Discover the Charm of Little Rock Through Its Iconic Film Settings

Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, is a hidden gem in the world of film, literature, and television. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and Southern charm, it has been the backdrop for numerous iconic films, enthralling TV shows, and captivating books. This guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Little Rock, exploring its famous filming locations, literary settings, and TV show locales.

Famous Films Shot in Little Rock

Little Rock’s unique blend of urban and natural sceneries has made it a favorite among filmmakers. From historical dramas to thrilling action movies, the city’s landscape has played a significant role in various films.

A Few Iconic Films Shot in Little Rock

1. “Sling Blade” (1996)  – Directed by Billy Bob Thornton. This Academy Award-winning film features Little Rock’s distinctive Southern charm and architecture.
2. “God’s Not Dead 2” (2016)  – Directed by Harold Cronk. Filmed in various locations in Little Rock, including Central High School, this film showcases the city’s educational landmarks.
3. “The Last Ride” (2011)  – Directed by Harry Thomason. This film about the final days of Hank Williams, a legendary country singer, features several scenes shot in Little Rock.
4. “Gone with the Wind” (1939)  – Although primarily shot in California, some scenes were filmed in Little Rock’s Old Mill, a historic re-creation of an 1880’s water-powered grist mill.
5. “The Firm” (1993)  – Directed by Sydney Pollack. While most of the movie was filmed in Memphis, some scenes were shot in Little Rock, showing the city’s vibrant downtown scene.

TV Shows Set in Little Rock

Aside from films, Little Rock has also been the setting for several popular TV shows. The city’s unique character and picturesque environment make it an ideal location for different genres.

Noteworthy TV Shows Set in Little Rock

1. “Designing Women” (1986-1993)  – Created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. Although filmed in California, this sitcom is set in Little Rock, centering around an interior design firm.
2. “Evening Shade” (1990-1994)  – Created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. This Emmy-winning sitcom, starring Burt Reynolds, is set in a fictional town near Little Rock.
3. “True Detective” (2014-present)  – The third season of this critically acclaimed series, created by Nic Pizzolatto, was filmed and set in the scenic landscapes of Northwest Arkansas, near Little Rock.

Animated Films Set in Little Rock

Little Rock’s vibrant landscapes and architectural wonders have also served as inspiration for different animated films.

Recognized Animated Films Set in Little Rock

1. “Leap!” (2016)  – Directed by Eric Summer and í‰ric Warin. Some scenes in this animated film were inspired by Little Rock’s picturesque landscape.
2. “Bilal: A New Breed of Hero” (2015)  – Directed by Khurram H. Alavi and Ayman Jamal. The animation for this film was partially done in Little Rock by the animation studio, “Pixel Park”.
3. “I Can Only Imagine” (2018)  – Directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin. While not an animated film, this movie’s animation sequence was done by the Little Rock-based animation studio, “Boutwell Studios”.

Famous Books Set in Little Rock

Little Rock’s rich history and cultural significance have also made it a popular setting for numerous literary works.

Classic and Contemporary Books Set in Little Rock

Classic Books

1. “A Painted House” by John Grisham  – This novel depicts rural life near Little Rock during the 1950s.
2. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou  – This autobiography illustrates the author’s childhood experiences in Stamps, a small town near Little Rock.
3. “Summer of My German Soldier” by Bette Greene  – Set in Jenkinsville, a fictional town near Little Rock, this novel explores the unlikely friendship between a young Jewish girl and a German POW during World War II.

Contemporary Books

1. “The Homecoming of Samuel Lake” by Jenny Wingfield  – This novel, set in 1950s Arkansas, near Little Rock, is a heartwarming tale of love, loyalty, and courage.
2. “Before We Were Strangers” by Renée Carlino  – Part of this emotional love story is set in Little Rock.
3. “Invisible Life” by E. Lynn Harris  – This novel explores the life of a young African American man discovering his sexuality in Little Rock.

Exploring Little Rock’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

To fully immerse yourself in Little Rock’s film history, there are several key locations you must visit.

Must-Visit Filming Locations

1. The Old Mill  – Featured in “Gone with the Wind”, this historic landmark is a must-visit.
2. Central High School  – Known for its role in desegregation, it’s also featured in “God’s Not Dead 2”.
3. The Arkansas State Capitol  – Often used as a stand-in for the White House in films and TV shows.
4. The Robinson Center  – This Art Deco building has been a filming location for several films.
5. Pinnacle Mountain State Park  – Its scenic beauty has been captured in several films and TV shows.

Where to Sleep in Little Rock

When it comes to accommodation, Little Rock offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

1. Firehouse Hostel & Museum  – Located in MacArthur Park, this budget-friendly option is a fully functioning hostel and museum.
2. HI Little Rock Firehouse Hostel & Museum  – This hostel offers affordable accommodation in a renovated old firehouse.
3. La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown Conference Center  – Located near the State Capitol, it offers comfortable rooms at reasonable rates.

Luxury Accommodation

1. The Capital Hotel  – Known as the “Front Porch of Little Rock”, this hotel is an iconic landmark offering luxury accommodation.
2. Little Rock Marriott  – This downtown hotel offers luxury rooms and suites with stunning views of the Arkansas River.
3. The Burgundy Hotel  – An upscale hotel offering luxury suites and a fine dining restaurant.

Where to Eat in Little Rock

From Southern comfort food to international cuisines, Little Rock offers a plethora of dining options.

Budget Dining Options

1. The Root Café  – Known for their farm-to-table menu, this café offers delicious and affordable meals.
2. Whole Hog Café  – This local chain is famous for its award-winning barbeque.
3. Flying Fish  – Offers a wide range of seafood dishes at affordable prices.

Luxury Dining Options

1. One Eleven at the Capital  – Located in the Capital Hotel, it offers a fine dining experience with a menu that changes daily.
2. The Pantry  – Known for its European cuisine, this restaurant offers a unique fine dining experience.
3. Ciao Baci  – A trendy spot in the Hillcrest neighborhood known for its seasonal menu and extensive wine list.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

Planning a trip to Little Rock? Here’s a detailed day by day itinerary for exploring the city’s famous filming locations.

Day 1: Central Little Rock

1. Morning  – Start your day at the Old Mill, followed by a visit to the Central High School.
2. Afternoon  – Visit the Arkansas State Capitol and the Robinson Center.
3. Evening  – End your day with a delicious meal at One Eleven at the Capital.

Day 2: Downtown Little Rock

1. Morning  – Visit the River Market District, a popular filming location.
2. Afternoon  – Explore the Clinton Presidential Center and Park.
3. Evening  – Dine at Ciao Baci.

Day 3: Outskirts of Little Rock

1. Morning  – Start your day with a visit to Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
2. Afternoon  – Explore the Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott.
3. Evening  – Head back to Little Rock and enjoy a meal at The Pantry.

Local Legends and Curiosities

Little Rock is steeped in fascinating legends and curiosities.

1. The Dogtown Werewolf  – A local legend of a werewolf-like creature roaming the North Little Rock area, also known as Dogtown.
2. The Gurdon Light  – A mysterious floating light that appears in the woods near the small town of Gurdon, about an hour from Little Rock.
3. The Little Rock Vampire  – The legend of a vampire who resides in the old Mount Holly Cemetery.

Hidden Gems in Little Rock

Little Rock is full of hidden gems and lesser-known filming locations. Explore these off-the-beaten-path spots for a unique cinematic experience.

1. Two Rivers Park  – A picturesque park that has been a filming location for several local productions.
2. The Villa Marre  – This beautiful 19th-century house was the exterior for the Sugarbaker’s design firm in the TV show “Designing Women”.
3. The Esse Purse Museum  – Featured in several travel shows, this museum is one of only three purse museums in the world.

What to Pack for a Trip to Little Rock

Packing for your trip to Little Rock depends on the time of year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be mild to cold.

Summer

• Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, refillable water bottle.

Winter

• Warm clothing, gloves, scarves, and a good quality coat.

For all seasons, don’t forget to pack a map of Little Rock, a portable charger, travel documents, and a translation app.

Transportation Tips

Getting around Little Rock is easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system.

• Rock Region Metro  – The city’s public bus system.
• River Rail Electric Streetcar  – A fun way to explore downtown Little Rock.
• Biking  – Little Rock has numerous bike trails and rental services.
• Driving  – Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore outside the city.

In conclusion, Little Rock is a city that’s more than meets the eye. Its rich film, TV, and literary history make it a must-visit destination for any pop culture enthusiast. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the cinematic city of Little Rock!