By Danielle Devota

Jackson is known for some pretty unique things. For starters, it played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. There are lots of great historical sites throughout the city. Jackson also is famous for the coney dog, claiming to be the birthplace of this well-known delight.

On my last visit to Jackson, I decided to further explore these points of interest. I started my visit by checking into Tru by Hilton. The Jackson location is modern and spacious. I especially appreciated the grocery and convenience store on-site, where I could grab drinks, snacks, or anything else I forgot (toothpaste, anyone?).

After dropping off my gear, I headed downtown to start my journey down the history of the Underground Railroad. There are a couple options for this tour—either a self-guided walking tour or step-on bus tour. The historic sites are marked by bronze plaques, making them easy to spot. Equipped with the tour stop map available online, I opted for the walking version. The first stop was the Michigan Central Railroad Depot, which was a departure point for many enslaved people on their way to freedom. From there, I hit Bucky Harris Park, First Congregational Church, Under the Oaks Park, and finally, Mt. Evergreen Cemetery.

By that time, I had worked up quite the appetite. I decided it was time to check out Jackson’s other claim to fame—the coney dog. There are several locations to try this delectable dish throughout Jackson, and I decided to pick Virginia Coney Island, voted the No. 1 coney dog in Jackson. I went for the original VCI Coney Dog.

After this treat, I headed to the Ella Sharp Museum. I’ve visited this museum once before, but since the exhibits rotate regularly, it’s always a great place to enjoy the rich history in Jackson. While I didn’t have time this visit, the Hurst Planetarium and Historic Farmlane also are well worth the time.

While the coneys were good, I was hungry for a larger meal at this point. I headed to One North Kitchen and Bar, which is a great location for single travelers and groups alike. I enjoyed a beer and the Bourbon Salmon outside near the fire.

It was another visit to remember, and I promised myself I would be back to explore more of Jackson soon.