What Draws People to Jackson, MS? Food, Music and Culture
Thinking about moving to Jackson, MS? The Jackson Metro region successfully competes with much larger metros in terms of quality of life. The region, different from anywhere else in the world, has a distinct personality that is expressed through food, music and culture.
“I always say Jackson punches well above its weight in terms of arts and culture,” says Jessica Russell, director of the Eudora Welty House & Garden. “People may be surprised at the sheer amount – and quality – of cultural activities. Music, art, literature and a creative culinary scene are all well-established here.”
It’s this creative take on community building that is drawing people from across the country, with all kinds of passions and interests, to the heart of Mississippi.
Writers and Artists Call Jackson Home
The region has a reputation for being home to famous artists and writers. Eudora Welty, one of the most well-known Southern writers in history, was from Jackson. Her house stands as a Smithsonian-Affiliated Museum that works to bolster literary talent in the area.
“The Eudora Welty House & Garden embodies home life in Jackson during Welty’s era, so it gives visitors the opportunity to see the many ways in which Welty’s home place inspired her writing,” Russell says. “Everything we do supports our vision to inspire the creative endeavors of future artists and writers.”
Musicians are another large cohort of artists who leave their mark on Jackson. Many famous landmarks that have shaped the genres of blues and jazz can be found on the African American Heritage Tour in Vicksburg.
Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues, Hal & Mal’s and The Iron Horse Grill in Jackson, and Kristos in nearby Madison, are among the most popular spots for live music today. Another cultural hotspot in Jackson is the Fondren District, which has been the center of the city’s vibrant arts scene since the 1920s. Fondren offers a concentration of shops, restaurants, art galleries and eclectic architecture – and it’s all on full display during Fondren Live, an event held the first Thursday of every month.
A Strong Community of Leaders
Efforts to highlight the cultural attributes of Jackson and the Fondren neighborhood have garnered much attention over the years. One Mississippi native fondly remembered her time in the community and returned to the area after a 30-year hiatus in California. Today, she’s the executive director of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation.
Rebecca Garrison says the region embraces its past while continuing to change for the better.
“It amazes me how this incredible sense of place has evolved, all wrapped around the rich history and culture that has been around for more than 100 years,” Garrison says. “I credit a dedicated group of residents who were determined to keep their community vibrant. My bosses are adamant about sustaining and celebrating this place they live and love.”
Since being back in the area, Garrison has watched as the neighborhood welcomed its 30th food and beverage business, and as office tenants have relocated to the area. But progress does not stop there – the foundation raised more than $200,000 to create a comprehensive community plan.
“We say Fondren is a small town in a big city, but not just any city – Mississippi’s capital city!” Garrison says. “That alone requires us to step up our game.”
Culinary Creatives
From casual dives to fine dining with a Southern twist, the culinary arts are also alive and well in the region. While Garrison came back to Jackson from the West Coast, Hunter Evans, a James Beard Award semifinalist, made his way to Jackson from the East Coast. He credits that move to his success as a chef and restaurant owner.
“There is so much potential in Jackson,” Evans says. “If I stayed in New York City, I would not be where I am today. Not only is there opportunity for young entrepreneurs, but the people of Jackson really crave novelty and are very supportive.”
Nestled in the historic neighborhood of Belhaven, the restaurant Evans runs is named after his grandmother who lived in New Orleans. Elvie’s offers fare with Creole and French flair, and the menu is always full of delicious surprises.
“Over this past year, we have also invited chefs from all over the Southeast to come cook at Elvie’s. This has become a very popular night at the restaurant,” Evans says.
