By Ronda Racha Penrice
Before Bill Clinton came along, Arkansas was mired by its Jim Crow past. But, these days, the state is distinguishing itself with very progressive projects. From the clinton presidential library in little rock to the even newer Crystal Bridges Museum of american art in Bentonville, the “natural state” is generating buzz.
Capital Gains
Known as “the front porch of Little Rock,” the historic Capital Hotel dates back to 1870 and was many things, including “bachelor quarters,” before settling into the suite life in 1877. Its ginormous elevator was supposedly built so President Ulysses S. Grant could take his horse to his room. After a two year shuttering, the “Grand Dame” of downtown re-emerged in 2007 with its historic integrity intact, as well as new, modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs and WiFi. One of its biggest coups: snagging French chef Joël Antunes—the winner of the James Beard Best Chef of the Southeast Award while helming Atlanta’s Joël—for Ashley’s, the Capital’s fine dining gem.
Palatial & Presidential
Scoring a library is a perk of being a former commander-in-chief and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is one heck of a parting gift. Located in the River Market District, the tourist attraction has transformed the once-depressed area. Inside the impressive structure, which takes cues from the Long Room of Dublin’s Trinity College and is situated within a 30-acre park, Clinton’s presidential armored Cadillac and the A Campaign for the Future exhibit on his successful ’92 and ’96 runs are among the highlights. On-site eatery Forty Two, overlooking the Arkansas River, is an affordable lunch spot (center admission is not required).
Bravehearts
In 1957, when nine African Americans enrolled in then all-white Central High School amid heavy opposition, including that of Governor Orval Faubus, they pushed the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board Supreme Court school desegregation decision to the limit and helped propel the nation forward. Today, NBA star Joe Johnson’s alma mater is both an active school and a National Historic Site.