6 Amazing State Parks to Visit Near Conway, AR

The area around Conway, AR is packed full of things to see and do. People flock here from all across the state to try some of the delicious food and check out the amazing local tourist attractions. If you're out in town this weekend and you're looking for something interesting to do, here are some of our favorite spots that are just a short drive away. Baum Gallery of Fine Art If you love art as much as we do then you'll love Baum Gallery of Fine Art. Situated within the grounds of the University of Central Arkansas, this art gallery showcases work by some of the best regional artists, all of which have graduated from the UCA's prestigious Art and Design Department. If you want to support local artists, this is the place to go. Cadron Settlement Park Set on the banks of the Arkansas River, this historic spot is littered with murals that mark out where the old pioneer settlement used to be, along with a fully-restored blockhouse. For those without a faint heart, this area also includes a long stretch of the Cherokee Trail of Tears, with exhibits that highlight the plight of the Native Americans as they were forced off their homelands, and the dangers they faced on their journey West. With its miles of hiking trails dotted with dozens of picnic spots, the Cadron Settlement Park is a perfect place to take the family for a fun-filled day out in nature. So, load up all seven seats in the new Kia Sorrento SX and take the extended family for a memorable afternoon in an idyllic spot. Faulkner County Museum In an area with such rich natural and cultural history, it's no surprise that this museum is such a treat to visit. Situated in the historic Faulker County Jail, the museum features artifacts and antiques from the local area that spans back to prehistory. This place is fully funded by donations, so make sure to bring some cash with you to help support the upkeep of this amazing building. These are just a few of the great spots around Conway that are perfect for a day out. Whether you're looking for an interesting day out on your own or you're looking to take the whole family for a day trip, you're sure to find something on this list that fits the bill. We'd love to hear what you think about these places, so drop by and visit us at Crain Kia of Conway afterward to let us know how your day out went and check out our showroom of impressive new and used cars. Image via Pixabay.

Located in the geographic center of the state and about 30 miles northwest of Little Rock, the city of Conway, AR, is a great base to explore the urban and natural landmarks that Arkansas has to offer. If you are looking for nearby historical attractions you can visit alone, with your family, or with a group of friends, these are some great spots you should not miss while in the area. 1. Old State House Museum One of the oldest state capitol buildings in the Southern United States is now home to a historical museum that attracts visitors from all over the state of Arkansas and beyond. Its permanent collection showcases battle flags, African American quilts, and art pottery. Located In the northern part of the Little Rock downtown area, this museum can be reached in about half an hour by car from the Conway city center, driving along route I-40. The construction of the original state house was commissioned in 1833, and the building was inaugurated in 1842. After the end of the American Civil War, the building hosted numerous historical debates on voting rights and public education in Arkansas. In 1912, when the new capitol building was completed, the place was turned into a medical school. It was only in 1947 that it was designated as a museum, and in 1997, it became a National Historic Landmark. 2. Faulkner County Museum Located in the heart of the Conway downtown area, the Faulkner County Museum is one of the main attractions in the city. Founded in 1992, this local history museum is housed in the building of the former Faulkner County Jail, a two-story masonry structure constructed in 1896. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features a large permanent collection with historical artifacts, clothing, photos, and household items from the area. If you have a short time to visit Conway or simply want to stay in the city center, the Faulkner County Museum is a place you should not miss. The place is staffed by about 20 local volunteers who organize guided tours and can tell you all about the history of the region and the significance of the building. Besides the permanent collection, this place also houses archival collections and a small library. 3. Springfield Bridge Located in Beaverfork Lake Park, a little under five miles north of the Conway city center, the Springfield Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and is the oldest documented highway bridge in the state of Arkansas. The structure was originally built across Cadron Creek in nearby Faulkner County but was transferred to its current location in 2017 to protect it from vandalism and fires. Are you looking for a new or used car to go on road trips and explore these and other amazing historical landmarks? Stop by Crain Kia of Conway! Talk to one of our agents, learn about our convenient financing plans, and find a vehicle that suits the needs of you and your family. Image via Pixabay.

You're getting married! Your wedding day is by far is one of the most exciting days of your life, so no matter how large a wedding you're planning, you want to do what it takes to make your special day a magical one. If you live in the Conway, AR area, you're lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty everywhere you look. For that reason, you have plenty of beautiful wedding locations to choose from when planning your big day. 1. The Pines Conway You can find The Pines Conway located at 119 Roden Mill Road, and this venue is the perfect option for those who want a simple yet elegant country wedding. Owned by the Andrews family, this venue features a country backdrop, including a barn, horse stables, courtyard, and fields with a pond. If you're planning an evening wedding, you will be able to host your event with the sunset as your backdrop. This venue has plenty of room to accommodate all of your guests, including a 4,800 square-foot barn that you can decorate to your liking. You'll be provided with tables, chairs, and access to their decor closet, and much more. 2. Angelo's Garden Event Venue Angelo's Garden Event Venue is located at 171 Brandon Drive and offers several different wedding packages based on your needs. This venue can accommodate smaller and larger weddings and features an area for an outdoor ceremony that overlooks the beautiful Arkansas mountains as a backdrop. They also have a residence that can be booked as needed to accommodate guests. Their ballroom makes an exquisite location for a reception that you can decorate as you wish. 3. The Brick Room Located at 1020 Front Street, The Brick Room is the perfect venue if you're looking to add a romantic yet industrial touch to your wedding. The Brick Room features industrial brick walls that make a beautiful background for a ceremony or reception. They offer several event packages at different rates to accommodate all budgets, design services, and bar services. Whether you need someone to do the setup for you or design a floor plan, you can ask for as much or as little assistance as you need here. nextpage 4. Legacy Acres Legacy Acres, located at 100 Legacy Acres Drive, is a beautiful, simple, and elegant location with the perfect backdrop for any event. This property features a ballroom, a chapel, a cottage, and an outdoor pavilion. Here you'll find the most beautiful setting for your wedding. A stunning white interior room with high ceilings and large windows will make your wedding feel nothing short of magical. The clean, modern lines and stunning craftsmanship will transport your guests into another world. If you're looking for a vehicle that can help initiate a new chapter of your life, we have plenty of options. Our dealership would love to welcome you into our family and help care for all of your car buying, trade-in, or service needs. Visit us today at Crain Kia of Conway to browse our inventory, meet our service department, and test drive a vehicle that you can call your own. Image via Pixabay.