Amanda Elrod is a Central Arkansas specialist, including Saline County and Pulaski County. Amanda believes that the most important thing that a Realtor can offer is service. To Amanda, her clients are not simply a means of making a paycheck—they are real people with real needs, and she is dedicated to getting those needs met, making her a valuable agent at Coldwell Banker RPM Group. We sat down with Amanda to get to know her a little better:
If you had to organize a tour of your area of expertise, what three must-visit places would you hit?
My areas of Expertise are Benton, Bryant, Alexander, and Little Rock. Downtown Benton is a really neat up-and-coming area—great boutiques, awesome local dining, and the cutest Courthouse in the world, especially at Christmas! In Little Rock, I would encourage everyone to stay a night at the Capital Hotel (my husband I do this every year around our anniversary) because it is just so lovely. Then take advantage of the Running/Biking paths we have all along the Arkansas River. I have yet to see a city with anything like it!
Describe what you like about your area. Favorite subdivision? Schools? Home design? Parks, museums, landmarks?
I love that Central Arkansas is so diverse. We have all of the comforts and amenities of the city but so many areas are still wooded and rural. I love nature so this greatly appeals to me! My favorite subdivision is Hurricane Lake Estates. I work the most there and the lake is just beautiful. It's an amazing community to live in complete with a private lake, pool, tennis court, playground, and walking path. All of Saline County is known for its wonderful public schools but I am partial to Benton since my two sons Wesley (age 6) and Wyatt (age 13) go there. We have really loved Caldwell Elementary and Benton Middle School. I love Mills Park in Bryant because it is wooded and has a beautiful walking trail. The Museum of Discovery in Little Rock has been a big hit with us since I have two science-loving kiddos, but the Clinton Library and Museum is really neat as well. I also highly recommend the Promenade at Chenal for shopping—most of my favorite stores are there.
What’s your favorite ethnic food? Is there a restaurant in town that does it well?
Mexican—I could eat it every day of my life! La Hacienda is my favorite Authentic Mexican restaurant. Local Lime is my favorite upscale Mexican cuisine. Both are so so good!
What’s your ultimate local meal?
Appetizers from Yaya’s Euro Bistro (bruschetta), entrees from Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse (Chilean Sea Bass), and dessert from Brave New Restaurant (chocolate Creme Brulee).
If you had to pick a last meal, what would it be?
That's a tough one! Probably chips and salsa, guacamole, queso, and a fajita chicken salad. Or pizza with chicken and all the veggies! Or really good fish!
If you could go to dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why?
Jesus Christ—there are just so many things I would want to ask him and to absorb his loving energy!
My mom because she isn’t alive anymore and I would give anything for one more conversation.
Mother Teresa because she was so incredibly loving and selfless.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I love to exercise at my gym McClure Fitness! It has group fitness classes, and I absolutely love working out with others as a group. Spin is my favorite class, it's like dancing on a bike! I also like to cook and bake! I used to think I wanted to be a chef before I became a Realtor. I also love going on dates with my husband!
What’s your favorite movie of all time? What’s your favorite TV show right now? Favorite sport to watch on TV?
Braveheart is hands down my favorite movie of all time. Will probably always be my favorite because it was so moving. My favorite TV show is the Great British Bake Off! I love watching them bake, but I also love getting a glimpse into British culture—they are cheeky and fun! I don't watch mainstream sports, but I love watching the Olympics and also anything with dancing or gymnastics.
Do you have a nickname?
Yes, my dad always calls me Panda. Some of my friends call me Elrod or Nanners.
Favorite travel spot?
There are so many places I have never been to and want to go to, but of all the places I have already been to, the Bahamas was probably my favorite. Or Pensacola, FL. I am a beach-loving girl! Give me allll the sun!
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you? And what would it be called?
That’s so weird to even think about. For some reason, Renee Zellweger keeps coming to mind, even though I don’t see us as being that similar. It would be called “From Tragedy to Triumph.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
CS Lewis: “You don’t have a Soul. You ARE a soul. You have a body.”
What’s your hidden talent?
I am an extremely fast texter :) I can also decorate cakes—well sort of. I am out of practice.
Biggest pet peeve?
Superfluous noise. Having children makes that challenge, haha!
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