Published Nov 1, 2015

These 15 Amazing Photos Of Arkansas Were Taken By Local Photographers – Part 4

Local photographers capture and share stunning images of Arkansas's natural beauty.

Published Nov 1, 2015

Written by

Published Oct 15, 2024

The Up-and-Coming City in Arkansas That’s Perfectly Sized

Jonesboro, Arkansas is a small city that has so much to offer. More and more people are calling it home, but it still offers a small town feel to residents and visitors alike.

Published Oct 15, 2024

Written by

Christy Articola

Jonesboro Arkansas Photo taken on September 9, 2021 Interesting collection of small town facades along South Main in downtown Jonesboro Arkansas at the end of a warm summer day. — larrybraunphotography.com/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Jonesboro, Arkansas is calling your name! This small city in the northeastern corner of The Natural State is up-and-coming and is the perfect size for both residents and visitors. With a population of around 80,000, this city offers plenty to do without being overwhelmingly large, and the locals are friendly, pleasant, welcoming, and happy.

Long inhabited by indigenous people including the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw who used this space just west of the Mississippi River and between the St. Francis and White Rivers to hunt, gather, and later farm, the Jonesboro area is full of flat open areas and wooded hills. The first white settlers were French and Spanish traders and fur trappers who traded with these Native American groups. The settlement of Jonesboro was founded in 1859 when the county around it, Craighead County, was established.

The town continued to grow as the nineteenth century continued and soon, Jonesboro had a courthouse, a school district, and a train station, and Arkansas State University - a school with an enrollment of nearly 17,000 students each year today - was founded in 1909.

Nature lovers love Jonesboro. Craighead Forest Park is a city-owned, 692-acre park with a 60-acre fishing lake plus dozens of trails and opportunities for camping, bird watching, picnicking, and more. Like the city itself, it's located on Crowley's Ridge and offers great views of the surrounding areas. Adjacent to the park, Crowley's Ridge Nature Center educates visitors about the natural history and wildlife of this region.

The ASU Museum can help you to continue to learn about northeastern Arkansas. It has over 21,000 square feet of exhibits about the natural history, human history, and cultural history of this part of the state and nation - and there's no admission fee charged to visit it. The Bradbury Art Museum is another museum in the area; it's also free and is full of intriguing contemporary art in a wide variety of mediums.

Visitors who wish to explore the area by car will enjoy a drive on Crowley's Ridge Parkway which runs north and south and through the city of Jonesboro. It was designated as the first National Scenic Byway in the state of Arkansas in 1998.

Anyone visiting downtown Jonesboro will find a wide range of shops and restaurants. One of the most interesting places to visit for a meal in town is Native Brew Works. This micro-brewery may be located in a dry county, but it has a private club permit and it can therefore serve alcohol under certain restrictions, and it also serves great food! If you're a non-drinker, there are plenty of other excellent dining options in Jonesboro, too. Ben Yay's Gumbo Shop is popular and satisfying for people seeking local Mississippi River-inspired cuisine, Omar's Uptown is a well-rated steakhouse, and Pastaria 49 is the best spot in town if you're craving freshly-made Italian dishes.

Jonesboro, Arkansas is a lovely small city that is a great place for a getaway - and it's also a wonderful place to live. It is safe and quiet, and it feels like a small town despite its larger size. You'll love this little city in northeastern Arkansas. Plan a visit today and see for yourself.

State Pride

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Few People Know Arkansas Was Home To The First Dillard’s Department Store In America

Dillard’s, a major department store, was founded in Arkansas and has grown into a top-ranking fashion retailer in America.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by

Melanie Johnson

It is widely known that the retail giant Walmart began in Arkansas. But did you know that Dillard's, the major department store, was established here as well? That’s right, this upscale retailer was founded in Arkansas, and the stores have been a staple in communities nationwide for decades. Knowing that the vision for this retailer began in the small town of Nashville is something to take pride in. If you love shopping in Arkansas, you should know the story behind the first Dillard’s in the US, and learn all about its origin.

At the tender age of 12, William T. Dillard began his retail journey when he worked at his father’s mercantile store in the sleepy little town of Mineral Springs.

alt — Valis55, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

So, it is safe to say that it made sense for Dillard to follow on the same path.

In 1938, William invested in his first store called T.J. Dillard’s using funds that he borrowed from his father. The store was in the nearby town of Nashville, Arkansas, and it paved the way for the department retail giant, Dillard’s.

From there, William partnered with Wooten’s Department Store in Texarkana. After gaining success, William was able to purchase Wooten’s store in 1948. Shortly thereafter, Dillard’s expanded into states like Texas and Oklahoma.

With its headquarters in Little Rock, the family-owned store is one of the top-ranking fashion retailers in America.

Today, Dillard’s has 250 locations as well as 32 clearance centers in over 20 states across the nation. In addition, dillards.com has been a great space for online shoppers.

The stores can be found in malls across America, and there are 8 stores scattered throughout Arkansas.

The upscale retailer focuses on providing its customers with carefully curated as well as high-quality merchandise at a reasonable price. Items include fashion apparel, jewelry, beauty products, home decor, and more.

Though there have been some recent store closings, this family-owned retailer will continue to make its mark in the industry. It has been 85 years since the first Dillard’s in America was established right here in Arkansas, and it’s great to be connected to such a legacy.

So, did you know that Dillard’s Department Store was founded in Arkansas? Tell us what you think about this retailer in the comments below.

What are some of your favorite spots for shopping in Arkansas? Is it Dillard's Department Store? If you would like to visit one of the locations in Arkansas, check out Dillard’s website for the one closest to you.

If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your own home, check out our Amazon storefront for some of our favorite products!

Aside from Dillard’s, Arkansas is widely known for its diamond mine. In fact, the only public diamond mine in America is here in our great state. Something else for us to take pride in, don’t you agree?

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