Jackson Free Press

It's been a few years since autumn meant back to school for me, but this year I've embarked on a semester as an adult learner. This adventure is courtesy of the Business Advantage Program at the Else School of Management at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St., 601-974-1000), in which 20 or so other professionals and I get 15 weeks of business classes two nights a week for three hours a night. It means that on the nights we don't have class, I have ... homework.

It's a routine that's taking some adjustment (and making me wonder how the heck people who have families to care for on top of work and school do it all). And although I joked that returning to campus might tempt me to stop by the frat-house parties on the way out, in reality, the experience left me feeling a bit reclusive as of late. Luckily, because of social media, I'm afforded vicarious outings through other people's status updates and discover reasons to pry myself off the couch.

Studying in my spare time combined with local bookstore Lemuria's Twitter feed and promotion of #msreadswknd encourages me to pick up a book more often lately, even when it's not for class. Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall; 601-366-7619) is a local staple, with a huge selection and awesome staff whose love of what they do is contagious: They blog; they host fun events; and they get you excited about books! (See? Exclamation point!) I'm giddy in anticipation of "Damned" Night with author Chuck Pahalaniuk coming up Oct. 20 at Hal & Mal's, which will include games, costumes, themed drinks and food. Now, that's how you do a book tour.

On a recent #msreadswknd, I found myself heading not to a bar, but home to curl up with a book in the evenings. But since a girl can't live on words alone, I did get out for some sustenance.

Fondren Cellars (633 Duling Ave., 769-216-2323) is a relatively new addition to that neighborhood that quickly won its way into my heart as a great place to stop for a good bottle of wine. Thanks to its posting of specials, drink recipes and recommendations on Facebook and Twitter, I often already know what I want when I arrive. The best part is that their selection includes plenty of budget-friendly options. My adult-learner self is a fan of Wine Wednesday—not only because I don't have class that night, but because bottles are 10 percent off. When added to one of the bottles on its monthly 20 under $20 list, I know it's a good deal even without going to accounting class.

Just across the street from Fondren Cellars is Fatsumo Sushi (3100 N. State St., Suite 102), where I picked pick up some sushi to go. I always love sitting at the bar and talking to bartender Olivia while I wait. Because she's a Millsaps senior, it's like I'm extending that campus connection; plus, she shares my love of designer denim, so we often wind up discussing the brands she picked up for a steal at the Orange Peel (422 Mitchell Ave., 601-364-9977).

Staying fed, watered and well-read this semester between work and classes is going to make for a busy fall. Next up, I may have to find the perfect pair of glasses to accessorize this new studious approach to life.

Stay tuned, and tweet me your #msreadswkd recommendations.

Follow Julie on Twitter @jcskipp.