You have to start somewhere

Hi, folks,
Here we are, starting down a new pathway, exploring the USA one state at a time in our new, 31 foot travel trailer. Accompanied by Zoe, our adorable half lab/half beagle, and Hercules, our manic and needy lab/rat terrier mix, we are ready to embrace the open road, heeding the call to try world famous chili, barbeque, hamburgers, pizza, beer, and yes, we will be the judge of what is "best."

As we meander down the interstate, we will offer you our likes and dislikes of RV parks, resorts, places to stop along the way and even places to avoid. We will do our best to include services that will be helpful during your travels, and, since a picture truly does say a thousand words, we will include photos along with our ramblings, and occasionally we will insert a poem or two.

Our first trip was to Maumelle State Park in Little Rock, AR, a park operated by the Corp of Engineers. Maumelle Park is a gem of a park nestled alongside the Arkansas River, yet only 10 minutes from west Little Rock, which means if you don't catch any fish you don't have to do without dinner--Kroger is just minutes away, along with a wide variety of family and upscale dining.

The park has over one hundred campsites, accommodating anything from a tent to a full sized Motor home with awnings and slide-outs. There are electric and water hook-ups along with dump stations, and the park is well maintained. Our site was on the river although there are wooded sites as well. Although the park offers no supplies, with civilization being only 10 minutes away you shouldn't run any of anything for very long.

If you don't catch any fish, or you just get tired of burgers and hot dogs, for family dining, travel west on Cantrell to find Izzy's, a place that offers both a comfortable setting and good food. Their tamales are a specialty, but you can also find salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. The folks are friendly and the service is good. Prices are reasonable, too.

There are plenty of other options, from pizza places to a little more upscale, such as Capers and, traveling farther east on Cantrell, you will find several restaurants, including Bonefish, Johnny Carinos, and many other choices. Also, a short drive down Rahling Road takes you to Chenal Boulevard and many other shopping and dining opportunities, along with the Chenal 9, a state of the arts movie theater which includes an IMAX theater as well.

There are vets and other boarding facilities that offer day care in the event you want to explore the central Arkansas area and don't want to be tied down to letting the puppies out of the RV every few hours. Our favorite is Canine Country Club west on Cantrell. You do not need reservations for day care, and the only problem you will face is your dog may not be ready to leave at the end of the day. Anita and her family will treat your dog like family. Tell her Zoe and Hercules sent you. If your dog becomes ill, Dr. Kim Miller at Chenal Valley Animal Hospital gets our Top Dog Vet Award. Links for both of these facilities are on this page.

Be sure to explore downtown Little Rock while you are in the area, making time for the River Market area along with the Clinton Library. The Old State House is interesting, and if art is your thing be sure and visit the Arkansas Arts Center. You can generally catch a play at the Rep or one of the local community theaters (Weekend Theater is one of our favorites) and the Symphony is always a pleasure.

Check out these places and more while visiting Little Rock, Arkansas.