They call it “The City with Soul,” and after 25 years of travel writing, I can tell you—Jackson earns that title every time. I’ve followed the sounds of blues, gospel, folk, and jazz down its streets, and you can feel the music in the air here. If you're drawn to rich Southern culture, beautiful architecture, and manicured gardens that feel like little escapes, Jackson won't disappoint. Now, if you're anything like me and searching for a romantic dinner spot, your challenge won't be finding one—it'll be narrowing it down. I’ve dined in elegant French restaurants tucked inside historic inns, soaked up the vibe in lively spots where the music and food compete for your attention, and lingered over wine in cozy bistros that feel like a warm hug. You really can't go wrong here.

Best Romantic Restaurants

Table 100

Table 100

Table 100 - Savor Southern flavors and enjoy live jazz on a romantic weekend dinner.                                    

1908 Provisions

1908 Provisions

1908 Provisions - Dine on seasonal fare and admire elegant surroundings during a couples night out.                                    

Amerigo Italian Restaurant

Amerigo Italian Restaurant

Amerigo Italian Restaurant - Savor classic pasta and explore rich Italian flavors on an easy dinner trip.                                    

Caet

Caet

Caet - Enjoy fresh seafood and sip fine wine on a romantic evening escape.                                    

Char Restaurant

Char Restaurant

Char Restaurant - Savor steaks and listen to live music on a relaxing weekend outing.                                    

Drago's Seafood Restaurant

Drago's Seafood Restaurant

Drago's Seafood Restaurant - Taste charbroiled oysters and enjoy exciting Gulf flavors on an affordable dining trip.                                    

Local 463 Urban Kitchen

Local 463 Urban Kitchen

Local 463 Urban Kitchen - Explore creative dishes and savor bold bites on a quick foodie adventure.                                    

In Summary...

(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)