Sometimes you just need to go for a drive, get some fresh air, see the sights. Maybe you have a baby who will only nap in the car, kids that need to get out of the house, or want to pass some time chatting with loved ones and enjoying the breeze. You don’t even have to get out of the car to enjoy spring!
Argenta Arts District
Every winter, the Argenta Downtown Council, residents and volunteers join together planting tulip bulbs in the flower beds in the downtown Argenta Arts District. Every spring, those flowers are in full bloom for everyone’s enjoyment on Main Street. Don’t forget to look at all of the new murals too.
Nearby Dining: Argenta Nutrition, Crush Wine Bar, Flyway Brewing, Brood & Barley, Mugs Cafe, Nana’s Organix, Ristorante Capeo, Skinny J’s, Reno’s Argenta Cafe, Diamond Bear Brewing Company, Benihana, Riverfront Steakhouse, KamiKaito
Burns Park
Burns Park is probably hands-down the most scenic drive in North Little Rock, with winding roads and scenic spots along the way including an old log cabin and covered bridge.
Nearby Dining: Keihiro Sushi & Hibachi, Taqueria Jaliscoz, Taqueria Guadalajara, Egg Roll Express, U.S. Pizza Co., Las Delicias, Tortas Mexico, Mark’s Do-Nut Shop
The Old Mill
Photos: Casey Crocker, Arkansas Tourism
The Lakewood neighborhood of North Little Rock is beautiful this time of year, with plenty of flowers at The Old Mill and beautiful views of the lakes. The Old Mill has won several awards in the past couple of years for its beautiful landscaping by the Arkansas Master Gardeners. The park is closed to the public as of 3.31.20.
Nearby Dining: 360 Fit Nutrition, American Pie Pizza, Crazy Hibachi, Lakewood Fish & Seafood House, Las Palmas, Moe’s Southwest Grill, North Bar, Old Mill Pizza
St. Joseph Center of Arkansas
Photos: St. Joseph Center of Arkansas
A drive down Camp Robinson takes you to the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas, an historic building that was once an orphanage and is now a center for sustainable farming. The garden is blooming, the livestock are out and it’s a peaceful place. It is currently open to the public for its seasonal, drive-through farm stand on weekends. Follow them on Facebook to see when it’s open!
Nearby Dining: Jacob’s Wings & Grill, Larry’s Pizza, Las Delicias, Littlefield’s Cafe, North Little Rock Nutrition Hub, Original Scoop Dog, The Popcorn Spot, U.S. Pizza
Big Dam Bridge
You’re welcome to drive by and under the Big Dam Bridge, but it’s hard not to get out and walk on it. The views from the top, bragging rights (it IS the longest pedestrian bridge in the U.S., after all) and the fascination of it being over a working dam are enough motivation. You just might see a barge passing through, and you’ll probably see lots of water birds like pelicans.
Nearby dining: The Hangout Maumelle, American Pie Pizza Maumelle, Cypress Social, The Hybrid Kitchen, Smallcakes Maumelle, Casa Mexicana, Taqueria Azteca, Morningside Bagels, Grampa’s Catfish
US Highway 70
There’s something about driving Highway 70 that’s just peaceful, a breath of fresh air. Along the way, stop by farmer’s markets like Me & McGee Market and, a little farther south off 70, Faulkner Lake Orchard, where you pick your own peaches during the summer.
Nearby dining: Wink’s Dairy Bar, Sweet Poppa’s Cafe, Shotgun Dan’s Pizza, BJ’s Market Cafe