Date: March 17, 2017 | Photography: Matt Johnson |
Northeast Arkansas continues to experience revitalization in the arts, while adding flavor to the culinary scene and fostering a strong sense of community
Downtown Living
Want to call downtown Jonesboro home? Three separately owned buildings featuring a total of 29 lofts are currently under construction in the area. Stay tuned to the Downtown Jonesboro Association Facebook page or sign up for their newsletter for more info. downtownjonesboro.com
A Tale of Two Murals
Downtown Jonesboro will soon be home to two new murals. The murals are a part of Fearlessly Brilliant, a public art initiative created by the Downtown Jonesboro Association with the goal of increasing pedestrian traffic and beautifying the area. These projects are funded through a grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Two unique artists, Tolik Rayevskiy and Beau Jones, have been selected to paint the murals. Their work will begin this spring with plans to be complete by June.
Rayevskiy’s mural will depict a stampede of horses and will be located at 211 South Main. The artist notes that the palette will be “a full-color spectrum with definitive black outlines and white accents.” The artist, who creates individualized pieces and also takes commissions, says, “It’s exciting to see Jonesboro take a chance on something like this, and I’m proud to deliver its second large-scale mural.”
Jones, a student at Arkansas State University, will be working on a mural located at 212 Union Street. It will feature the artist’s signature abstract faces in a bright color palette. “When deciding what I wanted to create, I thought about what people most recognize about my work. I think the faces have become a staple…so it was a no-brainer to come up with what the mural would look like,” Jones says. The lifelong Jonesboro resident notes that he was very excited to be named as one of the two artists for these new murals, adding “I feel like I am getting to leave my mark here in historic downtown Jonesboro.”
Shop the Local Market
Alive After 5, Jonesboro’s street market which features locally grown or produced food, artisan wares, and more, will return to Huntington Avenue on April 20th. The event is held the third Thursday of each month, April through October. Visit downtownjonesboro.com for more information.
A Laidback Atmosphere & Fresh Fare at the Parsonage 322
Chef John Myers and his wife Ramey are no strangers to the food scene in Arkansas. Their first restaurant, The Parsonage, which was located in Marion, became an acclaimed destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. They’re still creating the same locally sourced, fresh fare that made that restaurant a hit but have since moved to a new location—downtown Jonesboro and have taken a new name of sorts, the Parsonage 322.
The certified executive chef prepares daily specials including delicacies such as spicy chicken tenders and waffles, a chef’s choice fish dish, or a Carolina-style BBQ wrap that is served with sweet potato fries. In addition, they also offer a soup of the day. “Our soups are constantly changing. I’m a huge fan of one-pot dishes, so I enjoy making these,” the chef says.
These dishes are just part of the reason they have become a local favorite for lunch—which is served from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday – Friday. The other half of the equation lies in the comfortable, laidback environment the Myers have created. The cozy and inviting atmosphere encourages guests to linger and enjoy the company of those gathered around at their table. Payment is taken when you order and waitresses will refill your glass for as long as you would like to stay.
Open just over a year in their new location, the Myers themselves have taken to downtown Jonesboro—finding friends in repeat customers and taking in the best of the area by living in an apartment that is just 22 steps above the restaurant.
The Parsonage 322 is also open on Friday nights from 5-8 p.m for dinner service and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for brunch. “Brunch is one of our most popular options,” Ramey notes. So be warned, you may want to call ahead for a reservation if you plan to visit for this much-loved weekend meal. 322 South Main Street, (870) 520-6333
Areas of Interest: A Few of Our Favorite Stops in Jonesboro
Eat
JTown’s Grill
2610 East Johnson
(870) 275-6514
jtownsgrill.com
Shop
Odds + Ends
3708 East Highland
(870) 819-3213
blu d’or Interiors
456 Southwest Drive
(870) 336-1435
bludorinteriors.com
Live
Environments by Arkansas
Pools & Spas
3413 Southwest Drive
(870) 935-1000
arpoolspa.com
Mid-South
Plumbing Supply
2600 East Highland Drive
(870) 277-0656
midsouthjonesboro.com
Nettleton Concrete
2318 Moore Road
(870) 932-4400
nettletons.com
