Conversation between friends
Several weeks ago a good friend of ours who lives downtown shared an e-mail that he had sent to one of his friends who lives in West Little Rock. His rationale for why he lives downtown is so compelling, we want to share it with you . . . . by the way, the "writer's" age is north of 70 years . . . .


Sorry 'ole boy, but you are misinformed. I have grown to love the urban experience. I power walk every morning down to the Clinton Library, where I soak up the beautifully landscaped grounds, continue along the river front, past the spectacular new Witt Stephens, Jr. Game and Fish building, emerging out in back of Riverfront Park, up over the beautiful new Junction Bridge (where it's delightfully cool, with an appreciative view of the submarine and paddlewheel boat), at which point I can either turn around and retrace my steps home, or if I'm on my bike, I can continue on over into NLR, where I can enter the beautiful North Shore trail along the river to Murray Lock and Dam and even continue over the Big Dam Bridge to LR and back into downtown to my high rise home.

That's just one facet of the urban experience. I can walk to the Vermillion Water Grill for lunch, dinner or drinks in the late afternoon, or the Copper Grille a block away, where I can also stop in at the upscale grocery market next door to buy something for the following day, or walk a couple of blocks to Sonny Williams Steak House, or the Flying Fish (where there is usually a line of people from western LR waiting to place their order). Parenthetically, I don't have to drive waaaaaay out to WLR and back, where I risk getting detained by the cops after an evening of revelry with friends. Other choices in downtown LR are up-scale Cappricio's in the Peabody, or Ashley's across the street in the Capital Hotel, plus within easy walking distance from my condo is the "Best Impressions," a lovely, unpretentious little restaurant in the Arts Center, the trendy new Velo Rogue's on President Clinton Boulevard, The Boulevard Bread Company in the River Market, plus the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Then there's Lulav's, Community Bakery and Juanita's. All within close proximity.

And don't forget all the great new places in NLR, within easy driving or a fun trolly ride to all the exciting new restaurants that have sprung up in Argenta, such as the upscale Restorante Capeo, the new Irish Pub, Argenta's Seafood, all within walking distance of each other. And don't forget Bill Valentine's Ballpark Restaurant (with complimentary valet parking). I was in the downtown area one recent summer night and commented on how remarkable it was that here we were, two people strolling from one restaurant to another on Main Street in downtown NLR. I know you share my amazement.

As for myself, I live on the 11th floor in a gated high rise condo complex, and if anyone wanted to "break in" on me, they would have to be a "cat burglar." Seriously Sonny, I have lived an equal amount of time in the suburbs as I have in the inner city, and I can truly say I prefer my present situation, as I have zero responsibilities for the outside maintenance of my home, and the price of gas is not a problem for me, as my world is close by.

I'm not trying to convert you to my way of thinking 'ole friend, I'm just trying to give you the many reasons why I have confidence in the continued development of the downtown area. As an example, Jimmy Moses newest high rise currently under construction will have tennis courts, a swimming pool, secure parking, and of course fabulous views of the River, downtown LR and the Clinton Library (and if you have not seen LR lighted up at night from a high rise, you are missing a treat!)

Anytime you'd like me to take you on pub crawl, just lemmie know, and I'll give you an eye opener you won't soon forget. I'll even get Jimmy to take us on a tour of his new building. Meanwhile, I hope I haven't kept you too long while reading this, but just had to enlighten you and give you a reality check, as I know you are living in a velvet cocoon waaaaay out there in the country. Ha,ha,ha. Happy trails, partner!