Date:  April 28, 2015  |  

Conway is filled with merriment during the month of May. From college and high school graduation celebrations to the highly anticipated Toad Suck Daze festival, there are plenty of reasons to visit this centrally located jewel. Whether you’re in town for a day or call the city home, read on for a few of our favorite stops.

To start the day, head for Oak Street and the historic downtown Conway area. Make Bell & Sward (501-504-6880, bellandsward.com), the well-stocked gentlemen’s clothier, your first stop. Here, you’ll find the latest in menswear, from casual dress to fine suits. Owners Zanette Bell and Erik Sward have filled the shop with high-quality lines including Southern Point Co., Peter Millar, Criquet, Collared Greens ties, and Ballin leather goods. In addition, they are now carrying the newly revitalized Duck Head line, which is made in the U.S.A. You’ll love the interior of the store which has exposed brick and mortar, hardwood flooring, and leather furniture—giving it a natural, masculine feel that perfectly complements the store’s selections.

After outfitting the men in your life, walk a couple of doors down to White Goat (501-504-6643, whitegoatstyle.com). This open and airy home boutique, which also has a location in Little Rock, offers a wide selection of furniture, custom artwork, and one-of-a-kind “found” accessories. Choose your favorite Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan to try on pieces at home, or attend one of the in-store classes to learn the techniques from the trained staff. White Goat also offers bridal registry featuring Juliska tableware. If you’re in need of a quick gift idea, shop their selection of candles, bath soaps, and design books.

Continuing down charming Oak Street, you’ll find Grand on Oak (501-499-6436, grandonoak.com). Just beyond the cheerful yellow-and-white striped awning is one of the area’s most unique boutiques. Offering everything from clothing, handbags, and sunglasses to fragrances and candles, Grand on Oak strives to make every shopper feel special, while helping her look her best. You’ll find such sought-after lines as Frye, Lola & Sophie, Johnny Was, Muche & Muchette, Michael Stars, and—a new addition—the Bare Minerals makeup line.

If you call Conway home—or are looking to move to the area—we know just the place to find stylish, affordable, and quality furnishings: H3 Home + Décor (501-327-6523, h3homedecor.com). Formerly Hambuchen Home Furnishings, this family-owned and operated business has been a part of Conway for three generations. Their recently renovated showroom features lines such as La-Z-Boy, Flexsteel, Hickory, Stanley, and Bernhardt. You’ll find contemporary and traditional pieces as well as a great selection of accessories for every room. Don’t miss the O.W. Lee Co. line of made-in-America outdoor furniture, which offers custom finish and upholstery options.

If you’re considering a renovation or working on a new-construction home, design help is just a phone call away. Contact Tami Risinger of Risinger Interiors (501-454-2575) for a full-service consultation. Known for her clean, transitional style, she can use her knowledge of both residential and commercial interiors to transform your home or office space. Based in Conway, she consults with clients throughout the region and is sure to give your space a look every bit as charming and personable as she is.

Home to “The World Championship Toad Races,” this family friendly festival, which is held annually during the first weekend of May, isn’t just for frogs. You’ll find arts-and-crafts and food vendors as well as a 5K and 10K, a golf tournament, local and nationally known entertainment and a carnival. Free admission. toadsuck.org