The Artsy Mississippi College Town With Unmatched Homestyle Southern Restaurants

On the edge of the Delta, the Mississippi state capital of Jackson pulses with life. The arts scene is thriving, from bold street murals to the soulful sounds of live blues, and restaurants serve up mouth-watering soul food. Jackson celebrated its 200th birthday in 2022, and its rich history, including a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, is woven into its identity. Yet, Jackson State University's 9,000 students and centrally located campus infuse the city with youthful energy, ensuring Jackson feels just as forward-thinking as it does rooted in the past.

To get a feel for the artistic soul of Jackson, start with a self-guided walking tour of its public art. Walls all over Jackson are painted with brightly colored murals, from the blues and purples of the Welcome to Jackson mural to the bold JXN Icons painting, depicting local heroes. You can find a map of Jackson's street art here. Don't miss the artsy Fondren neighborhood north of downtown, where galleries, boutiques, and restaurants are often locally owned, and weekends see live music and art openings.

The Mississippi Museum of Art is also a must-visit and gives you the chance to see thousands of works by American artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol. It also showcases art by creators with local ties and has a peaceful outdoor garden to explore. The permanent collection is free to visit, and the museum is open from 11AM to 5PM Tuesday-Saturday and from 1PM on Sundays.

Next on your itinerary should be the excellent and moving Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Exhibitions tell the stories of slavery, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement, and beyond. They also focus on the figures who were involved, from the well-known, like Medgar Evers, to lesser-known "Points of Light". Entry to the museum costs $15 and covers the adjoining Museum of Mississippi History, too.  

Eating soul food in the south is something every American should do in their lifetime. In Jackson, Big Apple Inn is a must-stop. It's where Anthony Bourdain enjoyed what he called a "dream sandwich" on his show, Parts Unknown. Bourdain was into smoked sausage and pig ear sandwiches, and he's not the only one who found them delicious — Google reviewers rave about them, too. 

Another Jackson landmark is Hal and Mal's, which has been serving "classics with a twist" for over 40 years. It's long been known for its lunches — think BBQ shrimp and grits and catfish po-boys — though it serves delicious food all day. It's also known for live music, with an evening calendar packed with everything from blues to jazz to karaoke. If you're in town on a Monday, don't miss the Blue Monday party hosted with the Central Mississippi Blues Society. 

Jackson has a range of accommodations for those staying overnight. There are many reasonably priced chain motels and hotels conveniently located in downtown and just outside. If you're looking for something with more soul, check out one of Jackson's boutique accommodations. The Orchid is a Black-owned bed and breakfast with beautifully decorated, light-filled rooms and a 5/5 rating on Google. Rates start around $160 per night. Alternatively, Fairview Inn has well-appointed, traditionally decorated rooms and is home to the Library Lounge, a bar with a huge book collection and cocktails named after Mississippi authors like Eudora Welty and William Faulkner.

Reaching Jackson is easy. The city has its own airport, served by flights from all over the country. It also sits on an Amtrak route and is connected to Chicago and New Orleans. Most visitors, however, will arrive by car. Jackson lies between New Orleans and Memphis, about three hours from each. It sits on one of the best U.S. road trip routes for music lovers and makes a fantastic stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Like many places in the south, Jackson is very hot and humid in the summer. It can also be surprisingly cool in the winter, with temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit at night. Spring and fall tend to be pleasantly warm and make excellent times for visiting. If you're in the city in October, you might catch the Mississippi State Fair, with rides, live entertainment and local foods.