Charming quaint bungalows, Art Deco-style ranches and two-storied Tudor-style homes sit cozily along softly curved, sloping streets lined with old trees. As the sun rises, residents emerge to walk pets along the promenade, speaking good mornings as they pass. The day wears on, and the historic downtown district's shops and restaurants bustle with customers. By nightfall, voices carry across the neighborhood from the patios of favored gathering spots.

This is Hillcrest, easily one of the more artistic areas of central Arkansas and home to an eclectic crowd that includes students, young families and old money. Its diversity owes itself to history â€" Hillcrest was once a large, mostly undeveloped tract of woods that was bequeathed to the city many years ago by the Allsopp family. Nature's influence remains today, enticing for pedestrians and the families and hikers who explore the trails and playgrounds at popular Allsopp Park.

The main thoroughfare, Kavanaugh Boulevard, hosts most of the activity here. Traffic slows on the street's stretch through Hillcrest before snaking its way north to The Heights.

Midtown is to the south, a nice bonus for football fans since that's the site of War Memorial Stadium, host to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks twice a year. Neighbors enjoy pre-game and post-game parties at homes resplendent with Razorback red and white.

Merchants in Hillcrest host "Shop'N'Sip" on the first Thursday of every month. Businesses stay open late and invite the public to enjoy a glass of wine and other refreshments while they shop. Plan on dinner at a local eatery and make a whole evening of it.