The Old Mill and Argenta

North Little Rock's Argenta district is the artsy counterpart to downtown Little Rock's River Market, a historic commercial area of brick storefronts that has been revived as a hub for galleries, restaurants, theaters and taprooms. Argenta is reached easily from the River Market by the metro streetcar or by walking across one of the pedestrian bridges that span the Arkansas River. Its main streets host a farmers market in the warm months, public art and murals, independent shops and a lively evening scene. A few miles away, in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, stands the Old Mill, a picturesque stone-and-concrete structure built in 1933 to look like an aged grist mill, complete with a waterwheel, rustic bridges and a pond. It is famously the mill seen in the opening scenes of the film Gone with the Wind, and it remains one of the most photographed spots in the region. The grounds are free to visit and open for strolling, with benches, lawns and shaded paths. Together, Argenta and the Old Mill make a good half-day trip that gives a more local, small-town feel than the central business district, and they pair naturally with the USS Razorback and Dickey-Stephens Park nearby.

Start in Argenta with lunch or coffee, browse the shops and murals and then continue to the Old Mill by car or rideshare. Many visitors do it in the reverse order, visiting the Mill in the morning when light is soft and the park is quiet, then heading to Argenta for a relaxed lunch and an afternoon of strolling. The Old Mill is a beautiful location for photographs, and weddings and portrait sessions often take place there, so be considerate.

The streetcar offers a pleasant way to reach Argenta. It connects the River Market with the north side of the river and runs on a regular schedule, though hours may vary, so check the transit authority website before you rely on it. Cyclists can also cross on the pedestrian bridges and follow the river trail.

A few extras round out the outing. Argenta has a handful of independent galleries and a performing arts venue, plus breweries and cafes that suit a lingering afternoon. Public art and murals add color to side streets and make good photo stops. The Old Mill park has a small pond, rustic bridges and shaded paths that are especially pretty in spring and fall.

If you travel with children, the open lawns are ideal for a picnic. Check event calendars for concerts, festivals and holiday lights, since Argenta often hosts community events that add energy to the evening. Allow time to linger, because the mix of public art, small galleries and relaxed cafes is best enjoyed without a strict schedule.