Intro
There are plenty of things to experience while you’re in Jackson, Louisiana while visiting our rum-tasting room and distillery! Jackson is truly a small-town hidden gem brimming with history, culture, and a growing vibrant community. We are located only 15 minutes from St. Francisville, less than 1 hour from Baton Rouge, home of LSU and the state capitol, and 2 hours from New Orleans, where Creole culture lives on through food and music. Jackson is one of those towns immersed in Southern culture, providing you with delectable Southern cuisine, antique shopping, and museums, all surrounded by a town rich in history and natural beauty.
As you’ll discover on your drive around the area, East Feliciana has many historic homes and hilly landscapes.
Where to eat
Jackson has many great places to eat, including the Iron Horse Cafe a dining choice with an eclectic and upscale vibe with Southern cuisines with a worldly flair. Another option for dining is Jalapeno’s, spicy and flavorful Mexican cuisine. You’ll find all your favorite Mexican dishes, like tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas here, and you can even take a bag of chips and salsa and eat on our patio (a GREAT pairing for our cocktails!). If you want a good classic hometown plate lunch, Chef’s To Go offers a daily rotating menu of meals like Spaghetti and Meatballs, beef tips and gravy, and more Southern home cooking. If you stay overnight and are looking for breakfast in town, LA Donut is a good choice for all your favorite donut flavors, kolaches, and other treats.
Where to Sleep
If you live too far away to see everything in the Felicianas in one day, or you want to enjoy a few drinks without worrying about a designated driver, overnight in one of our several close hotels and B&Bs in the area.
Our closest overnight options in town are the Old Centenary Inn, located right here in downtown Jackson just a block away, and the Milbank House, a bed and breakfast on the National Register of Historic Places, furnished with exquisite antiques dating from 1836. Both stays offer quaint and comfortable rooms in historic buildings.
If you’re looking for somewhere more unique and private, you’ll have to leave downtown a bit. For those who want to be immersed in the great outdoors, an overnight stay at the Southern Cross Bucks Preserve is a fun choice. There, you’re on the property of a local deer farm and during springtime, you might even spot a fawn with her mother! Magnolia Moon provides a quiet country cabin escape with a small creek nearby and breakfast is even provided to you by the host. Grace Land is an AirBnB in Jackson that is a private farmhouse on 13 acres to rent for a night or two with plenty of room for your large family to enjoy (and where they could bring a friend). You could wake up here and enjoy a hot cup of coffee on their large porch before exploring the Felicianas.
If you’re more of a resort-style traveler and you plan on going to St. Francisville, you may enjoy a stay at the Lodge at the Bluffs. You’ll have access to a golf course, tennis courts, a fitness center, a pool, and a playground for the kids to enjoy.
Where to Embrace Nature
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature only 5 minutes away at the Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve if you’re seeking peace amongst the trees. With its scenic trails and diverse wildlife to spot during early mornings, it’s a great place for hiking, bird-watching, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.
For the Entire Family
The Felicianas are growing with things to do for all ages! Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders has detailed model railroads and interactive displays provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of trains. If you’ve ever wanted to meet and greet with sloths, otters, or kangaroos, Barn Hill Preserve in Ethel (about 10 minutes away) is the place to encounter exotic animals and learn more about them.
Find a Unique Treasure
You can get a full antique shopping experience here in Jackson. Blue Frog Antiques is the place for vintage furniture, rare collectibles, and beautiful heirlooms. There will be something new every time you visit, so don’t hesitate to take home anything you love! Be sure to visit Southern Belle Station Antiques for an impeccable selection of antique furniture to give your home a historic and rustic feel with furniture that will last, like canopy beds, dining sets, and living room sets. Jackson Vintage Village is a multi-vendor flea market stocked with newly crafted items and antiques to help round out your antique shopping experience. Your shopping can give a second life to some of these pre-loved treasures.
If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of each month (yes, we’re open on Fridays!), visit the Jackson Market for an open-air farmer’s and craft market experience in downtown Jackson between 11 am-4 pm. You can pick up some locally grown produce (maybe something to craft an at-home cocktail with our rum!) and handcrafted gifts for your friends and family. Jackson is the place to be on that Friday afternoon!
Before you venture out on those outdoor adventures around the area, stop at Thompson Creek Sporting Goods for your outfitting needs, complete with apparel and gear. You may also find unique gifts and cards for your friends back home at McDonald’s Pharmacy–and this is also the place if you’re looking for an ice cream parlor to get something cold and sweet to beat the heat.
If you’re a history buff like we are…
You will appreciate a visit to the Port Hudson State Historic Site. This site offers a fascinating look into the Civil War era, with well-preserved fortifications and informative exhibits including one about the longest siege on American soil. Some weekends, you may catch them when they perform war reenactments, complete with muskets and cannons! On normal days, you can explore the museum or hike the 6-mile trail among nature.
With a bit more of a drive into St. Francisville, you can find the Audubon State Historic Site to tour the Oakley House where John James Audubon stayed to paint some of his famous bird portraits, and also tour the beautiful grounds, gardens, and nature trails.
Where to sip
Sometimes, you need something a bit lighter than rum! For your morning sipping when it’s not quite time for rum, you’ll get your fuel at Cotton Fields Coffee Shop, with options to cater to any coffee drinker, whether you’re a “shot of espresso” only, or you want the “whip and the works” on your frappes! And if you’re more into tea than coffee, you’ll be delighted to visit the Banten House Tea Room, one of only a few tea rooms in our entire state. You can enjoy your very own tea party, with light and refreshing English-style snacks, and even take your favorite tea flavor to steep yourself–another little piece of Jackson to bring home!
We hope you’ll spend your time not only relaxing and tasting our rums and craft cocktails at our Tasting Room but also taking advantage of all Jackson has to offer with its small-town feel. With its wide range of activities and attractions, there’s always something to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a cultural experience, Jackson truly has it all. So raise a toast, VENTURE BOLDLY, and discover the charm of this delightful town!
