Date: April 26, 2016 | Photography: At Home in Arkansas, Courtesy of the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau |
An energetic downtown, multiple college campuses, and numerous home stores and boutiques make this central Arkansas city an attractive destination for those from near and far
EATS & SWEETS
If you arrive in town in time for lunch, we suggest dropping in at Cross Creek Sandwich Shop (501-764-1811, crosscreeksandwichshop.com). The restaurant, which is on Conway’s popular Oak Street inside Jenifer’s Antiques, serves absolutely delectable sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups—along with daily specials. They also offer a tempting selection of desserts to round out your meal. When you finish dining, be sure to check out the latest arrivals in the store’s numerous, well-curated antique booths.
If you have a sweet tooth later in the day or if you want treats to take home to share with others, don’t miss PattiCakes Bakery (501-205-1969, patticakesbakery.net). We can’t help but indulge in their cupcakes every time we visit. Owner Patti Stobaugh and her team make the desserts from scratch and offer a wide variety of customization options for birthday parties, weddings, and other special events. What’s more, if you don’t see your favorite treat on hand, they will try to honor your request by adding it to the rotation.
Local Finds
When it comes time to do a bit of shopping, start at Art on the Green (501-205-1922; artonthegreen.net), a 3,000-square-foot gallery that features local artists from Arkansas and the South. The works are featured for three months and then rotated out for new pieces, ensuring there is always something fresh in store. They are open weekdays, and private showings may also be scheduled. Additionally, they host special events and luncheons with participating artists from time to time. They also offer acrylic, oil, and watercolor classes for all ages and skill levels. Follow them on social media for event and class listings and updates.
After selecting the perfect piece of art, continue shopping for your home with a trip to Park Hill Home (501-358-3537), which can be found nearby on Oak Street. Here, you’ll find the Park Hill Collection—which includes everything from casegoods to wall art, all curated by owners and creators Charlie Groppetti and Todd Smith—as well as one-of-a-kind antique pieces and seasonal accents. Even if you aren’t in the market for larger home goods, the charming shop is a fun place to browse and pick up gifts, including their popular line of candles.
Just across the street from Park Hill Home, you’ll find Bell & Sward (501-504-6880, bellandsward.com), a true gentleman’s clothier, carrying all things fashion–related for men. They have brands such as Trask, Johnston & Murphy, Peter Millar, Martin Dingman, and Bird Dog Bay, and offer everything from casual t-shirts to business suits and a multitude of choices in between the two. If you want to be the most dapper man in the South, stop in to see them today.
Make It Home
If you fall in love with Conway and want to make it home, you’ll need to visit H3 Home + Décor (501-327-6523, h3homedecor.com). Located on Second Street, the family owned business has been a central Arkansas staple for decades. They continue to bring the latest in furniture, including tables, chairs, and sofas, to their customers along with home accessories and mattresses. The enormous selection ensures you’ll find just what you’re looking for when it comes to personalizing your home.
We also loved visiting The Village at Hendrix (hendrix.edu/village), which is a pedestrian-friendly, thoughtfully planned neighborhood that offers dining and shopping along with charming cottage-style homes. Whether you move to this particular community or one nearby, drop in to such favorites such as ZAZA Salad + Pizza Co., The Purple Cow, Village Books, and Monrow Boutique. In addition to the commercial offerings, The Village is also home to Hendrix Creek Preserve, an 18-acre watershed for migratory waterfowl that includes a trail system and park-like setting—the perfect spot to relax on a sunny spring day.
