Old Capitol Inn
Start the day before by checking into the lovely Old Capitol Inn at 226 N. State Street. The rooms are beautifully decorated, comfortable and spacious, and the location is perfect for exploring the hot spots of Jackson. In many ways, it is downright opulent. :)
Iron Horse Grill and MS Music Experience
Have dinner and listen to live music at the Iron Horse Grill, 320 W. Pearl Street. This is a great hint at the reason why Jackson calls itself "The City with Soul." Before you leave, be sure to head upstairs to the Mississippi Music Experience. It is quite a showcase of legendary MS talent. This is a free exhibit that is well worth your time.
Eudora Welty House & Garden
After enjoying the full breakfast buffet at the Old Capital Inn, make your way to the Eudora Welty House & Garden at 1119 Pinehurst Street for an entertaining and educational tour. How insightful to see where this Pulitzer Prize-winning author wrote so many of her books and lived for much of her life.
Follow this tour with a visit to Greenwood Cemetery to see her grave and then enjoy lunch at The Mayflower Cafe which was said to be her favorite lunch spot. With its proximity to the state capitol building, you are very likely to see a politician or two.
Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Spent the afternoon taking in two fabulous museums located right behind Old Capitol Inn -- The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. On the back side of Old Capitol Inn, you'll spot this amazing mural -- it just begs to be photographed. The famous Mississippians portrayed in the mural from left to right are: Eudora Welty, Medgar Evers (civil rights leader), Thalia Mara (ballet dancer and author), and David Banner, rapper and generous philanthropist.
Museum exhibits are outstanding, but the pinnacle for me was the "This Little Light of Mine" rotunda-type pavilion inside the Civil Rights Museum. A mammoth light display coordinates with choral voices in a highly-effective rendition of the song, which begins with one voice and continues until a massive choir is singing. So powerful.
Public Art and the Fondren District
Jackson has a growing number of public murals and sculptures which you will enjoy finding and photographing. Some can be spotted in the Fondren District which is in the blocks adjacent to the Capri Theater at 3023 North State Street. There are a number of great restaurants in the district. If one is too crowded, just move on to the next one. Steve and I ended up at Babalu and had a wonderful meal.
I hope you allow yourself the luxury of two nights at the Old Capitol Inn. If so, head back to relax and enjoy your evening. Have another delicious breakfast the next morning before heading home -- being thoroughly impressed with Jackson.