Experience Jackson

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Ella Hephzibah, who owns the Luna Lux lounge with her husband and chef, Jeremiah. The couple takes their love of food (Big Guy Catering) and hospitality, and blends them to create a dreamy atmosphere for mixology, music and romantic memories in their unforgettable space. Learn about the atmosphere they’re creating and ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back a favorite return guest, Tom Daldin, host of PBS’ Under the Radar Michigan travel television show. We love experiencing Jackson through Tom’s eyes. During his latest visit, he stopped along the Falling Waters Trail, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Gilbert Chocolates, two of Jackson’s iconic coney dog stops – both...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shaggio "Shag" Levesque & McKenna Knipe with Skydive Tecumseh. Both expert jumpers and experienced creators share the thrill and excitement that taking a leap. Skydive Tecumseh is Michigan’s #1 longest running drop zone. Established in 1964, they’ve been helping Michiganders experience the joy of human flight for o...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes both Alexey Vermeulen and Bill Marshall to talk about gravel cycling and the NEW Irish Hills Gravel, coming to Jackson County (the Irish Hills of Brooklyn) on October 18, 2025. The race will start and end at Michigan International Speedway, and touch corners of Brooklyn, Lenawee and Washtenaw Counties with rider’s choi...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Aidan Sova, one of two lead facilitators for the upcoming AIQ (Artificial Intelligence Quotient) Workshop coming to Jackson on September 18, 2025. Sova (Google) will be joined by Amy Hinchey (Microsoft), along with a selection of expert panelists and a guest appearance by Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dr. Tyree Guyton, the creator of Detroit’s famous Heidelberg Project, bringing the 40 Years in the Hood: Detroit’s Heidelberg Project Exhibit to Jackson’s Ella Sharp Museum - as well as Curator, Coach, and Special Advisor Jenenne Whitfield. More than any other Urban Environment artist, Guyton has taken on the adage "on...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Scott Pienta, owner of The Parlour of Jackson, an iconic must-visit in Jackson County. From the Dare to Be Great Challenge (21 scoops of ice cream) to the Dare to Be Great FOOD Challenge, over 100 years of nostalgia and tradition in a 50’s themed parlor setting, you won’t want to miss the chance to indulge here. Not to...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Sandra Phelan with the Potter Center at Jackson College to share about the upcoming season of events. The calendar welcomes Irish music & dance, county music, 90s contemporary music, musical tributes, classic rock, a pet show and a musical to name a few! From unforgettable concerts to captivating theater performanc...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dodi Wheeler, manager of the Grand River Farmer’s Market, which open three times weekly during the warm weather months, and once a week during the rest of the year. The Market offers fresh Michigan-sourced goods & produce from local farmers and artisans, with live music, special demonstrations and other activities ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Beth Kuiper, Executive Director for the Jackson Downtown Development Authority, to talk about a variety of ways to experience downtown Jackson! From the monthly downtown Cruise-In, Concert and food truck events throughout the warmer weather months, to shops and botiques, restaurants, the social district and entertainme...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Lei Mullins, owner of Rage FX Rage Room in Jackson. Whether it’s having an experience in one of their themed rage rooms, creating a masterpiece in their graffiti space, or renting a party room, your family, group or team can enjoy the release of some energy along with a smashing time together!  Valid ID and waiver requ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Nate Mahan, local expert on Hobie Fleet 58 & sailing on Clark Lake in Jackson County. Whether you’ve been on the water many times, or if you’ve not yet experienced sailing, there are connections for you in Jackson County. From fishing to recreation and other lake activities, you can learn more on this episode about...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Andy Behling, one of the two brothers who make up MI Playground. Andy is passionate about the outdoors, and has visited Jackson County on multiple occasions, many of which he’s biked his favorite (fat tire bike) trails, both rough terrain and on paved paths, like the Falling Waters Trail. This episode is just one part ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Pat Sowle, Manager of On Two Wheels, a bike shop that’s been a staple of the Jackson community for over 30 years - where you can let your whole family enjoy the freedom and fun of cycling with quality bikes and repair services. This episode is just one part of a series on the Experience Jackson podcast we’re calling Sh...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes our own Steve Trosin! Steve came to Experience Jackson because of his affinity for biking, as he handles Experience Jackson’s outdoor recreation. This episode is just one part of a series on the Experience Jackson podcast we’re calling Shifting Gears. We’ll talk with enthusiasts and connections who share why Jackson Co...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Scott Gibson, a developer with CollierGibson and riding enthusiast who’s fallen in love with the roads and pavement of Jackson County. This episode is just one part of a series on the Experience Jackson podcast we’re calling Shifting Gears. We’ll talk with enthusiasts and connections who share why Jackson County is a s...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Kyle Lewis, Jackson County Parks Director, who shares about the 17 county parks which feature everything from a man-made waterfall featured in the center of Jackson’s largest park, a splash pad, kayak launches, trails, pickleball courts, playground, picnic options and more!  Gear up to enjoy the scenery, recreational o...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Tina Mercier, Ella Sharp Museum’s Director of Member and Volunteer Engagement. She is also a part of the team coordinating the 20th annual Art, Beer, & Wine Festival (June 7, 2025) at Ella Sharp Museum. This event includes multiple Michigan breweries, distileries and wineries offering tastings, alongside a variety ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Joy Hardie, who owns and operates Helmer Castle, along with her husband Mike. A winding half-mile path leads up to the 20 secluded, private acres, and the impressive 6 story 1920’s Stone Medieval-style Helmer Castle, with a unique history of charm and whimsy. Today, the castle serves as an intimate venue for weddings, ...