Becoming an Insider

Insiders take the time to venture outside their usual haunts and look at Jackson from a new angle. Are you ready? Jump on in! Trip Burns

By Kathleen M. Mitchell

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Do you remember the moment you felt like a true Jacksonian? Maybe it was the first time you got from point A to point B without needing directions. (Or maybe the first time you got from point A to point B without directions while also instinctively knowing which shortcuts to take to avoid construction.)

What about the first time you realized, hey, this city offers a lot to do?

Or maybe, it was when you got to know the people at your favorite wine store by name. When you started calling people and places by their nicknames rather than their given names. When you stopped looking at the menu at most of the restaurants you frequent—because you already know exactly what you want, down to the sides and dessert.

Maybe it happened as your art collection started to fill with pieces by artists whose stories you know, those you've talked to personally and have seen around town. Or when you threw a surprise party for one of your best friends and got practically an entire bar staff, a baker and several coworkers involved in the scheme. How about when you could name more than one member on the city council? When you scored an invite to the private Best of Jackson party? Perhaps it was when someone recognized you on the street because they know your neighbor, or saw you on the news, or maybe even read your stuff in the JFP or BOOM Jackson.

Some folks are born insiders—raised in Jackson, they know the city like an old friend. But many of us—myself included—are transplants, who became insiders by taking an interest in Jackson, by getting out there and experiencing what our city has to offer.

For several years now, we've published an annual Jackpedia issue with lots and lots of information on places to eat, shop, learn and much more. This year, we decided to do something a little different. We want to share the stuff about Jackson you might not know, yet: the cool trivia, little-known places and quirky history. Of course, you can always find out about places to eat, shop, learn and much more every day on our website, jfp.ms and at jfpevents.com. So dive in and meet our insiders—and join us.

Check out all of this Jackpedia's sections: