Experience Jackson

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Linda Parshall, owner of The Purple Bobbin Quilt Shop in Jackson. Not only do we learn more about what offers quality cotton fabric and notions she offers in her cozy quilt shop, but the community connection that her location offers. Whether it’s the family connection and generations of quilters that inspire her expert...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Brittney Hale, one of the managers at AllSkate Fun Center in Jackson. From themed skate nights to laser tag, an arcade packed full of games and prize center, food court, and more, you can enjoy the space in many ways. Looking for a way to entertain your kids on a summer visit or learn the S.T.E.M. of roller skating and...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Mitzi Koors, the president of Grass Lake Market and Executive Director of Grass Lake DDA. Grass Lake Market has undergone a major renovation in 2025, with once-a-month events running throughout the summer season. Each market features unique vendors and produce from a variety of farmers, alongside kids’ activities, dive...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Steve Rudolf, tour guide with the Historic Jackson Prison Tours, which take place at the original site of Michigan’s First State Prison. In 1839, a makeshift wooden fort with room for just 35 inmates became Michigan’s first state prison: Michigan State Prison or Jackson State Prison was the first prison in Michigan. Wh...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Steve Saari, Director of Golf and Head Golf Professional at Calderone Golf Club. The course features a diverse style of play, with a mix of Scottish-Style links golf with traditional Parkland golf – with natural elevation changes. Their offerings also include an expert club-fitter in-house, along with a Trackman simula...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Patricia Simpson, Executive Director with the Coe House Museum & Grass Lake Area Historical Society. The Coe House Museum is a beautiful Victorian home constructed in 1871 in the Italianate Tuscan Vernacular style; designated as a National Historic Building. Not only does it host a traditional home experience, but ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Jen Lindahl and Cassandra Seagraves with the Commonwealth Commerce Center, a large venue space in downtown Jackson. With 3 banquet rooms, and a variety of other meeting spaces, any event from a corporate event, expo, wedding and other creative occasion can be accommodated. With over 90 parking spaces, beautiful rooms a...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Savannah Sheets, one of the owners of Epiq Escapes in Jackson. Enter a locked room where you must find clues, solve a series of puzzles and riddles, and work together to escape in 60 minutes! All of their games are created locally, with a variety of themes to choose from for all ages to participate. 

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In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Greg Vancalbergh, co-owner of Jackson Popcorn Depot. They specialize in gourmet popcorn, having over 50 different flavors in both sweet & salty varieties, as well as 30+ flavor mixes bagged in store. They also feature cinnamon roasted nuts, cookies, cotton candy, and freeze-dried candy. Learn more about the sweet t...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Phil Fischmeister, Director of Golf at Cascades Golf Course, a municipal course on the outer edges of Sparks Foundation Park in Jackson. The course is known for its rich and traditional design, with four separate teeing areas; offering broad yardage options ranging from 5.282 to a back-tee test of 6.651 yards. Cascades...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Diana Agy, the Peggy Maher endowed chair of regional history and the director of the Heritage Center Museum at Jackson College, a place of inspiration, dedication, and service.  Volunteer students donate their time to collect and share the inspirational stories of Jacksonians whose sacrifice and courage helped shape Am...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shane Stephens, one of the owners of Axe Play, Jackson’s premiere axe throwing bar located in downtown Jackson, offering a full-service experience with professionally trained coaches, leagues, and unique cocktails. Learn how you can book a time to throw in one of their lanes, whether it be with a group or on your next ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Brian and Sally Krichbaum, current owners of Gilbert Chocolates, celebrating 125 years in Jackson.  They've got a long history of homemade chocolate for those who love sugar, sugar-free options, caramel, and even treats for pets! You can book tours or even schedule a gathering with friends to come make your own cho...

 In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Emily Thomas & Stacy Curtis with the Jackson County Fair, organizers of the 14th annual Southern Michigan Winter Beer Fest, coming March 8, 2025. From local to regional brewers and beyond, you’ll enjoy over 150 ciders, meads, wines, craft beers, IPAs, and spirits tasting, live dueling pianos, fire pits, ice sculpt...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Tahny Lowry, who owns Lowry’s Little Flock Farm along with her husband, Kent. The farm is full of goats, chickens, sheep, llamas, alpacas and a donkeys, rabbits, ducks, and more. The farm is free to visit, and offers a chance to feed and interact with nearly 200 animals, enjoy sweet treats at the bake shop, purchase ha...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Nathan Brue, Brewmaster at Ironbark Brewing Co. Ironbark is a friendly neighborhood microbrewery and gastropub, incorporating a fusion of science, art and hospitality, Ironbark has become a destination for those who appreciate local craft beer and good times. Nestled in a cozy neighborhood on Jackson’s south side, they...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Marketing & Development Manager, welcomes Tim Stairs owner of Nostalgia, Ink. In downtown Jackson, celebrating over 35 years of comics, games, collectible figures, and more! Looking for a special back-issue, or to play a drop-in game of Dungeons and Dragons, Tim and his team will take care of you with care and help put together a perfect plan to get you on your way. 
 
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In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Marketing & Development Manager, welcomes John Spink with the Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway. Nite Lites is a five-mile long holiday lights drive through experience, running nightly between Nov. 22, 2024 and Jan. 5, 2025. In it’s 29th year, the show adds new displays each season. View the 12 Days of Christmas, dinosaurs, elf shennanegans, a new fairy tale ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Marketing & Development Manager, welcomes Siera Stoyanovitch, owner of Stoyanna’s Ice Cream and Catering. Siera prides herself in homemade ice cream offerings during the winter months and specializes in made-from-scratch Greek-focused catering for any occasion. From her spinach pies to delicious baklava and other pastry creations, her food is prepared and displayed with ...