South End - Little Rock, AR

During the time that a handful of settlers first scouted land along the Arkansas River, the Quapaw tribe inhabited the southern banks. This area later became Downtown and South Little Rock. From this early start as indigenous territory, the neighborhood slowly transformed into rural land and eventually industrialized and expanded along the route of the city’s railway lanes.

Most of South Little Rock’s arts and cultural scene unfolds at the Barton Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena inside the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. The venue hosts basketball tournaments, monster truck rallies and rodeos, as well as famous musical groups such as Jackson 5 and Blue Oyster Cult.

Grassroots neighborhood events, most of which are organized by South End Neighborhood Association, include National Night Out and Neighborhood Clean-Ups.

“Soul food,” that stereotypical Southern fare, features ingredients and dishes cooked just like grandma used to make them; or, that’s how it appears among South Little Rock’s restaurants and cafes. Dotting Highway 67 and Highway 367, the neighborhood’s limited choices lean toward comfort cuisine.

Lassis Inn is a classic example. Rumor has it that this restaurant has been in business for at least 100 years and still serves the same things as when it opened: friend catfish and fried buffalo fish. Locals rave about the simple and hearty menu, which includes sides such as hush puppies, slaw and fries. If you can't decide what to order at this“catfish mecca” of Little Rock, try a bit of both.

At Sim’s Bar-B Que, dine in or take out dripping portions of chicken, beef and pork. The vinegar-based barbecue sauce receives accolades, surprising diners, given Sim’s unassuming exterior. This hole-in-the-wall also serves some of the best baked beans in the city and often runs out of ribs by the end of the day. Try the chopped pork, also.

Jerkys' Jamaican-American food challenges your taste buds with authentic seasoning. Spice levels run from mild to extra hot, so order accordingly. Jerk-chicken and jerk-rib dinner plates come with your choice of side, roll and beverage. Be sure to ask about the bread pudding desert with bourbon whiskey sauce.

For a glimpse of Little Rock’s nightlife, head downtown. Here, popular city joints show off their Southern charm through traditional hospitality and a lot of good music. The stage at South On Main features jazz and blues musicians from around the region, while the menu focuses on Arkansas specialties. Craft brews steal the show at Flying Saucer, a gastropub serving German-influenced food. Linger over a pint and a game of pool at Midtown Billiards, or dance to both DJ and live piano music at Willy D’s Piano Bar.

South Little Rock’s residential environment and proximity to the expansive Interstate Park may encourage foot and bike traffic, but a lack of official bike lanes in the neighborhood dissuades cyclists. The city’s size necessitates some sort of four-wheeled transportation.

Several Central Arkansas Travel Authority bus routes service the area. Route 2 runs down Main Street, stopping at 33rd and Gaines and carrying passengers downtown. Route 11 follows Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Drive, and Route 15 drops residents in the Upper Baseline suburb. Buses run every 10 minutes, with the trip downtown taking about 30 minutes.

Alternatively, take the journey in a private vehicle along Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Drive, and arrive at the city center in less than 10 minutes. Nearby Highway 67 turns into Interstate 139A/Highway 167 and sends you speedily toward any point in the city. Parking poses few problems in residential blocks, but the neighborhood’s commercial venues provide ample lot space.

Taxi companies operate around the city, as does the ride-sharing service Uber. This communal form of transportation utilizes a convenient mobile application to locate drivers nearby.

At the southern edge of the neighborhood lies one of the city’s largest natural landscapes, Interstate Park. Basketball courts, a football field and lit softball and baseball fields invite recreational sports teams and more casual jump-in games. Though the park has no playground, its wide open grassy space gives kids plenty of room to run around. Picnic tables and a pavilion complete the park’s list of amenities. While dogs are allowed in the park, they must remain on-leash.

Nature enthusiasts love Fourche Creek, which runs through the park and provides local access to fishing, canoeing and other forms of water transport. Push your floatable device off from Interstate Park’s launch and drift down over 20 miles of waterway. On the trip, keep your eyes open for native species such as great blue herons and spotted gars or elusive mink and beavers.

Cyclists lament the lack of bike trails but get their two wheel kicks at the Superprestige Night Cyclocross Race each year. This event features several races per age and skill level, over a mostly grass course.

A second athletic event, the Monster Ball Kickball Tournament, takes place in the park, with prizes given for winning teams and best-dressed monsters. All proceeds benefit the Family Promise of Pulaski County, which provides services to area homeless kids and their parents.

The cost of living in South Little Rock sits nearly 11 percent lower than the average cost of living elsewhere in the city. While goods, services and transportation remain similar in price, housing costs are nearly half the citywide average. Rental rates run at least $100 lower than they do in greater Little Rock.

From any of the neighborhood’s bus stops, a single fare ticket downtown costs $1.35 – or you can save money with a $3.75 full-day pass. Fill up your car, and pay about 10 percent less than the national average price for fuel. An evening out costs at least $15: $4 to $6 for a pint at the corner pub and $10 or more for dinner.

Broadway Plaza Shopping Center gathers South Little Rock's retail venues in one location. From Banana Republic to Macy's, Sur La Table and Coach, this one-stop center houses the nation's leading fashion, home ware and accessories stores.

For shopping of a more eclectic and localized sort, head toward downtown. Here, area favorites include the Green Corner Store. Part gift shop, part traditional soda fountain, this store merits an extended visit. Peruse the shelves of handcrafted goods from local artisans and Arkansas themed t-shirts, then quench your thirst with a preservative-free ice cream or lemonade. Check out their website for more information on its eco-friendly souvenirs.

A few blocks west, New Africa Imports and Pyramid Arts, Books and Custom Framing pay tribute to the area's African influence. At New Africa Imports, buy dashikis, shea butters and halal meats. The owner provides snacks while you shop. Pyramid Arts caters to consumers' intellectual side with autobiographies, kids' books, poetry volumes and cooking books featuring African-American authors and subjects. Special events include book signings by Arkansas writers and Baobob story time for children.

Supermarkets such as Kroger and Piggly Wiggly line Highway 365, while several independent grocers - Buddo's Emporium and Market and Barnes Grocery - operate inside the neighborhood.

The nearest farmer's market lies on South Main Street. The Bernice Garden Farmers Market allows local farmers and backyard growers to sell sustainable produce, herbs, nuts, dairy products and prepared foods. Musicians and artisans join the rows of vendors each Sunday from 10 am until 2 pm. Running from April to November, the market has free entry and parking.