Jackson is the capital city of Mississippi with the highest population of any other city in the state. Currently, it is known as the "City With Soul". Originally, it was part of the Choctaw Nation, and later, was settled by a French Canadian, Louis LeFleur, who called the area Parkerville. The name of the city today, Jackson, comes from U.S. President Andrew Jackson.

Popular Attractions

The city boasts attractions such as the Farish Street Historic District, the house and garden of famous writer Eudora Welty which was reconstructed to its 1925-1945 period, and the Jackson Zoo. Mynelle Gardens is a nature lover's paradise with a collection of botanical gardens displaying pools, pathways, cascades, and unique bridges. It costs $4 to enter. You shouldn't miss the Russell C. Davis Planetarium either, with its sky shows discussing popular astronomy topics and laser light concerts with contemporary and classic rock artists. Additionally, Jackson has a great city park system, with 54 parks in all, that have swimming pools, tennis courts, picnic grounds, golf courses, jogging paths, and walking paths. One even has a go-kart track, and another has a model airplane field.

Typical Foods

Food in Jackson is more of an event than anything else. The city has a diverse selection of local specialties, some of which are fried catfish, warm cornbread, fresh vegetable mixes, crispy chicken, and hush puppies. Other southern favorites are boiled crawfish, shrimp, crab, tamales, steaks, bicuits with gravy, and collard greens. A unique treat to try is fried pickles, too. Home cooked food is the preference in Jackson, and most local restaurants try to give you that comfortably, cozy, you're-in-your-own-house feel. You can find these foods in more upscale, fine dining restaurants as well, many of which are found in the Fonderen District. Besides southern food, being a big city, Jackson is a product of globalization and has restaurants featuring food from all over the world, from Thai to Mexican. Standard chain restaurants and fast food restaurants popular in every part of United States are also prominent in Jackson. Prices are cheap in Jackson if you stick to local eateries. Obviously, for finer dining experiences, you're going to pay for it.

Accommodations

As for accommodations, the city has its fair share of bed and breakfasts, cabins, vacation rentals, budget hotels and motels, and luxury resorts. It all depends on how much money you're willing to spend, what kind of experience you're looking for, and the quality and service you require. Prices can range from $50-$400 per night, possibly more if you want extreme, over the top luxury.