Just Outside Jackson Is Mississippi's Historic Southern City With A Charming Downtown And Outdoor Escapes

If there's anything that can be said about Mississippi, it's that the state has deep historic roots and an even deeper sense of Southern hospitality. This definitely rings true over in Brandon, a growing suburb located just outside the capital of Jackson. Full of history and old-world charm, the Rankin County community is apparently the place to be if you want to "experience the true spirit of the South," as the city's slogan goes. Brandon was officially established in the early 1830s, but settlers put down stakes years before that. Back then, the original townsite encompassed a mere 40 acres, divvied up between all of about 30 people. That's a far cry from the 26 square miles the city covers today, which now serves as home to more than 25,000 people.

Despite all the growth, Brandon still has that wave-at-your-neighbor kind of small-town feel synonymous with the American South. As some residents shared on Niche, it's "a wonderful homey town," where "folks are kind and generous." The suburb is only a few minutes away from the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), so you shouldn't have any trouble getting into town. Mingle with the friendly locals as you stroll the historic downtown district, now a blend of old and new, or take in the fresh air at one of the neighborhood parks. There's also a sprawling reservoir nearby if you're up for some more outdoor fun. No matter what you choose to do, you can bet Brandon will welcome you with open arms.

You can add downtown Brandon to your list of the best historic districts to visit in America. The city's old commercial corridor is centered around the original town square on Government Street. It only spans a few blocks, but the 37-foot-tall Confederate monument standing in the median makes it pretty hard to miss. The granite and marble statue was raised in 1907, making it older than the stately Rankin County Courthouse, a mid-1920s, three-story brick edifice that faces the public square. Unlike the courthouse, however, the statue remains controversial.

A fire destroyed many of the earliest structures downtown, but you can still see more than a dozen other heritage buildings around Brandon's historic district, including the old Wierhouse. Standing along the main drag, the charming red brick building dates back to the 1850s and has housed everything from a calaboose to an infirmary during the Civil War. Today, Genna Benna's occupies the ground floor, serving an array of classic comfort foods. Head to the basement for snacks and stiff libations at the hidden speakeasy, The Gallows Bar. "Sherlock was the most awesome bartender ever," one visitor wrote on Google, who was especially blown away by the crawfish empanadas.

Be sure to save some room for dessert, too. Handmade ice cream and other treats are served up next door at Flying Dolly's. If it's not too late, consider catching an evening performance at the Black Rose Theatre Company, a historic downtown landmark that showcases both famous musicals and local plays.

There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had around Brandon. The Jackson suburb has more than a handful of recreation areas scattered around town for some family-friendly fun. Shiloh Park is a local favorite, especially among the little ones. The green space has a variety of sports facilities, including pickleball courts, soccer pitches, and baseball fields, along with grassy lawns to spread out a blanket for a picnic. Kids can monkey around at the playgrounds or get soaked in the seasonal splash zone. One Google reviewer called it a "great little escape for parents to take their kids to to beat [the] heat," adding that there are "lots of different water activities to do."

Visitors can do some hiking or mountain biking along the Rankin Trails at the Quarry Park. The wooded paths cover about 10 miles of ground altogether and take you by the town's former rock quarry site, where the massive Brandon Amphitheater now stands. For lake fun, head up to the Ross Barnett Reservoir, around 20 miles north of Brandon. The 33,000-acre lake is popular for boating, water sports, and paddling, with over 30 boat launches located along the shore. Visitors should check local water quality advisories prior to swimming. Additionally, as an impoundment of the Pearl River — one of Mississippi's most snake-filled waterways — keep in mind that snake sightings are not uncommon in the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

Several recreation areas hug the reservoir, including Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore, which sits on the south end. There, you'll find a scenic walking path, picnic tables, a playground, and a dog park. If you don't mind a short drive, the Mississippi Petrified Forest — one of the few petrified forests in America — is only about a 35-minute drive away from Brandon.