After falling into a desolate and deserted state in the 1980's and 1990's, the River Market District in Little Rock was rehabilitated in a concentrated way by local authorities and developers. The effort, kicked off in 1996, initially cost $5 million dollars. However, the area boomed according to plan and is now one of the most prosperous and popular areas of the city.
Nearly 1 million people visited the district in 2005. This was a sharp contract from 1995, when the area was a ghost town and considered unsafe. The investments have brought in many new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues, giving visitors to the nearby Clinton Library an entertainment alternative.
Popular stops are Ernie Biggs, a dueling piano bar, the Underground Pub with its British theme, and Sticky Fingerz, where live rock is a regular feature. Boscos and the Sonny Williams Steakroom are two of the most popular restaurants. However, the booming nature of the area means that new locations are opening all the time and this is helping to keep foot traffic up in the area.
In the daytime there is the River Market, which is what the area is named for officially. The River Market is a year-round market, with Farmer's Markets in the spring and summer and ice skating and other winter themed events in the chilly months. The Market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays between April and October with the winter event scheduled separately.
A new River Rail trolley system and pedestrian zones make the area very walkable. Convention bookings are up so when planning a personal trip it may be prudent to check ahead and see if there will be any conventions in town. While hotel space in the district is expanding, there is still a limited supply. Also watch for concerts at the nearby Alltel Arena, as the associated traffic and parking fee hikes can hamper an otherwise perfect night out down by the river.
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