About Rankin County, MS

Looking for a gym to fulfill your New Year's Resolution, or perhaps you've just moved to the area and are looking for a place to work out? Try one of the numerous locations of Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club. With locations in Jackson, Byram, Flowood, and Madison, you are sure to find a location near you.

Personally, I've been interested in joining a yoga class for quite some time. Today I toured the Lakeland Courthouse because I heard their facility had a yoga program. Depending on your schedule, they have classes Monday-Wednesday evenings, Thursday mornings, three sessions on Saturday, and one on Sunday.

My tour guide led me through the facility where there were free weights, stationary weights, a spin class, 4 racquet ball courts, 4 tennis courts, and a full size basketball court.

They have an olympic-size heated pool that is open year round, and water exercise classes are available as well as swimming lessons.

They offer pilates, aerobics, a hip-hop dance class for those so inclined, and a Silver Sneakers program for members over 60.

Their cardio equipment has flat screen TV viewing mounted to each machine.

Their women's only locker room has a private exercise room complete with a whirlpool and showers.

I was impressed with the facility, and found their prices reasonable. Visit Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club to find a location near you.

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Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Flowood, MS is growing, a fact easily recognized by driving along the retail district on Lakeland Drive (Highway 25 North).

The final quadrant of Flowood's shopping mecca, Market Street, is slated to open in March of this year. Store anchors will include J.C. Penney's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and Michaels. Numerous smaller stores will fill the remainder of the facility.

Market Street will have more than 300,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Cheddar's Restaurant opened recently at the intersection of Old Fannin Road and Lakeland Drive. Food there is highly recommended and the portion size is generous.

The other three corners of Old Fannin and Lakeland are home to Dogwood Festival Market and Promenade. Anchors along the north side of Lakeland Drive (the Promenade) include Kroger Supermarket, Stein Mart and Target.

Belk's Department Store, Border's, and Pier One are located southeast of Lakeland Drive (Dogwood Festival Market).

Restaurants including Back Yard Burger, Up the Creek, Zaxby's, McAllisters, and Chick-Fil-A are plentiful along the corridor, as are a number of banks.

Lowe's Home Improvement and Hobby Lobby anchor the northwest corner along Lakeland Drive and Lakeland Commons.

Flowood, MS is one of the fastest growing cities in the state and is home to Jackson International Airport, River Oaks Hospital, and numerous hotels and businesses.

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

Castlewoods Country Club is located off Highway 25 in northwest Rankin County. This locally owned club features an 18-hole golf course, "The Bear", designed by the Jack Nicklaus' Group as well as a nine hole course named "The Moose".

Drive down Castlewoods Blvd., and you'll see the clubhouse, lake, and the 8,500 square foot deck. The clubhouse has a pro shop, a snack bar and grill, and provides members a place to relax after a round of golf or a long day.

The club can host weddings, receptions, or meetings, and recently they were licensed to serve alcoholic drinks. Since Rankin County is a dry county, Castlewoods Country Club is the only facility where drinks other than beer or light wine can be served.

Castlewoods offers tennis courts and an olympic sized swimming pool in addition to golf. To learn more about Castlewood Country Club, visit the website.

Search homes for sale in Castlewoods, Brandon, MS

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Lake Caroline, Madison, MS (Residential)

Mississippi's largest private lake devlopment, now in her prime. With more shoreline. More waterfront and waterview homesites. More spectactilar sunrises and sunsets. More ways to escape the world that is too much with us. Relax on your private pier. Host a party at the clubhouse deck. Fish for trophy bass. Sail, ski or sit by the shore and take it all in. Meet friends at the pool or tennis courts. Play games at the children's pool and playground. Your most practical choice is where to live. Mississippi's largest private lake developement, now in her prime. Call (601) 605-4458 for more information.

Homes from $175,000 to over 1 million

Map & Directions

I-55 north to Gluckstadt exit. West on Gluckstadt Rd. to Catlett Road. Turn right and follow signs.

Open Houses aren't always an effective use of time, but occasionally there are listings that warrant them. Years ago I read an article about Open Houses and it made sense to me...only hold a house open if it's in a PRIME LOCATION, i.e. high traffic area or if the property has certain characteristics that make it unique or will be a big draw.

I've listed such a house. My plan was to have an Open House next Sunday. It was listed too late to advertise in my local newspaper THIS week, so Sunday, February 1 is my target date.

My client informed me this morning that next Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Will anyone show up? Can my listing compete with the preparations for the most sacred day of the year for football fans?

The property is located on a golf course. Specifically Patrick Farms Golf Club. In addition, it's on the lake at Patrick Farms. It's a great house, immaculately clean, granite countertops, hardwood floors, etc. It's also priced to sell.

What's your opinion? Honestly, will serious buyers come to an Open House on Super Bowl Sunday? I'm planning to have the house open from 2-4 p.m.

I'd love your feedback.

Thanks.

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