Summer is almost here, Jackson. The weather is warm and getting warmer, students are finally out of school, and while plenty of people make plans to head out of town for time on the beach, there are plenty of fun festivals, concerts, classes and other activities in the coming months to keep you entertained without stepping foot out of the Jackson metro area.

Here are a few quick tips to enjoy your summer in Jackson, whether you want to head outside for some sunshine or stay indoors with great summer treats and cocktails.

Blueberries in Wonderland

Babalu Tacos & Tapas' current seasonal margarita is a must-have beverage for fans of fruit-flavored drinks, and nothing says Mississippi summer like blueberries.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. Blueberry compote

1 1/2 oz. Exotico Tequila Reposado

1/2 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur

3 oz. Sweet and sour

Directions

Shake and strain into a stemless martini glass and garnish with a dried basil and sugar rim.

How to Have a Cottage Garden

by Amber Helsel

If you've ever been to the home of the "gestalt gardner" himself, MPB radio host Felder Rushing, then you know that his garden has a lot going on. He has a variety of plants, pieces of art and other items in the space. His style of garden is called a "cottage garden." On his website, Rushing defines the gardening style as one with "the freedom of growing what you like, where you like and how you like." Anyone can have a cottage garden (or at least a piece of one, he says). Here are some common characteristics of a cottage garden.

• Has no obvious design to outsiders, though it does have a definite design.
• Has minimal lawn area.
• Has strong vertical effects from plants such as trees and posts that support vines.
• Has lots of seating, displays evidence of outdoor gardening and living.
• Needs few pesticides.
• Has diverse interplanted flowers and a large variety of potted plants.
• Has "hard features" such as bird baths, signs, yard art and found objects.
• Has abundant wildlife, and the garden often includes food and housing for them.

For more information, visit felderrushing.net.

Keep Cool with Local Treats

by Amber Helsel

The last couple of years, cold treats such as popsicles and frozen yogurt have become a trend. Here are some local businesses you can enjoy cold treats at.

Deep South Pops (1800 N. State St., 601-398-2174, deepsouthpops.com)


What: ice pops, coffee and beers

Pop Culture Pops (3023 N. State St., 601-946-1543)


What: ice pops

Kona Ice of the Bayou (kona-ice.com)


What: Hawaiian shaved ice

Fondren Fro-Yo (2951 Old Canton Road, 601-368-9755, fondrenfroyo.com)


What: frozen yogurt

Berry Berry Good Frozen Yogurt (545 Park Way, Flowood, 601-992-2786, berryberrygoodyogurt.com)

What: frozen yogurt

Millie D's (140 Township Ave., Suite 112, Ridgeland, 601-898-3711, millieds.com)


What: frozen yogurt

Nandy's Candy (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 380, 601-362-9553, nandyscandy.com)


What: snowballs

Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919, salandmookies.com)

What: ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and other cold desserts

Bop's Frozen Custard (multiple locations, bops.bopsfrozencustard.com)


What: frozen custard, snowballs and smoothies

Koude Frozen Yogurt (127 Highway 80 E., Clinton, 601-488-4013, koudefrozenyogurt.com)


What: frozen yogurt

Brick Street Pops (400 Monroe St., Clinton, 601-990-9511, brickstreetpops.com)


What: ice pops and retro sodas

Brent's Drugs (655 Duling Ave., 601-366-3427, brentsdrugs.com)


What: sundaes, milkshakes, floats and ice cream

Summer Fun Playlist

by JFP Staff

Here are some songs to blast this summer.

"Hot Tonight" by Tokyo Police Club

"Hong Kong Garden" by Siouxsie and the Banshees

"Cherry Bomb" by John Mellencamp

"Work" by Rihanna feat. Drake

"Formation" by Beyonce

"Intergalactic" by Beastie Boys

"This is What You Came For" by Calvin Harris and Rihanna

"Slumber Party" by A Great Big Pile of Leaves

"Left Hand Free" by Alt-J

"Diane Young" by Vampire Weekend

"No Ma'am" by ILoveMakonnen and Rich the Kid feat. Rome Fortune

"Homecoming" by Kanye West

"No Hay Nada Mas" by Mos Def

"Born on the Bayou" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Rock the Casbah" by The Clash

"Rockaway Beach" by Ramones