Conway, Arkansas - A Hidden Gem
Sometimes we Americans think that we know everything that there is to know about the United States.
Travelers from within and without, long to visit iconic places in California, New York, Chicago, and Florida.
These of course are all a must see! But I am discovering that there is so much more than meets the eye here in the United States!
“Who even wants to go to Honky-Tonk Arkansas anyways?”
When my ex and I made the decision to co-parent after I wanted a divorce, he decided to go back to the place where he was born and raised… Arkansas!
While we were married, I was homeschooling my now college-age children.
As I was getting ready to rejoin the workforce, we were both very concerned about how engaged and involved the public school teachers would be.
He was against raising our children in California, and I wasn’t sold on the school system in Houston, Texas.
Although I was feeling some type of way about Arkansas, after testing out the school system in a very small town that only had 1 High School and 1 Elementary School, I was highly impressed with the principle and teachers.
I felt as if my children would be closely monitored and protected, in what seemed to be a safe, close-knit environment and community.
Also, I could never deny how friendly the people were, and how very helpful, quick, and on point their law enforcement was.
I have been traveling from Houston to Arkansas for over 10 years!
Technically speaking, Arkansas and Texas are joined together like twins, thus the city Texarkana!
Throughout the years, when my children were younger, while picking them up, and dropping them off, I never really spent more than a week there.
( Me-”I’m just getting my kids, and then I’m outta here!”)
Some small southern states rarely change, but this place that they call “The Natural State” is comin’ up, catchin’ up, and building up!
Read-4 Things I Love About Maumelle, Arkansas
Let's Talk Conway!
Conway, Arkansas is approximately 45 minutes away from the Capital Little Rock.
Nicknamed the “City of Colleges”, Conway is a Suburban City with a vibrant up tempo vibe-It doesn’t even feel like you are in the South!
I had no idea that Conway existed until my oldest daughter decided to go to college there.
Upon my first visit 5 years ago, I was amazed at how modern and new the city looked!
The People are beyond friendly!
A few years ago, I was at the Greyhound sub-station on Oak St, waiting for my daughter to pick me up.
(I no longer drive, or catch The Greyhound bus to Arkansas -I'm into Megabus now!)
As customers went in and out, everyone greeted me while I was sitting at the booth.
Minutes later, some ladies pulled up in a truck full of furniture in the back, and asked if I needed a ride!
I don't know if this is common in Conway, but on my last visit, while waiting on my Uber to arrive in front of a store, a mother of 3 (who had come out of the store shortly after us) asked if I needed a ride.
She seemed genuinely concerned. I guess somehow it was apparent that I wasn't from there!
But no matter what, I always politely say no thank you, and never accept the friendly offers.
After traveling to Conway a few times, I figured out that Oak Street is like the Hub of the city.
On Oak Street, you will find all of the basic essentials that you would want or need for your trip.
Traveling down Oak Street, and directly off of it, is Starbucks, Waffle House, I-Hop, Gas Stations, a Sandwich Shop, Mexican Restaurants, Walmart, and plenty of hotels, all within walking distance of each other.
Donahue Avenue
Cruising down Donahue Avenue-the other long major street in Conway, is where you will somewhat feel as though you are on the West Coast.
Off of Donahue, you will run into The College District, and a bunch of super nice suburban homes, nestled in quiet neighborhoods.
The College District is by far my favorite area to cruise down.
Unfortunately, I was unable to take pictures in the daytime during this trip, but I promise that it will be one of the first areas in Conway that I photograph when I go back!
Tucker Creek Walking Trail
One of the first parks my oldest daughter introduced us to is Tucker Creek Walking Trail.
This is a very peaceful park that is perfect for walking, jogging, riding your bike, and oh so picturesque for nature and photography lovers.
NOTE:You can rent a bicycle at this park through Conway’s Bike Share Program. We didn't notice the sign, or the row of bicycles, until we were leaving.
Beaverfork Lake Park
I love being on lake time, and I am madly in love with Lakefront Homes!
Not only do you get to see these magnificent homes by the lake, but Beaverfork Park has much more for you to experience!
Read 35 Pictures That Will Make You Fall In Love With Maumelle, Arkansas
From boating to fishing, swimming, basketball, baseball, and sand volleyball, there is something for everyone to do at Beaverfork Lake Park!
Cadron Settlement Park
I was looking for another place to take pictures for my photography gallery, so my oldest daughter decided to take us to Cadron Settlement Park.
When we pulled up, I was like, “Really?” “It’s almost dark out here!” But she perfectly navigates and leads us through this enchanted park right before sunset, and then back to the car in the pitch-dark with ease.
As the sun transitioned, and then finally set, I was able to capture all of it's beautiful colors!
We had to be extra careful with small children at Cadron Settlement Park!
I tightly held onto my 6 and 10 year old hands as we approached the cliff.
While taking pictures, I made them stand by their big sisters beside a huge tree that was several feet away!
If my oldest were not there, I would not have taken my youngest, as in my opinion, this park is for responsible teens and adults.
I later found out that there is a path that leads down to the cliff, and that people actually swim here!
No Public Bus Transportation??
The only downside while in Conway, is that the city does not have public bus transportation.
With a thriving population of college students, why are there no city buses??
Although another form of city transportation would be competitive for Yellow Cab, I just had to mention to the driver about how nice it would be for Conway to have a city bus.
Laughing and agreeing with me about the competition, my Lady Driver explained to me how the city was not structured or engineered for public bus transportation.
UBER
Uber seems to have just gotten popular in Conway. If you try to catch an Uber in a certain area, the app may say no cars available. ( It happened to me twice.)
I Love Conway's Yellow Cab Service
Conway’s Yellow Cab service is an excellent backup, with excellent customer service, drivers, and excellent prices. I highly recommend using if you are not renting, or if there are no drivers available for Uber.
If you are concerned about safety issues, you may want to make this your first option, as there is a direct number where you can promptly get a hold of someone at Conway’s Yellow Cab Service.
This is just a taste of Conway, Arkansas- A hidden suburban jewel in the South!
More on Conway's down town area, colleges, and SUPER low cost living soon!
Book Your Trip To Conway With Me At Tiffany Tene' Travels or contact tiffanytenetravels.globaltravel.com