BEST WESTERN PREMIER Governor’s Suites Blog

Arkansas vs. Mississippi State, November 19th at War Memorial Stadium

Last season, the Arkansas Razorbacks defeated ranked Mississippi State 38-31 in a gripping double overtime game. This season, the Bulldogs will be seeking redemption on Saturday, November 19^th at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium in an important late season match-up that is sure to set the tone for the following week's Battle For the Golden Boot against rival LSU Tigers.

It's all part of what is promising to be a stellar season for Arkansas, who have been nearly unbeatable at home in their past two seasons, finishing 6-1 in home venues both years and adding to coach Bobby Petrino's unbelievable 40-6 home record as a collegiate head coach.

Buy your tickets today, get your red and white ready, and come early on game day to participate to in the timeless tradition of tailgating. Razorbacks fever is stronger than ever in Little Rock, and no visit to Arkansas would be complete without taking in a game.

Smart fans book their Arkansas accommodations with the Governor's Suites—we're only 10 minutes from the field, and we'll always guarantee the best rates when you book with us online.

Arkansas vs. New Mexico, September 10 at War Memorial Stadium

Coming off a 10-3 season and a trip to the Sugar Bowl in 2010, the Arkansas Razorbacks look forward to a dominant season in 2011. The bulk of the starters that made last season's success possible will be returning, including one of the top receiving corps in the country. And with coach Bobby Petrino back at the helm, Arkansans are more excited than ever for their team's chances this year in the notoriously tough Southeastern Conference.

On Saturday, September 10, Arkansas will take on the New Mexico Lobos in their second game of the season, right here in Little Rock at the War Memorial Stadium. The Razorbacks are expected to dominate in their season opener against Missouri State, and spectators can expect that confidence to carry over to this game against the Lobos.

War memorial stadium is located just 10 minutes from the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Governor's Suites, so it's a must see event for any guest looking to take in some of the best football in the country. Get your tickets today. And don't forget to book your Governor's Suites accommodations with us online for the best rates.

Arkansas Razorbacks Sugar Bowl 2011

It’s official – after defeating LSU in an entertaining final game of the regular season, our Arkansas Razorbacks will be representing the SEC at one of the marquee events in college football: the Allstate Sugar Bowl!

Saturday, November 27^th marked a significant point in Razorbacks football history, as the team wrapped up its 8^th 10-win (and 4^th 6-win SEC) season in school history. They did it in style against the fifth ranked LSU tigers, never trailing in the game, and finishing with the score 31-23. With the win the Hogs vaulted to 7^th in the BCS rankings, good enough to claim their first ever BCS Bowl game appearance.

All eyes in Arkansas will now be focused on New Orleans, as the Razorbacks prepare for 6^th-ranked Ohio State. Star quarterback Ryan Mallett leads one of the most high-octane offenses in the NCAA, while Bryant Award finalist Coach Petrino has the team firing on all cylinders. All of us here at the Best Western Governor’s Suites wish the team the best, and will be cheering along with all Arkansans on January 4^th. Go Hogs Go!

Little Rock’s Big Jingle Jubilee and Holiday Parade

Get into the festive spirit with the Big Jingle Jubilee and Holiday Parade this Saturday, December 4th. The annual Christmas Parade is a Little Rock favorite, and features a mix of floats, bands, and creative holiday-themed entries of all kinds. Parade route begins at 2^nd Street and Broadway, heading south along Broadway. The finishing point is the State Capitol Building, where a fireworks display will accompany the official lighting ceremony at approximately 6:00pm. Bring the family along for what is sure to be one of the highlights of the holiday season!

Arkansas High School Football Championships

When: December 3, 4, 10, 11

Where: War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock.

This December, War Memorial Stadium will be playing host to the Arkansas High School Football Championships, featuring the top teams from across the state. After an exciting season only two teams remain standing in each class and are ready to battle it out for state supremacy.

Class 7A - Bentonville vs. Fayetteville

December 3, 7:00 pm

Class 6A – Texarkana vs. El Dorado

Dcember 4, 6:30 pm

Class 5A – Greenwood vs. Camden Fairview

Dcember 4, 12:00 pm

Class 4A – Teams TBD

December 10, 7:00 pm

Class 3A – Teams TBD

December 11, 6:30 pm

Class 2A – Teams TBD

December 11, 12:00 pm

If you’ll be traveling to Little Rock for the championships, the Best Western Governor’s suites offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms and has great group rates to make your team’s stay affordable as well as enjoyable. We’re also located just a few miles from War Memorial Stadium, so you won’t have to worry about missing kickoff. Good luck to all the teams!

Razorbacks VS. LSU at War Memorial Stadium

The battle for the Golden Boot is almost here! On Saturday, November 27, Arkansas will be hosting rival LSU in the final game of the season, with Bowl implications for both teams. After their thrilling 38-31 double-overtime victory against 22^nd Ranked Mississippi, the Razorbacks now sit 13^th in the BCS rankings on the strength of a 9-2 overall record and a 5 game win streak. No. 5 LSU will present a stiff challenge, but with a sold-out War Memorial Stadium at their backs, Arkansas U is sure to be ready. Each of the last five meetings between these teams has been decided by five points or less, and this week’s game will likely be just as close. There are still a few tickets left, so make sure to get yours ASAP, and come on down to support our Razorbacks! For more information, visit the Razorbacks’ website.

Boo at the Zoo: Little Rock Halloween Party

The Little Rock Zoo is getting into the Halloween spirit with their annual Little Rock Halloween party, Boo at the Zoo. On October 21-24 & 28-31 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, bring the family down to the zoo for a spooky evening of Halloween thrills. Tickets are just $6 for members or if purchased in advance, and $7 for non-members at the door. Halloween activities include:

NEW and Improved Haunted Reptile House ($1)
NEW and Improved Haunted Train ($2)
FREE Carousel Rides
NEW and Improved Haunted House ($3)
NEW Hay Maze ($1)
FREE Haunted Veldt Walkway
NEW Rock Climbing Wall ($5)
NEW Nightly Magic Shows
NEW Bungee-Cord Gravity Jumper ($5)
NEW Inflatables ($1 each)
NEW Stick Pony Corral ($1)
Nightly Costume Contests
NEW Ghost Roast S’mores (2 treat tickets)
Trick-or-Treating AND MORE!

Upcoming Concerts in Little Rock

Fans of Rock and Country music are gearing up for an exciting week as two major concerts are coming to town.

On Sunday, October 10, Nickelback invades the Verizon Arena with their hard hitting brand of stadium rock. Over the past 10 years, the band has become one of the most well known Rock and Roll acts of their generation, and are legendary for the energy of their concerts. Along with opening acts Three Days Grace and Buckcherry, this is sure to be a show to remember.

Tuesday, October 12, has American Idol winner and country music sensation Carrie Underwood at the Verizon Arena in support of her newest album, Play On. Billy Currington and Sons of Sylvia are the supporting acts.

For tickets to either of these great shows you can visit the LiveNation website.

The Arkansas State Fair

October 8 – 17, 2010

The Arkansas State Fair is back for another year of family fun. With tons of rides, delicious food, daily shows, and lots of great musical acts, one day won’t be enough to see and do everything! Fan favorites include the Demolition Derby featuring Reptoid and Sergeant Smash, and the Ridin’ in the Rock Professional Bull Riders event. The agricultural fair features some of the finest livestock in the state.

This year, musical acts on the main stage include:

The Guess Who: Friday, October 8 @ 8:00 pm
Joe Diffie: Sunday, October 10 @ 7:30 pm
Easton Corbin: Thursday, October 14 @ 7:00 pm
Bucky Covington: Thursday, October 14 @ 8:30 pm
Loverboy: Friday, October 15 @ 8:00 pm

For more information on the Arkansas Sate Fair, and for a complete schedule of events, please visit their website.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks in Little Rock, Arkansas

What:

Walk to raise money for autism awareness and research funding.

Where:

William J. Clinton Presidential Library.

When:

Saturday, October 2

Registration opens at 8:30 am – Walk begins at 10:00 am.

Autism is one of the fastest growing, most widespread developmental disorders, estimated to affect 1 in every 110 children in the United States. Sadly, we still have no idea exactly what the cause is, or why it presents itself so differently in those it effects. Autism Speaks invites you to join with us on October 2to walk to raise awareness and money to help change the future for all those who live with autism.

Even if you family is not directly impacted by this disorder, chances are you know someone who is. Despite its widespread nature, funds for research into causes of and treatments for autism are well below effective levels. Now is your chance to make a major difference in the lives of those living on the autism spectrum by volunteering, participating, or pledging someone you know who is walking with us. Walk day is always a fun-filled event, with kid friendly activities, resources for families, refreshments, and lots of smiling faces. For more information on Walk Now for Autism Speaks, to sign up as an individual or group captain, or to pledge money to someone who is participating in the walk, please visit their website and help change lives.

World Fest 2010 in Little Rock

What?

A celebration of different cultures and ethnicities, hosted by Little Rock’s Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission.

Where?

William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park

1200 President Clinton Avenue

When?

Friday, September 24^th

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Since its inception in 1995, World Fest has established a mandate of increasing cultural awareness and reducing prejudice by bringing international music, food, and people together for a celebration. Although the event is student-focused, all members of the general public are welcome as well – the more the merrier!

Throughout the day the main stage will be alive with a continuous line-up of world entertainment. Artists include local and regional music, dance, and performance acts representing the many cultures of Arkansas from Latin America to Africa.

This year, over 5000 students will participate in World Fest, both by attending on field trips, and by participating in our World Cultural Fair Contest. Students will research and a country’s geography, history, and culture and present their findings in a science fair style display. The projects will be available for viewing by the general public in the morning, so don’t miss this chance to learn a little bit about the world around us.

The Arkansas Razorbacks at War Memorial Stadium

In their season opener last week, the University of Arkansas’ own Razorbacks football team layed a beating on visiting Tennessee Tech. Star quarterback Ryan Mallett was sensational, passing for over 300 yards and completing 21 of 24 passes – the second highest completion rate in SEC history.

This week, the Razorbacks are bringing their show to Little Rock, for one of two highly anticipated games this season at historic War Memorial Stadium. To celebrate, pregame tailgating festivities will be going on around Little Rock on Saturday, culminating with the game at 6:00 pm. If you’re a Razorbacks fan in Little Rock, this is your best chance to see the team, so don’t miss out! A small number of tickets are still available.

Arkansas Razorbacks Season Opener

They’ve waited all year, and now the day that all fans of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks look forward to is almost here: Saturday, September 4^th the Razorback football season kicks off against Tennessee Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00pm, but tailgating and pregame parties will be going on all weekend. Limited numbers of tickets are still available for the game, as well as the other Razorbacks home games during what is sure to be an exciting season.

Don’t miss out on what could be a Heisman Trophy-winning season for Arkansas native son and preseason All-SEC first team selection quarterback Ryan Mallet. After putting up league-leading numbers in his rookie season, Mallet is focused on leading the team to a big season and a bowl appearance. Come down to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday and be a part of the ride!

The Capital City Cup in Little Rock

The 18^th annual Capital City Cup is being held in Little Rock from September 25-26 and October 2-3. Open to all teams ages U9 through U19, the tournament is a great way to meet teams from around the country and compete in a competitive tournament at a variety of different skill levels. This year the tournament will be split into a Girls weekend and a Boys weekend. Girls teams will be competing at the end of September and Boys teams will play on the first week of October. Games will be played at the Burns Park Soccer Complex, which has hosted the USYSA National Championships in the past and is regarded as one of the premier soccer facilities in the country.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for your team to experience the excitement of a national soccer tournament. Registration for all age groups and skill levels is filling up quickly, so visit their website ASAP to sign up.

The Best Western Governor’s Suites is an ideal Little Rock hotel if you are bringing your team for the Capital City Cup. We offer great discounts on blocks of rooms, and are located just 12 minutes from the Burns Park Soccer Complex. We are also just minutes from downtown, and close to great restaurants and activities to keep your team entertained during the evenings. Contact one of our friendly reservation agents to see about booking your team into our hotel, and make your visit to Little Rock for the tournament a memorable one!

Live Music in Little Rock at the Afterthought

When you’re in the mood for some great live music one of our favorite places to go is The Afterthought bar which features jazz acts on Monday and Thursday and a range of other great musical styles during the rest of the week. Despite what the name of the venue might suggest, the music is always worthy of being more than just an afterthought, while the reasonable cover (almost always under $10) and friendly atmosphere make this the ideal place to enjoy a pint or two.

Check out the lineup for the following week

Monday, August 16: Monday Night Jazz

Tuesday, August 17: Tuesday Jam Session
Wednesday, August 18: Acoustic Open Mic Night

Thursday, August 19: Ted Ludwig Jazz Trio

Friday, August 20: Donna Massey & Co.

Saturday, August 21: Runaway Planet

Sunday, August 22: Sunday Jazz Brunch

For more information on these acts or for an up to date events calendar, check out The Afterthought’s web page.

William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library's Free Day

What?

Free admission to the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library.

When?

Saturday, August 14

9:00am – 5:00pm

In celebration of President Bill Clinton’s birthday, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library is pleased to offer free admission on Saturday, August 14.Get out of the heat and enjoy the birthday festivities, including the new exhibit “Nature Unleashed: Hurricanes and Earthquakes”. Other family-friendly activities include a tour of the library that visits both the Oval Office and Cabinet Rooms, displays of presidential artifacts, and interactive, hands-on displays. Of course, in keeping with the birthday theme on Saturday all guests can enjoy a slice of birthday cake!

Bring the family for an afternoon exploring the museum and the surrounding grounds. The treed walkways and sculpted lawns provide a great atmosphere for a picnic, while the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library will both educate and entertain.

Free Things to Do in Little Rock

Whether you’re visiting Little Rock on a family vacation or just need something to keep the kids busy with this weekend, we know how expensive a family outing can be. By the time you’ve paid for parking, admission, food, and souvenirs, an afternoon out can be a real pain in the wallet. That’s why at the Governor’s Suites we’re doing our best to help keep your costs down. Not only do we offer exceptional luxury at reasonable rates, but below is a list of some of our favourite things to do in Little Rock, all at the recession-busting cost of $0.

The Big Dam Bridge is the world’s longest purpose-built pedestrian and bicycle bridge, extending 3 463 feet across the Arkansas River. Featuring stunning views at any time of day, we recommend trying to catch a sunrise or sunset, when the river truly comes alive with color.

Central High School is one of the most important locations in the history of the American Civil Rights movement. The site of the first implementation of the US Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, there is now a museum across the street which documents the historic events of September, 1957.

The Arkansas Arts Center is Arkansas’ leading cultural institution, featuring fascinating exhibitions, a world-renowned art collection, live theatre, a gift shop and restaurant.

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History was created to interpret our state’s military heritage, and features artefacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms, and other military items to vividly portray Arkansas’ military history at home and abroad.

The River Market is the place to be during the summer in Little Rock. Featuring two open-air pavilions, a 10 000 seat amphitheatre on the banks of the Arkansas River, and a weekly farmer’s market, there’s always something new to see and do.

Pinnacle Mountain offers you the chance to stand on the summit of one of the highest points in the area, with spectacular panoramic views. Less adventurous hikers can still enjoy the miles of easier trails, interpretive exhibits, and visitor’s center.

The Old Mill - if you’ve seen the movie “Gone With the Wind” you’ll recognize the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park and Pugh’s Mill from the opening scenes. Stop by the farmer’s market at the River Market to pick up a picnic and spend a pleasant day touring the grounds of this historic recreation, completed in 1933.

The Museum of Discovery is Arkansas’ museum of science and history and offers free admission from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the second Sunday of every month. Explore a collection of exhibits focusing on robotics, exploration, and telecommunications and participate in hands-on learning activities.

The State Capitol is a must-visit for tourists. Modeled after the US Capitol building, the beautiful architecture features Arkansas granite and six bronze doors, as well as three chandeliers crafted by Tiffany’s of New York. Free audio tours are available, and you can call ahead on weekdays to schedule a free guided tour.

Little Rock, Arkansas Hotel Blog Launched!

The Best Western Governor’s Suites Little Rock hotel is excited to announce the release of its new hotel blog. We will be keeping this space updated with exciting promotions at our hotel as well as Little Rock events and festivals. Whether you’re a Little Rock resident or just planning a vacation, check back often to find great hotel deals and fun ideas for things to do in Little Rock.

The Governor’s Suites is the perfect place to stay in Little Rock, whether you’re in town for a festival or event, or are a local just looking for a fun weekend getaway from home. You don’t have to take our word for it though, as our hotel is ranked in the top three for hotels in Little Rock, Arkansas on TripAdvisor, and has an average ranking of 4.5 stars out of 5 on three other major travel websites. Come see for yourself what all the fuss is about!