I frequently visit Brandon, where my daughter resides, as we run the site “Wherever I May Roam.” Exploring historic Downtown Brandon, Mississippi —indulging in delightful culinary offerings and supporting local businesses — are some things I adore about this charming place only a few minutes from Jackson, the state capital. Brandon is a thriving city that captivates both residents and visitors alike. Here are the best things in historic downtown Brandon, Mississippi, that you should consider including on your visit.
Brandon’s Foodie Hotspots
A few years ago, finding anything foodie-worthy in historic downtown Brandon, Mississippi, was nearly impossible. But now, Brandon is growing quickly—you actually have several choices for locally-owned restaurants and tasty eats.
Burgers, Blues, Barbecue
Burgers, Blues, and Barbecue (or B3) offer a delightful dining experience, complemented by a vast patio for outdoor dining enjoyment. With an extensive and enticing menu, patrons can select from gourmet burgers perfectly paired with hand-cut fries, delectable chicken tenders, and tantalizing side options.
The Comeback Burger and pulled pork plate with Mac & cheese are my faves.
Genna Benna’s and The Gallows Bar
Genna Benna’s, one of the esteemed GB Family Restaurants (Georgia Blue), is a beloved dining destination in downtown Brandon. With its diverse menu combining pizza, pasta, and steaks, the culinary offerings at Genna Benna’s truly tantalize the taste buds.
Come at lunchtime for the Blue Plate Specials and delicious sandwich offerings, or at dinner for the juicy Stockyards Angus Ribeye or irresistible Baked Chicken Parm. After dinner, head down under the restaurant to Gallows Bar, Brandon’s most excellent speakeasy, for tiki drinks, tapas, or beer and wine.
The Cleaners by Pizza Shack
Brandon’s hottest new eatery is The Cleaners by Pizza Shack, a cutesy two-story eatery with an upstairs outdoor patio. This counter-order restaurant has a retro and relaxed feel, serving some darned tasty dishes. My family loves The Cleaners’ pizzas and chicken tenders, while I’m a gyro fan all the way.
However, the wings might be the most popular thing on the menu!
The Cleaners also offers Mississippi’s first IPourIt self-serve beer wall. Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of any entree.
For more extensive reviews of Brandon’s restaurants, see this post.
The Brandon Amphitheater
The esteemed Brandon Amphitheater is located in this Mississippi town, hosting captivating performances by renowned music artists. Past concerts have featured big names like Luke Bryan, Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, Chris Stapleton, and Imagine Dragons.
With its family-friendly ambiance and remarkable seating arrangements, every seat offers a memorable experience. The forthcoming 2023-24-year shows will showcase talented acts such as Hardy, Riley Green, and Needtobreathe.
Pro Tip: If you don’t think a show will sell out, grab your tickets at the box office within a few days of the show for deep discounts and no absurd ticket fees.
Shopping in Downtown Brandon
The Wilander makes for a stunning addition to the cityscape of Downtown Brandon, Mississippi. With its exquisite collection of designer and modern men’s clothing, this specialty store caters to all the tailoring needs of gentlemen. You’ll find a wide range of stylish options, from leather weekend duffels to accessories and grooming essentials.
Explore the premium assortment of Live Oak polos, Properly Tied vests, Oxford shirts, and more. Wilander remains closed on Sundays.
Downtown Giftery is a darling store full of cute things. I love shopping there for dish towels, candles, pottery, seasonal items, and gorgeous yard decorations. You can even take an art class at the Giftery on Saturdays.
Material Girls is a fabulous ladies’ boutique with trendy fashions and reasonable prices. They have just as many fun accessories (handbags, jewelry, and hair items) as they do shoes and clothing.
Vintiques offers a collection of local custom-made wares, including clothing, home decor, food, decorations and seasonal items, furniture, and jewelry. You could seriously get lost exploring this store for hours.
Other shops to explore are Green Floral, Forget Me Nots, and O How Cute Gift Market. And I must mention the adorable Instagram-worthy wall at The Glossary Salon, beside the new addition of a drive-thru Mocha Mugs.
Black Rose Theater
The Black Rose Theater, located in Downtown Brandon, Mississippi, is a non-profit community theater housed in a historic cinema dating back to 1958. Its offerings include a diverse range of plays, musicals, and children’s programming.
Please visit the website for current productions, try-outs, and theater camp information.
Magic of Lights
Come to the Magic of Lights at the Brandon Amphitheater for holiday drive-thru fun and experience. See traditional and trendy Christmas holiday characters and scenes adorned in the latest LED technology, complete with music, digital animation, and synchronized music. Displays include Barbie, Prehistoric Christmas, ice skaters, and 12 Days of Christmas, to name a few.
Tickets are $19 per car. Dogs are permitted, though they must be kept inside the vehicle. The lights start at dusk.
Brandon Outdoor Parks
Brandon offers several attractive outdoor areas for leisure and recreation. One notable destination is Shiloh Park, part park, part sports complex, with dedicated soccer and baseball fields. Visitors can enjoy a well-designed walking trail and a scattering of play structures throughout the park.
They also have a great splash park (Shiloh Splash Park) with a 50-gallon dump bucket, water cannons, and lots more.
Winners Circle Park is our favorite park, with three areas that cater to different children’s age groups. My granddaughter is a big fan of the balance beams, slides, and play-on fire truck.
Another recommendation is Brandon City Park, adjacent to the Brandon Public Library. This park offers a cool climbing structure for kids, swings, and a walking trail that winds through a natural setting.
For those venturing to the reservoir side of Brandon, a visit to Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore is well worth it. This park, overlooking the reservoir, provides an enjoyable experience with its engaging climbing apparatus for kids and a dedicated dog park area.
These outdoor spaces in Brandon provide a range of opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities, promising an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
McClain Lodge
Located just minutes from Downtown Brandon, McClain Lodge has become a bustling hub featuring a local farmer’s market, exquisite restaurants, diverse shopping options, a well-stocked general store, and even a captivating wildlife Safari Park. Whether you arrive with an appetite or a desire to indulge in retail therapy, this versatile establishment has it all.
Try the lunch buffet or take home some gourmet foods to prepare for yourself. It’s doubtful you can pass up the goodies at the bakery counter or the wide selection of Mississippi-made products. Don’t miss out on the enticing bakery counter treats or the extensive range of Mississippi-made products.
As a highly sought-after wedding venue, McClain Lodge provides an elegant backdrop for the most memorable occasions.
Hats Off, Brandon
Historic downtown Brandon, Mississippi, is a great place to get to know. We are so excited about its growth and new arrivals. Come to Brandon for the shopping and yummy food and drink, but stay for the hospitality.
Are you interested in learning more about Brandon? Read about Brandon’s history in this post by the Chamber of Commerce.
Read more about Mississippi:
3 Unique Mississippi Children’s Museums
Kathy@DavesTravelCorner
Sunday 3rd of March 2019
I love buying baby apparel here at Southern Raised. The clothes are high-quality and yet cheaper than the other.
MelodyPittman
Friday 8th of March 2019
I'm so glad that we finally have a baby to buy things from there for. LOL Great store. Thanks for reading. ;)