Tough - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
11. Stand Back - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
12. Feeling My Way Around - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
13. One More Chance - Michael Burks
14. All Your Affection Is Gone - Michael Burks
15. I Smell Smoke - Michael Burks
16. Got A Way With Women - Michael Burks
17. Make It Rain - Michael Burks
18. Beggin' Business - Michael Burks
19. Hit The Ground Running - Michael Burks
20. Let The Door Knob Hit You - Michael Burks
21. Miss Mercy - Michael Burks
22. Thank God For Fools - Michael Burks
23. Mean Old Lady - Michael Burks
24. Willing To Crawl - Michael Burks
25. Take A Little Walk With Me - Robert Lockwood, Jr.
26. Mean Black Spider - Robert Lockwood, Jr.
27. Love In Vain - Robert Jr. Lockwood
28. Little Queen Of Spades - Robert Jr. Lockwood
29. Icicles In My Meatloaf - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
30. Golden Rule - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
31. Pet Cream Man - Lil' Ed And The Blue Imperials
32. Travellin' Life - Lil'

If you get a chance check out some of the music above. If you are a Rhapsody subscriber you can listen to all of these people. The full list of acts and the web site is located at http://www.bluesandheritage.com/2k6lineup.htm. I will be back next year!!!!!