If the hustle and bustle of everyday life has you craving a sweet escape to a Southern charm town, let me introduce you to Jackson, Mississippi!

Take it from a fast paced girl who travels the world — this town has everything you need to refresh, reflect, and have a heck of a good time (there’s my new-found Southern twang already kicking into action!).

From the gourmet restaurants, adorable yet innovative shops, bubbly locals, and of course, important historical attributes, this quaint town has a LOT going for it! Just take a peek at the docuseries below to get a quick taste of it!

The Full City With Soul Documentary from Maris, West & Baker on Vimeo.

If you’re looking for information and itineraries, I got you. There’s two main areas of Jackson, Mississippi; the main area is the up-and-coming Historic District (AKA “Downtown”), and then there’s the currently-trendy one a mere two miles north called Fondren. And of course, there’s plenty of gems in between like one of my favorites that serves gourmet popsicles in beer, soda, or coffee!

But I’ll get to that in a sec! First I’ll give the basics of getting there, then the awesome itinerary I did for the ultimate Southern charm experience! See below!

How to get to Jackson:

Fly into JAN airport where your best bet is renting a car. Mine was from Budget and only about $38 per day. I also only used about a quarter tank of gas the entire time I was there! Once you’ve gotten your rental car, simply input your hotel address into your regular map app or use Google maps (what I prefer).

If you don’t drive, Uber is available in Jackson, and typically cheaper than a taxi, but there are also some taxis available!

Where to Stay in Jackson:

The newest most awesome-est place to stay is The Westin Jackson, where I lived for three days, and would highly recommend! It’s shiny brand new, centrally located, but my most favorite feature was the unbelievably upbeat staff! I literally wanted to just stay and hang out with them all day!

The Westin is in the up-and-coming area that I mentioned earlier; which is walking distance to the main historic sites to see. It’s also walking distance to delicious restaurants, fun bars, and awesome boutiques! Anything outside of this main area is only a short ten minute drive or so.

If you’d be more interested in staying in an area with more things to do at night, there’s also a brand new Marriott in The District!

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Best Things to See/Photograph:

For me the first thing I want to see in a destination are the most interesting and iconic landmarks and landscapes, so I’ll start out with those first! Jackson actually has a lot of incredible architecture, and even more history, so the two tied together makes for some pretty amazing photos!

Here’s my top picks:

1. The New Capitol

By new they mean newer than the old one! This majestic Washington DC-looking capitol building was built in the 1900’s, and is actually the oldest working Capitol in the country! But you wouldn’t be able to tell that just by looking at it.

It’s exterior is still vibrant white with sharply carved steps and smooth round columns, capped with an iconic dome where atop the only capitol-eagle in the country sits facing the opposite direction of Washington DC!

I spent a lot of time basking in the sunlight on the benches and steps of the New Capitol’s lawn, but the interior was just as beautiful! Be sure to ask for a complimentary tour inside!

2. Lamar Life Building Clock Tower

Fun Fact: There’s a “Big Ben” right in Jackson, Mississippi! My main goal was actually to go up to the rooftop of the Lamar Life Building to get a photo with the giant clock, but unfortunately it was under construction while I was there. The good news for you though is that you’ll have a sparkling new building and rooftop to check out since it’ll be done in the very near future!

The clocktower is an iconic staple of the historic Jackson downtown area, and literally looks like something straight out of London. In fact, there’s even a traditional red British phone booth nearby, brought over by a local Jackson entrepreneur.

3. Museum of Art Garden

After checking out the historic and intricate pieces of artwork inside the Mississippi Museum of Art, you’ll find some amazing self-art opportunities outside in the garden! This area used to be a parking lot, but was recently turned into a garden and amphitheater, complete with mini ponds and flower gardens all around!

4. Welcome to Jackson Sign

What better way to commemorate your arrival in this fabulous Southern charm city than with a larger than life welcome sign?! You really can’t miss the “Welcome to Jackson” wall mural on Pearl Street, which offers an epic photo opp for any occasion.

Pro tip: Get there either before 9am or after 5pm because that’s when the time constraints for parking are.

5. Old Capitol Area

So we talked about the New Capitol building of Jackson, now let’s talk about the Old Capitol! Well, and the entire area around it as well! The Old Capitol was renovated after severe damage from Hurricane Katrina, so it’s still relatively new looking, and similar to other buildings around town.

Next to it is also the Mississippi War Memorial which respectfully makes for a great photo, as well as the rooftop of Old Capitol Inn.

6. City Hall

Namely, the 5 foot tall rose bushes outside of the quaint City Hall building which add a fresh burst of beauty to the historical site. You’ll actually find roses all around the city, but the most I saw were out on the front lawn of City Hall

7. King Edward Hotel Area/Mayflower Cafe

Two more iconic locations in Jackson are the old King Edward Hotel (now a Hilton property) and the nearby Mayflower Cafe. King Edward Hotel has the original look and feel as when it was first built, plus an interesting history that’s worth reading about on the placard outside!

The Mayflower Cafe is said to be a traditional staple of Jackson, with its iconic “Cafe” sign that still lights up at night!

Quirky-Awesome Shops to Visit:

8. Deep South Pops

Have you ever heard of putting a homemade popsicle in a glass of locally brewed beer or coffee? If not, how bad do you now want to try it?? Maybe it’s just the Instagram/Pinterest-loving person in me but the second I heard about Deep South Pops, I knew it was something I was going to love!

Each popsicle flavor is creatively crafted and packaged onsite, which you’ll select depending on what you’ll be dipping it in! According to creator and owner Jake, directions are as follows: Dip, lick, drink, repeat!

9. Thimblepress

I immediately recognized the creative handwriting adorning the fronts of cards, journals, and even the chalkboard “We’re Open!” sign outside. That’s because Thimblepress is a stationary brand I’ve seen before in stores like Target and Urban Outfitters, that I had no idea was based right in Jackson, Mississippi!

The creative genius, entrepreneur, and all around awesome human who started this company, Kristen, runs the entire business from this shop (aside from some outside manufacturing). That includes the hand-making of one of her most popular items; confetti pops!

10. Fashion Shopping

Whether you’re looking for a little local style or high-end designer ensembles, all can be found right in Jackson! Some of my favorite boutiques were Treehouse Boutique and Blithe & Vine. At Treehouse, not only will you find the most adorable setting for a designer boutique, but all of the top labels and latest styles.

Blithe & Vine has options from silk frilly dresses to denim and cotton skirts, along with some extra quirky hand-painted Converses!

See all of the outfits I got from these two boutiques in a special separate post called: “For the Love of Food and Fashion in Jackson”

Must-See Historical Landmarks:

11. Civil Rights Museum

The only state-funded Civil Rights Museum just opened in Jackson, Mississippi, and it does a justified job at depicting the dark past of the area. From mug shots of the first Freedom Riders, to the actual grocery doors where 14 year old Emitt Till was accused of offending a white woman resulting in his lynching, everything is in-your-face accurate.

As a global peace ambassador, I would strongly urge everyone to visit this Civil Rights Museum.

12. Original Freedom Riders Bus Station

Slightly understated now that it’s an architectural firm, but still worth checking out! You’ll see the original metal Greyhound bus sign of the old fashioned bus station where the first Freedom Riders arrived in Jackson, and were shortly arrested after.

For those who don’t know, “Freedom Riders” were groups of brave people who challenged segregation laws by continuing to use public transportation.

13. Mississippi Museum of Art

Right now the Mississippi Museum of Art has an incredible historical display up of artwork that depicts the things that were happening pre and during the Civil Rights Era.

One of my favorites was a hand-beaded Everest punching bag with the words “Sharecropper” embedded in it, which was a meaningful contribution from the artist whose family once had the job title.

Best Wine/Cocktail Spots:

14. CAET Wine Bar

Anyone you ask about CAET will immediately rave about it! It’s a hot-spot wine bar in Fondren that also serves up delicious bites and a great atmosphere.

They even have “wine on tap”! It’s centrally located near all of the popular restaurants in town, so it’s a great place to meet before, after, or for dinner. Or pretty much for any other reason since who doesn’t love a good wine bar?!

15. Old Capitol Inn Rooftop Bar

I mentioned Old Capitol Inn already for the scenic aspect, but it’s also a really fun place for some live music and cocktails! Head up to the rooftop, where anyone is welcome, and enjoy a live band and view of the city underneath strings of twinkling tea lights.

16. Brent’s Drugs and The Apothecary

I didn’t get to go here but almost everyone recommended it! There’s a diner and soda fountain (since 1946) in the front called “Brent’s Drugs”, and at night there’s a “hidden” area called The Apothecary that resembles an old fashioned speakeasy! It’s located in the Fondren area near many of the popular bars and restaurants

17. All the Amazing Restaurants

There’s honestly too many to list, so they are all included in their own blog post! I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed Parlor Market, not only because it had incredible food and service, but also because the head Chef (Chaz) let me come in the kitchen and attempt cooking one of their signature ingredients!

For the full, delicious run down on the best restaurants in Jackson, check out: “For the Love of Food and Fashion in Jackson”!

Essential Activities

18. Massage at Soul Spa

I mean, who doesn’t want to get a massage while on vacation? Luckily the brand new Soul Spa just opened up in the Westin Jackson, and it’s nothing short of fabulous! You’ll start out changing into a robe from your own personal locker, then head to the heaven-like waiting area with relaxing chairs and refreshments.

My treatment included a glass of wine which I enjoyed by the outdoor jacuzzi in the crisp afternoon sunlight! Afterwards I enjoyed an aromatherapy deep-tissue massage that was to die for, and highly recommended

19. Mississippi Salsa Class

I know what you’re probably thinking…”Salsa class? In Mississippi?!” And the answer is yes! What a fun surprise it was to do this dance class in such a sweet southern town! As someone with a latin background, and who knows how to dance salsa, I have to say I was pretty impressed with both the dance teacher and her students!

She also teaches different dance classes like Zumba, and the studio is located right in the middle of Fondren. That means both that everyone will probably see you dancing, and that afterwards you can go for a glass of wine at Caet’s across the street, or to one of the many popular restaurants!

20. Art Galleries

If you want to see some of Mississippi’s finest arts, you have to check out the local art galleries like Brown’s Fine Art and Framing. When I stepped inside Brown’s, I was amazed at the variety and quality of art. Whether you like modern or still life, oil or acrylic, or even if you don’t know what style it is and just think it’s pretty, there’s something here to see for everyone!

21. Street Art Search

This is something you’ll do on your own, but it can be incorporated into any of the other things I’ve listed on this post! That’s because I found all of these awesome street art murals on the way to sightseeing around town!

The wings are in between Blithe & Vine and Treehouse, and the heart is near the Mayflower Cafe! Let me know if you find more when you go there!

Have any additional questions or comments about Jackson, Mississippi? Please feel free to share them in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Visit Jackson, however all writing, photos, opinions, and awesome experiences are my own!