When we began searching for a new home and neighborhood, we were intentional about finding a home that would be our sanctuary, our sacred place of peace and joy. We found the perfect sanctuary for us in West Little Rock. It is fairly quiet. Each house is completely different, and all have big yards. I love traveling through our neighborhood and seeing all the beautiful gardens. We grow flowers, herbs and vegetables in our own backyard, and we share our herbs and vegetables with friends and neighbors. We have yard sales. We have rabbits, frogs and woodpeckers that come back to hang out every season. There is an awesome daily occurrence that we love about our sanctuary. We rush home in the evenings during the fall and winter months to see the magnificent sunsets through our front window. They are stunning every evening.
We also love our neighborhood because it supports healthy lifestyles. Neighbors are out walking, running, jogging, biking and more all of the time. There is a lake in our neighborhood that we enjoy strolling around. We love that our neighborhood is pedestrian- and bike-friendly, especially for the young people and little kids. They can play outside and be safe on the sidewalks and in the green space. The other cool thing about our pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is that everyone who is out and about taking a leisurely stroll, walking their dogs, getting fresh air with the kids or getting their exercise says hello. We connect and talk to one another. Everyone pretty much knows everyone else — we have community within our neighborhood.
Joseph and I are not big fans of spending a lot of time in our cars. Our neighborhood has all we need in less than a 10-minute drive or short walk. We can leave our house at 3:10 p.m. for a 3:15 p.m. movie at the Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre and still have time to get popcorn and drinks and see the previews. We are less than eight minutes from the Little Rock Athletic Club, where we work out. If it is not too hot, we can walk to Walgreens. And we have a choice of four churches to attend within walking distance. Did I mention how much I enjoy shopping at The Promenade at Chenal?
The stress of the day melts away when we turn off Chenal Parkway into our neighborhood and then into our driveway. It is great to see people walking, people talking, people laughing and people saying hello. Our neighborhood is aesthetically beautiful and promotes healthy living and peace. We love it here and are grateful for our home and neighbors.
Sherece & Joseph’s WLR Top 10
1. A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine (17717 Chenal Parkway). Asian food of all types is my favorite.
2. The lake in the Villages of Wellington. This lake is great to walk to and walk around. You get to meet people all the time. And it’s nice to hang out with the geese and ducks right in our backyard.
3. The Promenade at Chenal (17711 Chenal Parkway, #114). This is the best shopping center around. We especially like the promenade format in which we can stroll, shop and see friends and neighbors.
4. Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro (17711 Chenal Parkway). We love the Sunday brunch!
5. Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts (20919 County Road 40). We have attended several plays, concerts, the West Little Rock Neighborhood Get-Together and more over the years. It is just a jewel in Little Rock that is moments away from our home.
6. Little Rock Athletic Club (4610 Sam Peck Road). This is my workout spot — it takes eight minutes to get there and eight minutes to get back with an hour or so workout in between. They have a great facility and staff.
7. Deluxe Nails (17200 Chenal Parkway). They are friendly, courteous and deliver great service. And by the time you walk home, your toes are dry.
8. The Tavern Sports Grill (17815 Chenal Parkway). Joe is hooked because it’s a sports lover’s paradise. We love the outside patio and that they bring in local musicians.
9. Local Lime (17815 Chenal Parkway). The food is to die for!
10. Pet-friendly everywhere. Peaches and Herb (our dogs) are welcomed pretty much anywhere in West Little Rock.
West Little Rock – Sherece West Scantlebury and Joseph Scantlebury
West Little Rock – Sherece West Scantlebury and Joseph Scantlebury
West Little Rock – Sherece West Scantlebury and Joseph Scantlebury