Union residents need look no further than the Mississippi capital of Jackson for an extremely rewarding day trip experience. Filled with museums, historic restaurants, and many other attractions, Jackson boasts more things to do than one might initially think, and the short hour and a half drive from Union makes a day trip to Jackson more than doable for anyone. Everything in Jackson makes the trip well worth the drive due to the many opportunities to learn about history in general and Mississippi specifically. Therefore, every Union resident and Mississippian should take a day trip to Jackson at least once in his or her life.
Many different educational opportunities exist for Union residents in the Jackson area. The most prominent of these include touring the Old Capitol Museum, the current Mississippi State Capitol itself, and the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion. All these locales represent places that the governance of our state either occurred in the past or currently take place in the present day. By touring these places, one can also gain an introduction into state politics, which prove just as important (if not more important) than national politics. For lovers of history and science, Jackson boasts several museums. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Museum of Mississippi History, the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, and the Mississippi Museum of Art all provide great experiences for those interested in history and the arts. Furthermore, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum prove great experiences for people who enjoy science and agricultural history. Even for people who do not enjoy the fields presented by these museums, anyone can still enjoy them. For families, the Mississippi Children’s Museum provides a fun experience for young children and for families. All these locations provide great experience for those looking to tour a bit of Mississippi culture while also having a good time.
In addition to touring these museums and attractions, Jackson also offers plenty for people who want a more direct experience. For instance, one can tour the home of civil rights activist Medgar Evers or the home of Mississippi writer Eudora Welty. If one wants to do something a bit more unique in Jackson instead of the tourist sights, one can take a tour of the Cathead Distillery; ran by native Mississippians, this distillery serves as the first legal distillery in the state and will provide insight into a complex profession that most do not know much about. Furthermore, Jackson also offers a taste of nature as well. Between the Jackson Zoo and LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, anyone can see different aspects of the natural world in different ways. Regarding restaurants, the Jackson Metro area boasts a plethora of places to eat; however, one might prefer one of the more historic restaurants to eat at instead—Brent’s Drugs (which one can recognize in the movie The Help), the Mayflower Café, and many others. Like the attractions in the Jackson area, the plethora of restaurants will satisfy any taste; Jackson has something for everyone.
For Union residents looking for an inexpensive day trip this summer, Jackson proves one of the best locations. Due to the plethora of attractions and restaurants, anyone can find fun things to do and good places to eat. Moreover, all of this sits only an hour and a half away, so no one must stay overnight at all. A trip to the Mississippi capitol will prove educational for all involved, and all Union residents should attempt to schedule one during the coming summer.
Send your Union community news to Matt Hennington at mch.2000@hotmail.com.
