Plan a weekend visit to Jackson, Miss., three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
BUDGET
Getting there: Round-trip rates of $383.40 require a one-week advance purchase; US Airways.
Stay: A downtown National Historic Landmark is the King Edward Hotel. Charming vintage guest rooms at this newly restored hotel (and rebranded as a Hilton Garden Inn) have modern necessities such as signature bedding, granite bathroom, jet body shower and complimentary Wi-Fi. A restaurant, bar, fitness center and an indoor heated swimming pool are on-site. Weekend rates from $95; $129 with breakfast; 235 W. Capitol St., 601-353-5464, www.kingedwardhoteljackson.com.
Eat: Renowned for the best in soul food, Two Sister's Kitchen sits behind the Capitol building in a two-story wooden house. A popular lunch buffet brims with fried chicken and catfish, greens, squash, cornbread -- the works for under $12. Save room for a dessert of bread pudding with bourbon sauce; 707 N. Congress St., 601-353-1180.
Experience: Visit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum dedicated to the competitive spirit. Exhibits highlight sport greats from the Negro League players to Dizzy Dean; adults $5; closed Sunday; 1152 Lakeland Drive, www.msfame.com. Catch one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country on Friday, March 16. The 30th Annual Mal's St. Paddy's Parade starts at the corner of State and Court streets; www.malsstpaddysparade.com.
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MODERATE
Getting there: Three-week advance purchase rates are $447.60; nonstop, Delta.
Stay: Fairview Inn features 18 luxurious guest rooms in a historic 1908 Colonial Revival mansion. The inn is in the Belhaven historic neighborhood and minutes from downtown museums, theaters and shops. On-site are a day spa, outdoor decks, a gazebo and more than an acre of tranquil gardens. Rates from $149-$299 per night ($259 for the Leopard Rose Suite with gas fireplace and sunroom); 734 Fairview St., 1-888-948-1908, www.fairviewinn.com.
Eat: Not only noted for top service and the finest steaks and chops ($25-$33), Char also serves up a vast jazz brunch each Sunday (main dishes, $10-$16). For a lunch treat, try Char's Fried Oyster BLT ($10); 4500 I-55 N., Highland Village, 601-956-9562, www.charrestaurant.com.
Experience: Catch a Saturday night set at one of Mississippi's swankiest live blues and jazz nightclubs, Underground 119 ($10 cover Saturdays); 119 S. President St., 601-352-2322, www.underground119.com. Architectural historians consider the Mississippi Governor's Mansion to be one of the finest surviving examples of the Greek Revival style in the states. The home is the second-oldest continuously occupied governor's residence (since 1842). Starting April 3, take a free guided tour of the historic sections of the home Tuesdays-Fridays; 300 E. Capitol St., 601-359-6421, www.mdah.state.ms.us/museum/mansion.html.
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SPLURGE
Getting there: Round-trip walk-up rates are $711.60; nonstop, Delta.
Stay: Old Capitol Inn offers suites with garden or city and downtown views. Guests are within walking distance to both the Old and New State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, museums and more. One-bedroom suites from $139-$165 per night, including full Southern-style breakfast and complimentary wine and cheese reception. Relax on the rooftop garden with a hot tub; 226 N. State St., 601-359-9000, www.oldcapitolinn.com.
Eat: Parlor Market blends Southern traditions with ingredients from local farmers and ranchers to make it one of downtown's most popular spots (highly awarded in"Best of Jackson 2011″). Dinner entrees (find quail, rabbit, bass and more) are $26-$40; $12-$15 from the Raw Bar menu. Unique to Parlor Market is Mississippi's first pre-Prohibition and Prohibition-era cocktail menu; 115 W. Capitol St., 601-360-0090, www.parlormarket.com.
Experience: Buildings and grounds of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (within historic LeFleur's Bluff State Park) overlook a 300-acre natural landscape and 2.5 miles of nature trails. Indoor exhibits explore the state's diverse habitats; adults $6; 2148 Riverside Drive, 601-576-6000, www.msnaturalscience.org. Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center is housed in Jackson's first public school building for African-Americans (opened in 1894). The museum chronicles the everyday lives and culture of people of African descent living in the South during the late 1800s and early 1900s; adults $4.50; 528 Bloom St., 601-960-1457, www.jacksonms.gov.
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Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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