Retro Roadmap Writeup
Built in 1923, beautifully renovated and reopened in 2009 after laying dormant for 40 years, we had the most elegant stay of our trip at the historic King Edward hotel in Jackson, MS (now called the Hilton Garden Inn.)
There has been a hotel on this site since before the Civil War, with the most current incarnation being a mix of the 1923 building, some beaux arts details from that period plus modernist elements from a 1955 renovation, and some "Hilton brand design requirements." (whatever they are) thrown in for good measure. All I know is it was a vintage feel with a clean elegant touch. Nice!
Were we happily surprised to drop our bags at this swanky place after a night of driving in the pouring rain and our dubious drive into downtown Jackson. We arrived late but were able to self park in their secure lot and check in easily. Our room was wonderfully appointed, and had I not been so roadweary when we entered the room I would've snapped a photo. I crashed immediately but RetroRoadhusband was keen on using their gym - next to the indoor swimming pool no less!
The next morning I enjoyed seeing some relics from the former life of this grand hotel, artfully displayed in a case in the lobby.
(Had I read this more closely at the time I would've known to look for the old King Edward
when we stayed in Beaumont TX a few days later)
I love the fact that there used to be a house physician AND Public Stenographer on site.
Here's the front of the hotel during the day,
Complete with cool old rooftop sign:
Walking outside in the daylight we realized how close the hotel was to the Amtrak station and I thought what a cool idea it would be to take the train on a journey, hop out here and spend a luxury night, then hop back on the train.
Regular folks may be a bit surprised to see the stores across the street "in transition", but RetroRoadfolks will appreciate the vintage signage of Cohen Brothers and Lott Furniture.
Or maybe the People's Cafe!
Lodging on our retro road trip ran the gamut from crashing at folks' houses in Atlanta to sleeping 4 to a hotel room in Austin, and of course our wacky stay in a Wigwam in Kentucky.The fact that this grand hotel was a Priceline property and a retro-roadmap worthy place was just icing on the cake.
Breanna Griffin
July 30, 2011 at 11:43 amI am looking for a cafe that was opened in 1982 on capitol st in jackson, ms. I am in surch for my real father and he co owned this business. I am unsure of the name but i do know that it was a coffee cafe. His first name is Robert and co owned it with his significate other. This cafe was diagonally across from a gay bar. Been searching for 10 years. The other information I know about him is that he worked as a bartender at a gay bar around the corner from krystal burger at capitol st. He worked there before he owned the cafe. I do not know his last name but if any one reading this from the gay community recognizes the description of this cafe and knows the last name of my father robert could you please contact me at [email protected] with any information. Thank you.
roadsidewonders
May 18, 2011 at 4:34 pmWow, Capitol Street sure has a ton of vintage goodness! (Love your bags in the lobby, BTW)
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
May 18, 2011 at 10:17 pmOh it does…and wait ’til I write about the oldest restaurant in Jackson – just a 2 block walk up Capitol! Also learned while researching this piece that the train station was renovated as well. Maybe I’ll hop on the tracks and head on down there. That would be a cool way to see the sights!