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A select few state capital cities have become some of the trendiest destinations in the U.S. – Austin, of course, Boise, and even the Midwest gem, Columbus, Ohio.
But there’s another unsuspecting Southern capital city being hyped by travel experts as a must-visit for 2025.
Offering captivating historical sites with numerous significant landmarks and museums, textbook “southern hospitality”, and out-of-this-world home cookin’ classics, this relatively small city feels like home away from home.
Jackson, Mississippi, also won’t break the bank, serving as a great weekend getaway with mild winter weather in the ’60s and ’70s in February and March, the perfect time to witness a springtime bloom illuminate locals’ favorite hangout, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park.
Are People Still ‘Going To Jackson’?
We’ve all heard Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s iconic 1960s duet Jackson, where the famous couple rave about visiting Mississippi’s capital.
Surely modern-day visitors aren’t ‘dancin’ on a Pony Keg’ and being led ’round town like a scalded hound’ like the Cash’s.
In fact, it begs the question: is Jackson even a travel hotspot at all? According to Southern Living, a recent trip left a lasting mark on their team of experts.
The truth is you rarely hear of Jackson anymore. If there’s a Mississippi destination that’s become trendy, it’s the underrated coastline stretching from Gulfport to resort-laden Biloxi.
That’s not to say Jackson isn’t worthy of sitting atop your itinerary; the ‘City with Soul’ just isn’t on everyone’s radar.
Jackson’s airport connects some of America’s biggest hubs, making it easy to reach. American, United, Delta, and Southwest all fly here from popular gateways like Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta, to name a few.
What To See & Eat In Jackson
Jackson has long been known more as a historic city rather than a tourist destination per se, playing a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement and possessing a vibrant arts and culture scene, especially through music.
History buffs and art enthusiasts can delight themselves in both worlds as Jackson offers a unique blend of cultures and attractions.
Still boasting timeless charm while also embracing the new age with up-and-coming speakeasies and musical acts, visitors can easily find their niche for what piques their interests most.
Some of the most popular museums to check out are:
- Mississippi Museum of Art
- Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (closed Mondays)
- Eudora Welty House & Garden
- Smith Robertson Museum
- Museum of Mississippi History
Southern Living hyped up the city’s booming speakeasy scene, as well as classic staples like the newly reopened Mayflower Cafe, whipping up southern comfort classics like fried green tomatoes, gumbo, and the popular ‘blue plate special’.
Another classic is Brent’s Drugs (hey, we didn’t name it!), an old-school soda fountain and diner with eclectic decor and famous milkshakes.
While these are Jackson staples, what’s become all the rage around Jackson nowadays are the new speakeasies popping up, arguably the most popular happens to be The Apothecary located within aforementioned Brent’s Drugs, serving hand-crafted cocktails in unmatched ambiance.
Where To Stay In Jackson
With such rich history and contagious charm, the vibe translates into Jackson’s hotel scene too, ranging from affordable luxury to down-home inns and Bed & Breakfasts.
So, let’s start with the latter.
There are ample selections of historic stays with rave reviews in and around Jackson. One of the most notable is its central location, which makes it a great base from which to explore all Jackson has to offer.
That would be The Old Capitol Inn, which is set on downtown State Street and within walking distance of some of the top museums.
This old-timey inn is housed in a 1950s red-bricked building and now serves as a cozy boutique stay oozing timeless charm and includes wine-and-cheese receptions in the evening.
If this is your preferred type of stay, check out the nearby town of Vicksburg, teeming with historic stays like The King’s Daughter Bed & Breakfast and Oak Hall Bed & Breakfast – just not quite as conveniently located to explore Jackson.
For those who enjoy treating themselves to luxury, Jackson’s upscale hotels are often cheaper than historic inns.
For example, 4-star Hilton Jackson is only $92 in February and March.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
