Top 10: Frezale Smith

I have been lucky enough to live in several areas in central Mississippi, and I have found some of the coolest places to hang out in your off time to be right here in the Jackson metro. I lead the local HeroClix community at Van's CCG, helping those interested learn the game and connected with other players.

1 . Van’s Comics, Cards & Games (731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland, 601-898-9950, vansccg.com) Van’s is literally my favorite place on earth. Travis, one of the owners and managers, is honestly one of the best people I know. Brayn whoworks behind the counter Thursday through Sunday is everyone’s best friend. I love board games, comics, trading-card games and a sense of community, and Van’s has them all.

2. Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919, salandmookies.com) Sal’s food, atmosphere and family-oriented focus make it one of my favorite places.

3. The Bean (2914 N. State St., 769-572-5752) When the shop formerly known as Sneaky Beans changed hands, I was afraid the cool, homelike feeling of my favorite coffee shop would be MIA, but my worries were for naught, as it’s still a great place to waste an hour while sipping some of the best coffee in Jackson, in my opinion.

4. Cups Espresso Café (multiple locations, cupsespressocafe.com) To me, Cups has some of the best frappés and pastries in the metro. My coworkers and I are daily guests of the Fondren location, which features great music and has an amazing staff.

5. Nandy’s Candy (1220 E. Northside Drive, 601-362-9553, nandys-candy.myshopify.com) The favorite place of my favorite person, Nandy’s Candy has an unbelievably long list of snowcone flavors and about any type of sweet your heart desires.

6. The Warp Zone (393 Crossgates Blvd., Suite C, Brandon, 601-706-4764) Having every console imaginable and plenty of comfy gaming chairs, this gaming lounge and arcade is a gamer’s fantasy.

7. Brandon Public Library (1475 W. Government St., Brandon, 601-825-2672,) This library is comfortable with a homey vibe on the inside and a big, beautiful park outside.

8. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park (3315 Lakeland Terrace, 601-987-3923, mdwfp.com) Any nature lover would find it very easy to lose track of time and get lost in this absolutely beautiful wonderland.

9. Not Just A Burger (Outlets of Mississippi, 200 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 570, Pearl, 601-398-3480) This small family business features the best burgers I have ever had. My favorite is the sauté burger.

10. The Jungle Exotic Pets (1988 Old Highway 49 S., Richland, 601-933-0299) A lifelong animal lover, I was blessed enough to work with the beautiful exotic animals found here through most of my teenage years.