Some places capture your heart long before you realize they’re shaping your dreams. For Jennifer Boone, that place was Natchez. As a little girl growing up in Hattiesburg, she and her mother would slip away for long weekends in the historic river town. They’d walk the shaded streets, peek into grand homes, and linger in the small shops that lined Main Street. Those trips became cherished memories—and they planted a seed that would eventually grow into her life’s dream.
Fast-forward to today, and that dream has taken form in The Dixon, a historic building on Main Street that Boone and her family purchased a few years ago. Built in the 1870s, The Dixon is the second-oldest commercial building in Natchez. For decades, it sold paint, wallpaper, and decorative finishes, helping shape the very homes that still line the streets. When Boone stepped inside the building a few years ago, she knew immediately it could become more than just four walls. It could become a place where people gather, linger, and feel at home.
Upstairs, that vision came alive first. The Dixon Loft, a breathtaking 3,000-square-foot Airbnb, is now a modern retreat nestled in the heart of downtown. With room to sleep eight, the loft blends historic elegance with fresh design. Guests can sip coffee on the balcony overlooking Main Street, curl up with a good book on a quiet afternoon, or head out the front door to explore the town’s restaurants, shops, and river views.
For Boone, who spent her career as a nurse, the loft is more than a business venture—it’s a place designed with care, comfort, and hospitality in mind. Along with her husband, Walter Boone, and business partners John and Ginger Weaver, the four have created something meaningful and intentional.
“Our goal has always been to create an experience for our guests, and to provide a place for the Natchez community to gather, talk, and continue to build a sense of community,” Boone shared.
But her vision didn’t stop with the loft. This fall, the bottom floor of The Dixon will reopen as Dixon Books, an independent bookstore that Boone has long dreamed of bringing to life. Natchez hasn’t had a bookstore downtown in years, and the excitement around its return is palpable. For Boone, it’s about more than filling a market need—it’s about creating a safe and welcoming space.
“Indy bookstores have made a comeback, and Natchez is the perfect place for something like this,” she said. “Books have always been a comfort for me, and I feel like our bookstore will also provide a safe place for people, a sense of home.”
Dixon Books will feature something for everyone: Mississippi authors, regional history, a large children’s section, and a carefully curated collection of new releases and beloved favorites. Guests will also be able to linger over coffee and light pastries, making the shop a place to gather as much as a place to shop. Boone envisions locals and visitors connecting over stories, ideas, and the joy of discovery. For her, the bookstore is deeply personal. Books have always been companions, offering her comfort through life’s seasons, and she hopes Dixon Books will do the same for others.
Together, the loft and the bookstore tell a bigger story: one of history, hospitality, and heart. The Dixon isn’t just a building on Main Street—it’s an experience. Upstairs, guests can rest, recharge, and take in the beauty of Natchez. Downstairs, soon, they’ll be able to browse shelves, sip coffee, and join a community of readers.
The beauty of The Dixon is that it reminds us stories aren’t only found in books—they’re lived in places like this. Whether you’re visiting Natchez for the first time or you’ve walked its streets your whole life, The Dixon invites you to step inside, stay awhile, and become part of the story.
