Hotel at a Glance: The Empress of Little Rock

The National Register of Historic Places recognized the Empress of Little Rock as the best example of ornate Victorian architecture in Arkansas. The home’s grandiose architectural features display both Queen Anne and gothic influences. There’s a 3.5-story corner tower, a 200-foot veranda, and an 8-square-foot stained-glass skylight, all constructed from local materials. Since its original completion in 1888 (when it was known as Hornibrook Mansion), The Empress served as a private residence, a women’s college, and a boarding house before it was restored to its original floor plan in 1994 and transformed into a B&B.

• Antique furnishings deck out all the guest rooms, most of which include fireplaces.
• Enjoy breakfast by candlelight, which may include baked alaska oranges or cream of apple soup.
• High tea is held by appointment only and includes homemade scones, followed by a one-hour historical tour of the home ($20/person); there are also special “Downton Abbey” grand high teas held on Sundays ($40/person).
• Press shout-out: In 2010, Country Almanac Magazine named The Empress the fourth most romantic B&B in the U.S.

Little Rock, Arkansas: Historic Capital City with Lots of Outdoor Fun

Little Rock, which lies along the southern banks of the Arkansas River, was named one of Outside magazine’s best towns in 2013, thanks in part to the Arkansas River Trail System. The trail runs for more than 30 miles along the water, with ample room for walkers, joggers, and bikers on paths connecting 38 parks and six museums. Additionally, the trail provides easy access to the River Market, a gigantic outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex downtown.

The entire city could be considered a history museum. It’s home to Little Rock Central High School, which became the epicenter of the Civil Rights movement during the school desegregation crisis of 1957. Visitors can learn more about the Little Rock Nine—the first African-American students to attend the formerly all-white school—across the street at the National Historic Site Visitor Center.

Arkansas is the home state of President Clinton, and Little Rock is where you’ll find the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, which houses an extensive archive of official records, photographs, and videotapes as well as a detailed replica of the Oval Office. Also worth a visit: the city’s numerous museums and state capitol buildings—including the oldest state capitol west of the Mississippi River.

There’s plenty for families to do here as well. Kids can play and learn at the Museum of Discovery, and there’s a zoo just a few miles outside of downtown.

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