Jonesboro serves as a cultural, agricultural and medical center for northeast Arkansas and the Missouri "boot heel." The city, population 55,000, sits above the Mississippi River delta on the hilly geological formation known as Crowley's Ridge. It is the largest city on Crowley's Ridge Parkway, a 200-mile national scenic byway. Jonesboro is surrounded by cropland and cotton to the east and rice to the southwest.

Home to Arkansas State University, Jonesboro has the charm of a college town and the feel of a big city. Shoppers can hit downtown Jonesboro for antiques, specialty items and restaurants. Cultural attractions, artistic and theatrical venues, and museums are available throughout the city. At one popular attraction, the Arkansas State University Museum, a full-size replication of a mastodon skeleton is on permanent display.

Camping, fishing, hiking and boating are available at Craighead Forest Park and at nearby Lake Frierson State Park. Hiking trails are part of the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center south of Jonesboro. Several public and private golf courses are available in the Jonesboro area. One, Sage Meadows, is part of the 10-course Natural State Golf Trail.

Jonesboro is located 130 miles northeast of Little Rock and 70 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee. It is accessible via U.S. Highways 63 and 49. Many lodging options are available.