Mississippi is often called the “Magnolia State” because of the abundance of Magnolia trees with its magnificent blossoms. The state symbol itself is the beautiful and strong magnolia tree. The name “Mississippi is taken from the word “misi-ziibi” which means “Great River”.
Jackson is the state capital and it is also the largest city in Mississippi. This state has a humid subtropical climate with long summers and short, mild winters. The areas near the coast are warmer than the interior portions of the state. Visitors can enjoy the state year round. Jackson International Airport is the gateway for travelers to this state.
Blues, the American original, was inspired by the despair and depression of slave life in the Mississippi. Many of the dramatic and pivotal movements of the Civil Rights movement occurred right here in Missippi (as the locals call their state).
The coast of Mississippi is now known for its glittering casinos that float on the water, surrounding the city of Biloxi, Gambling in the river boats on the delta brings a lot of visitors to this state.
Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center (528 Bloom Street – MS 39202) chronicles the lives of African-Americans starting with the origins in Africa to their present day life in America. This museum showcases the contributions of African Americans in the areas of music, education, literature, dance, sports, entertainment, movies, education, business, etc.The entire family will have a great time at the Jackson Zoological Park (2918 W Capitol Street – MS 39209). This hundred acre park is almost a century old and has an amazing botanical collection for the visitors to inspect. It also has more than five hundred animals set up in their natural habitats and environments. Children will be overjoyed to while they burrow through a prairie dog “town”, hatch out of a giant “egg” or get caught in a “spider web”.
Russell C. Davis Planetarium / Ronald E. McNair Space Theater is a two in one that will leave most visitors wonder struck (201 E Pascagoula Street-MS 39201). This well equipped planetarium which is the best in the Southern USA, displays “rock and roll” shows using lasers. It also displays films on a hemispheric wrap-around screen. Lectures and demonstrations are given on astronomy including how to spot star collections and constellations.
When the night falls, rock till you drop at the Fenian’s Irish pub near downtown Jackson. This Pub features tasty food, live bands and festivities for the new people in town as well as for the regulars.
Although this location used to be a warehouse, Hal’s and Mal’s at 200 Commerce Street – MS 39201, this nightclub is a favorite of the local residents. Signatures scrawled on the unfinished brick walls, down home southern cooking inspired menu ad imported as well as local drinks make this a lively place to be at. There is also a spacious dance floor if you want to move around and mingle and the live music can only make you enjoy your vacation even more.
