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News
City of Jackson Unveils Jingle Bell Jackson – A Holiday Decoration Contest
Residents are invited to nominate their festively adorned homes for a chance to win exciting prizes and spread joy throughout the community.
2023 Christmas Parades
Get ready for the holiday season in Jackson and West Tennessee!
2023 Thanksgiving Eats in Jackson, TN
Restaurants will be open in Jackson, TN on Thanksgiving Day.
Downtown Jackson launches “The Downtown Jackson Passport”
From November 15th through December 15th, the passport program encourages the community to support local businesses in historic Downtown Jackson this holiday season.
Things to Do
Welcome to Jackson
JACKSON
Jackson is a favorite for those who love both the bustling activity of a mid-size city and appreciate the qualities of a nearby rural environment. Located halfway between Memphis and Nashville conveniently on Interstate 40, and in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle, Jackson is where country music connected to the blues and the sound of Rock-A-Billy was heard around the world.
COST OF LIVING
Affordability is one of the community’s strengths. The median cost of available housing is below national and regional averages. Prospective homeowners may choose between new and established neighborhoods for homes within any price range. Factor in the low cost of living and people may invest a greater percentage of income into housing. Transfers often find their equity goes further in Jackson.RETAIL
With more than two million square feet of retail space, Jackson has a variety of retail stores from quaint, local boutiques to national retailers ranking among the top 100 retail markets in the United States. The trade area consists of 13 West Tennessee counties with a population of around 400,000, allowing for many services and amenities no normally found in a community its size.DOWNTOWN
Downtown Jackson has a vibrant selection of retail, restaurants, apartments and single family homes. Spaces for businesses to grow and venues to accommodate entertainment are available.RECREATION
Jackson offers numerous sports for a host of adult and children’s recreational leagues, golf courses, tennis courts, bowling centers, baseball, T-ball, softball, soccer and other activities including croquet and pickeball courts! Hiking and cycling trails can found along with many places to enjoy water recreation such as kayaking and fishing. Middle Fork Bottoms, a new 800 natural area, includes paved walking trails, 10 acre fishing lake, overlooks, boardwalks and kayaking among other activities. West TN Healthcare Sportsplex – featuring 17 baseball and softball fields, 2 dog parks, 20 public parks covering 800 acres. BMX races, rodeos and horse shows, historic reenactmentsENTERTAINMENT & ARTS
Jackson’s public art installations are increasing the murals, sculpture and other mediums throughout the community.
Jackson: Hidden Tracks shares the music story of our region. From Carl Perkins to Tina Turner to LOLO and Jonathan Singleton, music runs deep here. Download our playlist and connect with our music!
With over 40 locally inspired restaurants, numerous retail and tourism attractions, Visit Jackson, TN is here to assist in your exploration of Jackson! Download our APP today!
Travel Resources
Campgrounds
Joy-O RV Park
Chickasaw State Park
Blue Acres RV Park
Parkers Crossroads RV Park
Natchez Trace State Park
McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport provides flights with Southern Express Airways direct service to Atlanta and upcoming flights to Destin
Outdoors & Sports
Sports
"Plan Your Visit" to learn more about Jackson and West Tennessee's sites.Whether it's a game at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex or exploring one of our 12 parks covering 800 acres, outdoor recreation and sports offer something for the entire family.
The West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex offers baseball and softball enthusiasts approximately 70 acres of fields adjacent to the Jackson Generals Ballpark. The facility includes a total of 17 fields used for regional and national baseball and softball tournaments, clinics and collegiate tournaments. The season runs from March - October.
Outdoors
When you visit Jackson you are within an hour or two drive to numerous state parks, including Shiloh National Military Park; Reelfoot Lake, which America’s bald eagle calls home in winter; and Chickasaw State Park and Natchez Trace State Park with their rustic trails and picnic areas. Paris Landing State Park and Pickwick State Park — northeast and southeast respectively from Jackson — sit on the scenic Tennessee River and offer boating, golf courses, lodging and other recreational activities. The Hatchie River National Wildlife Refuge remains the longest continuous stretch of naturally meandering river in the lower Mississippi River Valley.
History & Civil War
To begin to tell the stories of the Civil War and the impact on the communities, well let's just say, we're still uncovering them. From Shiloh National Military Park to the Denmark Presbyterian Church, Jackson and West Tennessee saw tremendous activity over the course of the war.
Yet, out of the ashes of war, Tennesseans black and white built a new society where slavery was abolished and citizenship redefined. As such, Congress has designated the state as the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area. Tennessee's landscape contains many powerful reminders of the Civil War from battlefields and monuments in places such as Shiloh and Chattanooga, to the sites along the Civil War Trails stretching from Memphis to the Tri-Cities. See the maps of the time, the flags that led the regiments, and the timeline of events that forever changed the physical, social, and economic face of Tennessee.
Visit TNcivilwar.org for a look at the State of Tennessee in it's entirety or select "Plan Your Visit" to learn more about Jackson and West Tennessee's sites.
Local Civil Rights Trailblazers Honored with Woolworth Sit-In Exhibit at Jackson Tennessee's City Hall. A new exhibit at City Hall will honor the “freshman four” civil rights pioneers from Lane College including Shirlene Mercer, Kimmie Davis, Wesley McClure and Ernest Brooks, Sr.
In the fall of 1960, young college students fought to end racial segregation in a southern town through sit-in protests at Woolworth’s store. The activists endured threats, harassment and had objects thrown at them when they chose to sit at the “whites only” lunch counter within the store. This protest sparked a movement throughout the city as demonstrations moved on to other businesses downtown in an effort to fight Jim Crow laws and end segregation. The brave actions by this group are part of Jackson’s history and American history.
The “freshman four” were instrumental in changing the laws in Jackson and subsequently had a lasting impact on generations of African Americans in Jackson. Woolworth's was located at the corner of Main Street and North Liberty Street in Jackson, Tennessee. This is where the City Hall is now located.
This is the second Woolworth sit-in exhibit in Jackson and will be located on the first floor of city hall. The first exhibit can be found at the Old Country Store in Casey Jones Village and was installed in February 2020. Stools for the exhibit were donated by the late Clark Shaw of Brooks Shaw’s Old County Store.
Sue Shelton White "One of Tennessee’s most effective suffragists, and West Tennessee native was one of the first women court reporters in the state in 1907. White joined the woman suffrage movement and helped organize the Jackson Equal Suffrage League in 1911. While working to increase support for suffrage in Tennessee, she served as recording secretary for the Tennessee Equal Suffrage Association beginning in 1913. She later came to believe that the policies and methods of the more activist National Woman’s Party (NWP) were more effective and changed her allegiance in 1918." - to learn more visit the website and facebook page.
A Walking Tour of Jackson's East Main Historic District JacksonHome_WalkingTourBrochure_ (003) Jackson’s historic East Main Street encompasses a wide variety of stunning architectural styles, from Victorian, Italianate, Gothic, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman bungalows dating from the decade of the Civil War to the early 20th century. The district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Arts & Culture
/>The variety of arts, theater and music may surprise you — but Jackson has a long history as the entertainment center of West Tennessee, and the growing number of students and professionals keep it vibrant. From the Jackson Symphony to concerts at the AMP, from Jackson Theatre Guild community productions to Ballet Arts, Jackson celebrates the arts.
The Jackson Arts Council connects and strengthens the arts, making the accessible and 50 non profit arts organizations make up the coalition. Jackson’s public art installations are increasing the murals, sculpture and other mediums throughout the community.
Music Heritage
Looking for Live Music?
Visit our Weekly Listing of Live Music
"Plan Your Visit" to learn more about Jackson and West Tennessee's sites.Can you hear it? It's the beat you can only find in Jackson, halfway between Memphis' Beale Street and Nashville's Broadway in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle. This is where Elvis cut his teeth with Carl Perkins and Rock-A-Billy was born. Blues music flowed throughout the cotton fields of the region and today's talent is an exciting cross between the numerous genres of the region.
The Americana Music Triangle connects you to the people, places and stories of the world's number one music destination!
Jackson’s AMP at the West Tennessee The outdoor amphitheater next to the West Tennessee Farmer’s Market hosts free concerts by local and regional artists and movies on a large screen from May to October. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic basket for an evening under the stars. Vendors sell food at many of the events.
Carl Perkins’ Grave Music legend and rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins is buried in Jackson’s Ridgecrest Cemetery. When he died Jan. 19, 1998, people traveled from around the world to attend his funeral. Beatles guitarist George Harrison played Perkins’ song, “Your True Love,” during the funeral.
Carnegie Tennessee Legends of Music Museum Built in 1903 as a free library, the Carnegie Center now holds the rich history of Jackson’s musical past. It highlights the lives of local artists like Carl Perkins, Wink Martindale and Sonny Boy Williamson, the location of the first Hard Rock Cafe in the United States by founder and Jackson native Isaac Tigrett, and Jackson’s role in rock’n’roll and the birth of rockabilly.
The Jackson Area Plectral Society’s Jam Session at Casey Jones Village The Jackson Area Plectral Society holds a free jam session of old-time music from 6-9pm every Thursday.
The Ned McWherter Cultural Arts Center Attached to Jackson’s former City Hall, The Ned is the center of arts attractions downtown. You’ll find art shows, Jackson Theatre Guild productions and performers from across the country.
John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson’s Grave Blairs Chapel C.M.E. Cemetery, Blairs Chapel Road John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson was the first great blues harmonica player — easily one of the most important of the pre-war era. He made the harmonica a worthy lead instrument and opened the door for many famous players, such as Little Walter, Billy Boy Arnold and Junior Wells.
Attractions
Click for Event Newsletter.
"Plan Your Visit" to learn more about Jackson and West Tennessee's sites.
People visiting Jackson find there is a lot to like. When Country connected to the Blues in Jackson the sound was heard around the world and Rock-A-Billy was born. Jackson is where baseball players, beauty queens, heroes, and legends are all connected. Jackson offers great place to stay, great places to eat, great places to shop, fun things to do, and interesting things to learn.
The variety of arts, theater and music may surprise you, but Jackson has a long history as the entertainment center of West Tennessee. As you would expect in a city of 60,000 serving a region of over 500,000, with this many facets, Jackson offers a pleasing variety of neighborhoods, churches and religious activities, and many places to relax and get away - or to get some fresh air and exercise. People who've moved to Jackson tell us that once you live here you'll always want to stay.
Group Travel
Find the perfect hotel. Identify the right set of attractions. Create a balanced list of restaurant options for every taste and budget. Most important, design a complete travel experience that will be appealing to every visitor. The job of the group tour operator can be challenging, and no one knows that better than Visit Jackson TN!
The ultimate liaison, Visit Jackson TN can help you save time, money and create a memorable visitor experience by connecting you to hotels, attractions and restaurants. You don’t need to make the calls or send out the leads, we do it for you.
Visit Jackson TN can also assist with numerous other services, including but not limited to:
- Download our 2020 Profile
- Personalized welcome
- Welcome packets
- Preset itineraries - 1. I'm Going To Jackson 2. Fore The Guys 3. Kid's Day, Let's Play! 4. Girl's Day Out!
- Arranging site inspections
- Access to a photo library with photos of the destination, attractions, hotels, etc.
Contact Lori Nunnery at lnunnery@jacksontn.com or 731.425.8333 to learn more!
City of Jackson Unveils Jingle Bell Jackson – A Holiday Decoration Contest
November 27, 2023
Partnering with the Boys and Girls Club “Windows of Hope” as well as Voya Financial, and Prosper Realty Group, this holiday season, the City of Jackson, is set to sparkle with the inaugural "Jingle Bell Jackson - Holiday Decoration Contest." Residents are invited to nominate their festively adorned homes for a chance to win exciting prizes and spread joy throughout the community.
The nomination period is open from now until December 7, 2023. During this time, residents can easily nominate their homes by completing a simple form, which includes an option to upload a photo of their decorated home for public voting.
The winners of the Jingle Bell Jackson contest will be announced on December 21, 2023. Two winners will not only receive recognition for their outstanding holiday displays but also a cash gift of $1,000.00, adding an extra layer of excitement to their holiday celebrations.
A map of all the submitted nominations will also be hosted on our website with assistance from Visit Jackson, TN, the Jackson-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In addition to the decoration contest, Jingle Bell Jackson introduces another engaging activity: Guess the Bulb. A house in the community will be extravagantly decorated, and residents are invited to participate in the "Guess the Bulb" challenge. The community will be asked to estimate the number of bulbs adorning the selected house.
Community members can participate in the "Guess the Bulb" challenge by submitting their estimates during the judging period. The individual with the closest guess will be awarded a cash gift of $1,000.00, creating an extra element of fun and friendly competition.
"We're thrilled to bring the Jingle Bell Jackson festivities to our community,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “The holiday decoration contest and the Guess the Bulb challenge are wonderful ways for residents to engage and create a festive atmosphere that we can all enjoy. Our hope is Jackson will be so lit up, Santa Claus will have no trouble spotting us from his sleigh.”
Sponsored by Voya Financial, Jingle Bell Jackson aims to illuminate the holiday season in Jackson, Tennessee, fostering community spirit and bringing joy to residents young and old. Join us in celebrating the magic of the season. A special thanks to Voya Financial.
Event Timeline:
- Nomination Period: Now - December 7, 2023
- Public Voting: December 16 - December 20, 2023
- Judging Period: December 16 - December 20, 2023
- Winner Announcement: December 21, 2023For more information select the "Jingle Bell Jackson" button at http://connect.jacksontn.gov
Read More Jackson News
Venues
Our hotels offer a variety of meeting room options. Below is a current listing of venues with available meeting room and event space:
Aeneas Building
The Barn at Snider Farms
Carl Perkins Civic Center
TheCO
The Cumberland House
The DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel
Flat Iron Grille
Jackson Fairgrounds Park
Jackson Baseball Stadium
Jackson's Kitchen and CateringMadison Downs
The Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center
The New Southern Hotel Venue
The Old Country Store
Providence House
Red Bones Grill & Bar
Samuel T. Bryant Distillery
Suites of Larue
West Tennessee Farmer's Market
West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex
The Venue at White Oak Farms
Jackson TN Weekends
There is a lot to do in Jackson and West Tennessee, but here is a great place to start. We have picked out enough things for you to have the best weekend ever in Jackson! If you are looking for more information, please request our visitors guide.
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Americana Music Triangle
Where History Made Music. Then Music Made History. The Americana Music Triangle connects you to the people, places and stories of the world’s number one music destination.
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TN Vacation.com
Discover the authentic experiences and places that can only be found in Tennessee. Visit the statewide tourism website!
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Walking Tall Trail
Rockabilly, rails and legendary trails. Explore Southwest Tennessee’s charming small towns, mom-and-pop eateries, courthouse squares and barbecue gems. Dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover the fascinating stories, people, and places that have shaped American history and culture.
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Cotton Junction Trail
Teapots to sweet spots. Get ready for a rural journey through Northwest Tennessee, named for the hypnotic beauty of the region’s signature cotton fields in early fall. It’s dotted with amazing stories, historic landmarks, and unique sights.