Of all the people you might meet in Little Rock, no one can talk about the weather like Meredith Mitchell. But for newcomers, the KTHV Channel 11 weather reporter and weekend anchor (who grew up in Little Rock, by the way) has a forecast that doesn't include any of nature's elements. Instead, she predicts good times along Kavanaugh Boulevard, her favorite street. "Kavanaugh has everything that's appealing to a young professional," she says. In fact, Mitchell chose to live in a Hillcrest condo after a brief post-collegiate stint in Joplin, Mo. "The quaint nature of the neighborhood is what I love the most. There’s plenty of green space to enjoy during the day and the neighborhood offers plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy a night out with friends."

The physically fit stay that way on the Promenade at Alsopp Park along Kavanaugh. "As a runner, it's a great place to run and window shop."

The boulevard's not all fun and games — locals love its convenient offerings too. "For my grocery run, the Kroger on Kavanaugh in Hillcrest is just the right size to get everything you need."

People from all over the city do lunch at area eateries like Cafe Bossa Nova, which makes some mean South American-style fare. "You must try the famous cheese rolls."

Late night air fills with the clinks of glasses, boisterous laughter and plenty of chatter from the porch at Ciao Baci, "a quaint house where people go to see and be seen."

As its name indicates, Vieux Carré ("French Quarter" in English), whisks taste buds away to New Orleans with its "great food in a romantic bistro. I suggest Sunday brunch.”

Known for "music that will get you out of your seat dancing," The Afterthought is where locals go to hear everything from jazz to reggae while sipping wine or martinis.

Up the Street

Full of high-end shops and just the right amount of pretension, the stretch of Kavanaugh in The Heights makes anyone spending the day along the boulevard feel like a local celebrity.

1. Not technically on Kavanaugh, Boulevard Bread Co. is steps away. "It’s a great place to grab coffee and a bagel and enjoy the quiet neighborhood." 1620 N. Grant St.,

2. Kavanaugh Eye Center 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd.

3. ZAZA Fine Salad + Wood-Oven Pizza Co. 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd.

4. Mitchell says she's been eating at U.S. Pizza Co. since she could eat solid food. "Can’t go wrong with anything on their menu; just make sure to get plenty of the ranch dressing." 5524 Kavanaugh Blvd.

5. In addition to bridal gowns, Proposals stocks everything from ball gowns to cocktail dresses. "They have adorable stuff and I love the owner." 5913 Kavanaugh Blvd.

6. To keep up with the latest items at local shops, Mitchell flips to the Hubbub section in Little Rock Soirée, the city's premier magazine for culture and philanthropy. "I never miss an issue of Soirée." 122 E. 2nd St.