Capital and metropolitan center of Mississippi, Jackson is at the crossroads of the growing South. It's the midpoint between Memphis and New Orleans and halfway between Atlanta and Dallas. Rich in history, the city houses a number of museums and many landmarks significant in the development of the South. The Jackson of the 90s has a variety of stimulating social and educational activities, as well as an extensive bill in the visual and performing arts. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, New Stage Theatre, Mississippi Opera Association, Opera South, the Mississippi Art Association, Ballet Mississippi, the Community Children's Theatre and the seven colleges located in the immediate vicinity all offer continuing programs of outstanding attractions. Home base for many of the cultural organizations is the downtown civic arts complex which also houses the Mississippi Museum of Art and one of the region's finest planetariums. Annual events which attract thousands of visitors to downtown Jackson include the riotous Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade which is a benefit for the UMC Children's Hospital; Jubilee Jam, an outdoor music and food festival which attracts top names in rock and roll, rhythm and blues gospel and country music; and the International Gumbo cook-off. In addition, the International Ballet Competition is held every four years in Jackson.

Recreational facilities for the city include a 30,000-acre reservoir- a short 15-minute drive from the Medical Center, where sailing, fishing and boating are a favorite past time year round; tournament level public tennis and golf courses; and more than 2,650 acres of city parks and playgrounds. The Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, the coliseum on the state fairgrounds, and the Smith-Wills Baseball Stadium (home of the Jackson Diamond Kats--Double A baseball team) all attract major sporting events. Jackson also offers the excellent shopping centers, fine dining and the diversity of entertainment expected of a metropolitan area.