Jackson's BEST Kept Secret: Suburban Studios North Jackson!
Jackson's BEST Kept Secret: Suburban Studios North Jackson - A Review That's Real (and a Little Messy)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a week at Suburban Studios North Jackson, and I'm here to spill the tea… and maybe a little coffee on my notes. This isn't your pristine, corporate-approved review. This is raw, unfiltered… me. And honestly? It’s got some serious ups and downs.
First Impressions & Rambling Thoughts:
So, "BEST Kept Secret," huh? Well, the secret part is definitely debatable. The "North Jackson" part is spot-on. Driving up, it's… well, suburban. Think manicured lawns, the occasional barking dog, and a general sense of "I'm not sure I'm in a bustling metropolis." But hey, quiet can be a good thing, right? Especially if you're escaping… life.
Accessibility & "Oh, That's Thoughtful" Moments:
Right off the bat (and this is huge for me), Accessibility: It’s pretty good! They've definitely put some thought into it. Wheelchair accessible throughout most of the property, which is a major win. Elevator? Yep, got one. That extra bit is always appreciated.
But… Accessibility is more than ramps: It's about feeling included. That’s where things get… nuanced. A few things felt like genuine consideration, then I'd find myself thinking… "Did they really think this through?"
Cleanliness & Safety - The Pandemic Reality Check:
Let's be real, we're all still a little twitchy about germs, right? Suburban Studios claimed to have this handled. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays (fingers crossed!). They even had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
Here's my experience: I saw the cleaning crew constantly. They were on it. I really felt safe. Staff trained in safety protocol was evident. Masks were worn. But… and this is a BIG but… I saw a cleaning crew get a little chatty with each other during the cleaning process. I'm not judging. They probably were tired. But it took the 'reassurance' away, if you catch my drift.
Rooms & Comfort - Like Living in a (Pretty Nice) Box:
Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - And it actually worked! Glorious. Internet access – wireless? Yup. Internet access – LAN? Technically, yes. But honestly, who uses LAN anymore? My room was surprisingly spacious. Clean, comfortable, the bed was legit good. The blackout curtains were a godsend, blocking out the eternal Texas sun. The desk was perfectly functional for working. Coffee/tea maker? Thank heavens! I need my caffeine fix. My room had a refrigerator too, and was a godsend for keeping my evening snacks fresh. I always appreciate the thoughtfulness behind these small features.
BUT… It wasn't exactly stylish. Perfectly functional, but not exactly inspiring. And the TV? Ancient. Seriously, I think it was from the early 2000s.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - The Culinary Maze:
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. Restaurants. The Restaurant selection was minimal. Like, really minimal. One restaurant. Coffee shop there too. The selection of desserts left something to be desired. Happy hour? More like “meh hour.” They do have a room service [24-hour]. Useful for emergency midnight cravings. Breakfast [buffet] was available. Breakfast takeaway service! Overall, dining felt like a bit of a letdown. But the thing that was almost a deal-breaker…
The "Incident"
One morning, I ordered Breakfast in room. Pancakes, sausage, the whole shebang. I was starving. The Breakfast service was quick, which was great. But when it arrived… the sausage was… off. Like, "I wouldn't feed this to my dog" off. I called, they apologized profusely, and sent up a replacement. I can't even describe how angry I was.
In the moment: I wanted to write a harsh and angry review. I almost did it. But… the way they responded… was good. They genuinely seemed to care, and the replacement food was perfect. So, that's a win, I think.
Things to Do - Finding the Zen (or Not):
Okay, if you're looking for a non-stop party, this ain't it. But if you want to relax, there are options. There's a Fitness center. Gym/fitness? Yeah, with modern, up-to-date equipment. Swimming pool with the view of… well, the suburban landscape. Spa/sauna. Massage. It was all okay.
BUT… The sauna was… small.
Services & Conveniences - The Nitty-Gritty:
Lots of good stuff here. Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? Nice to have. Cash withdrawal on site. Laundry service. Useful too. I'm a messy traveler. Dry cleaning? Also great. They had a Convenience store for the essentials. It was so much easier because they had so many conveniences.
For the Kids (and Families) - Probably Fine:
Family/child friendly, they claim. There are babysitting service. Kids facilities. I will say, there was a general sense of "welcome" towards kids.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer available. Car park [free of charge]. Taxi service is a quick phone call away.
My Verdict (the Messy Truth):
Suburban Studios North Jackson is… complicated. It’s like a box of chocolates: some are delicious, some are… not so much. If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, this probably ain't it. The rooms are nice but basic. The dining is serviceable, with the occasional hiccup.
BUT… the staff, for the most part, really try. The cleanliness is commendable. The accessibility is genuinely thoughtful. And that free Wi-Fi? Clutch.
Would I recommend it?
It depends. If you're seeking a quiet, comfortable, and accessible stay in a suburban setting, it's a solid choice. If you're looking for a five-star experience, you might be disappointed.
Just maybe bring your own sausage. And don’t expect perfection. Expect… real-ness. That’s what Suburban Studios North Jackson is, in a nutshell.
Escape to Paradise: Hawthorn Suites Aransas Pass Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram itinerary. This is REAL LIFE Jackson, Mississippi, in all its glorious, sticky-sweet, and slightly-unpredictable glory. We're hitting Suburban Studios, Jackson North, and who knows what else… let's call it "A Mississippi Meander, with a Touch of Mayhem."
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (and BBQ)
1:00 PM - Arrival, Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN): Ugh. Airports. Always feel like a dehydrated, slightly-crazed gerbil in a hamster wheel. Finding the rental car – hopefully, it's not the lemon I fear it'll be. Praying for good AC, honey, because Mississippi heat is a whole other beast.
1:30 PM - Drive to Hotel/Airbnb (near Suburban Studios): Google Maps is my lifeline. Praying I don't end up in a ditch somewhere listening to banjo music. The air smells of…something. Petrichor mixed with… something else. I'll have to assess as I go.
2:30 PM - Check-in (Whatever the hell it may be): Alright, let's do this.
3:00 PM - The Great BBQ Quest: I am ravenous. This is non-negotiable. Gotta hit up a BBQ joint. Someone, ANYONE, recommend me REAL BBQ. Not that chain store garbage. I'm talking slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs, spicy hushpuppies, and sweet tea that'll make me yodel. I'm going to make sure the sweet tea is actually sweet.
5:00 PM - Settling In & The Dreaded To-Do List: Okay, unpacked, the AC is (thankfully) working, and now, the looming dread of the itinerary. Did I pack enough sunscreen? What if the rental car explodes? Am I going to get eaten by mosquitoes? It's a lot folks.
7:00 PM - A Southern Supper (if I make it): Depending on how much BBQ I consumed (and how hard it hits me), I might try to go to a local diner for some fried green tomatoes or smothered pork chops. Or, I'll just collapse on the bed. No judgment.
Day 2: Suburban Studios & The Artsy Side (Maybe)
9:00 AM - Coffee - I've got to stay alive. I'm going to need the caffeine coursing through me to prepare for the day.
9:30 AM - Suburban Studios, Jackson North: Finally, the reason I'm here! This is where I'll get artistic, so to speak. Let's go!
10:00 AM - Suburban Studios: The Start! I want to get inspired, to feel a connection. But also, I'm a little intimidated. What if I'm just a hack? What if all my ideas are terrible? Deep breaths.
11:30 AM - Lunch Break (Near Suburban Studios): Okay, gotta refuel. Anything… other than fast food. Gotta be something around here, right? Hopefully, a funky little cafe with character, or maybe a dive bar with soul food.
12:30 PM - Back to Art! Maybe I'll finally make something that isn't a total disaster. Or, maybe I'll just wander around and stare dramatically at stuff. Either way, I'll take it.
3:00 PM - A Little Culture (If I'm Feeling It): After the visual stimulation of art, I might go to Mississippi Museum of Art nearby. Or, I could just go back to my room and take a nap. This depends on whether I'm feeling cultured or just exhausted.
5:00 PM - Dinner and maybe a drink: Time to relax, grab supper and a drink. Hopefully, I can find something nearby, to avoid more driving.
Day 3: Exploring Jackson (And Running Away?)
9:00 AM - Breakfast and City Planning: Another day, more caffeine. What to do? What to do? I'm going to attempt to plan the day, which hopefully won't go off the rails.
10:00 AM - The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I'm a little nervous about this one. It's a powerful, difficult, and incredibly important place. I’m not sure how I'll handle it. But I KNOW I need to go. I know it'll change me.
12:00 PM - Lunch & Processing: Probably will need a good cry after the museum. Or maybe a stiff drink. Or both. Gotta find a place to decompress and process.
2:00 PM - Exploring the City (Or Hiding in the Room): Maybe try to hit up some local shops or galleries. Or, maybe, I will want to go back to my room and hide under the covers.
4:00 PM - The Belhaven Neighborhood: If I'm feeling inspired, I might check out Belhaven!
6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner (and Prayer for a Safe Flight): One last Mississippi meal. This time, I'll promise myself I'll order something different. Then, I'll start praying that my flight back is smooth.
Day 4: Departure (Finally!)
9:00 AM - Last-Minute Panic & Packing: Packing. The final, stressful rite of traveler. Did I forget something essential? Probably. Am I actually going to unpack when I get home? Highly doubtful.
10:00 AM - Final Mississippi Moments: One last drive. One last glance at the sky. One last deep breath of…whatever air it is here.
11:00 AM - Return Rental Car: Cross my fingers, and hope the car isn't covered in dents and whatever mysterious stains.
12:00 PM - Jan Airport: Security. Boarding. The end of an adventure. Time to go home!
Suburban Studios North Jackson: Spill the Tea (FAQ Edition... Kinda)
Okay, Okay, First Things First: What *is* Suburban Studios North Jackson, REALLY?
Alright, so picture this: a repurposed… *thing* (I'm honestly not sure what it was before, a warehouse? a secret government bunker? Conspiracy theories abound, okay?), hidden away in the… well, *suburbs* of Jackson, obviously. That's Suburban Studios. Basically, it's a sprawling complex of studios, rehearsal spaces, and... other things. Let's just call them "hangout zones with questionable ventilation," shall we? It’s… it's a *vibe*. A slightly dusty, vaguely bohemian, probably-smells-like-patchouli-and-regret-and-maybe-some-really-good-coffee type of vibe.
For real though, it's a place where musicians, artists, filmmakers, and... other creatives (and by "other creatives", I mean people who *think* they're creative, but actually just… you know…) go to make stuff. Or attempt to make stuff. Or… mostly, hang out and talk about making stuff. It's… a petri dish of artistic ambition and questionable life choices. But hey, I dig it.
Is it *Actually* a Secret? 'Cause I Kinda Found it on Google.
Okay, fine. *Maybe* it's not a *total* secret anymore. Thanks, Google. But the whole *feel* is still… let’s say, intentionally understated. The entrance is unmarked, the parking lot is perpetually populated with beat-up vans and cars that look like they’ve seen more late nights than sunshine. It feels… intimate, you know? Like a secret club you're kind of glad to be a member of, even if the membership dues are paid in… well, artistic energy and maybe a little bit of your soul. Plus I’d imagine most people are too busy in the studio to notice anyone coming in. It's a bubble, man. A wonderfully weird bubble.
One time, I was meeting someone there, and I accidentally went to the wrong door. It was like… a back entrance, just a rusty metal door. I knocked, and this guy, covered in paint and looking more like a disgruntled Viking than a studio owner, just grunted and waved me in. No security, no questions. Just… art. It sums up the whole place, really.
What Kind of People Go There? Should *I* Go There?
The people? Oh, boy. It's a beautiful mess. There are musicians of every stripe, from up-and-coming indie bands to grizzled old session players who could probably still shred your face off. Then you've got filmmakers, photographers, painters, sculptors… the whole shebang. They're all… well, they’re all *characters*. You get the vibe that they exist a little outside of normal life. Which, honestly, is the appeal. You also get those who claim they are, but are mostly hanging around in the hopes that something cool will happen. Those are probably the most fun to watch.
Should *you* go there? Well… are you comfortable with a healthy dose of chaos? A little bit of artistic pretension? A lot of collaboration? If so, then absolutely. Just be prepared for a serious dose of inspiration… and maybe a few existential crises along the way. Also, remember to bring your own coffee. The coffee situation can be… hit or miss.
The Studios. What are they like? Good gear?
Okay, the *studios*. That's where the magic… and, let's be honest, sometimes the frustration… happens. The quality varies, of course. Some rooms are pristine, with top-of-the-line gear, the kind that makes your wallet weep. Others… well, others are more… "vintage." Or, put another way, the gear might be older than you are, and possibly held together with duct tape and sheer will. The sound quality is usually fantastic, though. It just kind of *fits* in Suburban Studios. No perfect sounds, just good ones.
There was this one time, I did a recording session there where the vocal booth smelled faintly of… cat. I can still smell it now. It took a solid hour to get the air freshener situation under control. But hey, the track came out killer! Proof that art trumps all, even feline odors.
I've Heard Rumors of "Creative Hangout Zones." Spill the Tea.
Oh, the *hangout zones*. Ah, yes. This is where the *real* stories are made. They're… well, imagine a collection of mismatched couches, overflowing ashtrays (or maybe repurposed ashtrays for the *really* cool kids), questionable artwork, and a general aura of… well, intellectual freedom. Sometimes there are games. Sometimes food. Sometimes… secrets. It varies. It depends on who’s hanging around at the time. And the vibes can swing from a productive jam session to a full-blown philosophical debate about the merits of… I don't know, the color blue, or the proper way to peel an orange. I’m not even kidding, I’ve witnessed conversations like this.
One night, I was there late, working on a project – a total slog, I’m talking hours of editing. I was at the end of my rope, completely fried. Suddenly, there's this huge commotion: loud laughter, a guitar riff, and the clinking of glasses. I went to investigate, and there was this whole impromptu jam session happening in one of the "chill" areas. I looked at my watch and realized it was 3 AM. I was almost too tired to be annoyed, so I grabbed a beer and joined in. It was… exactly what I needed. That place is a haven, I swear.
Any Advice for a Newcomer?
Alright, LISTEN UP. Here's the gospel according to *moi*: Always bring cash (for coffee, for snacks, for emergencies). Be respectful of the space and the people in it. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Talk to people, ask questions, offer your skills. Go with the flow. Embrace the mess. And, most importantly… don't be a jerk. Artistic ego is one thing; being an… well, a *you know whatWhere To Stay Now
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