Jackson, the state capital, is a rapidly growing urban center situated in the heart of the Sunbelt. In addition to serving as the political center, Jackson is also the social and cultural capital of the state.

The Mississippi Arts Center, in downtown Jackson, was opened to the public in 1978. Encompassed in this contemporary facility is the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Russell C. Davis Planetarium, and the Thalia Mara Hall for the performing arts, site of the International Ballet Competition in 1979, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1996,1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010, the only such competitions held in the United States. Jackson hosts regular performances by Ballet Magnificat and the Atlanta Ballet. Other venues for indulging one's fine arts interests include the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Opera, and local stage groups such as New Stage Theater. Jackson is also home to the annual Crossroads Film Fest, which showcases national and local films and arthouse offerings.

For those who enjoy Rock and Country-Western music, the 10,000 seat Mississippi Coliseum regularly schedules big name entertainment groups.

We have a local minor league baseball team the Mississippi Braves, the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Located just 15 minutes north of the Medical Center, the 30,000 acre Ross Barnett Reservoir has excellent facilities for boating, sailing and fishing. Due to the excellent climate, the Jackson Yacht Club conducts multi-class sailboat races on the reservoir year-round. Also, there are dozens of accessible state parks where campers can enjoy canoeing, boating and hiking. The mild winters in the deep South make it ideal for athletic pastimes year round. The Mississippi Track Club hosts road races year-round, and the Mississippi Canoe and Kayak Club takes frequent trips to rivers and creeks in Mississippi and the Southeast, as well as ocean-kayak trips on the Gulf Coast.

The Norman C. Nelson Student Union at the Medical Center consists of a food court, bookstore and recreation and fitness center and is available to our psychology residents. The fitness center is open Monday through Thursday from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.; Friday 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.; Saturday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; and Sunday 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tennis, golf, and racquetball facilities are also located near the Medical Center campus. Local health clubs provide swimming pools, aerobics classes, Nautilus and other machines, racquet sports, and an outdoor jogging trail. A modern YMCA is only minutes from the complex and offers extensive recreational facilities.

The distinctive Southern life style, both present day and antebellum, is a cultural and historical experience that makes a lasting impression on those who visit the historic landmarks. The mansions of Natchez, the Natchez Trace, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Mynelle Gardens in Jackson evoke strong sentiments of generations past. Natchez and close-by Vicksburg also offer the entertainment and glitter of casino gambling.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast and barrier islands are just 3 hours away, easily accessible for a weekend of beach fun, deep sea fishing or casino gambling. Bourbon Street, the Garden District, and the Superdome of New Orleans are also a quick 3 hour trip away directly south on I-55. Finally, such events as The Delta Blues Festival, Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade, Jubilee Jam, The Dixie National Rodeo (the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River), Hog Wild in June and the International Gumbo Cookoff and Festival are held annually in Mississippi. Jackson is also the site of the annual Mississippi State Fair. Memphis is a 3 hour jaunt north and offers another great opportunity for a weekend getaway.