Visit Jackson Mississippi

gotrocks · Nov 2, 2004

Hope this is not too far off topic.
We would like to visit Jackson during early Dec 04.
If any TBN'ers have any suggestions or recommendation at to what to see, where to stay (and eat) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Please pass them on.
Don't plan on driving the B2910 but would like to visit gardens and nature trails (bird watching).
Thank you in advance for any and all replys.

Happy Thanksgiving when it arrives.

1bush2hog · Nov 3, 2004

The Natchez Trace runs thru Jackson, so you may want to check it out, if you haven't already. Also, there is a good catfish restaurant called Cock of the Walk, if you like catfish. Vicksburg is not too far away either and the civil war park there is great too. You can also do some gambling on the river there in Vicksburg if you like.

Have a great safe trip!

Taylortractornut · Nov 4, 2004

Theres a nice Mississippi Ag museum there I cant remeber the name they have several restored pieces in the museum in displays even an old Oliver Crawler. They also have a few old pulltype graders out back and an early pull type Euclid scraper. Lots of places to look around there to.

TBone · Nov 5, 2004

As far as places to stay, I would recommend the very north side (outside of the City). On I-55 north the County Line Road area is loaded with nice hotels, shopping and eating areas. The biggest mall (Northpark) is also located on County Line Road.

As others have said the Natchez Trace Parkway runs through Jackson. A google search will tell you a little about it. If you have the time, travel west to Vicksburg and follow the Mississippi river south to Natchez. You can visit some historical and beautiful antebellum homes and get some serious exposure to the history of the civil war.

As already mentioned the Mississippi Agriculture Museum is worth visiting. It is located on Lakeland Drive off of I-55 north, south of the County Line Road exit.

If you like catfish and seafood go to Berry's Seafood on Hwy. 49 south at Florence, MS about 10 miles south of Jackson. I know they are open on Friday and Saturday nights - you might call if you want to go another night. They have one of the best seafood buffets in the area. They also have a resturant in Natchez. Sorry I can't recommend other places - I just don't spend much time in Jackson any more.

Personally I would stay out of the city of Jackson - anywhere near where I-20 and I-55 cross each other. For a small city Jackson's crime rate is very high. Although a little better than 3-4 years ago when they had the highest murder rate per capita in the US they still have too many drive by shootings, drug dealings, and carjackings to suit me.

I live about 100 miles away but still have relatives in the area. When my kids were small we used to take them to the zoo and other places in Jackson and felt completely comfortable. Unfortunately it's not like that any more. As in most cities a lot of the law abiding folks have moved to the suburbs and a great many of the ones left in the inner city...well you wouldn't want them for neighbors.

I hope you enjoy your stay! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

TBone

Glenn9643 · Nov 5, 2004

I'll make another recommendation to visit the MS Ag and Forestry Museum . If you're there around lunchtime the restaurant buffet is pretty good too. There's also a park that's nearby that you might want to visit, but I'm not sure of the name and it's been about thirty years since I was there. I believe it's LeFleur's Bluff State Park. After you turn off I55 on Lakeland Drive the Ag Museum is about 1/4 mile on your left. To get to the park, continue about 1/2 mile on Lakeland and turn to the right, and follow the signs.
I just did a "google" and discovered that the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has been moved to that area also. Looks like I need to go back! Hope you enjoy your trip.