I’ve been researching one of my books. It is set in Jackson, Michigan, a town I should know well since I have lived in it for 30 years. But I don’t want to rely only on my own memories and ideas here. So I’ve asked some other Jackson natives “what places and things come to mind when you think of Jackson?” Here are the answers I’ve gotten so far.
Cascades Falls These are absolutely beautiful! I don’t have a picture to share, but you can see the man-made waterfalls here
http://jackson.mi.us/Parks/cascades.asp. The colors are beautiful, and often change according to the music that is being played. One of my favorite dates ever was to the Falls, with the man who is now my husband. I remember sitting there, watching the pulsating colors, and listening to the song “Kiss The Girl” from The Little Mermaid. He looked at me, smiled, and asked, “Is it OK if I take their advice?”
The Parlour If you are looking for good ice cream, this is not the place for you. The Parlour is where you will find THE BEST ice cream around! Feeling really brave? Try a Dare To Be Great. Twenty-one scoops of assorted ice cream flavors, topped with hot fudge, caramel, strawberries, pineapples, marshmallow, mixed nuts, whipped cream and cherries. Finish it yourself in an hour and it is free! Yep, there is even a sign on the wall now, where all the names of those who have attempted and succeeded at this feat are engraved. And no, my name is not there! I much prefer to share with friends!
Spring Arbor College/Univeristy For years, this school in Spring Arbor was known as a college. Within the last 10 years, it achieved university status. It was not a school I ever really considered attending. I wanted to be further away from home!
Michigan Theater Beautiful old theater downtown. I can’t say that I remember first-run movies being shown here. In the spring and summer months, they have free family movies on the weekends. Not easy to get into, though. Everyone hears FREE and rushes in!
Southern Michigan Prison When my parents first moved to Jackson, people assumed that Dad had done something terrible and was a guest of the State. Nope, they just wanted to start over here. The Prison is still one of the largest employers in the area. Of course, it seems every year Jennifer Granholm talks about closing all or part of the prison here, so that could change at any moment.
“Jackson High is better than Lumen Christi” Oh, but I think I could get in trouble with this one!!! So you know, I didn’t say it—I only wrote down what someone else said. Of course, as a proud J-High graduate, I DO agree that my school is better than Christi. No matter how many times people are down on the public school system, I am pleased with the education I got there.
Ella Sharp Park/Museum In the early 1900’s, Ella W. Sharp left over 500 acres of land to the City of Jackson. Today, that land is a public park housing a museum, golf course, pool, miniature golf course, softball diamonds, soccer fields, picnic areas, and much more. It is one of the most popular summer spots in the city.
Jackson Pizza Factory I’d love to have some interesting, tasty tidbit to put here, but I can’t. I know where the Pizza Factory is. Grandma and Grandpa Kinney used to have a porcelain doll shop right across North Street from the Factory. But I am not sure that I have ever eaten there. Sad.
Jacskon Coney Island I know I have eaten here before. My mother-in-law, God bless her, was never much of a cook. She ordered in from so many places that many had a standing order with her name on it. OK, so maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration. But she did order out a lot. My husband and I often went to pick up meals for her from Jackson Coney Island, which she sometimes referred to as “The Redneck Coney Island Place.” Food is AWESOME, though.
Paka Plaza (now Jackson Crossing) It’s been, wow, near 20 years now since this chopping center was officially renamed Jackson Crossing. Still, a lot of people think of it as Paka Plaza. I used to laugh at my one sister for that. When she moved to Canada, it was Paka. When she came for a visit a few years later, it was The Crossing. When she comes to visit, she still calls it Paka.
Hinkley’s This is both a good thing and a bad thing about Jackson. Good because the donuts are fresh and huge and oh-so-tasty. Bad because the donuts are fresh and huge and oh-so-tasty. And did I mention that Hinkley’s is just two block from my house? Walking outside on a Wednesday morning (they are closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday), the first thing I notice is the fresh-baked scent floating down the street from Hinkley’s. Let me tell you, that is not an easy smell to stomach when following the Weight Watchers plan!
Can you think of anything else that is Uniquely Jackson? I’d be happy to add to the list! My goal is make Jackson really come alive in this book. Your help is appreciated!
