A mere 13 miles west of downtown Little Rock is the residential suburban region of Chenal Valley — an upscale neighborhood teeming with luxury villas and modern amenities. Formerly named after the Shinnal Mountains that form part of the area's scenery, it was renamed Chenal, as it has a nice French language ring to it. Because we associate foreign names with luxury, the early developers believed the change would firmly position the suburbs as affluent from the get-go. Nevertheless, it's not just
the title that cemented its elite stance, but also the aligned development shaping its 4,800 acres of landscape.
At the heart of this charming suburb is the Chenal Country Club, a haven for golf lovers with two 18-hole golf championship courses. Of the two, the Bear Den Course is ranked among the top 10 golf courses in Arkansas by Golf Digest. Add in manicured community parks, pristine pathways, and grand mansions at various price points from $400,000 to $2,000,000, and it's easy to see why the Chenal Valley is a glittering gem for those who lean towards an indulgent living.
If you're flying into Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, it's a 25-minute drive via I-630 W to reach the Chenal Valley. You can also stop downtown to explore Little Rock's vibrant neighborhoods with markets and mouthwatering eateries. It will then be an 18-minute drive to this quaint suburb.
Read more: The 5 Most Rodent-Infested Cities In America
Walkable, Elite Shopping In Chenal Valley
The Promenade at Chenal Valley is where all your shopping cravings will be satisfied. It hosts well-known upscale retailers like Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Apple, Urban Outfitters, Sephora, and Anthropologie. It's also home to local establishments like Fringe Clothing, a boutique store selling one-of-a-kind women's apparel and fashion accessories. Check the hours before planning your retail therapy, as most shops open at noon and close around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. on Sundays. For the rest of the days, the hours vary between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Shopping is tiring, and Promenade at Chenal Valley has some of the best eateries in the suburb to re-energise. Get your caffeine kick at Buttered Biscuit and pair it with their wholesome, scratch-made breakfasts. Don't miss the Pancake Feast signature or unicorn pancakes for the kiddos. If you'd like to sip some margaritas instead, check out Local Lime restaurant and sample their unique taco options for a mouth-watering bite. Meanwhile, burger enthusiasts can head over to Big Orange for juicy burgers with a refreshing soda on the side. While shopping and vibrant eateries are its main draws, the Promenade also has AMC Chenal 9 -- a movie theater with nine auditoriums and Little Rock's only iMAX theatre. It also has a recliner seat option to elevate your movie nights.
Outdoor Adventures Are Aplenty At Chenal Valley
To add to Chenal Valley's enticements, there's the 105-acre Wildwood Park of the Arts -- one of the state's most beautiful botanical gardens, home to winding trails, art workshops, and many natural landmarks. In spring, look for over 5,000 daffodil blooms spanning across the 10-acre Butler Arboretum. A lovely swan lake with a gazebo is another excellent spot for nature gazing. These photogenic spots also make this park the perfect venue for your destination wedding.
Just a few minutes away is Pinnacle Mountain State Park, with over 33 miles of hiking trails and one of the top 10 trails in Arkansas, as per All Trails. The West Summit Trail is a 1.5-mile, challenging yet well-marked hike that takes you to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. The breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding river valley and forest make the arduous climb a worthwhile experience.
If you want to challenge yourself, there's also the 223-mile Ouachita Trail that starts at the visitor center near Chenal Valley and traverses through the Ouachita National Forest, harboring one of America's best fall foliage drives. The hike is long but categorised as moderately difficult to complete. Luckily, outdoor activities aren't limited to just hiking. Visitors can enjoy camping under the stars, kayaking along the Little Maumelle River, and fishing in and around Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Chenal Valley.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.
