🇺🇸 Hidden Gem in the US: Little Rock, Arkansas 🍂

During a road trip through the central US amid the pandemic, I discovered many underrated yet fascinating cities. Little Rock left a deep impression on me—tranquil, natural, and affluent. It’s just an hour’s drive from Hot Springs National Park (the smallest national park in the US!). We spent two relaxed days here, and all the travel fatigue simply melted away~~ 🚗💨 🏨 Hotel Recommendation: Aloft Little Rock West (part of the Marriott chain) We booked a package that included a bottle of wine per night and a $10 Starbucks voucher. The view from the hotel faced a lush forest We even caught a light rain during our stay, which made the autumn vibes even more enchanting! 🍷🍁🌧️ 🚗 Recommended Side Trips: There isn’t a ton to do directly in downtown Little Rock, but the area near our hotel had a large plaza with great dining and shopping options. There was also an outlet mall about 10 minutes away by car. ♨️ Hot Springs National Park: We initially planned to stay in the park, but the accommodations were a bit outdated (it was said to be a WWI-era rehabilitation center for soldiers). The park itself felt a little worn but had its own charm. The hot spring water flows naturally down from the mountain—absolutely magical! We were lucky to snag a last-minute reservation for a private bath at 5 PM. The facilities were simple, to say the least 😂, but it felt like experiencing the “American version of Hokkaido’s onsens!” ⛪ Anthony Chapel & Nearby Gardens: This chapel belongs to the University of Arkansas and is nestled deep in the woods There’s also a small park nearby where peacocks roam freely! 🦚 We arrived right after the rain—the air smelled sweet and fresh. 🌳💧 🍣 Restaurant Recommendation: After days of heavy meat-based meals (think steaks and briskets) common in the central US, I was craving something light. We tried Kemuri, the top-rated Japanese restaurant in town (They offered outdoor seating (dog-friendly!), and the surrounding neighborhood was lovely with beautiful houses reminiscent of a quaint German town. A perfect spot to detox from all the rich food! 🍱🐶🌸 #LittleRock #Arkansas #HiddenGems #RoadTrip #HotSpringsNationalPark #TravelUSA