Take a Walking Tour of Jackson

Sights & Sounds of Jackson Itinerary

• First occupied in 1842, the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion is the second oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the United States. In 1975, it was designated a National Historic Landmark, making it at that time one of only two state gubernatorial residences to receive this honor. Docent guided tours are available by advance reservation Tues – Thurs mornings 9:30 – 10:30 am Tour Time: 30 – 40 minutes. Admission is free. Call 601-359-6421 or go to msgovernorsmansion.com to arrange your tour.
• Walk across the street to St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, built in the gothic style of architecture with pointed arches and beautiful stained glass windows. This is the third church for the parish, the first being burned by Union Troops in1863, and the second one being outgrown by the swelling membership. Listen for the sounds of the church bells provided by their newly restored pipe organ. Call Tom Williams at 601-487-2742 for a tour.
• Upon leaving the cathedral, take heed of the grey stone building next door with the crenelated purple-faced clock tower. It's the Lamar Life Building. Look up and see the Gargoyles standing guard overhead. Built in 1925, the building was headquarters for Mississippi’s first “home-owned” insurance company, the Lamar Life Building. Christian Welty, the father of the internationally acclaimed writer, Eudora Welty, was a governing officer in this company and altered the architectural plans for a plain-looking building to the more ornate to coordinate with the Gothic Style of the neighboring cathedral. The building is now home to the Lamar Life Lofts.
• The next stop is the Mississippi Museum of Art and a stroll through the permanent exhibits. Here you’ll come face to face with Mississippi’s past, present and future artists works, displayed in a majestic way in a museum without walls. This part of the museum is always free to everyone and provides many comfortable nooks with couches and comfortable seating to just sit awhile and enjoy the beauty around you. Check to see if there is a special exhibit in-house*. There is sometimes an admission fee to view these, but they are always worth it. Tour time: 1 hour, but leave time to explore the Museum Store and outdoor art gardens. Contact 601-960-1515 to schedule a visit, Thursday-Sunday.

Lunch

• Take in the Mississippi Music Experience Museum (free) at The Iron Horse Grill while you enjoy a tasty lunch. Or, experience any of the wonderful restaurants in the Historic Fondren District ranging from barbecue to International cuisine; from fabulous burgers to pizza... even an old-time drug store soda fountain. You’ll also find lots of fun shopping in this eclectic, bustling neighborhood filled with small boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and a lot more.
• To complete that new “sense of place” feeling, drive on over to the Eudora Welty House and Gardens, designated a National Historic Landmark and the most intact literary house museum in the country. Walk through the gardens, lovingly tended by Eudora’s mother, Christina, and enjoy the scent of Sweet Peas or the breathtaking sight of the heritage roses. The gardens are restored to the 1925 – 1945 period with authentic cuttings from age-old plants. Tour the home and watch the video that gives you a wonderful sense of what Mississippi is all about. Call 601-353-7762 to arrange a tour Tuesday-Friday and 2nd Saturdays each month.

Now, it’s off to another adventure.

• Tour Malaco Records, one of the country’s largest gospel, blues and contemporary southern rhythm and blues music recording studios. Here you can get an ear full of the Blues, or sway to the sounds of the magnificent Mississippi Mass Choir, or clap your hands to the sweet hymns of the likes of the Jackson Southernaires. See how it’s done from the recording to the shipping and everything in between. Ask the “Pros” about your favorite artist or group. Call Wolf Stephenson or Jerry Masters to arrange your tour – 601-982-4522. Email: wstephenson@malaco.com or jmasters@malaco.com