Jackson, Mississippi, may be best known for its extensive civil rights history and Southern charm. However, for literary lovers, the city has a remarkable connection to Southern writers and the places that inspired and shaped their stories. This book lover’s tour of Jackson, Mississippi, will carry you from the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty to independent bookstores brimming with Southern literature and to Jackson’s best bookish experiences for curious travelers.
Start Your Day at Broad Street Baking Company & Café
Begin your day’s explorations at Broad Street Baking Company and Cafe on the ground floor at Banner Hall. Whether you’re a fan of flaky pastries, hearty quiches, or a simple cup of coffee, this cafe will energize you for the day ahead. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with indoor or al fresco patio dining before learning about Jackson’s literary scene.
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Discover Mississippi Authors at Lemuria Books
After breakfast, head upstairs. Lemuria Books, Jackson’s beloved independent bookstore, has satiated readers’ appetites since 1975. Amidst floor-to-ceiling shelves and comfortable nooks, I found an impressive collection of everything from Mississippi writers to global bestsellers.
At Lemuria, you’re greeted by the welcoming atmosphere that book lovers crave from the moment you enter.
Lemuria is a hub for the local literary community. The store regularly hosts author events, book signings, and discussion groups, creating a space where visitors can interact with the writers behind the stories. If you’re lucky enough to fit one of these events into your schedule, enjoy the opportunity to dive deeper into Jackson’s literary culture.
Tour the Eudora Welty House and Garden
Next, go to the Eudora Welty House and Garden, the well-preserved home of one of the South’s greatest writers. As you step onto the grounds, it’s easy to imagine Eudora Alice Welty herself greeting you with a warm smile as you enter the world that shaped her profound stories. Eudora Welty lived in this home for nearly 80 years, and it’s here that she penned most of her renowned works, including The Optimist’s Daughter, which won the 1973 Pulitzer Prize.
Inside this Tudor Revival-style home, you’ll see her writing desk near the window where she spent much of her time, personal belongings, and some 3,500 books on display. Every room in this home reflects her love for storytelling and the creativity that defined her life.
Outside, a walk through the vibrant garden’s Southern blooms will bring a sense of tranquility. The garden, thoughtfully tended by Welty and her mother, Chestina, remains a peaceful retreat filled with vibrant flowers. Fragrant honeysuckle blossoms exude the gentle, calming aroma that calls for a deep breath in and a mental exhale.
No book lover’s tour of Jackson, MS, is complete without acknowledging the Mississippi Writers’ Trail marked by cast aluminum plaques shaped like open books. These plaques celebrate the authors who have shaped Mississippi’s literary legacy. At the Eudora Welty House and Garden, Welty’s marker honors her lifelong commitment to storytelling and her profound impact on Southern literature.
After a busy morning, take a break at The Shoe Bird Cafe to enjoy a locally roasted brew and sink into a comfy chair. Named after Welty’s only children’s book, it’s a quiet place to read and reflect. The café is in the student center at Belhaven University, across the street from the Eudora Welty Home and Gardens.
Buy Books at The Book Rack at Canton Mart Square
Next, head to Canton Mart Square and visit The Book Rack. This Jackson institution has been serving the community for over 50 years. Known for its impressive selection of new and used books, this bookstore is perfect for leisurely browsing. Enjoy some fresh coffee and visit with the owners.
On my book lovers tour of Jackson, Mississippi, I was delighted with every discovery at The Book Rack in Canton Mart Square.
Ask about the signed editions. When I visited, there were many in stock. I read inscriptions penned by notable Mississippi authors like Eudora Welty, Margaret Walker, and Willie Morris. This bookstore beckons us to slow down and perhaps pick up a valuable surprise find to take home.
The Bean in the Fondren district and the local Cups Espresso Café are other popular places to enjoy an aromatic roasted brew and sink into a comfy chair with a new book. Both capture Jackson’s laid-back, literary vibe, offering the perfect settings to reflect on the locations you’ve discovered so far.
Investigate the Facts at the William F. Winter Archives & History Building
Whether you’re tracing your family roots, drafting a novel, or just curious about Mississippi’s past, the William F. Winter Archives & History Building in Jackson is the place to visit. It houses historical documents, artifacts, and archival collections that bring the state’s history to life. While some collections are available online, others are only accessible in person, making this the best location for serious researchers.
Although the nearby Eudora Welty Library is no longer open, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) continues to preserve Mississippi’s literary and historical legacy in this quiet space for reading, research, and reflection.
End Your Day at the Historic Fairview Inn’s Library Lounge
As your literary tour winds down, head to the Library Lounge at the historic Fairview Inn for a relaxing evening. Housed in the inn’s original 1908 library, this cozy space is lined with vintage novels by Southern authors, creating a warm ambiance that invites meaningful conversations about the stories you’ve discovered.
The Authors Drink Specialties menu offers literary-inspired cocktails that capture the essence of the South’s most renowned writers. Try the Faulkner “Mint Julep,” a bold blend as complex as the writer himself, or the Margaret Walker “Basil Gimlet,” a smooth tribute to the author of Jubilee. The “Belhaven” drink, with its crisp notes and a hint of spice, is a fitting nod to Eudora Welty’s sharp wit and nuanced storytelling.
Each cocktail tells a story, making the Library Lounge the perfect place to toast Jackson’s rich literary legacy as you unwind and reflect.
Attend the Mississippi Book Festival: A Literary Lawn Party
If you’re fortunate enough to be in Jackson in mid-September, make sure your calendar is clear for the Mississippi Book Festival, affectionately known as the “Literary Lawn Party.” This annual event brings together readers, authors, and publishers from across the country for a day of book-lovers fun on the Mississippi State Capitol grounds.
The festival celebrates all things literary, with author panels, book signings, and ample opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers. Browse through vendor booths for the next great read or listen to thoughtful discussions on Southern literature during this one-day event.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Download the festival’s parking map before you go. The street parking filled early in the day, but larger designated lots only a few blocks from the festival, had ample parking spaces.
Conclusion: Jackson, A Literary Haven
As your time among Jackson’s literary landmarks draws to a close, you’ll find that the city’s literary spirit resonates long after your visit. From the warm, book-filled rooms of Eudora Welty’s home to the inviting shelves of Lemuria Books and The Book Rack, Jackson is where stories truly come alive.
Eudora Welty once said, “All serious daring starts from within.” Perhaps your next literary adventure begins right here, among Jackson’s literary treasures and inspiring landmarks.
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