A jazz-themed coffee house is not common anywhere, but probably doubly less so in the Jackson, Mississippi area. But as someone who loves both jazz and coffee, I am thrilled by Ridgeland, Mississippi’s Fusion Coffeehouse. First of all, the space is a wonderful, comfortable, inviting place that clearly invites you to make it that “third space” that Starbucks only dreams of being. The cozy ambiance and comfortable couch and plush chairs give it the feel of a public living room. Then there is the fact that Fusion promotes Jackson, Mississippi’s jazz scene by booking local jazz musicians at times, and also sponsoring the annual Township Jazz Festival.
But a coffee bar is ultimately only as successful as its coffee, and here Fusion does not disappoint. I chose a Sea Turtle, a mocha made with sea salted caramel, and found it warm and pleasant on a rather chilly day. As befits a coffeehouse with a jazz theme, many of the drinks are named for jazz greats, including Duke’s Mocha (white chocolate and caramel), Sweet Ella (buttery smooth sweetened latte), Satch Mocha (Almond, coconut and chocolate, and Frankie’s Favorite (cinnamon and hazelnut). Fusion also offers Italian and Cream sodas, teas, fruit smoothies, frappes, shakes, a small breakfast and lunch menu, and pastries, including scones and cookies.
Pay Fusion a visit for hot coffee and cool jazz.
Fusion Coffeehouse
1111 Highland Colony Pkwy
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 856-6001