We are excited to announce an expansion of excursion dates and options due to increased interest in last year’s tours and receiving a grant from the Strong Southern Communities Initiative to help cover costs. Traditionally, Jasper hosts two ecotours, the Spring Dogwood Tour on the fourth Friday in April and the Autumn Color Tour on the fourth Friday in October.
This year, the 60th Annual Spring Dogwood Tour has expanded to include six different tour dates. Dates include:
- Friday, March 17
- Saturday, March 18
- Friday, April 14
- Saturday, April 15
- Friday, April 28
- Saturday, April 29
The 61st Annual Autumn Color Tour includes four tour dates in October including:
- Friday, October 13
- Saturday, October 14
- Friday, October 27
- Saturday, October 28
We are also excited to add the following excursions throughout the Fall:
- Arts & Crafts Excursion Tour on September 8 and 9 finishing up at the Buffalo River Bluegrass Festival
- The Backroad Bootlegger Jeep Tour on Saturday, September 23
- The Live Big, Shop Small Town Excursion on Saturday, November 25
Each date offers a small variation of tour route and featured businesses, local artisans and craftsman, and historical locations. Each tour can host up to 22 participants to be shuttled to each featured location. The rich history of Newton County as well as lighthearted conversation will be shared on the commute between featured locations.
All tours will originate in Jasper, Arkansas. Tour registration and morning refreshments will begin at 8:00 with the tour welcome at 8:30. Buses will leave promptly at 9:00 a.m. and return around 4:00 p.m. with the exception of the September 8th and 9th tours that will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at the Buffalo River Bluegrass Festival at 5 p.m. Participants will need to bring a jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a picnic lunch (if not desiring to purchase the premier tour package).
The routes this year will include stops at the Bradley House Museum, Ponca Elk Center, Smith Creek Preserve, Scenic Point Gift Shop, the Arkansas House, Koen Interpretive Trail, Round Top Mountain Trail, Sam’s Throne, Mount Judea Mercantile, the Cliff House and more. All routes are subject to change should presenters become unavailable, weather forecasts, or road conditions change. If interested in being featured on the tour as a local business, artisan or craftsman, please contact JAPC Director Michelle Martin at [email protected] or by calling Jasper City Hall at 446-2633.
We are happy to offer multiple tour packages once again. These tour packages include the Basic Tour for $15 and the Premier Tour for $40. The Basic tour option includes complimentary refreshments during registration and welcome, the guided tour through scenic Newton County, bottled water, and a souvenir guide of the area. The Premier Tour option includes the basic tour amenities plus local fare and coupons from area shops, Buffalo National River tee, and a picnic lunch.
All patrons are cordially invited and encouraged to check out local shops in downtown Jasper as well as our delightful Farmer’s Market on the courthouse lawn at the end of each tour.