Whether you are bringing a carload of youngsters or an entire industry's worth of executives, this full-service receptive agency can make your tour of Jackson memorable and efficient. Offering customized tour planning and step-on guides to the city and area, Harold Johnson and his friendly staff can cater a sightseeing plan for groups ranging in size from one to 100. As the company operates its own fleet of tour buses, you will not be encumbered with middle men and extra charges. The company's years of local experience translate into a comprehensive and informed tour for all.

Detailing a century and a half of fire fighting triumphs and tragedies, the Fire Museum features a stunning array of artifacts, uniforms, helmets and fire apparatuses. The collection includes much of the equipment that was used in fighting some of Jackson's most famous blazes, including a 1904 horse-drawn steamer and many similar precursors to today's modern fire trucks. The museum's Public Fire Safety Education Center is located within the museum, and offers education for both children and adults on how to prevent and fight fires within the home.

Attached to the Mississippi Museum of Art, this important branch is dedicated to promoting art in all its forms to the general public. In addition to housing an exhaustive gift shop that features prints, artifacts, cards and educational toys, the Center is home to the state's most comprehensive art education program. Whether you are looking for technical instruction for yourself or a simple course in art appreciation for the kids, this forward-thinking center has a program for you.

Whether you are looking for a long-term commitment or a quick convenient workout, Fitness Lady is a good choice. Offering the full range of exercise options, from aerobics, weights, and fitness machines to yoga, power-punch and all the cutting-edge programs, this all-women's gym provides more options than a typical fit-minded person will ever need. Located close to downtown in the Promenade Shopping Center, you will not have to travel far for your fitness experience. Call for details on one-time or short-term memberships.

Mississippi is rich with musical heritage and has produced some of the past century's most celebrated and successful talent. This storied heritage is well-preserved and on full display at this modern museum just north of downtown. Virtually every genre of music is represented-jazz,country,gospel, rock and the king of it all, the Mississippi Delta blues. Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Ike and Tina Turner, and the king of Mississippi music, Elvis Presley, are well-documented through films, interviews, recordings and memorabilia.

Founded in 1837, the Clarion-Ledger is the second-oldest company in the state, and one of the nation's few remaining statewide-circulated daily newspapers. Purchased by Gannet in 1982, this remains Jackson's chief source for daily news, and is delivered to most hotels and available at all area news stands. Tours are available at the site, or visit their Web site for a virtual, on-line tour.

Thought to be the oldest standing house in Jackson, this handsome residence was built by James Hervey Boyd, Jackson's three-time mayor during the 1850s. Now owned by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, the museum is furnished with period furniture throughout, including a sofa from Abraham Lincoln's law office in Springfield, Illinois. The guided tour takes about half an hour and costs $3 for adults, $2 for students and $1 for kids; group rates are also available.

In the distant past, the rails made Jackson an important distribution center even before the Civil War, and today, Amtrak travel is still a great way to move around the South. Although much less utilized than in previous generations, Jackson is still a main stop on the route from Chicago to New Orleans, and daily trains still service the Crescent City. For general departure information and reservations, call Amtrak directly at +1 800 872 7245.

"Dedicated to exposing Jackson's unique capabilities to the business world," this accessible group of specialists is ready to assist in planning for local business affairs, family reunions, vacations and more. A full staff is on hand to distribute visitor and accommodation guides, maps, tour information, and restaurant and catering advice. Located just north of the Capitol building in downtown Jackson, these capable advisors will convince you that their motto holds true: "There's no better way to sample the South than by a trip to Jackson."

This team of local specialists stands ready to provide you with information on area business development, statistics about the regional economic climate, building specs, site inspections and other critical data. President Duane O'Neill and his staff have all the resources to make a temporary or permanent relocation to Jackson smooth and efficient. New resident information, long-term visit planning, housing markets, special events planning and permits are all available. This group is located in Old Fire Station #1, a historically renovated landmark on the same block as Jackson City Hall.