Inviting Arkansas Blog

For all you blushing brides ...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:46:24 -0500

Alfred Angelo located in Midtown Shopping Center invites you to some special events this month.

Beginning Saturday, the 24th, through Sunday, Aug. 1st, visit the boutique for Bridesmaid’s Bash. You can save $20 on every bridesmaid dress! And for the little ones, save 10 percent on every flower girl dress!

Next Thursday, the 29th, plan on going to Alfred’s for Girls Night Out! From 6 to 8 p.m., you can enjoy an evening of pampering with your bridesmaids and again save $20 on every bridesmaid dress, including Purely Alfred Angelo, their new wear-again collection of eco-friendly fabrics. The same deal on flower girl dresses also applies. Even better, the first 50 shoppers receive a FREE GIFT!

Check ‘em out!

Art and happy hour!

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:54:37 -0500

Be drawn in to the scene. Simple yet lush landscapes captured on canvas and paper draw the viewer into the beauty and expanse of a Roger Carlisle work. Today, from 6 to 9 p.m., Greg Thompson Fine Art in North Little Rock will host the opening of a new Carlisle exhibit, Light in the Landscape. The artist will also be present and the gallery open late tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m. in conjunction with Third Friday Night Art Walk in the Argenta area of North Little Rock.

And don’t forget to join Local Colour Gallery on the other side of the river tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. for Happy Hour in the Heights. Enjoy some wine and cheese while you peruse art. This month’s featured artist is Mary Allison and her “Christmas in July” work!

Also tonight, just down the street from Local Colour on Kavanauh at Stephano’s Art Gallery, meet their new artists and enjoy entertainment from Over Murphy with Adam Cleaves and Anna Squire!

Foodie Fest

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:13:45 -0500

Make Your Plans Now for July 3rd Foodie Fest! Shop at the Argenta Farmers Market and Arts & Craft Market, then enjoy great food prepared by 10 area restaurants. Some of the participating restaurants include Ashley’s at The Capital Hotel-chicken and andouille gumbo, Starving Artist Cafe-Arkansas watermelon salad and Arkansas watermelon and Fisher honey sorbet, Trail’s End BBQ-beef brisket, Ferneau-pork tacos and lemonade and much more! YUM! Entertainment includes live music by Steve Bates and Ricky D and the Swing Shift, and arts and craft vendors,

Free hand-held fans for the first 500!

June!

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:25:06 -0500

It may not be official yet on the calendar, but it definitely feels like summer outside. We hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend and are looking forward to some more summer fun!

But first, check out the June issue online and read all about the Rep’s Nicole Capri Bauer and the upcoming style show, Passion for Fashion. Other highlights include the Hot Springs Musical Festival; artist Lynn Sudderth; and the man behind the Little Rock Film Festival, Jack Lofton. Summer is the perfect time for a picnic, so don’t miss our Must Haves feature showcasing all the items you might need to make it picnic perfect! Take a walk on the wild side as you peruse this month’s fashion, and remember if you see a party pic of yourself that you would like to stick in your scrapbook, all of them are available for purchase online!

Stay cool out there!

CARE for Animals

Mon, 10 May 2010 14:13:18 -0500

CARE for Animals extends deadline for discounted pre-registration to Paws on the Pavement 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and Volleyball Tournament

Central Arkansas Rescue Effort (CARE) for Animals Inc. has extended the deadline to Thursday, May 13, for discounted pre-registration to athletic events at CARE’s 11th Annual Paws on the Pavement.

The event will take place Saturday, May 15, at Murray Park in Little Rock. Entry is free except if participating in an athletic event. Festivities will include a $2 dog carnival, a 5K run, miniature horses, a 1-mile run/walk, adoptable pets, CARE’s first ever 3-on-3 co-ed volleyball tournament, canine DNA test kits, novelty gifts, caricatures, dog agility demonstrations, games, booth vendors and pet psychic readings by nationally recognized local psychic Carol Pate (featured on “Larry King Live,” “Unsolved Mysteries” and “Psychic Detectives”).

Online registration and/or printable entry forms are available through the CARE website at www.careforanimals.org, www.arkansasrunner.com or www.sweetsets.com. Entry forms are also available at the CARE Gift Shop at 5516 Kavanaugh Boulevard (between U.S. Pizza and Ozark Outdoors) and at many local veterinarians and retail locations in Little Rock. Sponsorship and vendor booths also are still available.

All proceeds from this event will directly benefit CARE for Animals Inc. a non-profit animal rescue and spay/neuter organization whose purpose is to rescue dogs and cats facing euthanasia from local animal control facilities, and to decrease the number of homeless and abandoned animals through aggressive spay/neuter programs.

Our May issue is now available online and on the streets! Pick...

Mon, 03 May 2010 16:25:33 -0500

Our May issue is now available online and on the streets! Pick up a copy today at retailers and restaurants throughout Little Rock!

See a photo for your scrapbook?

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:52:41 -0500

We go to a lot of parties and take a lot of pictures! We try to get as many photos as possible from each party in each issue, but there is only so much space. As you flip through the April issue and issues to come, if you happen upon a party you attended but don’t see your pretty face, check out our online photos,* where we upload ALL the party pics! You can scroll at your leisure and purchase the photo of your choice in the size you prefer. If you see your smiling face in the print magazine and want a copy for yourself, don’t hesitate to visit our online photo site, too!

We are very thrilled with the May issue and think you will be as well, as we pay tribute to mothers. In the meantime, have a happy weekend. See ya at the next event!

*The most current online photos are from our April issue.

It's almost May!

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:06:27 -0500

In the coming week, be on the watch for our May issue, which is all about honoring mothers! From features on notable moms to moms and their daughters modeling trends in fashion, we pay tribute to moms everywhere.

The calendar is still filled up with great events. This week, expect to see us tonight at Art to Remember, Wednesday at Bolo Bash, Thursday at Ragin’ Cajun and at the IV Party on Saturday. There are more parties, but we know you’re busy like us, so we’ll leave you now. Stay tuned for more reports on events and happenings!

Looking for something to do?

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:13:00 -0500

And support good causes at the same time?

There are plenty of opportunities this weekend to cut a rug, and help keep some awesome programs going in Arkansas. On Saturday, help keep the flame burning bright at Aldersgate After Dark, which supports all the wonderful services Camp Aldersgate has to offer. The camp gives special-needs children the opportunity to enjoy the camp life like any other child. Tickets are just $75 for the outside party in the River Market Pavilion.

This Friday, you can take the whole family out for some interactive fun at the Arkansas Arts Center. Museum Comes to Life will light up children’s faces and bring out the kid in all of us as actors bring art to life. For music lovers, Symphony on the Green may tickle your fancy. Jazz and dancing to the ASO’s big band is this event’s main attraction.

Read this month’s Inviting Arkansas for more information about upcoming parties, and visit our online calendar! And don’t forget to tell us about your upcoming event. Send information to events@invitingarkansas.com (We ask that you give us four-week’s notice.)

Have a happy week!

Share your history ...

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:21:51 -0500

… with the Old Statehouse Museum.

The Old State House Museum is turning to its growing Facebook fan base to show new and vintage photographs of their visits to the museum. The Old School Days page on the Old State House Museum’s Facebook site will be an “online retrospective exhibit.”

Families, students and teachers can post photographs documenting their experiences at the Old State House Museum. Director Bill Gatewood, explains, “The museum staff is excited to see the variety of submissions; this will be a fun way for many to explore personal history, to reflect on their visits and the passing of time.”

Hairstyles, clothing and even the medium of photography have changed since the Old State House, Arkansas’s first capital building, became a museum in 1951. “We think that visitors to our fan page will enjoy seeing the photographs of friends, family and classmates,” said Gatewood.

Fans can upload photos at www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=105360946165726&ref=mf.

2010 Destination Downtown Little Rock Living Tour

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 13:03:58 -0500

If you’re interested in the tastes and sights of downtown Little Rock, than the 2010 destination downtown Little Rock living tour is the perfect event for you to attend. If your interested in changing locations, this is the best interactive tour you can participate in.

More information is below:

Little Rock, Arkansas (April 8, 2010)— Downtown Little Rock Partnership (DLRP) announces that it will host a “Destination Downtown Living Tour” on Sunday, April 25, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sharon Priest, Executive Director, said DLRP started the tour of homes in 2007 to “showcase Downtown as a unique neighborhood with different lifestyle options.”

Tourgoers are invited to board rubber-wheel trolleys and shuttles and take a peek inside of Downtown Little Rock’s unique new homes, condos and apartments, and sample menus from the neighborhood’s restaurants.

The 2010 tour will feature properties including River Market Tower, Lafayette Square, Block 2 Lofts, The Cliffs, and Cumberland Place. North Little Rock properties in this year’s tour include CityGrove Townhomes and Enclave at the Riverfront. Trolleys and shuttles will run three continuous loops to include each of the sites, though participants may drive the tour.

Passport tickets are $7 (12 & under free) and may be purchased the day of the event from Downtown Little Rock Partnership in the lobby of Lafayette Square, corner of 6^th and Louisiana Streets. A tour map and property guide will be in each Passport. Passports must be shown to enter each property and will be stamped at each property to register to win prizes. Free onstreet parking is available for tour participants as well as in the 6^th and Scott Streets parking deck and in the Best Park parking lot located at the corner of 6^th and Louisiana Streets across from The Cathedral of St. Andrew.

For more information please contact Autumn Jacob, DLRP Events Coordinator, at 501-375-0121 or by email at ajacob@downtownlr.com. All proceeds go to benefit the beautification of Downtown. Downtown Little Rock Partnership is a non-profit, membership-based organization charged with developing and promoting Downtown Little Rock as a high-energy urban environment in which to live, work, play and invest.

Sponsored in part by: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Sync Weekly, Stone Ward, Centennial Bank, Metropolitan National Bank, IBERIABANK, Copper Grill and Grocery, Community Bakery, and Sufficient Grounds. Transportation will be provided by Arkansas Destinations and First United Methodist Church.

'Tis the Season (for parties)!

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:07:32 -0500

I’m sure your calendars are filled up just as much as ours! We have been busy, busy taking photos and mingling at the many parties going on this beautiful time of year. Just a sampling of where we’ve been:

Morgan Freeman and Warwick Sabin at Best of the South (awards gala for Oxford American)

Arkansas celebrities Joey Lauren Adams, Mary Steenburgen (host of of the event) and Kris Allen.

Kris Allen with his wife, Katy. Kris was the lead musical entertainment at the awards gala.

Then on to Barefoot Bash, organized by Clay Parker (left), who just went to Rwanda with Kris Allen to deliver shoes to children in need in partnership with Bridge2Rwanda. With Clay and Kris is Dale Dawson, founder of Bridge2Rwanda.

This guy, Josh Whitehurst, organized a Day Without Shoes walk today at the University of Central Arkansas. Kuddos to him for his lead with the TOMS Shoes initiative! With him is his mother, Libbi Whitehurst.

Barefoot Bash

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:54:00 -0500

After going to press with our April edition of Inviting Arkansas, we learned the Thursday, April 8, concert featuring Kris Allen will not take place.

However, on Wednesday, April 7, Kris will be at Heifer Village in downtown Little Rock to share his recent experiences placing shoes on the feet of Rwandan children in need on behalf of TOMS Shoes and Little Rock-based Bridge2Rwanda. Limited tickets are available for $25 each and proceeds benefit local organizations that support development work in Rwanda. Find out more: www.bridge2rwanda.org/barefoot-bash-registration

The April issue of Inviting Arkansas hit newsstands today! In it...

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:31:00 -0500

The April issue of Inviting Arkansas hit newsstands today! In it you will find details of the upcoming IV Party benefiting St. Vincent’s; party pics from Carnaval, Hope Ball and more; and an interview with Blake Mycoskie, owner and “chief shoe giver” of TOMS Shoes!

Also, find out what Clay Parker, an ambitious young professional, is doing to improve the world, and how Aimee & Mitch Berry are taking charge of Aldersgate After Dark to benefit Camp Aldersgate. In this issue, you will catch a glimpse into the heart of Lisa Kirkpatrick, who is chairing Arkansas A La Carte to benefit Children’s Hospital. And as always, we bring you the latest news in fashion and are pleased to share our “Must Haves” list!

Enjoy!

Spring has sprung!

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:13:03 -0500

The Bradford Pear trees have bloomed and the daffodils are brightening faces in photographs. In spite of a few cold and rainy days (maybe even some snow days), we think it’s safe to say spring is here!

Here at Inviting Arkansas, we are thrilled with the renewal and change that spring offers. Remember, we have moved offices (on Chenal Parkway behind the Purple Cow) and are most comfortable in our new efficient space. Please pop in on your next hamburger outing or trip to Barnes & Noble!

As fashionistas, we are also excited with the change of seasons because we can undo the layered clothes of winter and slip into the fun, feminine and flirty looks for spring! Our April issue is almost out, and we show you these popular looks and where you can get them in Central Arkansas.

We bring you inspiring stories in the April issue that you won’t want to miss! Does TOMS Shoes ring a bell? And don’t forget to keep us informed on the latest parties and events out there! Please give us a ring at 219-1000 or e-mail the details to jduke@invitingarkansas.com. In the meantime, have fun frolicking around in the beauty that is spring!

International Greek Food Festival events

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:35:00 -0500

International Greek Food Festival

The 26^th Annual International Greek Food Festival is scheduled for May 21-23, 2010.
Serving Food, Friends, & Community.
Seven benefiting charities. Charities are: Arkansas Foodbank Network, Centers for Youth & Families, Community Connections, Easter Seals Arkansas, Harmony Health Clinic, Love Truth Care Inc., Youth Home.
AGOC has always made it a priority to give back to local Arkansas charities.
Over past years, AGOC has given back over one million dollars to local Arkansas charities.
Free Parking with trolley services and Free admission
Hours of festival are: Friday 11-9; Saturday 11-9, and Sunday 12-6
For more information about festival visit website www.greekfoodfest.com
For more information about the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, visit website www.orthodoxchurch.com .
Facebook Page is Little Rock Greekfest.
To learn more about the Orthodox religion, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris will provide tours of the church during the festival.
Festival has new look/logo for 26^th year.
Festival will have ethnic foods from all around the Mediterranean.
Live entertainment from Greek, Middle Eastern, Indian, Irish Dancers.
Fun kids area featuring face painting, frame making along with other exciting rides and games.
Old World Market featuring imported items from all around the world—Jewelry, soaps, olive oils, books, Icons and other collectibles.
Online ordering available at festivsal with drive through pick up.
Festival accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Taste of the Mediterranean

- May 14, 2010 at the Annunication Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Napa Valley Drive.
- Wine pairings and cocktails begin at 6:30.
- Tickets are $100 per person
- Live and silent auctions
- Live entertainment
- Gourmet Mediterranean dinner cuisine
- Prelude dinner party to kick off festival
- Hosted by Easter Seals Arkansas and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Both benefit from proceeds of this event.
- To purchase tickets, contact Joey Lambert at Easter Seals at (501) 227-3600.

Greekfest Golf Classic

May 17, 2010 at Chenal Country Club.
9^th Annual Greekfest Easter Seals classic golf tournament.
Last year’s event raised $220,000 to help children and adults with disabilties.
Lunch for golfers start at 11pm at Chenal Country Club.
1pm tee off.
Two afternoon flights with four person scramble teams playing both Bear Den and Founders courses.
Teams of four are $1,500.
Participant sponsors of $3,000 or more will receive a table for eight guests at the Taste of the Mediterranean on May 14^th .
Prizes and gifts for all golfers that participate in the tournament.
For more information or to purchase a team, contact Joey Lambert at Easter Seals (501) 227-3600.
Easter Seals of Arkansas and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church benefit from proceeds of this event.

Register for annual Paws on the Pavement run/walk/volleyball tournament!

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:32:00 -0500

(Little Rock, AR) – Central Arkansas Rescue Effort (CARE) for Animals, Inc. is now accepting registrations for its 11th Annual Paws on the Pavement 5K Run, 1-Mile Run/Walk, 3-on-3 Volleyball Tournament and Family Fun Day to be held Saturday, May 15, 2010, at Murray Park in Little Rock.
Hosted by Alice 107.7’s Heather and D.C. and featuring activities for the whole family (including the dog), the event will kick off with a 5K Run at 8 a.m., followed by a 1-mile Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. and CARE’s first ever 3-on-3 Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament at 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Sweet Sets. Activities for both pet and owner include a dog carnival, a dog fashion show by Petco, miniature therapy horses, adoptable pets, vendor booths, dog agility demonstrations, food, micro chipping, awards, and more.
Race and walk pre-registration entry fee is $20/person or $36/family (limit 4). For registrations postmarked after May 10 and on the day of the event, the entry fee is $25/person or $40/family. Entry fee for the limited-space volleyball tournament is $60 per team, with three play levels from which to choose. Same-day registration is not available for the volleyball tournament. Pre-registration guarantees individual entrants one T-shirt & family entrants two T-shirts & a participant race bag. Animal lovers can even be part of the fun, without the run, by donating as a “Virtual Runner” – T-shirts will be mailed. In honor of Armed Forces Day, individual race/walk registration is free to all active-duty military personnel.
Online registration and/or printable entry forms are available through the CARE website at www.careforanimals.org, www.arkansasrunner.com or www.sweetsets.com. Entry forms are also available at the CARE Gift Shop at 5516 Kavanaugh Boulevard (between U.S. Pizza and Ozark Outdoors) and at many local veterinarians and retail locations in Little Rock. Sponsorship and vendor booths also are still available.
All proceeds from this event will directly benefit CARE for Animals, Inc., a non-profit animal rescue and spay/neuter organization whose purpose is to rescue dogs and cats facing euthanasia from local animal control facilities, and to decrease the number of homeless and abandoned animals through aggressive spay/neuter programs. Since its inception in 1998, CARE has rescued more than 2,400 dogs and cats, and provided over 8,400 free or discounted sterilizations for pets from limited-income families.
For more information or to participate as a sponsor or vendor, call 603-CARE (2273) or visit www.careforanimals.org.

Third Time's A Charm!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:31:00 -0600

After three attempts to make it to Little Rock, “An Evening with Diane Rehm” was worth the wait!

For almost 30 years, Diane Rehm has been guiding compelling and lively conversations with policy makers, best-selling authors, news analysts, everyday Americans, and others on her weekday program The Diane Rehm Show. Her ability to lead a civil exchange of ideas on a variety of topics combined with her commitment to involving listeners in her discussions by taking their questions and comments makes her program one of the most popular on public radio.

Last night, some of the Inviting Arkansas staff, Katie Cooper and Jillian Duke, had the opportunity to stay for the Diane Rehm event at the Embassy Suites. Rehm gave an entertaining yet thought-provoking speech while energizing the audience during the Q&A. Special thanks to UALR’s KUAR radio station for hosting the event and to let us be a part of it all!

Gallery 26 celebrates 15 years

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:34:28 -0600

If you love art, then come celebrate with Gallery 26 as it celebrates its 15 year anniversary on Saturday, March 20 from 7-10 p.m. If you can’t make it to the opening reception, the show will run through May 8. The reception is free and open to the public.

Food, beverages and live music will be provided as well as a drawing for a door prize.

The celebration will feature artists Jeff Waddle and Emily Galusha and also artists Steven Wise and Kevin Kresse, who were among the original contributers to the gallery in 1995.

Gallery 26 was started by artists Renee Williams and Steve Ross and continues to highlight only Arkansas artists. The gallery includes a variety of artistic mediums, including: sculptures, paintings, photographs, jewelry and glass blown pieces. Work is sold at a variety of prices and picture framing is also available.

For more information, contact Gallery 26 at 501-664-8996 or email Gallery26@gmail.com.

Have you picked up your March copy of Inviting Arkansas?!...

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:35:33 -0600

Have you picked up your March copy of Inviting Arkansas?! Available at your favorite retailer or restaurant today!