Kenneth
Service Attendant
I am doing a points run to Jackson. Arriving on southbound CONO, leaving that evening. Any thoughts on things to see near the station. Does anyone know if the station is a comfortable place to wait?
Jackson, MS
- Thread starter Kenneth
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It's a nice station. The biggest attraction in the station district is the King Edward hotel. The last time I was in Jackson the downtown appeared to be slowly building up. I can't tell you if it has finally emerged as a vibrant area, but I know that's the goal.
dogbert617
OBS Chief
Looking at the blocks of downtown not far from King Edward Hotel(now a Hilton Garden Inn, btw) on google street view, it looks like Jackson's downtown is starting to turn around to some extent. Also, I see others were right per looking at street view that both the Belhaven and Fondren neighborhoods(both to the north of downtown) are nice, as well.
I do wonder if anyone here has actually visited Jackson, and can say anything about this city per their experiences? Years ago I passed through there, but didn't stop.
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My daughter and I recently took a trip on the CONO to Jackson, arriving in the morning and departing in the evening on a Saturday. The area around the station was pretty dead, maybe one homeless person but otherwise few people/cars.
We walked to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum which share a lobby. There are lockers, not sure if they'd be wide enough for a roll-on. We had two backpacks and were fine. There's a small cafe.
Highly recommend both of the museums. The Civil Rights Museum in particular pulls no punches.
We walked to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum which share a lobby. There are lockers, not sure if they'd be wide enough for a roll-on. We had two backpacks and were fine. There's a small cafe.
Highly recommend both of the museums. The Civil Rights Museum in particular pulls no punches.
dogbert617
OBS Chief
Thanks for your response! That's good you mentioned the MS History Museum and the MS Civil Rights Museum, since I hadn't yet begun to research museums and also other things to do in Jackson, yet. I guess I also could go on a tour of the Mississippi state capitol building, if I can find when those are offered? Or just walk through that building, on my own.
Besides of course, perhaps checking out a few Jackson neighborhoods(i.e. Fondren, Belhaven, etc).
dogbert617
OBS Chief
BTW it's funny I am bumping this thread back up, since I am about to do an Amtrak trip south to Jackson, MS. When I finish the trip, I will do a post here to let you guys know what local places I find to do while I am in Jackson. If time and finances allow it, I'm also hoping to rent a car to head north to Memphis, then take CONO back north to Chicago. Roadtrip stops I'd like to do include Laurel, Meridian, Tuscaloosa, Florence, Tupelo, Corinth, and then cut north and west to Memphis. Maybe Jackson, TN too? Or like also Holly Springs?
While I was doing my own research, I found some other places in Jackson, MS that might be interesting to stop at. I.e. Medgar(sp?) Evers House, the local diner Brent's Drugs, Pig and Pint restaurant, to name some examples of places I'm considering stopping at.
Finally while this is a total side question(and if I decide to rent a car, my planned roadtrip route will NOT go through Greenwood), has anyone on this message board ever taken Amtrak to Greenwood, MS, or knew a friend who took Amtrak to Greenwood? If so, what did you(or your friend) think of this town? Seems like it might be one day worth a potential trip to, per what I'm researching. And yes I am aware the CONO smoke stop in Greenwood, MS is just a brief stop, and that the train doesn't dwell in Greenwood for very long.
While I was doing my own research, I found some other places in Jackson, MS that might be interesting to stop at. I.e. Medgar(sp?) Evers House, the local diner Brent's Drugs, Pig and Pint restaurant, to name some examples of places I'm considering stopping at.
Finally while this is a total side question(and if I decide to rent a car, my planned roadtrip route will NOT go through Greenwood), has anyone on this message board ever taken Amtrak to Greenwood, MS, or knew a friend who took Amtrak to Greenwood? If so, what did you(or your friend) think of this town? Seems like it might be one day worth a potential trip to, per what I'm researching. And yes I am aware the CONO smoke stop in Greenwood, MS is just a brief stop, and that the train doesn't dwell in Greenwood for very long.
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I was recently in Mississippi and Alabama, travelled on Amtrak from Chicago to Jackson MS, stayed there a day then rented a car and drove across to Montgomery AL. Stayed 3 days.
Returned to Jackson MS, half day there again then headed south.
I enjoy travelling just for sake of it, I travel quite a lot. Both these states made a massive impression on me, with Montgomery being the standout.
Back to your question. I too considered stopping in Greenwood but changed my mind. I can't give you a definitive answer as to why as I have never been there, just didn't work for me at the moment.
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dogbert617
OBS Chief
I finally did decide to go to Memphis, Greenwood(MS), and Jackson for my trip. I will let you guys know how my trip goes, when my trip finishes.
I'm really disappointed that literally NOONE answers phone calls, to rental car offices. UGH. So not sure if I'll rent a car at this point.....
I'm really disappointed that literally NOONE answers phone calls, to rental car offices. UGH. So not sure if I'll rent a car at this point.....
I rented my car from Enterprise, Jackson Downtown, South State Street, it was booked online.
The day before the rental started I phoned to arrange collection at an agreed time from my hotel close to the Amtrak station, and that's what happened. The staff were very helpful, polite and pleasant, one of the better car rentals I've expreienced.
Hope this helps
Most off-airport rental offices are closed on weekends.
dogbert617
OBS Chief
Just to note I was not calling non-airport rental car locations, but I was ACTUALLY attempting to call 2 airport rental car locations for Enterprise. One in Jackson(JAN), and the other in Memphis(MEM). Makes me think lower of Enterprise, since their airport locations were VERY stupidly not answering phone calls. DO BETTER and do NOT ignore office phone calls, Enterprise!
I probably should've called a different airport rental office instead, like National or Alamo. Sigh.
This aside(not sure if I'll bother renting a car for now, I think I'll just focus on exploring the areas in and around Jackson, Greenwood(MS), Memphis, and Mattoon. 3 of them do have public transit bus systems of some extent(at least there is some limited level of local bus routes between Mattoon and Charleston, IL), and the 4th one(Greenwood) at least is VERY walkable.
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Saddleshoes
Service Attendant
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We did the same thing.
We were picked up and dropped off at the station by a young man named Jason (I think?). He was jovial and friendly.
During our visit we got rear ended, causing minor damage and necessitating a police report. We called Enterprise to report the problem. They made the problem go away with no hassles, right away.
SO I too can report excellent service from the Jackson Enterprise car rental office.
You captured the attitude perfectly.
cirdan
Engineer
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I spent a few days there in 2018 or 2019. We were on an Amtrak trip, coming down from Chicago on the CONO and spent a few days here before catching the bus to Shreveport (where we did another day), and then to Dallas.
In Jackson we went on a guided tour of the State Capitol, an amazing building. Our guide also really brought it to life with lots of stories and anecdotes. The old state capitol is nearby and is a history museum. The museum itself was just about OK, obviously designed for people with less knowledge of history than ourselves, but it was well worth it nevertheless just to see the building.
The downtown area was not exactly vibrant. Quite a lot of dilapidated buildings but really beautiful ones for the most part. We were told there were plans to renovate them, which would definitely be good. We did not feel in any way unsafe though. No begging or panhandling or shady characters. On the contrary, one cop talked to us and was super friendly and told us a little about the history of the place and pointed out some things worth seeing. We discovered several small family-operated restaurants serving traditional local dishes with southern or cajun inspiration. Apparently they don't get many tourists as in one of these the owner came out personally to ask if we were satisfied and he thanked us for coming to his restaurant and wanted to know our story.
We also got chatting to a lady who recommended us a bar where they played live blues and jazz music. Again, we were probably the only non locals there as everybody seemed to know everybody else. But they were very welcoming. The music seemed to be rather ad-hoc, with anybody who had brought an instrument just joining in. The atmosphere was amazing. It was rather like being in New Orleans but without the annoying tourists.
Give or take it still felt the same as your experience at the end of September this year, to the point that the Iron Horse Grill close to the Amtrak station sounds very much like the bar you were in. Busy, good atmosphere, great live music and good food.
One or two homeless people around now, but literally one or two and no bother at all. I spent 2 half days and nights in Jackson mainly walking on my own around downtown, being alone it is imortant to stay aware without being anxious, never felt I was somewhere I shouldn't be.
Locals were friendly although in the Capitol area there aren't many people around at the weekend or even on returning there midweek after visiting Selma and Montgomery AL.
Would I go back? Yes after researching the area a little as it was a pleasant and interesting experience and I feel it has a lot more to offer than I found on brief visits. The Capitol looks imposing from the outside too, very well located.
Off topic a little. A 2 or 3 day side visit to Montgomery was a stunning experience if you are in any way interested in American history, one of the experiences of my lifetime.
cirdan
Engineer
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Just checked Google maps and no, this was definitely a different location. I think it was a few blocks south of the Old Capitol, or at least in that general sort of direction.
I haven't been to Montgomery yet, but it's certainly on my to do list.
Any questions, just ask, be happy to help.
Cal H
Train Attendant
Montgomery certainly has some history to it, and the capitol is beautiful. In addition to the capitol you should make every effort to go inside the city auditorium. If they are not busy ask if one of the workers there if they will give you a tour, you will be surprised.
Also in Montgomery, take a river boat cruise - and say hello to the captain for me, he’ll remember me! Come to think of it today is his birthday so I need to send him a message
Also in Montgomery, take a river boat cruise - and say hello to the captain for me, he’ll remember me! Come to think of it today is his birthday so I need to send him a message
Also in Montgomery, take a river boat cruise - and say hello to the captain for me, he’ll remember me! Come to think of it today is his birthday so I need to send him a message
Is he family?
As you say very much to do, busy and bustling city with many many options for the visitor. Very different to the much quieter Jackson MS.
One of the Civil Rights museums grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go, world class about their subject.
Back in the late 1970's I spent six weeks in Jackson, working on a legal case, but unfortunately I had neither time or transportation to explore much beyond downtown. I did have fond memories of a diner downtown where I ate almost every morning before work. Good food and sassy waitstaff. The breakfast gave you options on eggs and sides: "Toast or biscuits, hash browns or grits, bacon or sausage." I always picked the first option, causing one of the waitresses to ask, "You're not from around here, honey, are you?" Busted... The same waitress later remarked that I "talked funny," and opined, with a very broad Southern accent, "If I talked like you, I'd go to speech school!" I haven't had the occasion to go back since, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the people there. At the time, I had some stereotypes about what I would find there, but in my opinion, the folks I met were more open-minded about strangers and less judgmental than I later discovered on moving to Seattle. (Of course, my experience was that of a young white woman. I might have had a different experience if I were in a different demographic group.)
Cal H
Train Attendant
Not real family, but he & I have been pretty close for over 40 years.
A couple years back I helped him (and the city of Montgomery) out of a jam with the riverboat. But that’s an off topic discussion for another day
. No doubt but that you’d hear a good yarn from the captain if you asked him 
