Welcome to the Newto News for January of 2026. My name is Zack Cockfield, and my team and I created Newtomedia as a way for visitors or new residents to get information about a city. Each month we bring together resources that will update you on the history, amenities, culture, future opportunities and all other things inside a city that make it unique. We also hope to be a resource for connecting you with people and businesses that can help you live a better life. If you find our efforts useful, please click on the links to get more information!

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Jackson, Mississippi was founded in 1821 by Louis LeFleur, a French-Canadian trader, on the site of a trading post established by the Choctaw Indians. The city was named after Andrew Jackson, who would later become the seventh President of the United States. During the Civil War, Jackson was a crucial hub for the Confederacy, serving as a major manufacturing center for war supplies and a key transportation link between the western and eastern theaters of the conflict. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jackson experienced rapid growth and industrialization, becoming known for its cotton and lumber industries. The city also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with events such as the Freedom Rides and the assassination of Medgar Evers bringing national attention to racial injustice in the South. Today, Jackson is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, including blues music, southern cuisine, and historical landmarks. It continues to be a center of commerce and government in Mississippi, with a diverse population and thriving arts scene.

1- The top 10 industries that are hiring locally:

  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Education
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Real Estate

2- The top 10 recreational activities the area is known for:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Golfing
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Boating
  • Wine tasting
  • Camping
  • Rock climbing

3- Average low and high temperature for the month:

  • Low: 40°F
  • High: 75°F

4- Average precipitation for the month:

  • 2 inches

5- Elevation:

  • 3,000 feet

6- Average home price:

  • $400,000

7- Average household income:

  • $70,000

8- The top 10 tourist points of interest:

  • Historic downtown area
  • Mountains National Park
  • Scenic overlook
  • Botanical gardens
  • Local wineries
  • Art galleries
  • Amusement park
  • Local museums
  • Wildlife reserve
  • Historical landmarks

The top 10 restaurants:

Walker’s Drive-In

Fondren

Walker’s Drive-In offers a creative take on Southern cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, providing a cozy yet upscale dining experience in the heart of the historic Fondren district.

Char Restaurant

Northeast Jackson

Char Restaurant is an upscale steakhouse known for its perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and extensive wine list, set in an elegant and stylish environment.

Keifer’s

Belhaven

Keifer’s is a beloved local spot offering Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches and classic Greek gyros in a laid-back atmosphere, known for its delicious fare and casual vibe.

Lou’s Full-Serv

Belhaven

Lou’s Full-Serv offers creative Southern cuisine with a twist, boasting a menu full of locally sourced ingredients and an inviting, relaxed environment.

Saltine Restaurant

Fondren

Saltine Restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, oysters, and Southern classics in a modern setting, providing a vibrant dining experience perfect for seafood lovers.

Parlor Market

Downtown

Parlor Market is a sophisticated yet cozy restaurant offering innovative Southern cuisine with a focus on farm-to-table dining and seasonal ingredients, located in the heart of downtown.

Bravo! Italian Restaurant & Bar

Highland Village

Bravo! Italian Restaurant & Bar provides a delightful mix of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, set in a lively and elegant atmosphere with a bustling bar scene.

Julep Restaurant & Bar

Highland Village

Julep Restaurant & Bar serves up modern Southern dishes with a focus on fresh, regional produce, offering a warm, welcoming space for diners to relax and enjoy.

Aladdin Mediterranean Grill

Northeast Jackson

Aladdin Mediterranean Grill offers a diverse menu of authentic Mediterranean dishes in a friendly and casual setting, celebrated for its flavorful kebabs and vibrant salads.

The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen

Belhaven

The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen delivers a culinary fusion of Southern and Mediterranean flavors, with a focus on wood-fired cooking and a stylish, contemporary dining space.

Current Events:

A Conversation with Kamala Harris
Jan 14
Thu • 7:00pm

A Conversation with Kamala Harris

Thalia Mara Hall

Miss Dee's Kitchen - The Stage Play
Jan 31
Thu • 8:00pm

Miss Dee’s Kitchen – The Stage Play

Thalia Mara Hall

Chicago: The Musical
Mar 17
Thu • 7:30pm

Chicago: The Musical

Thalia Mara Hall

Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars
Mar 31
Thu • 7:00pm

Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars

Thalia Mara Hall

Kinky Boots
Apr 03
Thu • 7:30pm

Kinky Boots

Thalia Mara Hall

Riverdance
Apr 22
Thu • 7:30pm

Riverdance

Thalia Mara Hall

25-26 Jackson Season Handling
Apr 23
Thu • 7:30pm

25-26 Jackson Season Handling

Thalia Mara Hall

Trustmark Presents: Santé South Wine and Food Festival
Apr 25
Thu • 7:30pm

Trustmark Presents: Santé South Wine and Food Festival

Two Mississippi Museums

Bob Dylan: Rough And Rowdy Ways Tour
Apr 25
Thu • 8:00pm

Bob Dylan: Rough And Rowdy Ways Tour

Thalia Mara Hall