Experience Jackson

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,...

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...

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 c...

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 Tr...

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 Experien...

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 c...

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...

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 t...

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 offe...

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...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Kelly Crum and John Willis, both active community members and committee members for the Jackson Juneteenth Celebration. This event not only highlights the five pillars of Education, Tribute, Celebration, Solidarity, and Service through the various events over a 3-day period. In 2025,...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Joe Fowler, President of Michigan International Speedway. Not only can you experience a race on NASCAR’s fastest track in Brooklyn in Jackson County, but there are plenty more opportunities throughout the year you might not expect. Every holiday, you can enjoy miles of drive-thru ligh...

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...

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...

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 farmer...

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 w...

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-...

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...

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 9...

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...

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...

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 bac...

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 sa...

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...

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 wit...