VisitSouth.com is hiring a Jackson Insider!

by MaryAnne Gragg | May 25, 2010

Are you the person everyone turns to for the latest information on what’s new in town or where to take out-of-town visitors?

Are you passionate about writing, the Web, and social media and always eager to enhance your skills?

Then we invite you to apply to join our team of local Insiders at VisitSouth.com, the premiere southern travel Web site. VisitSouth.com brings a personal touch to travel planning with Insiders like you …

The Shoe Bar at Pieces, Jackson MS

A great place to find funky fashions in the ecclectic Fondren neighborhood

by Julie Skipper | April 23, 2010

In springtime, a girl’s thoughts turn to…shoes. (Sorry, fellas, it’s true. I’ll cover a more guy-friendly location soon.) Just last night, I was out and caught myself admiring all the ballet flats and sandals on the feet around me. It made me immediately want to head to the Fondren area to the Shoe Bar at Pieces.

Located in a cute old house on Mitchell Avenue, the Shoe Bar is where …

USA International Ballet Competition, Thalia Mara Hall, Jackson, MS

Jackson plays host to this international Olympic-style ballet competition every four years

by Julie Skipper | April 19, 2010

Want to find an Olympic-style event with world-class competitors right here in Jackson? Done. The International Ballet Competition (IBC) takes place in Jackson every four years. (To give you an idea of what a big deal this is, the other cities where it is held in alternate years are Varna, Bulgaria, and Moscow.) And let me be the first to tell you: These dancers are incredible athletes—they leap so high, it’s hard for me …

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Pepsi Pops 2010, Old Trace Park, Ridgeland, MS

Picnics, music, and fireworks make this annual concert a favorite for all ages

by Julie Skipper | April 16, 2010

I’m the first to admit that I get spring fever in a major way. There’s really not much better than Jackson during this time of year. It’s not too hot yet, which means that everyone, including me, clamors to be outside as much as possible. So it’s only natural that one of my annual rites of spring involves an evening spent outside that includes a picnic, music, and fireworks. The event is the

Old House Depot, Jackson MS

Vintage treasures await you at this architectural salvage shop in Jackson

by Julie Skipper | April 12, 2010

For some people, treasure-hunting involves heading to the sale rack at their favorite department store. For me, though, it means architectural salvage. Luckily, Jackson has a treasure trove of a spot in Old House Depot, owned by Jim Kopernack—a former lawyer turned purveyor of cool old stuff. He welcomes you into the warehouse with a smile and is happy to tell you the story behind anything in the place.

It’s a history …

930 Blues Cafe, Jackson MS

Hot Delta blues await you in a cool old Jackson house

by Julie Skipper | April 07, 2010

There are certain things that you simply HAVE to do when you visit Mississippi. One of those things is to listen to some blues. I have several favorite haunts to get my blues fix (and do a little boogying), and one of those is the 930 Blues Café. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this isn’t some touristy blues joint—it’s the real deal. The club is in an old house …

Mynelle Gardens, Jackson, MS

Charming botanical gardens are hidden away in the middle of Mississippi's capital city

by Julie Skipper | April 05, 2010

The original plans for the city of Jackson (designed by Peter Van Dorn) called for city blocks to be alternated with open parks, creating a checkerboard pattern. But, development being what it is, that plan didn’t survive. That leaves this city girl longing for some good green space sometimes, especially in the spring. Luckily, Mynelle Gardens is tucked away right in the middle of the city.

The gardens sit on seven acres …

Mississippi Farmers Market, Jackson, MS

Homegrown country goodness comes to downtown Jackson at the Mississippi Farmers Market

by Julie Skipper | March 31, 2010

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to show a visitor from California around Jackson. We had a great day seeing the sights around the city, but inevitably, as it tends to in the South, the conversation kept coming back to food and where to get a taste of some Mississippi cooking. And that got me to thinking about where our food comes from. Mississippi is, after all, an agricultural state, and especially during the spring and …

St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson, MS

A Gothic cathedral in the heart of downtown Jackson

by Julie Skipper | March 28, 2010

The first time I remember going to St. Andrew’s Cathedral in downtown Jackson, it wasn’t to worship. I wasn’t even Episcopalian. I was a student at Millsaps College taking a course on art and architecture and we had to write a paper on the architectural styles of three Jackson buildings; for one of my three, I chose St. Andrew’s. With its Gothic architectural style, it gave me plenty to write about, …

Sante South, The Gardens at Jackson Place, Jackson, MS

A premier wine tasting event brings world-class vintners to downtown Jackson

by Julie Skipper | March 26, 2010

To me, springtime in Jackson means lots of fun outdoor festivals and events. I love to get outside and enjoy the weather before it gets too hot! One that I look forward to every year is Sante South, a premier wine event that also happens to be for a great cause—the Alzheimer’s Association. I love it because it’s a fantastic chance to try lots of new wines (and ones that …

The Cedars, Jackson, MS

A retreat in the middle of the city

by Julie Skipper | March 21, 2010

The Cedars in the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson is a little jewel of a building. Built in 1840, it’s the oldest surviving residential building in the city. It was originally built as a two-room cottage, but through the years, additions were made, including a screened porch and a wing that served as a one-room schoolhouse. It was once threatened with being torn down, but coordinated efforts of neighborhood associations and the

Greater Jackson Arts Council: Backyards and Beyond, Jackson, MS

See one of the state's best artist's most moving work.

by Joey Lee | February 10, 2010

The Greater Jackson Arts Council will be hosting an exhibition that you can’t miss. The Backyards and Beyond traveling exhibit features more than 80 paintings and sculptures by acclaimed Mississippi artist, H.C. Porter.

A social realist, Porter has focused her work over the past 15 years on documenting the lives of Mississippians. Her environmental portraits feature a unique mixed media that combines photography, printing and an explosive use of color, all …

Dixie National Rodeo, Mississippi State Fair Grounds, Jackson, MS

See some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world compete, right here in Jackson!

by Joey Lee | February 03, 2010

Honey, grab your Stetson, Wranglers, Tony Lamas and put your good teeth in, ‘cause we’re goin’ to the rodeo! The 2010 Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Show will be at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds from February 11th through the 17th.

Don’t think this is another one of your small-town rodeos. This is one of the biggest rodeos east of the Mississippi River and brings some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the word …

Boeing Boeing, New Stage Theatre, Jackson, MS

Check out this hilarious play!

by Joey Lee | February 01, 2010

What do you get when you have a successful French architect juggling three flight-attendant fiancées from different countries, who, through a twist of fate, finds all three in Paris and at his apartment at the same time? No, not a poor attempt to re-create one of my favorite episodes of Three’s Company.

What you get is Boeing Boeing, an absolutely hilarious production now playing at Jackson’s own New Stage Theatre.

The original play was …

Beer & Cheese Tasting, Sal & Mookie’s, Jackson, MS

Beer & cheese, beer & cheese, and more beer & cheese!

by Joey Lee | January 28, 2010

I’m sure you’ve heard of wine and cheese tastings or even parties where people just eat cheese and drink wine, but maybe something like that just doesn’t sound like it’s up your alley. I’ve got something for you; Sal & Mookies will be hosting a Beer and Cheese Tasting this coming weekend. Yes, you read that right, BEER and cheese! What could be better than that?

The event will take place on Sunday, January …

Time Out Sports Cafe, Jackson, MS

Pass a good time at one of Jackson's best sports bars!

by Joey Lee | January 26, 2010

Food, beer, TVs, beer, pool, beer, darts and beer are the key ingredients in making a great sports bar. Time Out Sports Cafe combines these elements in just the right proportion to create a sports bar that will satisfy even the pickiest fan.

This watering hole has TVs strategically located throughout the bar so you’ll be able to easily see your favorite game, no matter if you’re sitting at the bar or one of …

Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS

Have a great time with the whole family visiting this exhibit!

by Joey Lee | January 22, 2010

Mississippi is known for fine art. Well, maybe not, but we should be. From writers to painters, to ceramicists and sculptors, we’ve got tons of great artists here. We can even lay claim to arguably the world’s greatest puppeteer.

Jim Henson, a native of Leland, Mississippi, was an artist, director, producer and, what most of us know him for, creator of the Muppets.

The Mississippi Museum of Art in downtown Jackson features new exhibitions …

The Fairview Inn, Jackson, MS

Romance and Old World Charm at the Fairview Inn

by Joey Lee | January 20, 2010

Looking for a romantic getaway? How about a luxurious bed and breakfast housed in a century-old building located in the heart of one of Jackson’s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods?

The Fairview Inn is a Colonial Revival mansion built in 1908 and offers visitors eighteen luxurious guest rooms, Sophia’s Restaurant, nomiSpa, a game room and a private guest lounge. With more than an acre of grounds, pristine gardens, outdoor decks and a …

The Trace Grill, Ridgeland, MS

For great burgers or home cookin', visit this place!

by Joey Lee | January 16, 2010

If you make a habit of checking out this blog, you’ll find that a lot of what I write about is food and great places to eat. When I travel, I love to find places unique to that area, where the locals eat, and give ‘em a try.

Just north of Jackson in Ridgeland (you really can’t tell when you’ve left one and gone into another) on Highway 51, there’s a placed called The Trace Grill. …

Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, Jackson, MS

See exhibits featuring African American struggles and achievements at this museum

by Joey Lee | January 14, 2010

Located within easy walking distance of the capital and downtown Jackson, The Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center uses displays of art, artifacts and photography to give visitors a first-hand first-hand look at the work, lifestyle and artistic contributions of African Americans. Their contributions are celebrated through these exhibits that are designed to help visitors understand the African American experience in the Deep South.

The Smith Robertson museum is housed in the first public school built …

Lisa Mills at Underground 119, Jackson, MS

Blues/Jazz Singer Returns to Mississippi to Perform

by Joey Lee | January 13, 2010

You’re in for a huge treat if you’re in Jackson later this month! After touring throughout Europe, Mississippi native Lisa Mills will be back in her home state to perform at the Underground 119 in downtown Jackson.

Lisa is a critically acclaimed singer, guitarist and songwriter. Her blues-based, soulfully delivered, original music has been pleasing audiences throughout the world since her debut CD hit more than ten years ago and having her here in Mississippi is …

Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club, Jackson, MS

The Courthouse offers visitors several great places to work out while in Jackson

by Joey Lee | January 13, 2010

Jackson has a lot of great places to get a good workout in while you’re in town. The Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club has seven locations throughout the metro area where you’ll find everything you need to work up a sweat.

If you need someone to push you, take a class from some of the best instructors you’ll find, and I don’t just write that because I teach Spinning at their downtown location! Classes …