[charlesT]

The family and I are thinking of moving to northwest Arkansas in a year or two. We love the beauty and solid economy (although I'm a little weary of the conservative/religious leanings of the area).

Anyway, what exactly is meant by "dry" and "partially dry" counties? Here in Arizona there's no such thing. I never even heard of such a thing until visiting there. I mean, I know it has to do with Alcohol, but in what way? Is it illegal to drink, buy, drink in public, drink in bars, or what?

[joebaldknobber]

You can drink in dry counties, you can drink in restaurants in dry counties. You have to go to Washingon County (Fayetteville, Springdale) or Missouri (just north of Bentonville, Bella Vista) to buy beer, wine, liquor if you live in Benton County.

Somebody else can explain the legalities and loopholes.

Texas has the same dry/wet issues. Dallas in the 90s was dry and wet depending what part of town you were in. It may still be the same. Every suburb had its own dry or wet laws.

If you drink, come on down. You got nothing to worry about. I'm sure as many people drink in Arkansas as in Arizona.

Originally Posted by charlesT

The family and I are thinking of moving to northwest Arkansas in a year or two. We love the beauty and solid economy (although I'm a little weary of the conservative/religious leanings of the area).

Anyway, what exactly is meant by "dry" and "partially dry" counties? Here in Arizona there's no such thing. I never even heard of such a thing until visiting there. I mean, I know it has to do with Alcohol, but in what way? Is it illegal to drink, buy, drink in public, drink in bars, or what?

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by charlesT

We love the beauty and solid economy (although I'm a little weary of the conservative/religious leanings of the area).

If you're "weary" of the political and religious leanings of the area, and you aren't even here yet, you'll be miserable if you move. It is what it is.

The dry vs. wet counties thing is odd, but really doesn't slow down people.

[joebaldknobber]

What is the religious difference between Arizona and Arkansas?

Originally Posted by Kimballette

If you're "weary" of the political and religious leanings of the area, and you aren't even here yet, you'll be miserable if you move. It is what it is.

The dry vs. wet counties thing is odd, but really doesn't slow down people.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by joebaldknobber

I live in Arkansas. What is the religious difference between Arizona and Arkansas?

LOL! Yes, and I live in Arizona and have lots of family in Arkansas.

This is off topic for this thread, but since the o/p mentioned political and religious issues, here goes. In Arkansas, it's been my experience you're more likely to be asked which church you attend and you're somewhat more likely to witness public prayer in restaurants, etc. than you'd tend to experience in Arizona. It's just a cultural difference.

None of these things bother me one little bit. But some people are freaked out by any association with anything related to Christianity. I also have family in Arkansas who are agnostics, and they have no problem whatsoever. Some people have thinner skins or a lower tolerance for differences, and that's all I'm saying.

[ArkansasSlim]

Dry and partially dry? I live here and had not heard that term used, but a WAG on my part; "Dry" means you cannot legally buy any alcohol, and "partially dry" you can buy mixed drinks in private clubs. "Private Clubs" are quite common in "dry" counties. And, all dry counties have bootleggers. I once lived in a dry county which had so many bootleggers they had to wear name tags to keep from try to sell to each other

[joebaldknobber]

Most people in Arkansas are live and let live. I don't see any reason anyone would be uncomfortable living in Arkansas.

I live here and never go to church. People rarely ask me about religion, and no one cares.

Originally Posted by Kimballette

LOL! Yes, and I live in Arizona and have lots of family in Arkansas.

This is off topic for this thread, but since the o/p mentioned political and religious issues, here goes. In Arkansas, it's been my experience you're more likely to be asked which church you attend and you're somewhat more likely to witness public prayer in restaurants, etc. than you'd tend to experience in Arizona. It's just a cultural difference.

None of these things bother me one little bit. But some people are freaked out by any association with anything related to Christianity. I also have family in Arkansas who are agnostics, and they have no problem whatsoever. Some people have thinner skins or a lower tolerance for differences, and that's all I'm saying.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by joebaldknobber

Most people in Arkansas are live and let live. I don't see any reason anyone would be uncomfortable living in Arkansas.

I live here and never go to church. People rarely ask me about religion, and no one cares.

No argument here. But if a person who is contemplating moving here tells you they're weary of the political and religious envronment, that may be a clue that their sensibilities are different than yours. Different strokes, and all. And that's simply my opinion, and you're entitled to one of your own.

[joebaldknobber]

Moderator cut: snip

Kentucky has a lot of dry counties considering all the bourbon they produce.

Utah is Wet. I remember they had to walk around the bar at a TGI Friday's to give me a beer in Salt Lake City. They said they couldn't slide the beer across bar if place was primarily a restaurant. I didn't care about the curious law, I had my Budweiser.

Originally Posted by Kimballette

No argument here. But if a person who is contemplating moving here tells you they're weary of the political and religious envronment, that may be a clue that their sensibilities are different than yours. Different strokes, and all. And that's simply my opinion, and you're entitled to one of your own.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by charlesT

The family and I are thinking of moving to northwest Arkansas in a year or two. We love the beauty and solid economy (although I'm a little weary of the conservative/religious leanings of the area).

Anyway, what exactly is meant by "dry" and "partially dry" counties? Here in Arizona there's no such thing. I never even heard of such a thing until visiting there. I mean, I know it has to do with Alcohol, but in what way? Is it illegal to drink, buy, drink in public, drink in bars, or what?

I haven't read all the responses but I am sure your questions have been answered..I will tell you, NWA (Washington and Benton couties) are not as religious as it might sound like. Yes, most people attend church or belong to a church, but they are not really what I would call over the top. They might even ask you what church you attend, it is rare for them to push their religion though or look down on people who do not have a home church. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. yes, the area is overall conservative, again, there are many liberals in the area as well so no one needs to feel out of place.

Nita