How Locals Spend Free Time in Jackson — Jackson
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Jackson? If the thought of wandering downtown with coffee in hand, pretending you’re an art critic at local galleries, or two-stepping your way through a honky tonk makes your heart skip a beat, Jackson’s rolling out the welcome mat for you. Our playful lineup of things to do will keep you busy from your first yawn to your last yeehaw—serving up a true taste of small-town charm, Jackson-style.
Mike, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Michael is a Tennessee native who has lived, worked, or worn out tires in all three divisions of the state, from Memphis to Nashville to Johnson City, plus plenty of small towns that never make postcards. He once moved from the far northeast corner of Tennessee to the far southwest for college, stayed twenty years, then somehow boomeranged right back to Appalachia. He knows the difference between mountain quiet and river loud, will defend Memphis BBQ like its a birthright, and can point you to everything from out of the way eateries to where locals actually hunt. We are not all barefoot moonshiners, but yes, some of us know where the real stuff is. At Snappy Scout Michael uses that deep statewide mileage to refine Tennessee moving guides so they're as real as a proper BBQ smoke ring, not some oven baked liquid smoke waste of calories.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Jackson?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
Stroll both of the Farmers Markets like a West Tennessee agrarian socialite and stock up on the best healhy veggies and other local creations, then explore the area food truck scene.
when the gals come to town for the weekend
The Human Bean for morning coffee, Casey Jones Village for kitschy souvenirs, Old Time Speghetti Store for lunchtime carb loading, browsing all the shops along Vann Drive, then a Century Farm Winery tour while deciding where to eat dinner.
rainy dreary day
International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame for pompadour appreciation hours.
artsy
West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center where folk art gets fancy and you'll learn something new in spite of yourself.
outdoorsy
Cypress Grove Nature Park where the trees have actual knees and you can enjoy the Raptor Center with rescued birds of prey, an observation tower, and a popular 1.4-mile hiking trail.
family oriented
Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum for train obsessed toddlers.
you have to see this
Electro Chalybeate Well, because mysterious mineral water demands a pilgrimage and a bit of interesting history.
on a budget
Downtown murals tour costs exactly zero dollars and zero cents.
for sports fans
West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx games, where minor league means major fun and the best ballpark hot dogs or pizza.
after 2am
Waffle House on Highland where scattered covered rules the night, or IHOP on Vann Drive where anything pancakes goes for 24 hours.
for a nearby weekend getaway
Memphis is close enough to pretend you left Tennessee, Savannah has The Outpost General Store and Restaurant, and easy access to Pickwick Landing State Park, or stay in a unique, secluded "Hobbit House" on a 50-acre farm in nearby McEwen, perfect for a secluded romantic getaway.
with your dog
Liberty Park where your pup becomes a local celebrity, off-leash Betty's Dog Park, or a surprising number of dog-friendly restaurants.
My Favorite Local Spot in Jackson
The Catfish Cabin didn't win Tennessee Magazine's Best Catfish of TN for seven years running by accident. For over 40 years, its been THE place for the area's best southern fried catfish, hushpuppies, and coleslaw north of South MS. You can also find some of the best grilled seafood, chicken and burgers in the Hub City. And you've got to try the Spicy Catfish Egg Rolls served with Cajun remoulade sauce!
— Mike Stover
Tennessee Local Expert
Ready to See If Jackson Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Jackson guide for the bigger picture.