What are folks looking for in Jasper?
Chamber offers maps, relocation packets, shopping tips, birding info, business events

LIZ STREET of the Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a few good East Texas souvenirs by artists and craftspeople for their local interest room, which also features birding posters and information. Newsboy photos/ Sharon Kerr

The Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce is adding a "local interest" room to acquaint visitors with some of what East Texas offers, according to special events coordinator Liz Street.

"I never realized what a big deal birding is," Street said. "People come from all over to do our birding trails."

The room features a large poster of bird species and habitats, and the Chamber offers a brochure of 49 birding trails that could each be a day trip from Jasper.

Street is also adding local handicrafts such as M.J. Cole's recycled denim notecards and ceramic Texas trivets from the Potter's Wheel.

"When people come in to pick up a map or get a relocation packet, they often want to buy a souvenir," Street said.

She looks for artists and craftspeople who would like to put a small display on consignment- strictly local items with a Texas-motif.

Street said she is also considering putting together a list unique shopping places. "There's so many places you would never think to stop at," Street said.

She said the KOA campgrounds on Loop 149 near Brookeland "has wonderful clothes, Texas shaped boxes, and lots of things that are unique to our area."

Another favorite she says surprises tourists is when she recommends Circle Three Feed on U.S. Highway 190. "You don't think of stopping at a feed store to buy a gift, but they have a good selection," Street said. "There's so much available in the lakes area if you know where to look."

The Chamber is currently planning for the fourth annual business expo on Sept. 13, Fall Fest the first Saturday in October, and the Dam to Dam Bike Ride Oct. 27.

For more information, visit www.jaspercoc. org.