Downtown Little Rock is not so little anymore! Living and working in downtown Little Rock for over eight years has given us the opportunity enjoy a slice of the urban life. If you have ever desired to live downtown, or wondered what it would be like to live in a big city, you may have asked yourself, “The downtown Little Rock urban experience — is it a bit like Manhattan? Or maybe Chicago’s Loop?” The answer is no. It’s actually a user-friendly, compact, exciting and vibrant “little” gem unique unto itself — it’s just right!
About 10 years ago, as many new and exiting changes were coming into their own for downtown — the Clinton Presidential Center, the River Market and new residential development options — we knew the time was right for us to find our new neighborhood to call home. And we did just that. We sold our French Country house in west Little Rock, had an estate sale and got rid of everything except one piece of furniture, some clothes, the art and our favorite cooking utensils. Minimal and modern was the goal because it’s a live/work situation for us. Mike is a freelance graphic designer working mostly from home, and together we own ZIN Urban Wine and Beer Bar just a block from our front door! As we say, we are “living the dream!”
What makes our downtown experience so perfect? Is it the people? Yes! We have made so many wonderful friends; neighbors, business owners and even business travelers that regularly come to town that we’ve met at ZIN. Is it the many opportunities for fun events? Yes! Hot dogs and beer at Dickey-Stephens, concerts in the park, fireworks over our roof, the River Trail and bridges to walk and even wacky St. Patrick’s Day parades to enjoy. Is it that we have an awesome selection of restaurants and watering holes where we can hang out with our friends? Definitely Yes! Is it the cultural offerings? Yes! There’s always something going on at the Arkansas Arts Center, Historic Arkansas Museum and the Clinton Presidential Center.
So what makes downtown Little Rock just right? Obviously New York and Chicago have everything we have and much, much more. We think it’s because Little Rock is just big enough — and small enough — to have a smattering of everything, all within a 10-block radius. Lucky for us, it’s just outside our door.
Troy and Michael’s Downtown Top 10
1. Corner of Third and Rock. There’s a confluence of people coming and going, living, working and playing — it’s our front door.
2. The Junction Bridge and the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. They’re pedestrian-friendly by day and performance art by night!
3. The rebirth of Main Street. So glad it’s coming back to life and reconnecting the city.
4. Arkansas River Trail (downtown to west Little Rock). It’s a great way to connect with nature, and we love the Big Damn Bridge Loop!
5. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum (1200 President Clinton Ave.). The center is home to beautiful grounds, great events and an informative speaker series.
6. Farmers Markets (River Market and Bernice Garden). There’s nothing like the smell of fresh produce on a Saturday morning and a special treat on a Tuesday.
7. Diversity of Neighbors. What a great mix of interesting people to meet!
8. The Nightlife. Downtown has a plentiful offering of restaurants, bars and clubs — too many favorites to mention!
9. Moses Tucker Real Estate. aka Jimmy Moses and Rett Tucker, whom without their vision and perseverance downtown wouldn’t be the neighborhood it is today!
10. ZIN Urban Wine and Beer Bar (300 River Market Ave.). It’s our second home — always full of fun and friends!