About Hinds County, MS

Last week I attended an informative presentation about all the growth and renovation throughout the entire downtown Jackson area. I wanted to see for myself what the buzz was about.

There are currently 16 projects, large ones, in "the works", and several already in progress.

A few days later I took a walk through the Historic Fondren District and took the following photos along Duling Avenue.

These two photos depict the newly constructed Fondren Place, set to open in mid-November. The building will house BankPlus and have other office spaces, some retailers, and a restaurant. There are also loft apartments and rooftop decks.

The newly refurbished Duling School, which is adjacent to the new Fondren Place building, is set to open as a mixed-use property. The School will contain a restaurant called The Auditorium, The Elephant's Ear, an antique store, a jewelry store, and several other retailers.

Many other projects are being started and planned in different parts of downtown Jackson, but there are too many to discuss here. The information is overwhelming, but I will post more as time permits. Meanwhile, you may want to visit Downtown Jackson Partners and The City of Jackson.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

Yesterday was a beautiful, crisp fall day in the Jackson Metro area, a perfect day for visiting the historic Fondren district.

We loaded up the "little girls" and took them to the downtown area so they could play and the "big girls" could shop.

St. Luke's Fundraiser was for the benefit of both St. Luke's Church and the Methodist Children Home.

There is a lot to see and do in the Fondren area. Good food, including Walker's Drive Inn, Rooster's Restaurant, Basil's, quaint shops, multiple area churches, and a community grocery store to name a few. Take some time and take a leisurely stroll through the area and enjoy some good local cuisine. We did!

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

Have you filed your 2007 tax return? Well, call me the procrastinator. I beat the October 15 deadline for filing my Federal tax return by a full seven days. Woo hoo! As I left the accountant's office, I assured her that THIS year will be different. Unfortunately, she knows me well enough by now that she is taking a "I'll believe it when I see it" attitude.

This blog is to remind everyone about the economic stimulus package which passed earlier this year. In order to receive a check, your tax return must be filed by October 15. An news article appeared in this weekend's business section reminding those who don't normally file a return (eligible seniors and veterans) that they MUST FILE to receive the stimulus check. A taxpayer must have earned at least $3,000 in 2007, and social security benefits can be applied to the threshold. Those who file a tax extension should also be reminded about the deadline.

According to the IRS, over 6,000 recipients in the Jackson Metro area have not submitted their tax return, and will forfeit the money if a return is not filed by the October 15 deadline. On the national level, the number of taxpayers not filing is staggering.

Take a moment to insure those who routinely file tax extensions, or an elderly parent, is aware of this deadline and takes immediate action to file a 2007 return.

Written and published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Associates, LLC

The Mississippi state fair is back in town, in Jackson, Mississippi. And, this year's state fair has over 60 rides to choose from, which may seem overwhelming for many eager fair lovers. So, North American Midway Entertainment has listed some of the most popular and fun rides that you may want to visit first.

The Crazy Mouse Spinning Roller Coaster made the top of the list. This fun roller coaster is made up of 1,200 feet of track that turns and dips in ways that make riders want to come back for more. You actually get to spin on this roller coaster.

You will find that the Mega Drop is the tallest ride at the fair, a 130 foot vertical drop. This ride is definitely not for the faint of heart. Some call it the tower of power. The ride lifts you 130 feet in the air, and hovers you high in the air for a few second before it plunges you to the ground.

On the Fireball, you can spin 360 degrees. For a cooler ride, you can hit the White Water Flume, but you are sure to get really wet. For those with a need for speed, you will find the Remix II and Himalaya are very fast rides. They are both sure to get your blood flowing. And, of course there's always the Ferris Wheel that will leisurely take you 85 feet in the air for great views of the Fairgrounds and surrounding areas.

For smaller kids, there is the famous Merry Go Round, along with the Wacky Worm Rollercoaster, and Rockin' Tug, which are all located in Kiddy Land.

The fair is open everyday until October 12^th. There will be special events days throughout the week such as Ride-A-Thon, Family Nights and Kids Day. Ride-A-Thon will be Friday, Oct. 10 from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. For $20.00 you can ride unlimited rides. Family Night will be Tuesday Oct. 12 from noon until 11 p.m. and Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. For $25.00 you can ride unlimited rides. Kids Day will be Friday, Oct. 10 from noon until 6 p.m. Ride for one less coupon all day.

The fair also has competitive exhibits, live bands, talent competitions, senior day, fair talent day, the fetch club, game and craft booths, and the Mississippi trade mart. You can also get in the fair everyday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and enjoy lunch.

It's a great place to go and have fun. We hope you get to try and enjoy all the rides there.

So, you want to gather with friends after work or dine out after an especially challenging day? One of my favorite places to go in the Jackson Metro area is Char, which is located off I-55 at Northside Drive in Highland Village.

Char is well-known for their mouthwatering steaks and seafood. While the food at Char is scrumptious, my favorite spot is in the Piano Bar, where patrons can listen to smooth jazz by talented musicians. The décor is rich wood, high top tables, and a beautiful Steinway baby grand. The atmosphere is cozy, relaxing, and the service is superb. Listening to jazz and socializing with friends is a fantastic way to spend the evening.

Char offers an authentic New Orleans Jazz Brunch on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They also have private dining rooms suitable for private parties, meetings, etc.

If you've never experienced Char, you are in store for a pleasant surprise. Char may just become your new favorite place to be!

Char Restaurant, 4500 I 55 Frontage Rd N Jackson MS 39211

Written by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Associates