Located 70 miles to the east of Memphis, Jackson is the county seat of Madison County, Tennessee’s largest county.
Jackson is also the regional center for trade in the entire West Tennessee.
The city is 200 years old and hence holds stature, beauty, and heritage of prime value to locals and visitors from all over the world.
With its rustic and genuine appeal, Jackson is home to loads of landmarks you can familiarize yourself with.
Visit the city’s out-of-the-box car and movie museums, drink to your heart’s content at some of the best distilleries and breweries, visit the ornate Casey Jones village, or connect deeply with nature at the numerous nature parks.
There is also an array of marketplaces and bustling streets with antique shops that will steal your heart.
Other unique activities to enjoy in Jackson include games like the Jackson Escape Rooms.
There are even music museums, among many other attractions you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Here are the best things to do in Jackson, Tennessee:
Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rusty’S TV and Movie Car Museum is the ultimate Hollywood museum.
This place is the perfect attraction to keep you, your parents, friends, and even children entertained.
The two-building museum displays and houses more than 50 vehicles that have been used in various movies, TV shows and movie memorabilia throughout the world.
Some cars are flawless models, while the others are the real and sole versions available.
There are also some adorable statues that add to the ambiance.
Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The museum showcases vehicles from famous movies like Knight Rider, Fast and Furious, Pee Wee’s Adventures, Wayne’s World, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Dukes of Hazzard, and The Beverly Hillbillies.
You’ll also get to spot the Batman bike_, Scooby-Doo’s _Mystery Machine, theGhostbusters’ car_,_ and more.
Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum just might have at least one item from every movie you love.
In other words, the museum is a slice of paradise for both Hollywood fans and car enthusiasts.
Your kids won’t want to leave anytime soon once they enter this exciting museum.
Hence, this should top your list of things to see in Jackson.
Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Visit the Historic Casey Jones Village
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This is a very interesting place to learn about Jackson’s history and see the local architecture and lifestyle of Old Jackson.
There are loads of museums, old town shops, antique stores, centers, and heritage sites at the Casey Jones Village.
The very home of Jones is here, with a museum entirely dedicated to him and his family, their old belongings, and other artifacts.
The museum houses some of the most valuable American treasures.
Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There is a music center that plays the life story of Casey Jones nearby, and his song is played there, too.
At the Casey Jones Village, be sure to check out the 19th-century furniture and royal memorabilia displayed inside gorgeous old carriages.
You will also be amazed by the rail model collection and array of valuable costumes on display here.
The world-famous Brook Shaw’s Old Country Store is another major attraction at the Casey Jones Village.
Some of the oldest restaurants in Tennessee are also located here.
Do you have a love for trying out a destination’s local flavors whenever you travel?
Samuel T. Bryant Distillery is just the place to do this when you’re visiting Jackson, Texas.
Located on Lower Brownsville Road, the distillery offers tours led by its friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Visitors enjoy touring the place and sampling their wide range of drinks.
Apart from free samples, their drinks are also available for sale.
The menu boasts over 20 sweet-sounding products that they manufacture, including moonshine whisky, brandy, rum, cream liquors, gin, vodka, grappa, and more.
The moonshine whisky is a favorite, with flavors like peach moonshine, apple pie moonshine, and others.
Breathe in the Beauty of Mother Earth at Cypress Grove Nature Park
To be surrounded by the whispering of crisp mustard fallen leaves and the hush of lush green woods, walk through a wooden bridge without seeing its end, and sit by the bluest lake, surrounded by birds and the clear sky—it all might sound like a dream, but Cypress Grove Nature Park makes it all come alive the moment you step foot inside the gates.
Do whatever you want, whether it’s swimming, fishing, picnicking, or hiking in the rougher areas.
There are thin streams flowing by the woods that will win your heart when combined with the landscape and chirping birds.
Expect to spot beautiful hawks, owls, herons or turtles as you explore the area.
This is also a perfect place to quietly sit and find the solace in nature you may have been yearning for.
Go on a Magical Tour of Century Farm Winery
This is another calm and soothing landmark with the best wines in Jackson.
Located on Brownsville Road, this place has some of the best collections of wine and has even achieved local awards.
Visitors claim that Century Farm Winery probably makes the best-quality wines in the entire state of Tennessee.
It comprises a quaint tasting room with sweet, fruity, dried varieties.
The winery’s welcoming staff and picturesque outdoor area make it a lovely setting.
Tours take place here every day, and they are usually accompanied by the personalized stories of the winery’s owner Tom.
Live entertainment performances are held here on weekends, too.
Experience the Thrill at The Ballpark in Jackson
The Ballpark at Jackson is the most active and beautiful stadium in Jackson.
A visit to this stadium will surely uplift your spirits, as the ballpark is often filled with loud cheers.
There is also, of course, a snack bar around where you can grab a quick bite to enjoy while watching a live baseball game.
The minor league baseball stadium can seat up to 6,000 visitors and is always crowded.
As the visitors claim, there are no bad seats in this stadium.
So, relax and enjoy a good game.
Get to Know the Flavors of Jackson at the West TN Farmers Market
To truly reach the soul of any city, a traveler has to mingle with the town like a local.
The best way to do that is by strolling through the local markets.
The West TN Farmers Market will leave you with a warm and lively experience of Jackson’s lifestyle—and maybe a bag full of fresh produce or baked goods.
Throughout the day and evening, the market stays active and brimming with a range of goods.
Fresh local goods, exotic fruits, mouth-watering street food, and desserts are sold here.
There are also food trucks and flower ships at the West TN Farmers Market.
Stroll around and enjoy all this market has to offer.
Enjoy the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame
Located on Church Street, the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame is a paradise for any music lover.
Not limited to music lovers alone, this specialty museum is one to steal anyone’s heart.
The exterior will capture your attention, as it features enormous works of graffiti that are more like full-fledged paintings of world-famous musicians, bands, singers, and music personalities.
As you take in the museum’s ambiance, the owners and the equipment will blow you away.
There are wall paintings of Elvis, the Beatles, and more rock and roll and country artists.
You can also find the stages and instruments of famous artists showcased here as memorabilia.
Shop with Class at Butler’s Antique Mall
Located just a little to the peripheries of Jackson, this place can be your perfect drive-in mall for shopping and learning about a world full of precious antique objects.
Visitors wander around for hours on end, checking rooms full of old, beautiful and vintage items of all price ranges, sizes, and functionality.
From home decor to glassware, paintings and silverware to the leather collection, wooden collectibles to their brass and copper objects like gramophones, all of it is worth it.
The collections are of the utmost superior quality and have been curated over the years, while the ambiance is pleasing and friendly.
Go for Adventurous Games Like the Famous Jackson Escape Rooms
One of the most thought-provoking, real-life activities to do in Jackson is to try out an escape room and see if you can actually find your way out.
The Jackson Escape Rooms is every traveler and local’s favorite indoor adventure location.
They are basically maze-like rooms created with a theme, story, or puzzle, the hints of which will ultimately lead to your escape.
These puzzles and clues can be deeply maddening but will give you a deeply entertaining time.
Visit the Carnegie Center & the TN Legends of Music Museum
Not everyone knows this, but Jackson in Tennessee was the actual founding place of the world-famous Hard Rock Café or the House of Blues.
The founder Isaac Tigrett has stated multiple times how he was inspired by this place in Tennessee.
This museum houses some brilliant musical memorabilia of these geniuses.
It is famous for housing what is probably the largest Carl Perkins exhibit in the world.
Sonny Boy Williamson, Tina Turner, and many others have their history left here.
There are t-shirts of Hard Rock and other amazing souvenirs you can purchase.
You can also avail of audio tours of the place.
Have an Active Day at the Donnell Century Farm Adventure
Take a true break from the bustle of the city and escape to the serene countryside.
Enjoy the embrace of nature, a slew of fun activities you can enjoy with your nearest and dearest, or simply spend some quiet time by yourself.
Whatever you prefer, the Donnell Century farm adventure can provide you with just what you need.
This area is adored by kids, making it an ideal place to bring the family.
They’ll surely enjoy the rides and attractions such as the ladder, slide, zip line area, and bouncing bag.
The Donnell Century Farm Adventure also features some adorable animals, and getting to pet them will definitely make for a memorable visit.
Unleash Your Inner Child at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Your visit to Jackson can’t be complete without spending a fun-filled day at Sky Zone Trampoline Park.
Located on E Park Square, this zone is an indoor gaming area for people from all age groups.
It’s famous for its indoor trampoline, and there are areas for both kids and adults.
Apart from this, there are other gaming experiences like Sky Zone Trampoline Park’s well-loved “Glow Nights.”
There is also a snack bar where you can grab a bite after jumping into the air to your heart’s content.
This restaurant was first established in downtown Jackson way back in 2017, and they’ve provided quality dishes to their patrons ever since.
The establishment has a wide array of dishes that’ll satisfy anyone.
While there, you definitely have to try out at least one of their burgers or sandwiches.
They also have a lot of entrees to choose from, so pick carefully or just order as many as you can eat!
They also have a bar called The Quench where you can unwind and mingle with people over drinks.
The Catfish Cabin is one of Jackson’s landmarks of good food, so any seafood lovers out there should definitely give this place a shot.
They’re locally owned and operated, whose main goal is to provide good food and great service to locals and visitors alike!
Some of their specialties include catfish, hushpuppies, and coleslaw.
You can also try out their lobsters and crab legs if you’re looking for something fancier.
And if those aren’t your thing, there’s still a wide variety of dishes that you can try, including chicken, salads, and steaks.
Redborne’s Grill & Bar, located at 584 Carriage House Drive, has many delectable delicacies that will satiate any cravings you may have.
For your starter, try out their Bang Bang Shrimp, the Fried Avocado, or the Boneless Wings.
Now, for the entree, make sure to try out some of their prime steak cuts or the different types of oyster dishes the restaurant offers.
And, of course, order some tasty dessert like the Key Lime Pie or the Homemade Bread Pudding.
Italian food is some of the best in the world, and we don’t pick what dishes we crave.
If you ever find yourself looking for some pasta while you’re on your trip, then head over to the Old Town Spaghetti Store, and they’ll have exactly what you’re looking for.
The restaurant was founded in 1982 and was originally located in the historic Casey Jones Village.
Their original goal was to offer spaghetti in a variety of sauces, lasagna, salad, and dessert, and now, decades later, they’re still going strong.
They have a wide array of pasta and entrees on their menu, so make sure to sample all of them.
Here’s another Italian place you have to try, this time focusing on everyone’s favorite pizza.
This place serves some of the finest handmade wood stone pizzas in the area, and you won’t regret the time it takes to get to the restaurant.
Some of the flavors they offer include Brandon’s Butcher Block, G-Man Supreme, Portobello Picasso, and many more.
They also have a full bar and outdoor patio if you’re looking for a more unique dining experience.
It’s a flower sanctuary at Liberty Garden Park & Arboretum.
This lush garden spanning 14.5 acres is a part of Union University.
Its most famous for its massive tree collection, including canopies of cedar and groves of magnolia.
The garden also has a walking trail and a memorial wall that pays tribute to US veterans.
Stay at the gazebo and take the moment to admire the green vegetation and serene landscape.
To get to Liberty Garden Park & Arboretum, head over to Channing Way.
Do you have what it takes to win at paintball with your friends and family?
Then, BattleZone Park might be the play center for you.
At 10 acres, this indoor and outdoor facility has a variety of attractions that inspire resilience and teamwork.
Aside from paintball and airsoft open play games, the center also offers axe throwing amenities and Gellyball games for the little ones.
The center’s mini-games are also worth trying if you’re up for a spontaneous adventure.
Should you have a birthday or special event coming up, this site has full-service rooms for your celebration.
BattleZone Park is on Bowling Drive.
Get your rollerskates ready because, at Ritz Magic Wheels Skating Center, a whole day of fun awaits you.
This family-friendly skating rink and entertainment hub offer a multitude of indoor activities.
The center’s wooden rink and impressive special light effects offer the ideal skating experience for everyone of all ages.
The facility also has arcade machines and a laser tag arena for those who prefer not to skate.
Is it your first time skating?
You can rent skate-mates to help you keep your balance and learn the basics.
Ritz Magic Wheels Skating Center is off of Highway 45 Bypass.
The West Tennessee Artisan Trail brings you closer to the regional art scene of the area.
Created in 2015, this trail aims to promote local art in the form of visual arts, theater performances, and good music.
It also helps local artisans find their audience and sell their products.
The trail hosts a variety of events, including pop-ups, the July UT Summer Celebration, and the International Food and Arts Festival every October.
To get started on the West Tennessee Artisan Trail, stop by East Baltimore Street.
Situated along Cotton Grove Road, Lake Graham is the ideal spot for a refreshing time near the waters.
This 500-acre lake has a fishing pier and a boat ramp for launching.
Fishing and water skiing are also some of the activities you can freely do at this lake.
If you’d like to try your hand at fishing, watch out for largemouth bass and all species of crappies.
And should you like to admire the nature-filled waterscape on a boat, you can choose to bring your own or rent one onsite.
Add Lake Graham to your itinerary before you forget!
The many activities and numerous restaurants in the area are definitely one of the biggest appeals of Jackson.
It’s a historic city that’s bursting with life and culture.
So try to book a trip there if you’re interested in having a fun trip.
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