Jackson, Mississippi: A City with Soul, Stories, and Southern Cooking

Mississippi is known as The Magnolia State, and additionally, also known as the Hospitality State. It's even sometimes referred to as the Groundhog State. With three nicknames, this is definitely one special place.  

If you’re looking for a getaway that mixes history, music, good food, and simple outdoor moments, Jackson hits a lot of the right notes. Here’s the perfect way to spend a few days here.

Start your day with the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum—it’s powerful and worth the visit. Then, walk next door to the Museum of Mississippi History for a broader look at the state’s story. Right downtown, the Mississippi Museum of Art is small and easy to walk through. There’s a nice garden out back if you want to take a break and enjoy a quiet walk or rest before moving on.

In the afternoon, head over to LeFleur’s Bluff State Park for a shaded trail walk or rent a kayak on the lake. If you prefer a little more quiet, hop over to Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, picnic, bike ride, or an enjoyable scenic drive.

Then, plan a 30-minute detour to the city of Flora to check out the Mississippi Petrified Forest. It’s not huge, but it’s cool to see some fossilized trees and wander down a short trail before heading back to town.

In the evening, expect to venture out for some Blues and dinner. Jackson sits right on the Mississippi Blues Trail, and that sound is still alive and well here. Check out Frank Jones Corner—a laid-back intimate spot that offers live blues on the weekends. It’s a great place to have a drink and hear some great music. For a family-friendly show, Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues offers live music alongside a casual dining environment. Hal & Mal’s has live blues on Monday nights, plus a relaxed dinner scene if you’d like to combine your dinner with a show.

If you’re further intrigued about the blues history here, Underground 911 plays blues and jazz on the weekends for an older speakeasy-type vibe, which you may appreciate. Speakeasies usually have a hidden or secretive entrance, often with a vintage, Prohibition-era theme and a focus on craft cocktails. They aim to recreate the atmosphere of the clandestine drinking dens of the 1920s, and offer a unique and immersive experience for patrons.

For some good southern cooking, a favorite local spot is The Iron Horse Grill, where you can grab some delicious Southern food and often catch some great live music too. If you’re wandering through the historic district of Belhaven, you’ll find tree-lined streets, cozy 1900s-era craftsmen homes, and unique businesses, including some restaurants worth stopping in, such as The Pig & Pint, and Walker’s Drive-In. Good food with a local feel. 

Visiting Jackson is easy and unhurried, with a good mix of things to see, eat, and explore at your own pace. Whether you’re into music, history, or just want a slower kind of trip, this city is a great choice. 

Will you be adding Jackson to your list of places to visit? Reach out and let me know if you have any questions about traveling to Mississippi. I’d love to answer them and help you get there when the time feels right.