Historian Carroll Quigley once said, “A community is made up of intimate relationships among diversified types of individuals—a kinship group, a local group, a neighborhood, a village, a large family.”

Here in Jackson, it won’t take you long to discover that our people are all of those things rolled into one. Jacksonians are what give the city life. They are our soul. While here, you’ll want to meet them where they are, in the many vibrant neighborhoods that give Jackson a thriving, beating heartbeat.

Fondren Corner is a mixed-used building that serves as a landmark for the neighborhood.

Fondren

Want to see where Jackson creativity flourishes? Head to Fondren. Lay your head at the new Homewood Suites by Hilton and start your day with a cup of coffee from Cups, The Bean or PJ’s Coffee House. This is the ideal place to walk around and get those creative juices flowing. Stop into The Beacon for gifts galore and art supplies to get you inspired. Local galleries, including Brown’s Fine Art and Fondren Art Gallery, will show you just why Fondren is considered a hotspot for artists. Visit Mama Nature’s Juice Bar for refreshing and healthy smoothies, juice and more, made from the freshest ingredients.

Visit the state’s only food hall, Cultivation Food Hall, at the District for something to satisfy all appetites.

LeFleur East

LeFleur East is the perfect place for those looking to get in a little shopping. Visit Canton Mart Square, Highland Village or The District at Eastover for a curated collection of both local and national shops. Haven Curated Home, located in Canton Mart Square, is a great spot to find unique gifts and goods for the home. After, grab lunch at Crazy Cat Eat Up, home to delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods.

Visit the state’s only food hall, Cultivation Food Hall, at the District for something to satisfy all appetites.

At Cultivation, you can get a taste of everything from ramen to poke to “Southern Greek.” Next door, Sophomore Spanish Club is a must, where you can fill up on some of the best queso in town (go bangarang!), while also indulging in a good helping of 90s nostalgia.

Dive into alternative culture at Offbeat, where you’ll find unique toys, graphic novels, records, books and art.

Midtown

In Midtown, you’re sure to stumble upon a creative community that’s flying under the radar and booming. Any art enthusiast can’t miss AND Gallery, where you’ll see artists at work. Dive into alternative culture at Offbeat, where you’ll find unique toys, graphic novels, records, books and art.

At Elvie’s, Chef Hunter Evans offers seasonal fare made with ingredients from Southern farmers at his all-day café.

Belhaven

While it’s the city’s historic neighborhood, Belhaven is anything but old-fashioned. The new Belhaven Town Center blends seamlessly into the neighborhood’s architecture and is home to Elvie’s, Campbell’s Craft Donuts and Spectrum Sip.

At Elvie’s, Chef Hunter Evans offers seasonal fare made with ingredients from Southern farmers at his all-day café. Campbell’s Craft Donuts is the brainchild of local chef, Mitchell Moore, owner and pastry chef of Fondren institution, Campbell’s Bakery. Spectrum Sip is a new spot to get a healthy refuel with their shakes, loaded teas and workout drinks.

Head downtown to visit the world-class Two Mississippi Museums, where the rich history of Mississippi and the Civil Rights Movement are on full display.

Downtown

Head downtown to visit the world-class Two Mississippi Museums, where the rich history of Mississippi and the Civil Rights Movement are on full display. A few blocks away, immerse yourself in the Mississippi Museum of Art’s “Van Gogh, Monet, Degas & Their Times,” offering 74 works by 19th-and 20th-century masters, showcasing French Impressionist paintings (through January 2021). Swing by the Mayflower Café, Dave’s Triple B or Parlor Market for a taste of authentic Jackson fare. Take a tour of Jackson State University, the city’s historically black university, to see a thriving college community.

Be sure to visit the home of the original charbroiled oyster, Drago’s.

North JXN

Venture close to County Line Road for an opportunity to shop at some of your tried-and-true spots such as TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, At Home and other staple retailers. But while you’re there, be sure to visit the home of the original charbroiled oyster, Drago’s. Take your pick of 62 varieties of beer nearby at The Bulldog, which offers Jackson’s largest selection of mostly local and craft beers. Head down County Line Road to Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant for traditional Tex-Mex and of course, a cold margarita! Visit Tougaloo College, which sits on the Mississippi Freedom Trail with a marker commemorating the college’s integral role as a safe haven for many Civil Rights meetings during the monumental movement.