A Jackson, Mississippi Weekend
Words by Ashley Locke
Photos by Castro Collective
Good Grit turned ten this year, and we celebrated the best way we know how—by gathering storytellers where stories are made: Jackson, Mississippi. The Porch Party at Cathead Distillery felt like a family reunion: a mix of writers, creatives, and neighbors who live out the Good Grit mission every day. Manship Wood Fired Kitchen brought smothered pork chops, roasted vegetables, and banana pudding. Levure poured the wine. Fertile Ground Beer Co. supplied the beer. Cathead, celebrating its own fifteenth anniversary, raised a glass with us. It was proof that in Jackson, storytelling doesn’t just live in books or museums. It hums in the music, simmers in the food, and flows as freely as the cocktails poured behind the bar.
For many of us, The Westin Jackson was home base that weekend. A sleek, contemporary hotel in the heart of downtown, The Westin offers the perfect balance of wellness and inspiration. Between the Soul Spa, Estelle Southern Table, and the short walk to Thalia Mara Hall, it’s a natural anchor for exploring Mississippi’s capital city. Jackson is a place with grit in its name and soul in its bones—and a weekend here proves why it’s worth more than just a stop on the way.
Friday
2:00 PM: Check in at The Westin
Drop your bags and exhale. Whether you’re fresh off a work week or a road trip, the Westin’s bright, modern rooms feel like an invitation to reset. If you’re up for it, sneak in a swim in the indoor pool or book a treatment at Soul Spa before the night begins.
5:00 PM: Raise a Glass at Cathead Distillery
Start your weekend where Jackson’s creative scene gathers: Cathead, Mississippi’s first legal distillery—and it just so happens to be a quick walk from The Westin. Tour the space, sip a cocktail, and soak in the sense of place. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch live music or one of their art-forward community events.
7:30 PM: Dinner at The Manship
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen is a local institution, where Mediterranean inspiration meets Southern comfort. Order the fisherman-style redfish, or go classic with wood-fired pizza and Caesar Salad.
Saturday
8:30 AM: Breakfast at Estelle Southern Table
Estelle Southern Table, located inside The Westin, is a love letter to Mississippi flavors with global polish. Start your day with their Southern Benedict or warm biscuits with jam.
10:00 AM: Civil Rights & Culture
Walk to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, a powerful space that traces the state’s role in the movement with honesty and impact. Pair it with the Mississippi Museum of Art just down the road for a fuller picture of the city’s creative and cultural soul.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Big Apple Inn
It doesn’t get more Jackson than Big Apple Inn. Famous for pig ear sandwiches and tamales, this historic spot on Farish Street has been serving locals (and legends like Medgar Evers) for over 80 years.
2:00 PM: Belhaven Town Center Stroll
This vibrant mixed-use hub is where Jackson’s energy comes to life. Sip a local brew at Fertile Ground Beer Co., grab a cocktail at Good Bar, or browse the goods at Cultivate. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Urban Foxes nearby for pie and coffee in a cozy converted home.
5:00 PM: Fondren Yard & The Capri
Spend the evening in Fondren, Jackson’s arts district. Fondren Yard buzzes with food stalls, beer gardens, and live music. Catch a film or concert at The Capri Theatre—a restored mid-century gem that anchors the neighborhood.
8:00 PM: Nightcap at Apothecary
Step into this speakeasy-style bar hidden behind Brent’s Drugs. Apothecary is known for inventive cocktails with a vintage twist, the perfect way to close out your night.
Sunday
9:00 AM: Coffee & Breakfast at Broadstreet Bakery
Start your morning with a pastry, quiche, or classic breakfast at Broadstreet Bakery. Grab a seat on the patio or on an upper floor in Banner Hall for a quieter dining experience.
10:30 AM: The Eudora Welty House and Garden
A National Historic Landmark, this preserved home offers a window into the life of one of America’s greatest writers. Stroll through the garden that inspired her prose—it’s as peaceful as it is inspiring.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Pig & Pint
Before you hit the road, stop at Pig & Pint for craft beer and award-winning barbecue. Try the pork belly corn dogs or BBQ tacos for a Southern spin on classics. End the meal with something sweet. Nearby, Campbell’s Bakery is a Jackson favorite, known for petit fours and classic Southern pastries.
2:00 PM: Last Sips at Levure
If you’re not quite ready to leave, swing back by Banner Hall to pick up a bottle from Levure Wine Bar & Shop. Their curated selection leans natural, organic, and sustainable—the perfect way to bring a little piece of Jackson home.
Jackson is a living story. Every corner holds history, every restaurant pulses with tradition, and every neighborhood is alive with creativity. As Good Grit turns ten, we couldn’t imagine a better place to celebrate.
