LIFE&STYLE | girl about town by Julie Skipper
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TRIP BURNS
frequently find myself talking about the 601-605-0452, bodyanewmedicalspa.com) we were invited to sit wherever we liked at diversity of Jackson’s people and its vi- and an occasional jaunt to Libby Story (1000 the round tables for eight. We were two, so brant creative class. And yet, it sometimes Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5003, 601- this meant making new friends. strikes me—or, quite frankly, has to be 717-3300), I don’t spend much time there. Our table ended up a foursome, pointed out to me—that I nonetheless with the two of us and two friends ensurround myself with people who are joying a girls’ night out. They’d come … well, like me. Which is to say, I’m into town from Madison. And I think around a lot of lawyers and creativeover the course of the evening, we all class types, and mostly people who live learned a little something of the others’ downtown or in the Fondren and Belexperience. I was glad to hear that one haven areas. of the ladies had recently come downI’ve written before about explortown and eaten lunch at Bruno’s Adoing areas of my own neighborhood bo (127 S. Roach St., 601-944-9501) and adjacent areas that I didn’t even and that they both had come into town know existed. But what of an area I for a night out at Underground 119 typically avoid? Could I actually come (119 S. President St., 601-352-2322, The Livingston Farmers Market might be the ticket to better understand … the suburbs? underground119.com). But the idea I often joke (though it’s pretty to get downtowners out into the suburbs. of urban apartment living seemed new much true) that, as a downtowner and to them; they were surprised and curigeneral city gal, I pack a snack for the long Lately, I had a chance to get to know ous to learn that I live downtown. trip if I have to go farther north than High- some of our neighbors to the north a little One of the ladies is the owner of Villand Village. My belief in the necessity of a better. Nick’s in Fondren (3000 Old Can- lage Boutique (1888 Main St., Madison, strong core city to the health of the metro ton Road, 601-981-8017) recently hosted a 601-957-0010). I didn’t even know where area at large is firm and passionate, but just as Champagne dinner. Because I fully embrace the store is; now I not only know its location, Jackson needs the support of our friends who an attitude in life that bubbles make every- but that they carry several brands of jeans live outside its limits, that doesn’t mean that thing better, I immediately signed up. Upon that I like. I always enjoy learning about a I see the ’burbs as an enemy. And yet, other arrival at the event, my date and I received new place to shop locally, so I am eager to than my maintenance visits to Body Anew our welcome glass and, on entering the go check out her wares. They also raved Medical Spa (113 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, room, noticed no assigned seating. Rather, about the Livingston Farmers Market (129
Mannsdale Road, 601-898-0212), which (I’m ashamed to admit) I have never driven to. Their enthusiasm and ambassadorship of the market may finally get me there. The following week, I found myself in Ridgeland for two days while fulfilling my annual continuing-education requirement for my law license. Each day, our class instructor, who was an out-of-towner, asked for suggestions of places to eat for lunch and dinner. I listened eagerly to what others offered up as nearby places to check out, particularly since our instructor professed himself a “chain guy.” Suggestions included Burgers and Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601-899-0038), Ticos (1536 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601-9561030) and Mediterranean Grill (6550 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-956-0082). All three are suburban, yet locally owned places that I confess I’ve never visited but would like to explore. Continuing education completed, I’m back to downtown for the rest of my week and quickly found myself back in my routine, headed back to my usual neighborhood haunts. But it’s with a reminder to get out of my comfort zone sometimes. After all, friendship is a two-way street.
jacksonfreepress.com
Beyond Downtown
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