Experience Jackson

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Loren Fay, part of the committee planning the Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade, now in its 35th year. The parade falls the Friday before Thanksgiving and marks Santa’s official entrance into town for the season. Learn about some of the details of the 2026 event; including the 250th anniversary of the country and its patriotic theme. 

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/DowntownJacksonChristmasParade.  

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023 

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Ridge and Mariel Frew, owners of Love, Pasta, a family-owned handcrafted pasta restaurant and bar in Jackson, Michigan. They specialize in handmade pasta, from scratch sauces and meatballs. Whether welcoming old friends or making space for new ones, their welcoming, comfortable space offers much more than a great meal.  

Learn more at https://lovepastajackson.com/.  

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023 

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes John Spink, Owner and Creator of Halloween Nite Lites, a 2-mile Halloween themed light show at Michigan International Speedway. This event, in its second year, plays off of John’s 31 years of experience operating the Christmas Nite Lites Show in the same fashion. Halloween Nite Lites runs early October through the end of the month and features a Family Fun Walk through the lights on October 24. Otherwise, you can drive a car, limo, motorcoach or bus through the display or hop a ride on the trackless train for a more open-air experience.  

Learn more at www.nitelitesshow.com 

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023 

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Laura Davenport, owner of The Blue Julep, a bakery with southern flair whipping up cakes, cupcakes and cheesecakes for weddings, birthdays and everyday treats in downtown Jackson. Learn how Laura integrates a love of her home state of Kentucky into the community through delicious treats.  

Learn more at https://www.thebluejulep.com/  

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023 

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Laura Mendez, a committee member who helps plan Parma Day, a celebration of the Village of Parma, which falls early October each year – started in the 1970s. The one-day event features a parade, vendors, foam pit, live music, cornhole tournament, petting zoo, food trucks, community fun and more! You’ll hear how the village’s tight-knit nature brings them together and welcomes you to come enjoy the fun! The 2026 event takes place on October 3. 

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/7259966387444535/  

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023  

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Kelli Hoover with the City of Jackson to talk about a recently opened venue in downtown Jackson, called City Center (housed in a former Masonic Temple lodge), built in 1908 and designed by renowned architect Claire Allen. City Center is a dynamic community hub aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing community engagement, and preserving architectural heritage. This central downtown location will enrich lives by offering accessible spaces for collaboration, celebration and culinary creativity. 

Learn more at https://www.cityofjackson.org/1516/City-Center  

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023 

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Michael Klintworth of the Jackson Generals. The Jackson Generals is a new semi-pro hockey league hosted at Optimist Arena in Jackson, with inaugural games kicking off October 2026. Learn about the motivation behind this new team and how you can enjoy some action on the ice with friends and family in Jackson.  

Learn more at https://www.jacksongeneralshockey.com/ 

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023 

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Travis Marlow, Coordinator of the Jackson College Astronomical Observatory. The observatory opens up a window to the universe, offering students and the community an incredible opportunity to explore the night sky. Travis shares about his connection to the stars and how you can join him and others to view the sky beyond what the naked eye can capture. 

Learn more at https://www.jccmi.edu/campus-life/explore-campus/campus-spaces/astronomical-observatory/  

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023  

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes John and Chelsea Hess, owners of The Back Nine Jackson, an indoor golf simulator destination perfect for practice, fun and world-class courses, available 24/7. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or interested in learning a new sport, The Back Nine is available for drop-in tees time as well as memberships. The Hess’ place a strong emphasis on community, and it shows through their conversation and passion. 

Learn more at https://thebackninegolf.com/local/jackson-mi/  

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023 

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Gerald Easton, owner of Otterly Fun Kayak Rental, offering a variety of kayaks, paddle boards and tubes for rent. Guests can choose to pick up equipment or have it both delivered and picked up by us when you're done. Enjoy a hassle-free adventure on the water, with our convenient rental services. Gerald is passionate about making this a family-friendly venture with a focus on quality service and events to connect.  

Learn more at https://otterlyfunkayakrentalsllc.com/ 

You can always connect to learn more about Jackson County, Michigan and plan your visit at ⁠⁠www.experiencejackson.com⁠⁠. Experience Jackson is Jackson County’s official tourism bureau.  
 
CREDITS  
Podcast recorded, produced, and edited by Rachel Buchanan  
Music Bed: Upbeat Uplifting Indie Pop by pinkzebra 
Registered Project Name: Experience Jackson Podcast 
License Date: 08/08/2023