Before our wedding last year, we realized that we would need more space for our new, blended family. Between us, we have five children, and although they are all college age and above, they come home for summers and Christmas vacation. The oldest son moved back to Arkansas in October with his wife, and we invited them to stay with us until they found a place of their own. In addition, we love our animals. Can you imagine Christmas with six kids, four cats and a dog? We can. As we looked for our new home, we knew that abundant space, both inside and out, was essential.
Little Rock has many beautiful neighborhoods, but the Chenal area is one that offers plenty of space and easy access to great amenities. Our neighborhood gives us the opportunity to enjoy the best of the Natural State — its wildlife and green hills — while only being a short drive to work and the urban options of downtown Little Rock. Out west, wildlife is everywhere: birds, chipmunks, coyotes and even bobcats. Our neighborhood has an open, relaxed feel. We are only minutes away from Pinnacle Mountain State Park with its wonderful hiking trails and fun family programs. The East Summit trail is a challenging way to get a workout and enjoy nature at the same time.
In Chenal, the arts also bring us together. Wildwood Park is known for beautiful outdoor events like Lanterns, but it’s also a fine venue for taking in a concert. And we are excited that Tatiana Mann has started a summer music program for kids at Wildwood, which will be a big asset to families in west Little Rock.
The Promenade at Chenal is an inviting, open retail space that has fun events year-round. It is especially nice at Christmas, when the entire place is beautifully lit and bonfires keep shoppers warm. People stroll around on crisp evenings, going to dinner, shopping or seeing a movie.
We enjoy entertaining, and we frequently invite the cast and crew from productions at The Rep to our home for meals and celebrations. Actors come from across the country to perform at The Rep, and many are away from family and friends at holiday time. Last Thanksgiving found us hosting (and cooking) a sit-down dinner for 30 when the cast of “Because of Winn Dixie” joined us. These out-of-towners welcomed the opportunity to discover Chenal, and to see an entirely different side of our city. We welcomed the opportunity to extend the hospitality that we’ve shared and enjoyed with our neighbors this past year. Friendly people, beautiful surroundings and a gracious lifestyle make our neighborhood a wonderful place to call home.
Clea and Bob’s Chenal Top 10
1. Verdant trees and hills. Run the gauntlet of the Big Rock interchange and see how the city turns green; discover manicured neighborhoods tucked among the bends in the rolling landscape.
2. Pinnacle Mountain (11901 Pinnacle Valley Road). A drive to the end of the parkway leads to an expansive park, perfect for picnics, hiking and family fun.
3. Wildwood Park for the Arts (20919 County Road 40). It’s closer than you think — a perfect place to discover the arts in nature.
4. The Promenade at Chenal (17711 Chenal Parkway, Suite 114). Chenal’s informal town square for shopping, movies and restaurants.
5. Big Orange (17809 Chenal Parkway). The best burgers in town.
6. Arthur’s Prime Steak House (27 Rahling Circle). Perfect for that special celebration.
7. O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor (3 Rahling Circle). An always-changing, excellent selection of wines and a community-minded owner make this shop a winner.
8. Massage Envy (17200 Chenal Parkway, Suite 270). New to the neighborhood, this is a great place to unwind and de-stress.
9. Bird-watching. Abundant trees, green spaces and water make Chenal a surprisingly diverse refuge for our feathered friends.
10. Rock Creek Trail. One of our city’s best-kept secrets, this is a secluded walking trail in the middle of the parkway.