Downtown Jackson - Jackson, MS

Founded as a trading post early in the 19th century, Jackson was repeatedly burned during the Civil War. During the early 1900s, the population grew, and downtown Jackson gradually rebuilt itself into a prosperous capitol city. The neighborhood was the site of many demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement. Today, Jackson has emerged from this tumultuous time into a modern city with a major transportation industry and a diverse population.

The museums in downtown Jackson reflect the city’s rich history. At the Smith Robertson Museum, learn about the African-American struggle for civil rights. Explore state capitol history at the Old Capitol Museum. At Thalia Mara Hall, see the Ballet Mississippi and a variety of national theatrical, musical and comedic acts. Head to the Farish Street District, once the center of African-American life in Jackson, to visit the historic Alamo Theater. Annual events include the Stray at Home Art and Music Festival, and the Tommy Johnson Blues Festival, both of which showcase live music from all around the country.

Southern-style food dominates the Jackson dining scene, but the downtown area has a mix of classic and modern takes on this beloved cuisine. At Parlor Market, sophistication meets local Southern fare. Recognized as one of the city's best restaurants, this trendy, slightly upscale establishment sources most of its ingredients from local farms and the waters of the Gulf Coast. Menu items include deep fried bread with butter pickles, duck confit gumbo and foie gras with spiced brioche and creamed asparagus.

For more traditional, down-home soul food, head straight to Two Sister's Kitchen. Set up in a two-story, antebellum-style home, the restaurant has garnered national recognition as one of the best places for fried chicken in the country. The restaurant also provides an expansive buffet of Southern favorites, including country fried steak, red beans and rice, grits, black eyed peas, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams and fried okra. Come early for the Sunday buffet.

Open since 1935, the Mayflower Cafe is an institution in the downtown Jackson community. The unpretentious, Greek-inspired diner has a long-standing reputation for serving high quality seafood in a low-key, casual environment. Locals keep coming back for broiled shrimp and oysters, fried crab claws, broiled redfish and the Mayflower Greek salad with the restaurant's famous comeback sauce as dressing.

Downtown nightlife consists primarily of restaurants and bars with live music events. The restauraunt and brewery Hal & Mal's also offers live music several nights a week, as well as weekly events like Pub Quiz nights. Head to the laidback F. Jones Corner to hear up-and-coming musicians performing music ranging from folk and country to rock and hip-hop.

While much of downtown is pedestrian-friendly, a car or public transportation is preferable to travel through downtown Jackson. Jackson’s transit service, Jatran, operates buses during the day throughout the downtown area, starting from its downtown hub at Union Station. With Interstate 55 just east of the neighborhood, the downtown area is easily accessible by car, and the parking is ample and affordable.

While traditional taxis are available, they are hard to find away from major hotels. Call well in advance if you need one. The ride-sharing service Uber is readily available in the Jackson area. With several bike shops and bike organizations in the area, Jackson strives to be a bike-friendly city. However, downtown currently provides little in the way of bike lanes, which can make biking in the area an uncertain proposition.

Smith Park provides a peaceful oasis in the heart of this busy neighborhood, and has a water fountain feature landscaped garden areas. The city sponsors many events at the park as well, including the International Gumbo Festival and annual Fourth of July celebrations. There are also a few small parks in the area, such as Farish Street Park and High Street Park, though they have few amenities.

Every year, Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade runs through downtown Jackson. One of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the nation, this local institution creates a festive atmosphere like no other as residents celebrate with costumes, floats, entertainment and live music.

While it is the heart and soul of the city, downtown Jackson is not the most expensive area of the city to live in. In fact, the cost of living is about five percent lower than the city average. Still, growing interest in the area keeps housing at a premium compared to other areas. Expect to pay an average of $853 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in this neighborhood.

Public transportation in and around the neighborhood is fairly affordable, costing only $1.50 a ride. Gas prices are significantly low in the area,costing about eight percent lower than the national average. A pint of beer at a local pub should cost you between $3.50 and $4.50.

Downtown has a few unique specialty and boutique shops worth checking out. Shoppers can browse the rare used books at Tattered Pages Bookstore. This one-of-a-kind bookstore, located on the homestead of hometown hero and writer Eudora Welty, features books related to Southern culture and history. If you're searching for that perfect gift or just want to indulge your own inner child, stop by the Toy Place for upscale children's toys and accessories.

The Mississippi Farmers Market is available all year round, housed in a massive 18,000-square-foot facility. In addition to fresh local produce, the farmers market features live entertainment, crafts and art from local vendors, and cooking demonstrations. If you get hungry while shopping, be sure to stop by the Farmer's Table, which serves breakfast and lunch.