[Revisited] U.S. Route 64: Beebe to Conway – Arkansas

Join us on a 33-mile journey through the heart of central Arkansas as we drive westbound along U.S. Highway 64 from Beebe to Conway. This stretch of highway offers a smooth and scenic ride, blending small-town charm, agricultural roots, and the growing presence of suburban expansion. Starting in Beebe, just off the interchange with Interstate 57, we quickly leave the bustle of the interstate behind and immerse ourselves in a quieter, rural landscape.

As we head west, the first leg of our drive takes us past vast open fields, occasional farmsteads, and groves of timber typical of the region. This part of Arkansas is primarily agricultural, and you’ll spot a mix of row crops and livestock operations, particularly in the low-lying, fertile terrain. Our first notable stop is El Paso, a small unincorporated community nestled at the junction of Arkansas Highway 5. El Paso is a good place to stretch your legs or grab a drink if you’re taking it slow—there are a couple of local diners and gas stations catering to passersby.

Past El Paso, the road begins a gradual shift—not so much in elevation but in feel. The spacing between homes tightens a bit, the roadside trees grow denser, and the traffic picks up as we approach Vilonia, a town that has experienced steady growth over the past decade. U.S. 64 now bypasses the town to the south, but you can take a quick detour via one of the connecting roads if you’re interested in checking out Vilonia’s small downtown area or the Vilonia Heritage Museum, which offers insight into the region’s local history and recovery from a devastating tornado in 2014.

As we move beyond Vilonia, hints of Conway’s outer suburbs begin to appear. What was once open pasture gradually transitions into residential neighborhoods and commercial zones, with new subdivisions, shopping centers, and schools dotting the roadside. The final few miles into Conway are a stark contrast to where we began—U.S. 64 here is wider, busier, and flanked by restaurants, grocery stores, and big-box retailers. You’ll feel the shift into a larger city, and for good reason—Conway is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arkansas and home to three colleges, making it a hub for education and innovation.

Our drive ends at Harkrider Street (U.S. Route 65 Business) in downtown Conway, a revitalized area with coffee shops, boutiques, and murals that give the city a bit of a college-town vibe. Whether you’re traveling through or making Conway your destination, this route offers a great cross-section of Arkansas life—from quiet farmland to bustling cityscape.

🎵 Music: Track List