RETAIL & RECREATION
Since it opened last summer, Round Up Vintage has turned heads in The Heights with its highly curated selection of vintage clothing, accessories and housewares, including a prime collection of Razorback memorabilia.
Around the corner, Gracefully Stitched has quickly become a needlepointer’s dream. The boutique carries threads, canvases and all the accessories needed for a new masterpiece, plus hosts beginner classes. In Hillcrest, Crying Weasel Vintage is returning to its pop-up roots and will close its storefront in May.
Nearby, two local favorite stores swapped neighborhoods, but stuck to their Kavanaugh roots. E.Leigh’s Boutique moved its women’s fashions from Hillcrest to 5008 Kavanaugh Blvd., while Domestic Domestic moved its “modern-day general store” from The Heights into the former E.Leigh’s space at 2911 Kavanaugh Blvd.
The public golf course at War Memorial Park may be a thing of the past, but a new disc golf course is underway. The city recently held a pop-up event for players to test a temporary course and intends to open a permanent version this spring.
The Little Rock Zoo is in the midst of a $12 million expansion announced as part of its 100th anniversary, dubbed “one of [its] most ambitious projects yet.” The renovation is called “Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined” and will bring transformative enhancements to animal habitats and guest experiences. The zoo also launched two new exhibits in 2025, “Isle of the Dragon” and “Hidden Corners.”
FOOD & DRINK
All eyes in The Heights’ foodie scene are on the corner of Kavanaugh Boulevard and North Fillmore Street where The Lady is slowly beginning to make her appearance. The two-story, Tudor-style space promises “pub fare with a Southern accent” and a robust wine list, all designed to encourage “comfort and connection” among guests. The Lady comes from Barnaby Group, the hospitality company behind George’s, and is aiming for early 2027.
Down the hill in Riverdale, Barnaby got to work on a local landmark. The dive bar Town Pump got a refreshed menu and entertainment lineup, but just a touch-up of the premises. The team “fixed what needed fixing and left the soul of the place alone.” So yes, karaoke nights still reign.
Another restaurant company has been busy in Riverdale, too. Remolinos Group, which owns Fidel Coffee Co. and Sterling Market, has been hard at work as the new owner of Loca Luna and Red Door. The former is getting refreshed with a new standalone concept while the latter is undergoing a full transformation, both with plans to reopen mid-2026. Remolinos is also bringing another Fidel location to Old Cantrell Road.
In Hillcrest, the best recent addition to the flavor scene has undoubtedly been the realization of another Loblolly Creamery location. The ice cream shop serves up the from-scratch goodness the brand is known for, but this menu is built on soft serve straight from the churn.
Of course, it’s not all sunny news. The team behind At the Corner has confirmed its cafe Plain Jane, initially planned to take over the former Cañon Grill in Hillcrest, is no longer happening.
TALK OF THE TOWN
These nearby neighbors were chosen by you as Soirée Recommends: Platinum Service Award winners.
Architects: Yeary Lindsey Architects
Children’s Clothing: The Toggery
Colorist: Alisha Miller, Carter Miller
Cosmetic Dentist: Joshua Gaines, Heights Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Custom Drapery: Cynthia East Fabrics
Dance Studio: Irby Dance Studio
Day Spa: Caracalla
Doggy Daycare: Hounds Lounge
Engagement Rings: Sissy’s Log Cabin
Engraving & Monograms: HJane Jewels
Family Attraction: Little Rock Zoo
Family Orthodontist: Natalia Hodge, Hodge Orthodontics
Flooring Installation: C&F Flooring & Rug Gallery
Florist: Tipton & Hurst
Furniture Store: Cantrell Furniture Design
Gift Shop: Box Turtle
Grocery Store: Edwards Food Giant
Hairstylist: Kim Carter, Carter Miller
Hardware Store: Fuller & Son
Hormone Therapy: Painted Rock Wellness
Interior Designer: Kevin Walsh, Bear Hill Interiors
Lash Extensions: Winc Beauty
Meal Service: Bella’s Kitchen & Wellness
Med/Wellness Spa: Beyond Wellness
Pain Management: Natural State Pain & Wellness Clinic
Pest Control: Legacy Termite & Pest Control
Private School (Elementary): The Anthony School
Private School (Upper): Catholic High School for Boys & Mount St. Mary Academy
Special Occasion Dresses: Unveiled Bridal Collection
Spray Tan: Airbronze
Stationery: By Invitation Only
Click here to see some of the local businesses that make these neighborhoods so special.