Femininity and History Unite in Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas is a cool place. Sitting on the south bank of the Arkansas River, it reminded us a lot of home. Home to several breweries, a distillery and loads of great food options, it seems to have it all. Including the only museum in the US dedicated to handbags and the feminine. We took some time to check it out.

Esse Purse Museum is located on South Main Street in a neighborhood exploding with personality. The street is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants and the museum is perched on the corner of 16th and Main Street. Walking in to the museum you encounter a handbag boutique loaded with both traditional and unique bags and accessories. Walking into the museum we encountered the latest temporary exhibit all about hats. Moving further through the space cases and other displays show off handbags through the decades. It was pretty fun to see additions to the displays of what women might have carried in their bags during that time period. Everything from lipstick and compact mirrors to cigarettes.

The Esse Purse Museum is a unique way to look at history and every woman who loves handbags should go for a visit. Making a weekend getaway to Little Rock is pretty simple. Affordable flight from Knoxville can have you there in about 3 hours with a small layover in Atlanta.

Esse Purse Museum

Little Rock has plenty of other things to see, do and eat. Take some time to visit the Clinton Presidential Library. There you’ll find artifacts from the administration and a timeline showing the history of the eight years.

One of the more touching parts of our trip was the visit to Little Rock Central High School. It’s a functioning high school but is also part of a National Historic Site.

Little Rock Central High School

We can’t let this end without talking about the food! There are many unique spots for food and drink in Little Rock. Some for every budget and every taste bud. Here’s a few of our faves:

Brunch at Petit and Keet

Petit and Keet

This spot has everything from biscuits and gravy to duck empanadas to lobster grilled cheeses and it’s all wonderful. If you’re looking for a spin on a brunch cocktail order the Peachy Keet. It’s a frozen concoction made of peaches and other things they wouldn’t let us in on. Trust us, you want it.

Petit and Keet, Little Rock, Arkansas

Fancy Dinner :

The tasting menu at One Eleven is not to be missed. Located in the CapitalHotel, we were treated to multiple courses paired with wine selections from sommelier Okan Bingöl.