I’m new to Conway, but have quickly realized how fortunate I was deciding to relocate here. Conway has much going for it, but I’ll limit my brief kudos to two local businesses — both long owned and operated by women.

The Conway Inn, owned and run by Barbara Llamas, is like a western Mass. edition of “Cheers.” Reminds me of the welcoming feel of an English pub. The Inn is open seven days a week, with music jams and movie nights every month. Pizza on the weekends. And every holiday is somehow celebrated, in often unusual ways.

Baker’s Country Store is owned and run by Helen Baker. It too is open seven days a week, with breakfast and lunch served every day. Need milk? Baked goods? A can of something? A tomato? Gas or diesel? Helen has it, and a smile to go with.

How fortunate that small-town Conway has a functioning general store!

These are two of Conway’s business institutions that anchor our town and make it such a great place to live. Want to feel the pulse of what’s going on in town — here are a couple of good places to start.

Jeff Lacy

Conway