10 Must-Have Experiences in Jackson, TN

From live musical performances to locally brewed craft beer, Jackson offers plenty to explore.

By Rebecca Treon on August 9, 2023

Midway between Nashville and Memphis, Jackson is West Tennessee’s regional hub of trade – it’s even nicknamed “Hub City.” But the city isn’t all business. For its 68,000 residents and the nearly 400,000 residents in the region, there’s always something happening, whether it’s experiencing live music, getting outdoors or catching a theater performance. If you’re new to town, check out these top 10 experiences that locals recommend you try during your first year here.

1. Clink drinks at Hub City Brewing

When Hub City Brewing opened in 2019, it was the city’s very first brewery – but it’s so much more than that. The brewery also has thousands of square feet of space dedicated to a bowling alley (plus yard games and board games) and a live music venue. Flagship brews to enjoy include a Strawberry wheat ale, Oktoberfest marzen lager and a My Town pilsner.

2. Visit the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market

Located in the heart of downtown Jackson, the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market is a great destination for experiencing a traditional farmers’ market. Vendors offer fresh and local produce, dairy products, meat, baked goods, and crafts. Surrounding Mennonite communities also attend the market, selling homegrown produce and handcrafted goods. The market is open Tuesday through Saturday.

3. Catch a live show

Jackson has a range of ways to enjoy the performing arts. Founded in 1961, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra performs for 30,000 people annually, including classical and pop concerts, plus the annual outdoor Starlight Symphony summer concert. For 50 years, the Jackson Theatre Guild has had quarterly performances of popular Broadway musicals and shows, from “A Christmas Carol” to “To Kill A Mockingbird.”

4. Shop local

Part of what makes Jackson charming is the abundance of locally owned shops that offer artisan goods handmade by residents. Garner Blue is a gift shop with hand-dyed indigo textiles, and Wisdom House is a candle and décor company that sells products in various locations. There are also boutiques like Felecia Bella, Mam’selle and Lazy Suzy, which all offer unique clothing items, jewelry and footwear.

5. Dive into the region’s rich music history

As a stop for many touring performers, Jackson’s music history is diverse and goes back generations. Jackson Hidden Tracks is an initiative that celebrates the region’s music, offering a platform for visitors and locals to learn about the city’s unique music scene. Its website boasts a calendar stocked full of upcoming events.

6. Take in West Tennessee’s natural beauty

The Middle Fork Bottoms Recreation Area is an 850-acre nature area with 5 miles of paved hiking and biking trails, kayaking/canoeing areas, a 10-acre stocked fishing lake and much more. Closer to the city, residents have access to several public green spaces, including 20 parks, eight educational and recreation facilities and one golf course.

7. Cheer on the Jackson Rockabillys

The region’s Prospect League baseball team, the Jackson Rockabillys, plays its home games at the Jackson Baseball Stadium. The team will kick off its first season in 2023, with Matt Franco, former Major League Baseball player, as manager.

8. Climb aboard the Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum

Visit the home of the world’s most famous railroad engineer, Casey Jones, and the 8,000-square-foot museum dedicated to the lives of railroad life and railway workers. A part of the museum, the Jackson Room exclusively features the region’s rich railroad history. The on-site Old Country includes a buffet and the Dixie Cafe, plus Miss Anne’s Ice Cream Shoppe, where they serve Blue Bell ice cream.

9. Don’t miss the International Food and Arts Festival

Jackson celebrates its citizens from diverse cultural backgrounds each fall with a celebration that includes food, music, dance and arts. In one day, you may see Japanese drummers, Mexican folkloric dance and dance troupes from Africa and India, sample food from Afghanistan to Venezuela, and shop vendors from henna tattoos to Celtic leatherwork.

10. Spend the day at Thomsen Farms

The 80-acre Thomsen Farms is home to restaurants and boutiques. Get a workout in at ATC Fitness, stock up on self-care products at Buff City Soap and grab a bite at Tulum, a Mexican grill.