Afterward, shop along President Clinton Avenue, and stop by Ten Thousand Villages. Discover woven baskets from Uganda, body soaps from India, and carved masks from Cameroon.

Try River Market ArtSpace ([501] 324-2787) for affordable local art. You'll find a good mix of clay, glass, and metal wares here. The Cox Creative Center, another don't-miss spot, contains a gallery selling works by more Arkansas artists.

For dinner, Manhattan meets the River Market in a glossy new eatery named Nu Cuisine Restaurant ([501] 378-7500). Opt for the immaculately grilled duck breast entrée served with three-potato pavé, roasted duck stock reduction, and candied shallots ($17).

Following your meal, sip a cocktail, and listen to the band at Sticky Fingerz Rock-N-Roll Chicken Shack ([501] 372-7707). Try one of the house drinks: The Sticky Finger Slinger or The Mother Clucker ($5 each).

left: Nu Cuisine Restaurant attracts young socialites looking for a sizzling new hangout.