4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202, 601-366-7619, lemuriabooks.com
2145 Highland Drive, 601-981-5469, mississippichildrensmuseum.com
One sign of a great tourist attraction is its ability to generate repeat visits—especially from the locals. It doesn’t hurt if it is reasonably priced, either. The Mississippi Children’s Museum is a great attraction for out-of-town visitors, but it remains first and foremost a wonderful addition to Jackson, for Jackson children. My son and I have been to the museum several times, and yet his enthusiasm has not declined—we even held his birthday party there. Distinctive areas with interactive and playful exhibits to explore mean every child will have a blast, whether they are interested in Mississippi heritage, the cultural arts, sciences, literature or technology. The museum also hosts regular workshops during the week for preschoolers and on the weekends for those a bit older. With about 40,000 square feet to explore, kids have plenty room to stretch out their minds in an enjoyable, productive way. —Michael Jacome Best Museum Second: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601-354-7303) / Third: Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515) / Finalists: Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive, 601-432-4500); Smith Robertson Museum and Culture Center (528 Bloom St., 601-960-1457)
TRIP BURNS
Best Museum; Best Tourist Attraction: Mississippi Children’s Museum
Since 1975 Lemuria Books has kept the local bookstore alive in Jackson. It’s the best place to browse for the perfect book in a cozy and friendly atmosphere, while receiving individualized customer attention from owner John Evans, manager Joe Hickman or the other helpful Lemuria staff. Lemuria offers an array of services, including the First Editions Club, the OZ First Editions Club, Literary Brews, the Eudora Welty-inspired Cereus Readers Book Club and the Lemuria Book Club Registry. Lemuria also hosts book signings and author readings throughout the year. The name comes from the myth of the lost continent of Lemuria, the store’s website explains. The Lemurians were an advanced human civilization with the gift of telepathy. They challenged the gods, who took their gift away. The Lemurians then developed the world’s first system of writing and began recording their thoughts in books. In 2014, Lemuria will publish a photography book, “Jackson: Crossroads of the South,” with photos from Ken Murphy, captions by Lisa Newman and commentary from John Evans. —ShaWanda Jacome Best Locally Owned Business Second: McDade’s Market (Multiple Locations, mcdadesmarkets. com) / Third: Fondren Public (2765 Old Canton Road, 769-2162589) / Finalists: Capitol Grill (5050 Interstate 55 N., Suite F, 601899-8845); Custom Cuts and Styles (2445 Terry Road, 601-3219292); LaCru Salon (5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 600, Flowood, 601-992-7980); Mangia Bene (3317 N. State St., 601-362-2900); Nathan’s Salon (101 W. Washington St., Suite C3, Ridgeland, 601707-7015); Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349)
Best Place to Buy Books
Best Tourist Attraction Second: Fondren / Third: Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515) / Finalists: Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St., 601-352-2580); Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St., 601-576-6920)
COURTESY FAIRVIEW INN
MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Best Locally Owned Business, Best Place to Buy Books: Lemuria Books
Second: The Book Rack (1491 Canton Mart Square, Suite 7, 601956-5086; 584 Springridge Road, Suite C, Clinton, 601-924-9020) / Third: N.U.T.S. (114 Millsaps Ave., 601-355-7458; 3011 N. State St.) / Finalist: The Bookshelf (637 Highway 51, Suite AA, Ridgeland, 601-853-9225)
Best Place to Book a Party or Shower; Best Place to Get Married: Fairview Inn 734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429, fairviewinn.com
Location, location, location—besides the wedding dress, the location of your wedding is probably the next most important decision. For more than 30 years, Jacksonians (and out-oftowners) have turned to the Fairview Inn as the venue for their most treasured day. The Fairview is an AAA four-diamond small luxury hotel located in the historic neighborhood of Belhaven. The 1908 Colonial Revival mansion offers several options for indoor and outdoor weddings: in the gazebo, on the great lawn by the rose garden, under a 90-year-old magnolia tree, by the fireplace or in the library. What bride doesn’t dream of descending a grand staircase like a fairy tale princess? —ShaWanda Jacome Best Place to Book a Party or Shower Second: The South Warehouse (627 E. Silas Brown, 601-939-4518) / Third: The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601-366-5552) / Finalists: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601956-9562); Sanctuary Body Spa of St. Dominic’s (340 Township Ave., Suite 200, Ridgeland, 601-7902222)
Best Place to Get Married Second: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral (305 E. Capitol St., 601-354-1535) / Third: Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515) / Finalists: The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601366-5552); Cotton Market Venue (2644 S. Pearson Road, 601-906-5499); Mynelle Gardens (4736 Clinton Blvd., 601-960-1894); The South Warehouse (627 E. Silas Brown, 601-939-4518)
Home of Quality Used Books
ThankYou for naming us one of
Jackson’s Best Bookstores
jacksonfreepress.com
1491 Canton Mart Road Suite 6 . Jackson, MS 39211 601-956-5086
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