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Have you heard of the LITfest in Little Rock, Arkansas? I was trying to cross off Arkansas on my list of 50 states to visit when I came across this event. At first, I was okay touring the Big Dam Bridge and a restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Then I read about the 2nd Annual LITfest in Little Rock. I booked a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock because of the shuttle service. I called the front desk to confirm the shuttle drops off and picks up within three miles of the hotel. Unfortunately, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott canceled the event four days before I arrived following controversy surrounding planning and promotion of the event. Back to my original plan.
I booked my flight with Southwest Rapid Rewards Wanna Getaway points and used Hilton Honors points plus cash for the hotel. Both flights required a layover in St. Louis. When I landed in Little Rock, I called the hotel at 11:50AM and requested a pickup. I called back at 12:30PM. Can you believe I was at the airport for an hour waiting on the shuttle? When the driver arrived, he was apologetic. On the drive to the hotel, I noticed a line of food trucks on a side street. Although the Mayor canceled LITfest, the Black Food Truck Festival organizers moved forward with their event.
Check-in was quick. The front desk clerk did not mention the miscommunication with the shuttle driver, but she acknowledged my Diamond Member Status. She also reminded me to use my food and beverage credit. Of course, I said yes to a DoubleTree cookie and water. I received an upgrade to a high floor aligned with MyWay Hotel Benefits. When I opened the door, I was surprised. The room was small but clean. The dresser/desk combo had a few nicks, and the air conditioning unit hummed, but there was a 65” television to watch sports. I also had a city view. I quickly put away my luggage.
What are MyWay Hotel Benefits? You can choose the benefits you want at each Hilton brand. As a Diamond Member, I receive upgrades to my preferred room, 1,000 Hilton Honors bonus points per stay, and a $15 Daily Food & Beverage Credit when I reserve a room at a DoubleTree. Even when I stay at my timeshare, as a Diamond Member, I receive two bottles of water per stay and 2,000 Hilton Honors bonus points. If you are a Hilton Honors member, download the app. If you are not a member, join today.
The shuttle driver dropped me off at the food truck festival. At the entrance, a DJ played music to welcome attendees. Most trucks sold fried chicken, fish, or shrimp, but I saw burgers and vegan options too. In addition to food, you could buy t-shirts and cannabis-infused desserts and cocktails. I purchased a 5-piece fish dinner and walked back to the hotel. The fish was seasoned well, and the hush puppy and pickle spear was an added surprise to the meal. However, the crinkle-cut fries had too much salt for my taste. I needed that bottle of water from the front desk.
I wanted to dine at Root Cafe for breakfast. The shuttle driver stated Arkansas is part of the Bible Belt, and crowds flock to bars and restaurants on Sundays. I waited in line for 40 minutes. I ordered a single pancake, a side of ham, and a Bloody Mary. Even though I did not see the original episode of Root Cafe on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, it is on YouTube. The meal was belly friendly and inexpensive. The shuttle driver was unavailable when I called the hotel. Because I did not want to wait an hour, I walked to the River Market Entertainment District. I stopped at the Flying Saucer to watch the Bears game, then headed to the Junction Bridge. If you need team gear for your next trip, click on the Amazon link below
I walked to the River Market again to pick up dinner at Gus’s. I tried to order the 2-piece snack with white meat, but they ran out of wings. It was only 5:00PM. I settled for a breast and drumstick, but I also wanted the fried pickles. Expect to spend at least 20 minutes waiting on your made-to-order meal. The evenly breaded pickle spears were delicious with ranch dressing. The chicken breast and drumstick were juicy, and the well-seasoned skin was crunchy. As I wiped my face with a napkin, I noticed a location in Chicago. Even though I did not encounter any problems while I walked around, I learned of a fatal shooting and two teens wounded near the River Market.
For this trip, I used points for the flight and a combination of points and cash for the hotel. I also took advantage of the hotel shuttle and Food & Beverage Credit. Although utilizing the shuttle was a way to save money, catching the shuttle was hit or miss. On my layover in St. Louis, I used Priority Pass to enter Wingtips for a sandwich and cocktail. By the way, I crossed 41 states off my list with a visit to Little Rock. Nine more to go.
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