One of the best ways to get to know the heart of a town is to ask the locals. Designers Joan Blocker and Kerri Felts of Interior Design Plus in Jonesboro share what they love about their city, revealing some treasures and insider tidbits sure to tempt long-time residents and visitors alike.

SHOPPING

 

At Interior Design Plus, Blocker and Felts welcome anyone seeking interior design services, furnishings and accessories, or simply a fun shopping experience. “We have so much fun together we’re often mistaken as sisters,” Felts says. A destination for ladies’ nights out and trunk shows, the talented duo’s shop offers a variety of lines, custom orders, and design consulting on every scale, residential or commercial. 3425 E. Highland Dr., 870-972-0515, www.designplusofnea.com

 

It’s no wonder Blocker and Felts frequent Hughey’s Nursery & Landscaping.  The landscape service destination is also filled with garden accessories and gifts in a series of indoor and outdoor rooms that are ideal for meandering.  “You never know what you’re going to find,” our designers say. Keep an eye out for vivid art and other creations by Peggy Hughey, co-owner along with husband Frank and son David. 2201 Browns Ln., 870-935-4401

 

At the Sara Howell Studio and Gallery, you’ll find contemporary art by Howell as well as other regionally and nationally known artists. “Sara also gives back to the community,” Blocker adds, “including recently donating works to Hospice House.”  405 S. Main St., 870-935-6336, www.sarahowellgallery.net

 

Gearhead Outfitters is highly regarded, notes Blocker, by the area’s many outdoor enthusiasts. Gearhead features lines like The North Face, Patagonia, Life is Good and Toms; an expanded selection of kid’s clothing; a full bike showroom; plus equipment for canoeing and kayaking. “I shop their location in The Mall at Turtle Creek as well,” notes Felts. 230 S. Main St., 870-910-5569, www.gearheadoutfitters.com

 

“There’s really no place like J. Christopher Toys,” says Blocker, who’s smitten with proprietor Mary Horne’s new in-house venture: custom stationery and personalized wall art. A long-time favorite of Jonesboro residents, J. Christopher hosts book signings, offers wish lists and features a sea of toys for boys and girls.  627 W. Parker Rd., 870-933-8726, www.jchristophertoys.com

 

Forty Nine South Flea Market is a hole-in-the-wall find with oodles of interesting antique and vintage wares. 3202 Southwest Dr., 870-932-4538

 

If you’re looking for women’s clothing or designer jeans, Ima’s Fashions has them. Paper Denim & Cloth, Paige, True Religion and Lucky Brand are just a few of the lines. 2125 Fair Park Blvd., 870-932-4019, www.imasfashions.com

 

DINING

 

Skinny J’s recently expanded with a downtown Jonesboro location to the merriment of fans who frequent the original locale in nearby Cash. Open for lunch and dinner, the hot spot boasts items like steaks and pastas, and the desserts will rotate regularly. (After in-house pastry chef Amanda Tidwell treated our designers to carrot cake, they placed a pick-up order for two more.) 205 S. Main St., 870-275-6264

 

Our designers concur that Two Sisters Coffee, Deli & Desserts is ideal for lunch. One look at the cupcakes and you’ll see why. 241 S. Main St., Ste. A., 870-268-6777, www.twosistersjonesboro.com

 

Blocker indulges in the Texas Burger at Godsey’s Grill, which features a heaping pile of bacon, cheddar cheese and, believe it or not, a fried egg.  226 S. Main St., 870-336-1988, www.godseysgrill.com

 

 

Editors’ Picks:

A few At Home in Arkansas home design favorites

Swank up your interiors with a trip to the Swank-Bassett Design Center. Featuring a Candice Olson showroom (and interior designers on-hand to help you customize her designs), it also carries a fabulous new array of furnishings for the office: Office Interiors of Jonesboro. 3410-A E. Johnson Ave., 870-336-1620, www.swankbassett.com

 

How do we love That French Shoppe? Let us count the ways! The welcoming, well-appointed showroom features elegantly casual furniture, lighting, home accessories, custom upholstery and bedding. And we could browse all day long. Design consultations are available. 456 Southwest Dr., 870-336-1435, www.thatfrenchshoppe.net

 

The Lamp Outlet’s selection is huge: a 26,000-square-foot space filled with indoor and outdoor lighting including ceiling fans; chandeliers; bathroom, track and recessed lighting; designer fixtures and more. 10186 Hwy. 63 North, 870-910-5267, www.thelightingandfanoutlet.com

 

A fun place to visit and shop, The Lower Deck combines home décor and cooking wares. What else could a domestic goddess want? 1320-G Stadium Blvd., 870-802-4040, 870-932-1580

 

Ever heard of a Flower Happy Hour? Froggie’s Full Sun & Gifts encourages the enjoyment of fresh flowers with a happy hour during the last business hour, Monday through Saturday, and helps customers master the art of floral arranging. Accessories for your home and garden are also available. 606 Southwest Dr., 1-888-Full Sun, www.fullsunflowers.com

 

Fun things abound at Wenfield’s. Stock up on products for yourself—bath and body—as well as your home, including items for sprucing up your tabletop. 600 Southwest Dr., 870-933-2019, www.wenfields.comww.wenfields.com