Mississippi Travel: A Local's Guide to Jackson (Taste It, Hear It, See It)
Guest Post by Mary Boyett Rooks
Meet Mary
Hey, folks! My actual name is Mary Rooks, although I feel like people around Jackson, MS know me equally as Midstory Photography and/or @adventureswithoutlaw. I am a photographer and mother of four wild and beautiful children.
I have lived many beautiful places, but Mississippi ultimately called me back. It seems to do that. I love to travel other places for the adventure, but my soul has found that the community and family in Jackson, MS is where it should abide. It has a way of slowing you down and helping you realize the beautiful things in life. I am a firm believer that everyone needs to spend some time in a place like Jackson, Mississippi, if only for a couple of days. Just do it the right way, the local way.
I love to travel other places for the adventure, but my soul has found that the community and family in Jackson, MS is where it should abide. It has a way of slowing you down and helping you realize the beautiful things in life.
Let me start with saying that I absolutely love Jackson, Mississippi. I have lived in three different countries, spent summers in Alaska and lived in Austin, TX, all of which I absolutely love, but sweet little ol’ Jackson is where I forever want to call home. The human experience here beats out the adventurous and scenic experience anywhere else. Those are words I never imagined saying, but it is true. When Taylor asked me to write this blog I did not have a clue how hard it would be to whittle down a write-up into something you could read in one sitting. There is so much I want you to know about Jackson, but I managed to narrow it down to my favorite places to start!
Many cities are built around a landscape. Like I mentioned before, I used to live in Austin, Texas and if you have been there, you know it is all about its incredible outdoor attractions. The lakes, swimming holes and hill country are the big show, and the vibrant city was built around them. Quaint coastal cities are built up along those ocean-views we all love to feast our eyes on. Jackson, MS is a crossroads, so the nature of it is just different. It is often not a final destination, but a place to restore your soul for the rest of the journey. It is built around people and stories, rather than a landscape. It is a place for rest and respite, steeped in stories of passersby told over plates of food infused with deep, rich culture and history. You can easily pass through Jackson, never realizing what you missed, or I can give you the skinny on how to feel like a local. You can dive into the deep muddy waters of Jackson, Mississippi and experience it like those of us that fell in love with it do!
If you do Jackson the right way, I promise you will never be able to shake the place. The taste of that southern comfort food will linger on your tongue, the smooth sound of a blues band you catch at Johnny T’s will forever play in your mind, and the sight of the sun streaming through old oak trees onto the porches of the most charming homes as you take a morning stroll through Belhaven will breeze right into your dreams.
There are some super cool newer areas in Jackson, but on your first run, I really want you to connect with the true soul of Jackson. I want to focus on three areas for you to taste, hear and see, to give you a good glimpse into it. Fondren, Downtown and Midtown are the three I want to steer your attention, but I am also going to show you a little bit of the historic Belhaven neighborhood because that is where I think you should either book a room at The Fairview Inn or find a cozy Airbnb! I want to recommend a few ways for you to taste, hear and see each one.
Sidenote: I have four kids between the ages of 5-months and 5 years, so the majority of this can be done with kiddos in tow.
FONDREN
So, without further ado, first up is Fondren. It is funky and vibrant. They have done such a great job of preserving the retro vibes of Fondren we all love, while still keeping it hip and new and adding in the changing of the times. I don’t know how they seem to meld the decades together the way they do, but they do it! You can kick it back to the 1940’s by visiting Brent’s Drugs, a pharmacy turned diner (and don’t forget to check out the hidden speakeasy through the back, The Apothecary), drive through and look at the endless architectural wonders of Woodland Hills, or catch a show at Duling Hall. Duling Hall is nestled at one end of what was once an elementary school built in 1928, but is now home to several restaurants and the beloved music hall. The history behind nearly every building in Fondren is rich, and it shows.
My Taste it, Hear it, See it round up for Fondren is:
Taste It:
The Pig & Pint - like I said, we used to live in Austin and we are big fans of Texas barbecue, but these smoke masters could go toe to toe.
The Bean - formerly Sneaky Beans, this coffee shop has been a long-standing local favorite for good reason. The coffee is superb, the food is fire and the people are the best part! If you catch them on Saturday you have got to try their brunch!
Brent's Drugs - When you step into Brent’s you are transported right back to the 40’s! Go grab a burger and a shake! Pro tip: Check out the hidden speak-easy, The Apothecary, for an evening cocktail. Try your luck just beyond the restrooms. Shh.
Mama Nature's Juice Bar - Everyone needs a fresh juice boost when on the road. If you aren’t a juice person, they’ve got smoothies and handhelds to keep you feeling fresh as well.
Hear It:
Duling Hall - This is my favorite music venue in Jackson. Although it is smaller than many, the historic and charming music hall plays host to Jackson’s best shows.
Fondren Guitars by Patrick Harkins - This guitar shop owned by one of Jackson’s dearest and most talented musicians has such a fun and eclectic collection of vintage to new guitars, as well as a courtyard that often hosts great live music!
See It:
The Murals - Fondren’s artists are actively painting and repainting the most fun murals all around the area, so keep your eyes peeled for them.
The colorful retro buildings - Your eyes can’t get bored in Fondren. Make sure to take in every uniquely built and tastefully colored building as you bop around.
Swell-O-Phonic - If only to go in and check out Chane’s hilarious screen printed shirts, you must go, but also their clothes and shoes are dope.
Woodland Hills/Fondren homes - I bet you wouldn’t believe it, but there is a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Woodland Hills neighborhood, called Fountainhead. See if you can spot it (or just google it for the address), as you take in the other wonderfully designed homes.
DOWNTOWN
Next, as in all capital cities, you have to at least have one stroll through Downtown. It is a humble downtown, but it has got a whole lot of heart. I force my kids to find their zen and let me have a quiet cruise through downtown whenever we have a spare moment. That is my thing. I just love it and I always somehow spot a new street or building that I have never seen before. I also love the walk down Capitol Street, from the Old Capitol Museum down to the Hilton Garden Inn, which used to be the King Edward Hotel. The main reason I would really suggest downtown is to visit the museums. I am truly proud of our museums, especially the Civil Rights Museum. You could, and I am tempted to say you should, spend an entire day there. The music and food is certainly a reason to wander downtown as well.
My Taste it, Hear it, See it round up for Downtown is:
Taste It:
Big Apple Inn - it’s not nationally known for nothing.
Mayflower Cafe - The oldest operating restaurant in Jackson is a great place to grab a bite downtown. If nothing else, I would stroll by to see its cute lil’ self.
Hal & Mal’s - I think their description of themselves says it best, “...the most-talked-about upscale honky-tonk in all of Mississippi, where art is made, music plays, and folks gather to share community and celebrate the very best of Mississippi’s creative spirit.”
Ironhorse Grill - Talk about rich history, the Ironhorse Grill has got it, along with fantastic live music every Thursday and Saturday night and great food and drinks.
Hear It:
Johnny T's Bistro & Blues - Please, if you like blues and fine food, just go. Now.
4th Avenue Lounge - I mean they have a “Celebrities” highlight on their insta.. It’s where they go. Need I say more?
Martin's Downtown + Hal & Mal’s - two neighbors both offering lots of live music
See It:
The Museums (so hard not to list all of our great museums, but I am just listing the ones Downtown)
Cathead Distillery - I am sure you have partaken, but did you know it is made right here in Jackson, Mississippi? Once they open up tours and tastings again, it is a must!
Thimblepress - Take a little peek inside the nationally known and loved, Thimblepress, and if she happens to be doing a pop-up shop while you are there, go in and take a look!
MIDTOwN
Last in this little triad is Midtown. Midtown is just one hop east from Fondren, so really, you can almost lump the two together location-wise, but the vibe is totally different! While Fondren is artsy and funky, Midtown is the up-and-coming area where fresh, innovative thinkers are heading to breathe life back into the previously industrial area that has been largely vacant for the past few decades. It is a bit spread out, but it is a fun drive to take Mill Street along the railroad tracks. Jackson is notorious for its potholes, so I truly feel like this is a drive you need to make you really feel Jackson. I would stick mostly to your destinations, but enjoy the views along the route and if you have a board or a bike with you, stop and check out The Slab, Mill St DIY Skate Park.
My Taste it, Hear it, See it round up for Midtown is:
Taste It:
Midtown Depot - Two of my favorite things, craft beer and grilled cheeses, combined with art, music and community, this is such a sweet new addition to Midtown.
Coffee Prose - Nothing I love more than a drive-thru coffee shop, but if you have time, go check out Coffee Prose and check out their perfect selection of new and used books!
Space Bar - Located inside Ecoshed (elaborated on below), this out-of-this-world bar serves up drinks, Saturday brunch and weekend gourmet dogs.
CS’s Restaurant & Bar - The grunge burger in a dive bar we all need every once in a while will be waiting for you.
Hear It:
Off Beat - a super cool and unique store with a mix of vinyl records, comics and designer toys
Ecoshed DJ hours and jazz brunch (when available)
See It:
Ecoshed - I really encourage you to visit this space. It is primarily a multi-use work space, but the sustainable building technology is something to stop by for, just to behold, but beyond that, they offer yummy food and coffee daily, as well as music, drink and finer fare on Friday evenings and all day Saturday.
Mill St DIY skate park - community-built skate park on the slab of what was once a Jitney Jungle distribution center.
Potholes / Mill Street Drive - you have not experienced Jackson if you have not seen, or felt, the potholes.. Drive slowly and cautiously and soak it all in.
BELHAVEN
My home, sweet home. This charming, historic neighborhood is where I recommend finding your Airbnb (see my top recommendation below). Driving, or better yet walking, around the neighborhood gives you such a good idea of life in the South, at least for those fortunate to live in these areas. Every house is uniquely beautifully and architecturally designed, folks are always out and about visiting with neighbors, Eudora Welty’s home and museum are a must-see, and brunch or the tasting menu at Elvie’s is the treat yo-self you really do deserve. It is the day that you should take Mississippi style, slow and easy. Wake up in a cozy Airbnb, grab a coffee and bite at Urban Foxes, stroll the neighborhood, brunch at Elvie’s, check out Belhaven University’s campus and the Eudora Welty Gardens and Library, take a nice little siesta, go explore, head back to Elvie’s for one of Brandy’s cocktails + happy hour duck fat fries and then dinner where your heart desires.
P.S. - There’s a lot more coming to Belhaven Town Center by Summer of 2022, including Mayday Ice Cream, Fertile Ground Brewery and more!
My Taste it, Hear it, See it round up for Belhaven is:
Taste It:
Elvie’s - featured in Garden & Gun and more of your favorites, this restaurant is absolutely worth adding onto your itinerary while in Jackson! Brunch is incredible, the tasting menu is a real experience of Mississippi’s history through culinary art, and you really just can’t go wrong any time of day.
Urban Foxes - famous for their pie, the vibe of Urban foxes is just as to-die-for. I could stay all day.
The Library Lounge - Sink into a leather chair, order a drink or bite and slip into the cozy nostalgia and literary charm of this once library, converted to a lounge located inside of the historic Fairview Inn. A visit will certainly satisfy those Southern notes you may have been hoping to hit.
Native Coffee - It's the drip coffee and iced vanilla oat milk latte for me.
Hear It:
Fenian’s Pub - to be quite honest, there is not a whole lot of live music that takes place in Belhaven, but grab a pint and check out Fenian’s to hear Jackson’s finest living out their karaoke dreams. Definitely grab that pint first, though...
See It:
Eudora Welty House and Garden - If you have not read any of her works, I first encourage you to do so, and then next, I encourage you to visit the home and garden of this American treasure and Pulitzer Prize winner.
The neighborhood’s historic homes - In addition to the best neighbors you could ask for, the homes are what got me. I cherish every walk around my neighborhood, taking in the beautifully unique homes and wonderfully landscaped yards.
Museum Trail + Belhaven Mountain Bike Trails - If you are a runner, biker or walker, a highly recommend checking out the beautiful new addition to the area, which connects Belhaven to Downtown, or if you are on two wheels, you can hop off the paved Museum Trail and onto the brand-new mountain bike trails in the heart of the city!
AIRBNB: THE SUNDAY HOUSE IN HISTORIC BELHAVEN
Sleeps: 8 Guests
Rating: ⭐️ 4.91 ⭐️ (117 reviews)
Stay Type: Superhost
From a reviewer: This place is absolutely gorgeous. Lesley's home is incredibly thoughtfully arranged, every detail was so beautiful. She had provided us with tons of little amenities which really make a difference for comfortable stay. Communication was great throughout! The neighborhood is wonderful, so many cute things to see. Highly recommend getting a bite to eat at Elvie's, a lovely neighborhood spot.
Jackson, Mississippi is not a place where the buildings or mountains stand tall, but one where the roots grow deep. You really have to dig into it to understand the beauty and sturdiness of the place. I swore I would never live there again, but after trying out a big city, I came running back to the wealth of community and culture that Jackson has. I want you to experience that. I could go on and on with more suggestions, but here is a starting place. I am so humbled and honored to have the opportunity to share a piece of my heart and home, thanks to The Weithouse, my favorite nomad and travel guru.
THANK YOU!
Thank you, reader, for spending time on this post. And big thanks to Mary Boyett Rooks for contributing this piece of content to The Weithouse. Be sure to give her a follow on her social media to get all of her tips and tricks on things to do when visiting Jackson, Mississippi, or check out her website to see her beautiful photography portfolio.
Personal Instagram: @adventureswithoutlaw
Website: www.midstoryphotography.com
STICK AROUND FOR A WHILE
Don’t be one and done. Check out our other great content we think you’ll love.
Ready to explore more of the crooked letter state? Get a taste of modern Mississippi in this review of these floating cabins on the Mississippi Gulf Coast , or see what we thought of our experience staying in a tiny house in Starkville, Mississippi.
FOLLOW ALONG
For all of our live travel content and BTS, be sure to follow us on social media. You’ll get to see what our life looks like in between travels and get to virtually come along with us whenever we are exploring somewhere new.
