Travel

Jackson, Michigan

Jackson, Michigan. Once home to Jack Parr, Ted Nugent, Gloria Steinem and the birthplace of the Republican Party. It's a friendly town, a hard working town and a hard playing town. Located just 75 miles or so west of Detroit and 200 miles east of Chicago, it quickly became my best kept secret. Until I started bringing all of my friends there to enjoy it with me.

Jackson has quickly become one of my favorite weekend travel destinations. The 4 hour drive is an easy one to make, which I have now done countless times. This small community has all the friendliness of a small town, but all of the spirit of a city. Never have I been to a town that works at having fun more than Jackson. Although the population isn't large, they seem to serve a large area. During the summer there are events going on constantly. From the Hot Air Jubilee and the Shakespeare Festival to the County Fair and more, there is always something to do.

So how would I come across this small town? It all began last year when Titi and I decided to travel through Michigan. She had never been there before, so we decided to make no plans. Just head north and see where the road takes us. As we entered the state we began asking people where we should go and what we should see. Jackson was mentioned several times, and as we were driving we kept seeing signs pointing us in the that direction. After a couple days of exploring other areas in the state we landed in Jackson. All roads led there it seemed. What was supposed to be a one night stop turned into a 2 day adventure. After returning home I discovered a friend of mine was from the area and had a vacation home close by. Thus began my journeys up north. Sometimes alone, sometimes not. But always a much needed relaxing getaway.

My first love in Jackson has to be Daryl's Downtown. I think it's their food that keeps me coming back half of the time. Second would have to be the Cascade Falls. I spent more time there last year than most locals do in a lifetime. These illuminated waterfalls have the same calming effect on me that the ocean at night always did when I lived in California. If in the area, you have to go see these at least once. Sit and listen to the music. Climb the steps to the top and admire the view. If you're lucky enough to be in the area around Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day you have to see the fireworks display they have inside the park. It's an amazing experience. This year I even bought a season pass, which I plan to use frequently in the coming months. The Falls are open evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7:30 p.m. 10:45 p.m. The cost is $3. There is a snack bar for refreshments, but I've been known to bring a sandwich (their vegetarian selection is extremely limited) and enjoy my dinner to the sounds of the music and the sight of the colored lights dancing on the water.

Jackson is surrounded by rolling farmlands and small towns that are an antique hunter's paradise. I've heard that there are more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the country, and I can believe it. They are everywhere. But it's the parks in the city itself that steal the show. There are 17 public parks, with the 530 acre Ella Sharp Park being the largest. It hosts soccer fields, an Olympic size pool, lighted baseball diamonds, and 18-hole golf course and driving range (of course), a miniature golf course, playgrounds and bike trails. Cascades / Sparks park, the home of the Cascade Falls, is a 465 acre park is also host to a plethora of activity. A nationally ranked 18-hole golf course, a boating / skating pond, picnic shelters, lighted tennis courts, baseball fields, batting cages and a miniature golf course. While there you'll have to visit the little ice cream shop across from the pond. Yummy.

Jackson is fairly close to Michigan International Speedway for all you racing fans. The city also hosts it's own Grand Prix each Labor Day weekend as a benefit for Junior achievement. Car shows are abundant throughout the summer. Jackson seems to have something to offer everyone.

I have included some links below for people traveling to the area. I highly recommend it. If you're going to be in town, drop me a line: trixie@girlposse.com I just may be around.

Links

• Trixie visits The School House in Jackson. See what she has to say about this infamous strip club!
• Jackson, Michigan Homepage
• Hot Air Jubilee info
• Michigan Space Center
• Jackson County, Michigan Convention and Tourist Bureau
  
• The Michigan Theater
  
• Jackson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Calendar of Events
• The Cascades Falls
• Daryl's Downtown/

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