The history of Jonesboro stretches back to 1815 when European settlers built a permanent settlement there. Craighead County was formed in 1859 and Jonesboro was named the county seat. At the time, only 150 people lived there.
Jonesboro got an economic boost in the 1890s after the construction of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, which passed through town. The railway made it easier for Jonesboro's residents and business leaders to access goods from other parts of the region and country. It also gave them opportunities to sell their products to merchants in other cities. At the time, this predominantly meant selling cotton to manufacturers.
When visiting Jonesboro, try to make time to see some of the natural areas outside of the city. Forrest L Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center has diverse habitat trails that will introduce you to the region's plants, animals, and insects. It's a carefully planned center designed to teach children and adults about nature. You can, however, simply walk the trails to enjoy the scenery.
Craighead Forest Park is another popular destination for people in the Jonesboro area. Located on the edge of town, it's an easy place to visit. In addition to hiking trails and rolling pastures, it has a sandy beach that surrounds Craighead Forest Lake. It's a wonderful place to cool off on a summer day or just sit back and watch the wildlife.
Seasonality of Jonesboro, Arkansas
Jonesboro, Arkansas, doesn't have a tourist season like some cities do. Because of this, rates don't fluctuate much throughout the year. The amount you pay in March may not be exactly what you pay in July, but they are quite similar.
If you have some flexibility, you may want to visit Jonesboro during a time that matches your weather preference. This part of Arkansas has hot summers and mild winters. During summer, you can expect the mid-day heat to reach about 92 degrees Fahrenheit. That might not sound especially hot to people who live in desert environments. Keep in mind that Arkansas is a fairly humid place. The combination of heat and humidity can make summer uncomfortable to those who aren't accustomed to the South's climate.
Cooler weather moves into Jonesboro during early autumn. By October, mid-day highs rarely exceed 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Once winter arrives, though, you can expect temperatures to vary from 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day.
When staying in Jonesboro, it's more important to compare hotels than try to save money by visiting during an off-season. It doesn't take much effort to find a hotel that matches your budget and your needs.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Jonesboro, AR:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Jonesboro, AR. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the best seasons to book a room in Jonesboro for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Jonesboro, AR
4 Star Average Prices: $137.34
Jonesboro, Arkansas, isn't a major tourist destination, so it doesn't have many hotels that fit into the luxury category. Just because there aren't high-priced luxury hotels in Jonesboro, however, doesn't mean you don't have plenty of nice options to consider.
Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro at 2840 South Caraway Road is probably the closest thing Jonesboro has to a luxury hotel. The four-story, 109-room hotel has a 24-hour business center where guests can check email, receive faxes, and perform other business-related tasks. Guests also have access to seven meeting rooms and a 5,440-foot conference space for holding meetings and presentations. These features make Hilton Garden Inn an especially good option for business travelers.
You don't have to travel for business to enjoy this hotel, though. It has highly rated restaurants and a bar area where you can get refreshments. Free Wi-Fi will keep your devices connected to the internet without forcing you to pay for data. You can also use the 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, and spa tub. In other words, you have plenty of opportunities to relax while you're staying at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro may not boast an outdoor sauna like the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas or remote-controlled Roman shades like the Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, but it is a comfortable place that caters to its guests' needs. If you want to stay in Jonesboro's nicest hotel, this is probably the right fit for you.
Affordable Hotels in Jonesboro, AR
3 Star Average Prices: $103.09
You don't have to spend a lot of money to find a good hotel in Jonesboro. In fact, most of the city's hotels are designed to attract travelers who want comfortable accommodations at affordable prices.
Motel 6 Jonesboro is one of the most affordable options you can find. The hotel has rooms that rent for less than $50. Despite these low prices, you still get a pleasant, clean place to stay. You even get access to an outdoor pool and free coffee and tea in common areas. Pets are welcome at the Motel 6, so bring your favorite furry friend along.
Since Motel 6 Jonesboro charges such low rates, you can't expect to get many freebies. If you want Wi-Fi, expect to pay about $5 for the privilege. It's unlimited, so you can use as much data per day as you want.
You also won't find a fitness facility or business center at Motel 6. This is a bare-bones motel that will save you money. If that's what you're looking for, then you've found the perfect place to rest your head in Jonesboro.
The FairBridge Inn & Suites at 3006 South Caraway Road costs a little more than the Motel 6, but you get more for your money. As long as you don't mind spending $10 to $30 more, you should consider staying here for its free breakfast, indoor pool, and fitness facility.
Other perks to staying at FairBridge Inn & Suites include free Wi-Fi, access to its 12,000-feet conference space, a 24-hour business center, and free newspapers in the lobby. FairBridge Inn & Suites also allows pets, but you'll need to pay an extra $25 per pet, per night.