Downtown Little Rock, Arkansas - Wed., Oct. 29, 2014

This morning Bob ran 19-1/2 miles on the Arkansas River Trail: the 16-mile loop, plus the distance to and from the parking lot he chose. It took him five hours. This is part of his training for the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on Dec. 7.

After he finished the run and showered, we headed downtown for the 11K (6.8 mile) Capital Volksmarch. We checked in at Little Rock's Curran Hall Visitor Center located in an 1842-1843 Greek Revival residence. Historic Arkansas Gardens are located on the Curran Hall grounds.

In addition to the Volksmarch directions, the Visitor Center gave us three maps:

1. Museum, Art and Heritage Trail map
2. Downtown Little Rock Attractions map
3. River Market map

In the following photo we are standing on a floorcloth - painted and varnished canvas - in the Curran Hall entry. Floorcloths provided a practical, economical, and attractive floor covering in the 1800s. Mud and food spills could be mopped up. Mold, mildew, and insects could not damage them. They insulated drafty floors. Customers chose the designs and colors. I wonder if anyone could do them today. That sounds like a cool floor for a 5th wheel.

Floorcloth in Curran Hall

Camellias in full bloom in October.

As we left the visitor center, our first order of business was lunch. Both of us were hungry.  We were headed into the River Market District which is known for attractions, dining, shopping, and lodging.

One of the first restaurants we saw was Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro. It looked interesting. We checked the menu and decided to eat there. It was 3:00 p.m. so we had the place to ourselves.

Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro

Dizzy's entry

The bar at Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro

Colorful dining room

We ate outside on the patio. Passing by is the River Rail Trolley.

I guess we wanted to eat healthy. Both of us ordered the 8+1 Sandwich. It came with red seedless grapes and a dill pickle spear. Very tasty!

8+1 sandwich (8 vegetables + 1 protein - turkey)

Time to get walking. We headed down to the river and turned right toward the Clinton Presidential Library. We took a detour to walk the boardwalk at William E. "Bill" Clark Presidential Park Wetlands and then took the stairs up to Clinton Presidential Library and Clinton Presidential Park Bridge.

Presidential Park Wetlands with Clinton Presidential Library

River birch

Clinton Presidential Library

Chihuly has an art exhibit at Clinton Presidential Library

Arkansas River from Clinton Presidential Park Bridge

We crossed the Arkansas River. At the opposite shore was Riverside RV Park. This RV park is very convenient to downtown Little Rock...just walk across one of the two pedestrian bridges. There's not much ambiance, though.

Little Rock's Riverside RV Park

Riverside RV Park as seen from bridge.

How do you like this 5th wheel?

 Part of our Volksmarch is on the Arkansas River Trail which Bob ran this morning.

U.S. Submarine Veteran's World War II Memorial

Our walk took us back downtown over the Junction Bridge which afforded great views of downtown and the U.S.S. Razorback submarine and two sternwheelers. Junction Bridge was originally constructed in 1884 as a railroad bridge. It is the nation's only pedestrian and bicycle bridge with a lift span. The lift span is locked into place in a raised position for uninterrupted barge traffic on the river. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skateboarders can traverse the entire length of the bridge by riding an elevator or taking stairs to maneuver around the upraised lift span.

Downtown Little Rock from Junction Bridge

U.S.S. Razorback

Bob had a long day so far. We decided to finish the Volksmarch tomorrow morning before we hit the road to Lake o' the Pines, Texas.

But we weren't finished quite yet. Bob wanted to go back to Pinnacle Mountain State Park to see the scenic viewpoint on a sunny day. Much better views today.

Arkansas River

Arkansas River

The Beast in the parking lot

Scenic viewpoint

Quarry lake

Tall rock walls

With that, we called it a day. We headed back to the 5er for left-over homemade Thai Chicken over brown rice and quinoa.

Tomorrow morning we will finish the Volksmarch. Check-out time from Maumelle COE Park isn't until 3:00 p.m. so no need to rush.

Travel Bug out.