Have you seen them yet?  They’re hot off the presses, and something for the Argenta Downtown Council to be very proud of.  What is it?  It’s the new Argenta Arts District brochure!

This comprehensive brochure highlights all of the galleries and restaurants in the district.  It’s the first time something of this caliber has been created – and it’s really setting the stage for what is quickly becoming THE preeminent destination for art in the Central Arkansas area.

Sherrie Shepherd designed the brochures – and they are high class.  The map at the center is the highlight of the brochure.  It shows that Little Rock and North Little Rock really aren’t worlds apart, and it helps guide all visitors to the area directly to each location where they will find art, culture, and delicious food.

So next time someone asks you, “So, what’s there to do in downtown North Little Rock anyway?” Laugh and shake your head.  Then hand them this top-notch brochure.  Things are changing – for the better.

Available from
Argenta Downtown Council
(501) 993-1234

Guess what week it is?  That’s right – it’s time for Third Friday Art Walk again.  We just love our Third Fridays.  Argenta really comes to life with art and food every which way you turn.

This month is no exception.  The artists are back at the First Presbyterian Church at Maple and 4th Streets ready to wow you with their latest works.  And the galleries are all open.  Ketz Gallery has an exhibit by local artist Michael Lindas, Greg Thompson Fine Art has their exhibit by Mark Blaney, along with works by other Southern Artists.  And Starving Artist Cafe will have Doug Norton painting live.

And The THEA Foundation has another performance for us!  The Pulaski Heights and Aeolus Recorder Konsorts will be on hand to give a special public performance from 6:30 – 7:30 at The THEA Foundation.  And while you’re there – be sure and check out the winners from their recent scholarship competition.  It’s pretty amazing the kind of artists we’re turning out in Arkansas.

So whether you make it a date night or a family affair, Third Friday Art Walk always has something for everyone – and we know this one will be no different.  We hope we see you.

Third Friday Art Walk
February 19, 2010
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Downtown North Little Rock – in the Argenta Arts District.

We haven’t been residents of Argenta for too long, yet we know that the folks who live and work – and visit – this area like to have a good time.  And that’s a good thing, because we do, too.

So it should come as no surprise that next week brings many more chances to have a good time.  It’s Valentine’s Day on Sunday, and of course Friday brings Third Friday Art Walk!  But next week is also Ash Wednesday – the beginning of lent.  So, if you’re from anywhere near Louisiana, that also means it’s time for Mardi Gras!

Well, there are a lot of Louisiana transplants here in Arkansas.  And who doesn’t love Mardi Gras?  So the folks in Argenta are going to throw a Mardi Gras (well, okay, a Lundi Gras) party!  Come join us on Monday night at Starving Artist Cafe.

The Krewe of Barkus (get it?) will throw the best Mardi Gras party around – with a fantastic buffet of food and of course great music.  But best of all – you get to see all your friends and help raise some money for the Argenta Downtown Council.  They’ve made great strides in the last few years – let’s keep them going!

Mardi Gras Party – Argenta Style
Starving Artist Cafe
Monday, February 15
6:00 p.m.
$30 per person.
Contact Donna Hardcastle at (501) 993-1234 for tickets.

One of the things we like most about this area is that there continue to be unexpected surprises and hidden treasures everywhere we turn.  Last week we had the pleasure of attending the opening for “Enchanting Taiwan” in the Exhibit Hall at the main branch of the Laman Library.

This compilation of outstanding photographs takes the viewer on an exquisite and colorful journey throughout this magical country.  We never knew there were such stunning rock formations and colorful celebrations in the country of Taiwan.

Each of the photographs gives the viewer an inside look at that particular piece of Taiwanese culture – from the everyday to the extraordinary.  And each photograph captures you and beckons you to reach deeper.

It’s a wonderful tourism tool – as we would love to see these places and faces in person one day!  And learning about the culture is fascinating as well.

We’re glad we dropped by – and we hope you’ll make a stop at the library to see this interesting and beautiful exhibit.

Enchanting Taiwan
William F. Laman Public Library
Exhibit Hall
2801 Orange Street
North Little Rock

Through February 28, 2010.

It’s one of our favorite times of the year!  It’s time again for Argenta Restaurant Week!  This is always a fun week – and we’re smack dab in the middle of it.  The Argenta area of Downtown North Little Rock is really making a name for itself.  There are wonderful galleries and eateries for all budgets and tastes.  And this week is your chance to try them all.

For lunch, you can enjoy an $8 fare at Cornerstone Pub & Grill, Cregeen’s Irish Pub, Margo’s Catfish Diner & Deli, Reno’s Argenta Cafe, Starving Artist Cafe and Ump’s Pub and Grill.  Phew.  You’ve got some great choices!

Then, for dinner, you can choose between two of our favorite dinner hot spots – Ristorante Capeo or Starving Artist Cafe.  Both have $25 prix fix dinners that will make your mouths water.

So what are you waiting for?  You only have until the 23rd, so GO EAT!

Argenta Restaurant Week
Through January 23rd

For more information, visit
www.argentarestauantweek.com.

There is so much going on in Argenta this weekend!  There’s Third Friday Art Walk – with lots of new exhibits – on Friday night, and then there’s the launch party for Oxford American’s new music issue on Saturday!

Yes, on Saturday, get ready to party.  Oxford American is celebrating it’s 11th Annual Southern Music issue.  And for the first time, the music focuses solely on Arkansas musicians.  So, it’s only fitting that we have a party here!

And, to make it even more fun – the party moves.  Start out at Cregeen’s Irish Pub for happy hour at 5:00.  Once you’ve whet your whistle, walk on down to Starving Artist Cafe where there will be a delicious dinner special just for the occasion.

Then the music begins at 7:00 with Larry Donn across the street at Reno’s Argenta Cafe.  The music continues until one in the morning and features Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers, Jim Mize, True Soul Band, and Sleepy Labeef.  The music moves from Reno’s to Cornerstone and back again – so you know this party will be hopping!

All of the performers on Saturday night were profiled in the Southern Music Issue.  So bring your copy along or pick it up at the party.  It’s a great one, and a keeper.

Best of all – tickets for the night are only $20.  You get to listen to an extraordinary night of legendary southern music right here.  Now that’s pretty awesome.

Oxford American Magazine’s
“A Night of Arkansas Stars”
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Begins at 5:00 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets and for the full line up

We are pleased that Carousel is offering such a special offer to our readers, and hope you will try them out!

Click here to visit their site.

It’s a new year!  Have you made your resolutions yet?  Typically we all make some sort of resolution surrounding our health.  It could be about losing weight, or working out more often, or maybe just relaxing a bit from all our stresses.

Well this year, we hope you keep those resolutions!  And a good way to begin is by checking out Carousel Fit-4-Life Wellness Center right here in Argenta!  We’ve had the pleasure of meeting owner Phyllis Hodges, and we have to say – this is a real gem in our neighborhood.

She offers personal training, group training, and memberships so you can come and go as you please.  Plus all the little extras – a room for the kiddos, massage therapy, manicures, and shopping!

Yes, when we were at Carousel, we felt right at home.  And knowing that there’s someone around who cares about you and cares about your spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing is always encouraging.

So let’s gear up for a great 2010 – and with Carousel it can all happen with ease.

Carousel Fit-4-Life Wellness Center
513 Main Street
North Little Rock
(501) 372-3FIT

www.carouselfit-4-life.org