Susan D. Newcomb
Owner and President
Capital City Consultants
Ridgeland, Miss.
What are three great cultural experiences you would recommend for groups visiting Jackson?
- Mississippi Crafts Center: The Mississippi Craftsman’s Guild has more than 400 artisans, many of whom display at the Mississippi Crafts Center in Ridgeland. Groups will enjoy shopping for items made by Mississippi artisans at the Crafts Center—small items such as jewelry, ceramics and pottery to larger items like tables, chairs and other furnishings. Since each item is handcrafted, you can order a custom piece from many of the artisans. The center also features scheduled courses taught by many of the artisans who offer their works for purchase. The Mississippi Crafts Center is available for events and can accommodate as many as 200.
- Mississippi Opera/Mississippi Symphony Orchestra: The Mississippi Opera is the 11th-oldest continuously producing professional opera company in the U.S and will perform three operas during the 2009 season. Opera performances are in the 2,362-seat Thalia Mara Hall, and a 15 percent discount on tickets is available for groups of 10 or larger. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1944, performs many times during the year. Groups of 10 or more are offered a 10 percent discount on tickets. The symphony performs at various locations in the area with at least one outdoor show by the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
- Old Capitol: The Old Capitol building was designed in the Classical style by architect William Nichols. It served as the statehouse from 1839 to 1903 and then as a museum of Mississippi history. Damage from hurricanes Katrina and Rita necessitated a complete restoration of the building to return it to the original condition. The grand opening will be held on Feb. 7 to showcase its distinguished governmental history during its time of service as the statehouse. Three spaces are available for events on Thursday and Friday evenings, accommodating from 40 to 200.