Big Doings in Little Rock
by Eleanor S. Morris

This Southern city offers history, culture, and romance--not to mention some royal ducks

The whole state of Arkansas recently was in a state of excitement with the opening of the Clinton Presidential Library in November. William Jefferson Clinton was elected the 42nd president of the United States in 1992, and in addition to memorabilia from his two terms in office, the library holds 80 million pages of papers, more documents than any other president's.

Presidential libraries aren't known particularly for their architecture, but Clinton's library reflects a knowledgeable view of contemporary design. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock, this 12th Presidential Library not only holds the largest collection of presidential history, there is also a museum, a policy center, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service (which will offer a master's degree in public service) surrounded by the 27-acre Clinton Presidential Park.

After visiting the library, take a walk to the nearby Old State House Museum, where President Clinton announced his candidacy in 1991, and where he celebrated election night victories in 1992 and 1996. The Old State House is a museum of Arkansas history. It was built from 1833 to 1842, and served as Arkansas' first State Capitol.

Also visit the Central High School National Historic Site, where in September of 1957 it became a crucial battleground in the struggle for civil rights. Nine black students attempted to enter the previously all-white school. Dramatic images of the conflict seared themselves into the public's memory and Little Rock came to symbolize the federal government's commitment to eliminating separate systems of education for blacks and whites.

Also nearby is the Arkansas Arts Center. From November through January 25, 2005, the center will host Art and the White House: Presidential Selections 1960-2000. In exhibit will be works of art previously borrowed by presidents for the White House, from the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Heard Museum and the Smithsonian, among others.

Nearby Attractions

A fun place, also near the Clinton Library, is the Museum of Discovery, Arkansas' Museum of Science & History. Exhibits here are interactive, fun and capable of bringing out the kid in both of you. They include the Health Hall, Arkansas Indians, Tech Zone, The Imagination Station, worlds of the Forest, The Bug Zoo, among others.

Little Rock is on the beautiful Arkansas River, and for exciting urban night life, the River Market District is but a stone's throw from the river, and the new Clinton Center. You'll find something for everyone there, from restaurants and live-music venues to a dynamic public library and the Riverfest Amphitheater on the river bank, with concerts and firework displays.

From May to October the River Market is home to a farmer's market, while just across the river is the show-stopping Alltel Arena, which regularly hosts concerts and sporting events such as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Regional (coming in 2008).

Romantic Hotel

And of course you'll want to stay at the famous Peabody Hotel, home of the famous Peabody Ducks, which spend their days happily swimming in their fountain at the foot of the lobby atrium's glass elevators. In the early evening, to the tune played by the Duck Master, the ducks climb out of the pool and march along a red carpet to an elevator reserved just for them, which carries then up to their suite for the night, and marches them down again in the morning.

The Legend of the Ducks began with the first Peabody Hotel in Memphis. (The second is in Orlando, Florida. Little Rock is the third.) Back in the 1930s, the general manager of the hotel returned with a friend from a weekend hunting trip to Arkansas. They'd had a generous amount of Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and thought it would be funny to place some of their live duck decoys (legal back then) in the beautiful Peabody fountain.

The reaction was enthusiastic. So thus began a Peabody tradition, which has become internationally famous. The original ducks are of course long gone, but after more than 76 years, the fountains of the Peabody Hotels are always graced with ducks.

The Peabody Touch of Romance includes a night for two in a luxurious Elite King guest room; a welcome amenity and champagne; dinner for two in the Capriccio Grill; Buffet Breakfast for two also in the Capriccio Grill; complimentary use of the health club; VIP turndown service; valet parking.

The hotel also offers the Peabody Weekend Fling, the Peabody Weekend Getaway, and the Peabody Weekend Rendezvous.

For More information:

The Peabody, Little Rock: www.peabodyhotelgroup.com
Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.littlerock.com
Clinton Presidential Library: www.clintonpresidentialcenter.com