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5 Popular Outdoor Activities in and Around Conway, AR

Outdoor enthusiasts should feel right at home in Conway, AR, as there are a wealth of parks, lakes, sports facilities, and trails all begging to be explored. We take a look at some of the best venues in the city for outdoor activities. 5 Popular Outdoor Activities in and Around Conway, AR 1. Beaverfork Park Lake Beaverfork park is Conway's largest city park, spanning 1,200 acres and it offers a multitude of activities for any outdoor enthusiast. The lake is lined with towering pine trees, plus a variety of oaks and maple trees. Plan for an active day and get involved in a variety of sports as the park offers an 18-hole disc golf course, a baseball field, and a sand volleyball court. Make a splash in the water and take advantage of the swimming beach or launch a boat for fishing, kayaking, or general boating. The picnic areas include tables, pavilions, and even grills to cook up a well-deserved lunch. Other facilities include a playground and restrooms. 2. Lake Conway As the largest man-made lake in the US, Lake Conway occupies nearly 7,000 acres with around 52 miles of shoreline. Located just outside of the city, It is an excellent spot for fishing, with anglers netting species such as bream, bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and white bass. If you're not interested in fishing, other activities include boating, canoeing, hiking, wildlife spotting, and picnicking. 3. Tucker Creek Walking Trail The flat, paved, and lighted Tucker Creek Trail is perfect for hikers, joggers, and cyclists. It stretches over three miles from Tyler Street to Hogan Road, offering users beautiful views of Tucker Creek and the nearby woods. 4. Cadron Settlement Park The Cadron Settlement Park takes up 150 acres and is the perfect spot for history buffs and hikers alike. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its rich history. Visitors can see the restored Blockhouse, the Cherokee Trail of Tears exhibit, and the historic Butterfield Trail. The park is most famous for its excellent hiking trails, with suitable trails for beginners and advanced hikers. There are also ample picnic tables, pavilions, and boat a boat launch. 5. Golf If you're an avid golfer, then you should feel right at home in Conway. The Arkansas Golf Centre is located at 5150 John W. Allison Road and is home to an award-winning public driving range, a 7,000 square foot golf store, and a state-of-the-art golf club fitting center. They also offer golf lessons. The Links at Cadron Valley Golf & Country Club offers a 9-hole regulation course for all ages and abilities. You can also find courses at the Centennial Valley Country club and Nutters Chapel Gold and Country Club. Arkansas is packed with natural beauty and plenty of space to explore and enjoy the outdoors. You will need a reliable and comfortable vehicle if you want to enjoy them all. Visit Crain Kia of Conway today and test drive one of our new or used cars. With our extensive inventory, you're sure to find the perfect car for you.

Mark Your Calendar for Toad Suck Daze

Held annually since 1982, Toad Suck Daze is a Conway special that entertains up to 150,000 locals and visitors with its friendly atmosphere, fun activities, and great weather. Originally, the festival started as a way for locals to forget the recession, but it has since become a beloved tradition. Kids' Activities If your child isn't a fan of toad racing, there is still plenty of fun things for him or her to do. Strolling around the festival are the mascots, Croaker and Dazey, who love taking pictures and interacting with children. Also available at TSD are several characters from popular kids shows like Clifford The Big Red Dog and Island Princesses. PBS Kids characters can be found on the Toadal Kids Zone stage at various times throughout the weekend. There are also often magicians at TSD to keep the kids intrigued, engaged, and smiling. Additional activities for kids include a petting zoo, balloon animals, clowns, a giant sandbox, a sensory tent, face painting, a play area, and hands-on interactive activities that are both fun and educational. Entertainment Toad Suck Daze is known for its excellent live entertainment. Each year, local bands and talented performers grace the Conway CVB Main Stage and the TriTechne Late Night Stage. Regardless of which stage visitors go to, the entertainment is always free, while the seating operates on a general admission basis. When attending a performance at the CVB Main Stage, guests are highly encouraged to bring folding chairs. more Toad Races What would Toad Suck Daze be without real, live toads? Luckily, we don't have to find out, as each annual event hosts a number of fun, family-friendly toad races. The whole family is encouraged to participate, with every day of the festival offering a variety of different races. A few of the most popular races include the Baby Crawl and General Toad Races. Food With all the excitement that TSD has to offer, it's no wonder that hunger works its way through the crowd like wildfire in a drought. Don't worry if you're struck with hunger pains mid-way through the festival, though. There are a ton of options for food, ranging from classics like corn dogs and burgers to unique dishes such as Cajun rice bowls, old fashioned root beer, and perfectly sweet pineapple whip. Each year, TSD fills its concession stands with popular menu items as well as several new treats. Shopping Dozens of vendors set up shop at the Toad Market every year. Here, you're bound to find something great for every member of the family. The market features commercial items, as well as handmade treasures like arts and crafts, clothing, home décor, jewelry, and much more. Guests will also stumble upon face painting booths at the Toad Market. Whether you're 6 or 86, Toad Suck Daze has something special for you. Whether it's the tasty food, great shopping experience, or the live-action road racing, spending an afternoon at the festival is a must if you're in Conway during May.

Get Outside on These Local Trails

Conway, Arkansas, is known as being one of central Arkansas' most populous education hubs. It's home to both UCA and Central Baptist College and has a large population of college students residing within its limits. However, Conway also boasts extensive natural beauty and charming walking trails. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you're guaranteed to fall in love with at least one of these hiking trails. Tucker Creek Walking and Bike Trail 6.5 miles long, the Tucker Creek trail is ideal for easy walking and biking. The trail is paved and smooth, which makes it great for the whole family. The settings it winds through are lush with greenery and the entire length of the trail is followed by a slow-moving creek. For walking during the evening, the trail is lit with tall lamp posts. Hendrix Creek Preserve Hendrix Creek Preserve is an 18-acre plot of land that is protected and cherished by the state of Arkansas. It's chock-full of natural beauty and makes a great place for a hike or walking the dog. The preserve is home to miles of trails, including a few that are boardwalk-style and perfect for taking photos along the way. During a hike in Hendrix Creek Preserve, visitors also have the opportunity to see several species of waterfowl. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars along on your walk. Gatlin Park In central Conway, Gatlin Park is both inviting and conveniently located. The park offers everything that a good public park should — sports facilities, grassy areas, a splash pad, and walking trails. The trails can be used by bikers, as well as hikers, walkers, and those wanting to walk their dogs (leash required). more Jewel Moore Nature Reserve Known for its stunning nature trail, Jewel Moore Nature Reserve is one of Conway's most popular hiking spots. The trail that runs through the reserve covers 18 acres, taking visitors through dense forests on smooth, easy-to-navigate paths. Off the main trail are several other trails dedicated to running and biking. The entire reserve is dotted with benches and seating areas so that guests can stop and take a break to have a snack or catch their breath after a long and rewarding jog. Tollantusky Trail Tollantusky Trail, also known as “Tollantusky Loop,” is a 2.4-kilometer looping trail near Conway. Most visitors use it for hiking, but there are often dog walkers, as well. Making their way along the trail, visitors are able to see gorgeous views of the Arkansas River and get in touch with nature as they watch birds, squirrels, and other small animals scurry about. The trees along the trail are tall and provide shade, while the path itself is paved. Conway has so many different trails to choose from. From the paved and completely modern Tuck Creek trail to the rugged, somewhat challenging Tollantusky Loop, the city has something for every type of runner and their family. Have you taken on any of these trails? If not, which one will you try first?

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