Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi, was named after the seventh president of the United States – Andrew Jackson – and is a cultural center of the South. Jackson was the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty and was a hotbed of early Southern music, such as blues, jazz, and gospel. Add in museums, a zoo, and its reputation as one of the most affordable cities in the country, and you've got a hidden gem of a vacation spot. Travelocity has plenty of Jackson vacation packages that will ensure you get the most out of the City with Soul.
Out and About in Jackson
Because it's such an affordable city, there are plenty of cheap hotels in Jackson that are right in the middle of the action, and staying downtown will ensure you see everything this town has to offer. First, check out the Mississippi Museum of Art to see both contemporary and older works. It's located just blocks from Jackson State University. Just north of downtown is the Greater Bellhaven area, where you'll find the Eudora Welty House, as well as many affordable Jackson hotels. Fans of the Southern novelist can tour the grounds, visiting the home and garden where Welty lived and wrote for nearly 80 years.
Eating and Drinking
After enjoying a few of Jackson's cultural highlights, chances are you'll be famished. There are plenty of culinary delights to be enjoyed, many just steps from various hotels in Jackson. The area just north of Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, especially along North State Street, has a high concentration of restaurants serving all types of cuisines, including Italian, Mediterranean, and of course, barbecue. For fans of lighter fare, there's no shortage of baked goods to be enjoyed in the Fondren North area along I-55, where cafes, bakeries, and bagel spots abound.
Whether visiting for the food or the culture or both, Travelocity has great deals on flights to Jackson. Don't forget that you can save up to $537 when you book a hotel and flight at the same time.