When my husband and I were deciding to move south, a pro on our pro-con list was the opportunity to explore areas of the country that otherwise wouldn’t make the top of our adventure list. One of those places was Jackson, MS.
When we first started asking people what we should see, we received curious looks that seemingly said, “why in the world would you want to spend the day there?” Others excitedly suggested their favorite restaurants and stores. Now, having spent two separate day trips to the capital city, I am starting to understand the discrepancy.
While driving the roughly paved streets, the discrepancy was highly visible. One moment I’d be staring at an artsy refurbished home, the next a building with its windows smashed and roof collapsed.
Despite the divides, there are people dedicated to growing Jackson into a culinary and cultural hotspot. I know locals would say I missed some key restaurants, but here are some highlights of what we explored during our two different day trips:
Lemuria Books
I am putting this bookstore in its own category because I could easily rationalize a trip to Jackson just to spend the day getting lost in its stacks of books. Lemuria Books is an independent bookseller and its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff are ready to serve. Broad St. Bakery & Cafe is located in the same building, offering a welcome caffeine break before getting back to the books.
Downtown Jackson
- Old Capitol Museum – We took advantage of the free admission and learned about Mississippi’s history.
- Wandering around and gawking at the capitol buildings and War Memorial Building
- Lucky Town Brewery – We sipped our beers underneath the towering barrels while playing a game of jenga. The friendly people of Lucky Town made us feel like we were hanging out in a friend’s garage. They love their town, love their beer and are happy to share it with you.
- Tip – If you visit on the weekend, like we did, do not expect any restaurants to be open. The downtown area clearly caters to weekday government workers.
Fondren District
- The Fondren District – This area of Jackson was once home to the Mississippi Lunatic Asylum, it is now the artistic epicenter of Jackson.
- Babulu – For someone who considers tacos a food group like myself, this restaurant is a must. Order the guacamole made table-side to start. You can even order sliced veggies to sub for the tortilla chips!
- Interiors Market – Behind the unassuming store front is a large collection of locally made art and antiques.
- Brent’s Drugs and Apothecary – Brent’s Drugs has been a soda fountain since 1946, and when I stepped through its doors I felt like I stepped back in time. At 5 p.m. the Apothecary, located in the back, opens up to serve drinks with a little more kick.
On our first trip, we were super tourists and did the The Help Driving Tour. The author, Kathryn Stockett, was born in the historic Belhaven Neighborhood and chose this area for her novel. Touristy or not, it was a great way to see and learn about a historic area of Jackson.
Some of our friends are still skeptical of our Jackson day trips, and I likely would have the same sentiment if I grew up in Mississippi. But since that’s not the case, we are going to keep on turning over every Magnolia leaf we can find to learn more about our southern home.
