Just outside of Jackson is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods. Brandon is easily one of the suburbs in the greater Jackson area and a pleasure to visit. Here are the things you should not miss in historic Downtown Brandon, Mississippi, a town with modern amenities and friendly, locally owned establishments.
Where to Eat
Brandon’s food scene offers delectable options that cater to every palate. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Burgers, Blues, and Barbecue offers mouth-watering BBQs and juicy, gourmet burgers. The hand-cut fries lure me in every time. Eat indoors or enjoy the huge outdoor patio.
Genna Benna’s, one of the esteemed GB Family Restaurants (Georgia Blue), is a romantic date night option that is also casual in feel and vibe. Dishes range from fried pickled okra and spinach dip to seafood pasta and BBQ shrimp and grits.
Enjoy live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Pick from the Blue Plate special lunches throughout the week.
The Cleaners by Pizza Shack is one of Brandon’s most beloved restaurants. This cutesy two-story eatery offers a daily lunch deal and great food. Whether you choose specialty pizza, gyros, salads, or wings, it’s all super tasty and affordable.
Fun Fact: The Cleaners had the Mississippi’s first IPourIt self-serve beer wall.
We love the small patio overlooking downtown Brandon. Be sure to grab a selfie with the Brandon MS mural on the side. Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of any entree.
Bonus: Drinks and Sweets
You’ll find pastries and sweets almost too pretty to eat at Southern Sweetness, an alluring Brandon bakery. Choose from cookies, cupcakes, petit fours, and seasonal sweet treats.
At Flying Dolly’s, a new Brandon business, try exotic ice cream nachos or a classic chocolate malt. Pr. pick up your favorite coffee or tea drink at Mocha Mugs, with a convenient drive-thru location across the street.
Minutes Away Dining Options
Sunset Grill, on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, is a worthy reason for a short car ride to MS-43. Enjoy the picturesque setting and indoor/outdoor seating inside Sunset Marina RV park. An appetizer sampler is a tasty option, or try a hearty sandwich, pasta dish, or steak.
For more extensive reviews of Brandon’s restaurants, see this post.
In Pelahatchie, Crooked Letter Kitchen came about after a successful mobile food truck fun. Now guests can dine on superb food in the rustic-chic restaurant. Try the Bayou Classic or Cheesy Pig sandwiches, but know that the appetizers (Bayou fries and tamales) are equally as delicious.
Pro Tip: Crooked Letter’s website implies that it is just a food truck, but it is also a sit-down full-service restaurant. I have mentioned to them that their social pages and website are misleading.
Where to Shop
Brandon’s shopping scene is as diverse as it is delightful. From antiques to trendy boutiques, there are many choices for your retail therapy desires.
Vintiques
Vintiques specializes in holiday decorations, puzzles, baby gifts, bath products, home decor, candles, and gourmet foods. Itis a must-visit for anyone looking to add a touch of charm to their home.
I love that they have food samples on weekends.
O! How Cute Gift Market
This store lives up to its name with an array of adorable gifts. Whether you’re looking for home decor, quirky gifts, or local crafts, you’ll find it here.
Just a Short Drive Away
Known for its cute and trendy merchandise, Ally Oops is the perfect place to update your wardrobe with unique pieces. Sizes run from juniors and misses to plus, and you can purchase accessories and shoes to go with your new items.
Offering great name-brand apparel (Hobo and John Hart to name a few), holiday shopping, religious-based gifts, seasonal items, and gourmet foods, Heart of the South has something for every shopper.
Over on Grant’s Ferry Road, Apple Annie’s is another Brandon fave with gifts galore and a treasure trove of seasonal items, kid’s toys, and such. They are also a Kendra Scott dealer.
The Brandon Amphitheater
Experience a show at the esteemed Brandon Amphitheater, one of the state’s premier venues. They host captivating performances by renowned music artists such as Luke Bryan, Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, Chris Stapleton, and Imagine Dragons.
With its family-friendly ambiance and remarkable seating arrangements (there isn’t a bad seat in the house), you’ll find a wide range of entertainment here. Future concerts include Rod Stewart and more announcements soon.
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.
Magic of Lights
During the holiday season, the Brandon Amphitheater transforms into a dazzling display of lights with the Magic of Lights event. This holiday drive-thru experience features traditional and trendy Christmas characters and scenes (Barbie, 12 Days of Christmas, Nativity, etc.) adorned in the latest LED technology, complete with music, digital animation, and synchronized lights.
Tickets are $24 per car if bought in advance, or $30 (M-Th)/ $35 (Fri-Sat). Dogs are permitted (though they must be kept inside the vehicle). The lights start at dusk, creating a magical evening for the whole family.
The Black Rose Theater
The Black Rose Theater is a non-profit community theater housed in a historic cinema dating back to 1958. Its offerings include various plays, musicals, and children’s programming. Whether you’re a drama, comedy, or musical fan, the Black Rose Theater has a performance that will entertain and inspire.
Check their website for current options.
Outdoor Adventures
Winners Circle Park
Our favorite park, Winners Circle Park, boasts three areas catering to different children’s age groups. With balance beams, slides, the best playground in town, and a play-on fire truck, it’s a hit with kids of all ages. They also have picnic tables and tennis courts, plus some shady areas.
Shiloh Park
Part park, part sports complex, Shiloh Park offers dedicated soccer and baseball fields, a well-designed walking trail, and scattered play structures. For water enthusiasts, the Shiloh Splash Park features a 50-gallon dump bucket, water cannons, and more, making it a hit with kids and families.
Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore
For those venturing to the reservoir side of Brandon, Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore offers an enjoyable experience with its engaging climbing apparatus for kids and two dedicated dog park areas. They even thoughtfully included a hose with running water for our four-legged friends.
This park overlooks the “Rez” for a serene setting and incredible sunset watching.
Brandon City Park
Adjacent to the Brandon Public Library, this park features a cool climbing structure for kids, swings, and a walking trail winding through a natural setting. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon with the family.
Hats Off, Branson
Historic Downtown Brandon, Mississippi, is a charming town to shop, eat, and explore. Its programming, special events, and festivities exude community spirit. From its delightful dining options and unique shopping experiences to its vibrant cultural scene, Brandon is one you’ll hear much more about in the future.
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. ;)