Conway, Arkansas

We took a trip to Conway, Arkansas yesterday for dinner. It is about 35-40 minutes from our house, but well worth the trip. Our primary objective for the drive-Ruby Tuesday. When we lived in Colorado, we had a RT less than a mile from the house and our good friend worked there, so we liked to go quite frequently. The best part about going to RT was that we never had to wait. It was one of the few places in town where we didn't have to make a reservation, get on a wait list, or get there at 5pm just to get right in. With kids, that was a huge bonus. So our trip was partially nostalgia, and partially a good deal-we had a coupon.

We knew the general location of the RT, but it was a chore getting to it once we got to Conway. It's tucked back in the middle of several hotels, but once you see how to get there, it's not so difficult. They definitely take advantage of the hotel guests convenient location, but we noticed several locals dropping in, as well.

Dinner was excellent, though we ordered way too much and took a lot of food home. Not a problem, we had enough for everyone for dinner tonight. The place was a little smaller than the one in CO, but the waitress was fantastic, and pregnant. We really enjoyed ourselves for the most part. Our oldest daughter was a bit sick from a bad headache and didn't eat much more than grapes and crackers, but all in all it was a good dinner.

We finally ventured into the heart of Conway;, something we've talked about doing every time we head north. What a great little town! We drove into the downtown area and it is quite a hidden gem-lots of stores, restaurants, Toad Suck area, and Simon Park (recall where American Idol winner Kris Allen played). Loved the old brick buildings. The area was full of people coming and going, and many were carrying take-home boxes, which tells me there is are some good restaurants down in that area. The streets were lined with tall lampposts, with beautiful hanging baskets overflowing with flowers, and then more pots of flowers at the base of each one, and many had flags flying stating the "Home of Kris Allen."

We missed finding the Dairy Queen, but that is okay. We have a while till the next birthday, so we'll be back to try to get an ice cream cake some other time. Had wanted to get some ice cream for the drive home, though.

Hope to get up there, again, when it is a little cooler, to check out some of the stores. All in all, a good trip!