Nestled just south of I-630, SoMa Little Rock—short for South Main—is a vibrant downtown neighborhood teeming with unique attractions and culinary delights. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring SoMa promises a memorable experience filled with history, art, and some of the best food and shopping the city offers.
Discover unique attractions in soma little rock
SoMa Little Rock has cultivated a collection of fascinating spots that showcase its rich history and artistic flare. Begin your journey at the Rock Town Distillery, Arkansas’s first legal distillery since prohibition. Located near the interstate, this distillery produces award-winning spirits like bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka. We recommend reserving a guided tour and tasting session to witness the distillation process and savor their offerings, including the delightful coffee vodka.
Next, visit the Esse Purse Museum to explore a unique narrative of women’s history told through handbags and their contents. Besides the entertaining exhibits, the museum shop offers a variety of stylish purses for purchase.
For a creative venture, head to the Pour Candle Bar where you can craft personalized soy candles by selecting your container and fragrance, making it a perfect activity for groups.
Don’t miss Bernice Garden, a beautiful green space envisioned by Anita Davis. This area features intriguing sculptures and boasts a seasonal farmer’s market and various festivals, including the popular Cornbread Festival in the fall.
Additionally, take a quick drive to 1321 Scott Street to marvel at the Villa Marre, a historic Italianate home recognizable from the long-running TV series “Designing Women.”
For a thrilling group activity, The Escape offers a challenge where up to seven participants can work together to solve puzzles and escape themed rooms.
Taste culinary delights in soma little rock
SoMa’s dining scene is a gastronomic delight featuring a variety of eateries to satisfy any palate. Start your day with a stop at the Community Bakery, an iconic establishment in the area. Enjoy a peaceful moment with a coffee and a croissant, and don’t miss their addictive iced cookies.
For lunch or dinner, head to The Root Cafe, renowned for sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers. Their menu includes the town’s best burger and a noteworthy tofu bahn mi sandwich, perfect for vegetarians.
Boulevard Bread Company offers an intimate setting near Bernice Garden, ideal for enjoying their award-winning bread, sandwiches, and salads.
Loblolly Creamery is a local favorite, serving handcrafted ice cream made from organic ingredients. Their salted caramel and fresh mint chip flavors come highly recommended.
The Bagel Shop opened in 2023 and quickly became a hit, offering delicious bagels and hearty bagel sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
When craving pizza, Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom stands out for its brick-oven pizzas, salads, and a fine selection of beers and wines.
El Sur Street Food transitioned from a food truck to a full restaurant, bringing Honduran and Latin American cuisine to SoMa. Try their Con Todo for a rich, flavorful experience.
Mockingbird Bar and Tacos offers a casual setting with fresh tacos, vegetarian options, and excellent cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients.
Unwrap soma little rock’s shopping destinations
SoMa’s shopping landscape provides an eclectic mix of stores to explore. Start at The Green Corner Store, Arkansas’s first eco-lifestyle store offering sustainable, organic products, and a diverse selection of teas at their tea bar.
South Main Creative offers a nostalgic shopping experience, resembling a hip antique mall with various booths selling art, clothing, and collectibles.
For vintage lovers, Sweet Home Furnishings specializes in unique vintage and antique home items, curated beautifully for a pleasant shopping experience.
Moxy Modern Mercantile features fun and playful vintage-inspired merchandise, including unique home decor items and perfect gifts.
M2 Gallery showcases a stunning collection of art from various artists, complementing its custom framing and art installation services.
Pink Olive is a charming gift store offering creative and whimsical items, perfect for art enthusiasts or anyone with a playful spirit.
Lastly, the gift shop at Esse Purse Museum provides unique handbag options, making it a great place to find presents for purse aficionados.
Experience the vibrant history of soma little rock
The history of SoMa Little Rock is a colorful tapestry of transformation. Once flourishing in the 1920s through the 1940s with stately homes and landmarks like Central High School and the Governor’s Mansion, the area faced decline during the suburban exodus of the 1950s and 60s.
The construction of I-630 further isolated SoMa from downtown, leading to decades of neglect. However, stalwarts like the Community Bakery and Midtown Billiards—a local favorite since the 1970s—weathered the downturn.
The renaissance began in 2006 when Anita Davis established Bernice Garden, triggering revitalization efforts that continue to shape SoMa’s dynamic present.
With a blend of history, art, and modern amenities, SoMa Little Rock has risen as a cultural and culinary enclave. Whether you’re exploring galleries, enjoying artisanal foods, or shopping for unique treasures, SoMa offers a delightful experience that captures the heart of Little Rock. Visit and discover what makes this downtown neighborhood so special.
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