Places to Be Seen and Heard Around Fondren, Mississippi

Fondren is located in the historic Belhaven district near downtown Jackson, Mississippi. If you live in or around Jackson, you know, this is THE place to be. Living here is a privilege. Whether you have chosen a beautifully restored 1940's bungalow or a sleek loft in a re purposed warehouse, you are sure to be pleased. Conveniently situated between several universities, it is a mecca for college students. If you are artistically inclined, you can not possibly go wrong. there are art shows, studios, and museums around every turn. For the culinary crowd, there are many unique dining opportunity's. If fashion is your forte, then there is bound to be a unique boutique to suit your fancy! So, with all this in mind, let's take a tour around Fondren.

Let's start with putting down some roots. the most sought after locale would be Fondren Corner, where you will find a couple of strategically placed sprawling lofts. You practically have to be a Kennedy to snag one of these! Downtown Fondren and it's adjoining blocks of Taylor, Lorenz, Mitchell and Oxford, are all prime locations to find and fall in love with a classic 1940's bungalow. These gems are all beautifully restored and kept. If loft living is your true calling, then you will soon be in luck. The beautiful old Duling School building and grounds in currently in the works of becoming hip and exciting Fondren Place. While it is still in early development, these are already being sold for reserve. Dwelling here is an investment you won't regret!

Now, we can't live without nourishment, so lets explore some of the culinary delights Fondren has to offer. Start your morning off right, with a scrumptious cup of French Toast blend coffee and a fresh pastry drizzled with Wildflower Honey (harvested in Florence, MS) at the Fondren staple, Cup's. While your there, you can view the lucky featured artist's works and hear some good music. When lunch hour rolls around, hit up Rooster's at Fondren Corner, for an amazing blue plate special such as a gigantic, delectable Country Fried Steak or spice it up with their Red Beans and Rice. Or if you're looking for a sandwich to fill your belly, head to Walker's Drive-In for a Fried Green Tomato BLT or a Fried Oyster BBQ Po-Boy. No matter which way you go, you are bound to leave full and fulfilled! Moving on to dinner time, or supper time to us Mississippians, you should definitely head to Que Sera Sera. Start the evening off with an appetizer of Fried Dill Pickles with grated Parmesan or Fried Artichoke Hearts. If you have never heard of these, don't hesitate to try these southern delights for they are to die for! Then have some of their delectable Gumbo for your main course. If you are after something a little more upscale, have a juicy, mouthwatering steak at Schimmel's with a salad, baked potato, and a glass of fine wine. For a casual gathering of friends, try Sal & Mookie's for pizza combos to please even the pickiest of eaters. Some of the more popular ones include the Empire State, the Andy Warhol, the El Toro, the Hell's Kitchen, and the South Street Seaport. Any of these, paired with an order of Ziti al a Vodka, make a meal just asking to be devoured!

Next on the list comes shopping. We all need a good dose of retail therapy now and again. The first place I head to is The Orange Peel, which specializes in unique and quirky antiques. If it's clothing you seek, you absolutely must check out Chane and his sister store, Swell. Both specialize in off-the-wall and fashion forward designs, many of those being supplied to by fellow Jacksonians. You can also head to the "top of Fondren" to Banner Hall to visit Fetish: A Swanky Boutique, The Bridal Path, Lemuria Bookstore, Oz Books for Children, & then get pampered at the Aqua Day Spa. If it's just groceries your after, you will need to go straight to McDade's Market, no question.

Last, we can't forget about entertainment. Everyone has something they love, and no matter what it is, you can probably find it in Fondren. Everywhere you look there are art galleries. You can head to one of the many private ones or to The Cedar's to see the current artist of the moment. If its street festivals you fancy, you must check out Art Mix, for a broad collection of art for viewing and for sale. Visit Cup's for some excellent local bands or to The Cedar's for a great symphony. Find a great mix of all things Fondren at Art, Eats, and Beats. Or just browse the local restorations in progress suck as The Pix/Capri Theater or Duling School.

Whether you are stopping in for a visit, or here to stay, Fondren is the kind of town you can find yourself in and see your future in.