Lots to do in Arkansas in November

The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism wants you to get out and see Arkansas this November. The following events are on the suggested list of great things to do in November in Central Arkansas.

Is “Dancing with the Stars” on your must-see television list? Think you can dance? Then sign up for the Dancing into Dreamland Dance Contest Gala Event on Nov. 3. The Grand Hall at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion is the setting for this competitive celebration of dance, followed by a 30-minute performance by Broadway star Lawrence Hamilton. Tentatively scheduled to appear is American tap dancer, actor, and choreographer Savion Glover. The winner of the competition, chosen by a panel of judges and the audience, receives an all-expense paid trip for four to New Orleans, including accommodations in the historic French Quarter. The $100 tickets can be purchased from Arkansas Flag and Banner’s website, www.flagandbanner.com. Visit www.dreamlandballroom.org/index.php/events for audition forms and other details. Proceeds go toward the continuing renovation of the historic Dreamland Ballroom. The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion is located at 1800 Center Street in the Quapaw Quarter Historic District in downtown Little Rock. For more information phone 501-607-0954.

The Edgar B. Mosely House in North Little Rock is where the Sandwiching in History Lunch Tour takes place Nov. 4. The property is considered to be the most outstanding example of Craftsman architecture in the Argenta Historic District. In addition to the home’s exterior detailing, its original Craftsman-style interior remains intact with columns, built-in shelving, and a coffered ceiling. Moseley was a pharmacist at Hall Drug Store, which occupied 324 Main Street in North Little Rock from 1903 to 1916. In 1917, Moseley constructed three similar Craftsman-style houses at the southwest corner of Fifth and Willow streets. The home is located at 415 Willow Street and admission is free. Visit www.arkansaspreservation.org or phone 501-324-9880 for more information.

If there is such a thing as a quintessential Southern food, it could easily be cornbread. Come celebrate this staple of the South at the 2011 Cornbread Festival, Saturday, Nov. 5. Everything takes place in The Bernice Garden located at the corner of Daisy Gaston Bates and Main Street in downtown Little Rock. This inaugural event has a cooking competition for professionals and amateurs. In addition to the cornbread, sides and beverages will be served. The festival also includes blues, bluegrass and folk bands, children’s activities, and nonprofit booths and vendors selling new and vintage goods. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 ages 6-12, with ages five and under free. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone 501-617-2511 for additional details.

Great shopping opportunities are Nov. 5 during the Fall Craft Show and Book Sale in Little Rock. Approximately 30 artisans and vendors offer unique items ranging from jewelry to soup mixes, baby items to purses. Breakfast and lunch are available as well as a booth selling authentic German pastries. The used book sale features hundreds of paperback and hardback fiction, cookbooks and crafts books, most of which are $1. Proceeds benefit the Basket of Hope. Grace Lutheran Church at the confluence of Hillcrest and Kavanaugh Avenues is the setting for this free event. For more information phone 501-240-4035.

Get started on your Christmas shopping during the Junior League of Little Rock’s annual Holiday House, scheduled for Nov. 9-12. It’s been enticing shoppers for over 20 years with all sorts of gift ideas from vendors all over the country. Over 125 merchants are expected this year. In 2010, the show set an attendance and fundraising record and Junior League members hope to top that. The show is at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock. Hours are noon-9 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Proceeds benefit the community projects of the Junior League of Little Rock. Tickets can be purchased from the organization’s website -- www.jllr.org/ -- or at their headquarters, 401 South Scott Street. For more information phone 501-375-5557.

The Munich Symphony Orchestra will be in concert Friday, Nov. 11 in Conway. Internationally renowned artist Philippe Entremont returns to the U.S. with the Munich Symphony Orchestra to perform Mozart’s Requiem with Gloria Dei Cantores and the UCA Concert Choir. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a professional performance of Mozart’s great oratorio. Admission prices range from $10 to $40. The event takes place at Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus. Visit www.uca.edu/reynolds or phone 501-450-3406.

Thursday, Nov. 17 brings a performance by Jim Brickman to Little Rock. Brickman has revolutionized the sound of solo piano with his pop-style instrumentals and star studded vocal collaborations. Since the release of his debut album “No Words” in 1994, his romantic piano sound has made him the best selling solo pianist of our time. The concert takes place in Robinson Center Music Hall at 426 West Markham in downtown Little Rock. Tickets are $52. Visit www.celebrityattractions.com or phone 501-244-8800 for more information.

The 3rd annual Hawgs for a Cause bills itself as the ultimate tailgate party. The Greens at North Hills in Sherwood is where the Nov. 18 event takes place. Vincent Insalaco will be honored as the recipient of the Champion for a Cause award this year for his above and beyond support of Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled. Food and beverages, a barbecue dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment by the Saul Cats, and dancing await attendees. Funds raised from the event will be used to purchase items for the Sammie Gail Sanders Child Learning Center in North Little Rock, and the Lacy Landers Adult Skills Training Center in Little Rock. The Greens at North Hills is located at 7400 Hwy 107. Tickets are $30 each or two for $50. Visit www.aeddinc.org or phone 501-801-3646 for additional information.

Learn to cook over an open fire by attending the Dutch Oven Cooking Workshop on Nov. 19. You’ll discover how to cook tasty meals in the great outdoors and be let in on the secrets of successful Dutch oven cooking. It all takes place at the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center in west Little Rock. Advance payment is required. For more information call 501-868-5806.

Original artwork by Arkansas Arts Center Museum School staff and students will be on sale Nov. 19. Browse through original artwork including jewelry, pottery, drawings, paintings, prints, woodwork, fused glass, photographs and sculpture. Hours are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Clear Channel Metroplex off I-430 in Little Rock. Admission is free. Visit www.arkarts.com or call 501-372-4000 for more information.

It will seem like Christmas in Jacksonville at the 34th annual Holiday Craft & Gift Sale. Dates are Nov. 19-20 at the community center. Original works of art and unique gifts from Arkansas artists and vendors will be for sale. Handmade creations include woodwork, paintings, jewelry, and holiday décor. Concessions are available. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. The community center is located at 5 Municipal Drive. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for ages 12-18. Visit www.cityofjacksonville.net/parks or phone 501-982-0818 for details.

“Follow the Yellow Brick Road” to Conway on Saturday, Nov. 19 as a national touring production of “The Wizard of Oz” makes a stop. This classic once again confirms the belief that there is truly no place like home as it twists its way across the country. Join Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow in their adventures through this lavish production, feature breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and unforgettable songs. Admission prices range from $10 to $40. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. at the Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA Campus, 201 Donaghey Avenue. Visit www.uca.edu/reynolds or phone 501-450-3406 to purchase tickets or get additional information.

“The Ragin’ Cajun” James Carville will be in Conway Monday, Nov. 21. Considered to be one of America’s best-known political consultants, Carville is best known for his work during the Bill Clinton campaign for president. According to event sponsors, “His long list of electoral successes evidences a knack for steering overlooked campaigns to unexpected landslide victories and for re-making political underdogs into upset winners.” Carville is also a best-selling author, actor, producer, talk-show host, speaker and restaurateur. Most recently, Carville hosts Sirius XM radio’s 60/20 Sports show with Luke Russert, and is a frequent political commentator and contributor on CNN. Admission is $10 for the general public, $5 for students. The talk takes place at the Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA Campus. Visit www.uca.edu/reynolds or call 501-450-3406 for more details.

Celebrate the beauty of autumn with an old-fashioned Fall Hayride & Campfire on Nov. 26-27 at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The fields and woods of the park are explored on this guided tour. A campfire with storytelling, hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting are a part of the evening. Advance payment of $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6-12 is required. The ride departs from the park visitor center, located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in west Little Rock. For more information call 501-868-5806.

Some of the greatest music ever performed on Broadway comes from “Fiddler on the Roof,” a multi-Tony award winner. A national touring company hits Little Rock’s Robinson Center Music Hall Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Enjoy such classics from the heartwarming score as "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset." Robinson Center is located at 426 W. Markham. Visit www.celebrityattractions.com or call 501-244-8800 to order tickets.