I knew I would love the city before I even arrived. Maybe it was because they call Jackson, Mississippi the “city with soul.” While it’s not on travelers radars quite like other Southern destinations, namely Nashville, New Orleans, and Charleston, Jackson easily could be. You’ve probably heard of the city in regards to events in the Civil Rights Movement or from the book and movie The Help. But it’s more than just its past.
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Like so many other cities, the downtown was affected by suburbanization and “white flight” in the 1960s. But plenty of businesses stuck around and still thrive, while others are currently being brought back to life. Architectural gems like the King Edward Hotel, now a Hilton Garden Inn, and Union Station are icons within Jackson.
Jackson is also important in terms of its culinary scene. A number of restaurants date back generations and I got the chance to dine at a few. Mayflower Cafe, pictured below, is a Greek-style diner from 1935 that is said to be the original home of Comeback Sauce, a Southern staple. Bully’s Restaurant is known for its award-winning soul food and Big Apple Inn has its pig ear sandwiches.
But it’s not just old school eateries. Parlor Market and The Iron Horse Grill have modern dishes in historic structures. Walker’s Drive In and Fine & Dandy in the Fondren neighborhood are also favorites of the community.
Did you know that Jackson is home to Cathead Vodka? The distillery has become a favorite in the region over the years, sponsoring countless festivals and events. They have a large bar and restaurant in town that also has live music. The city is also home to one of the state’s 8 breweries, Lucky Town, which has IPAs and pale ales.
Where Jackson really shines is in its museums. They cover so many important aspects of American history through a local lens. I started at the International Museum of Muslim Cultures, which connects early Muslim slaves that arrived in Mississippi plantations with Islamic societies around the world.
It wasn’t on my original itinerary, so I’m so glad I fit in time to go. I also visited the Mississippi Museum of Art and Mississippi Museum of History. But the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is worth the trip to the state on its own. The incredible and interactive space documents the state’s role in the movement with often difficult to see images and videos about slavery and Civil Rights.
Jackson isn’t expertly manicured or constantly covered by travel publications like some destinations, but maybe that’s what I love about it.
Have you been to Jackson, Mississippi?
My stay in Jackson was hosted by Visit Jackson and Travel South USA.
Wonderful! We lived in the Jackson area for about 5 years, and I graduated from Jackson State University! Thanks for the great write-up on a city that we love so much! We’re now in the Tupelo area in north Mississippi, so let us know if you’re ever close by!- Jen from Just Chasing Rabbits
Thanks Jen! Love Tupelo too.
Very Informative and insightful post. Thank you, Caroline!