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I think that it is every Southerner’s right of passage to make a road trip to the beach at least once in their life. Whether it be with family, friends or even a solo trip I think everyone I know has made that pilgrimage at least once. I am from central Arkansas and my friends and I usually road trip it to Panama City Beach, Florida and my family usually goes to Destin. Either way it’s quite the trip and we get to travel through Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida! It’s a 10-12 hour trip depending on where you are going and the scenery along the way is breathtaking. I absolutely love living and traveling through the south. If I am traveling with my family we usually make it a two day trip, stopping to stay the night so the little kids can get a break from the car. One of our favorite places to stop and stay the night is Jackson, Mississippi!
I haven’t been to Jackson in a few years and when I did go it was usually only for a night but what I remember about it is all of the good food!! I recently stumbled across this amazing docuseries all about Jackson, MS and it’s really making me want to plan a trip specifically to stay in and explore the city!!
Before I watched the docuseries I didn’t know that Jackson was home to Jackson State University. Or that the city was so culturally diverse. Jackson is full of artists of all types…musicians, writers, painters, stained glass designers, etc. And there are so many different museums and things to do. Personally I would love to visit the Eudora Welty House and Gardens, the Mississippi Museum of Art, the St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral. I would also love to visit the Medgar Evers House, Freedom Corner and the Mississippi Freedom Trail Markers which are located throughout the city. Y’all know I am a huge history nut and learning about the history of Jackson would be so interesting!!
There are also several places to stay around Jackson but I would kill to stay at the King Edward Hotel aka the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Jackson. The King Edward Inn is a renovated historic building in the heart of downtown Jackson. It was originally built in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is featured in the first episode of the docuseries and it looks amazing!!
And then there is the food. Oh MY is there food!!! I think most people think of Jackson and think soul food, which is very prominently featured throughout the city but there are also several other chef driven places to eat that offer lots of other types of food too! There is New York Style Pizza offered at Sal and Mookie’s, several gluten-free options at The Pig and Pint, vegetarian and vegan options at Walker’s, cajun and creole offerings at Drago’s Seafood, Mexican food at Babalu Tapas and Tacos, Greek and Mediterranean food at Aladdin Mediterranean Grille and so much more!
Jackson is also home to Lucky Town Brewery and Cathead Distillery, both of which were also featured in the docuseries and look like so much fun to visit!! I could definitely see myself visiting these places in Jackson.
So if you have never been to Jackson, MS I would highly suggest you seriously consider it. I know I can’t wait to plan my trip!! Jackson Mississippi, the City with SOUL!!
Have you been to Jackson, Mississippi??
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Jackson, Mississippi! Looks like a fun place to explore. I have been on many road trips to Panama City Beach when I was growing up. I grew up in south GA so it didn’t require spending the night somewhere along the way. And, of course, everyone goes to Destin too. Now, I’m wanting to visit Jackson and plan a beach trip.
I have never been to Jackson. I am so glad I don’t have to drive that far to get to the beach. I grew up in Rhode Island and now just live over the border in Massachusetts so I don’t have to go far to get to the beach. I live there in the summer. I bet the food in Jackson is awesome!
Never been to Jackson Mississippi but I am sure it is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy what they have to offer. Beach is always a winner.
So cool, I’ve never been here before, but it sounds like a fun place to be! I think I would pig out on that food.
I have never even been to Mississippi which is surprising with how much I do travel. I think I would be in big trouble with all the delicious food they have there, but I would love to explore anyway.
We have family nearby and would love to make the trip to Jackson, Mississippi one day. It sounds like a fun place and I know my girls would love it.
I have never been to Mississippi! I should pick a long weekend, and head over there. (I’m in Panama City)
My husband would like to visit there I’m sure. He likes doing brewery tours and I would love to go somewhere warm right now lol
We visit Jackson several times a year to see my in-laws. You have just given me several new places to visit.
I am an avid beach lover, so I agree with you about visiting the beach (at least once in our lives). But the brewery tours are a must as well!
I’ve never been to Mississippi. I have heard many, many things about southern food so no doubt the cuisine would be aomething I’d be wanting to check out.
How’s the Mississippi Museum of Art? Would love to hear it. And would love to taste Jackson food soul <3
I’m not sure, I’ve never been! LOL! It’s on my “must see” list if I ever get to Jackson!!
Road trips are great fun.The journey itself assumes so much significance in the case of a road trip and one can have an immersive experience of the place. If the landscapes are breathtaking too, the experience goes to another level. Jackson seems to be a perfect destination for a road trip.
I haven’t been anywhere in Mississippi but Jackson looks like a great place to visit. I wish I could travel as much.
I’ve been to Mississippi a few times and adore it. The people there are so nice, it just feels so homey.
The food really does sound so good! I have never been – I’ll have to add it to my list! Sounds like such a great trip to take! Love your pictures too!
Never been to Jackson, but if there’s a documentary about it, it must be worth visiting! Looks like Sweetie and BB are adding Jackson to a roadtrip. BB2U
Never been to Jackson Mississippi but would love to have the chance to do so. It is just way too far from where I live. I would love to explore the beaches there and of course, go on a gastronomic journey. Southern food is always a winner.
This is the first time I am hearing about Jackson, Ricci! Thanks for the informative post and for bringing this place closer. I really hope to explore it one day!