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Mississippi is perhaps generally known as the birthplace of blues, however the Magnolia State affords greater than a wealthy musical heritage. Stretching from the mid-Appalachia to the Gulf Coast, this Southern state borders the Mississippi River and affords stunning treasures within the small cities that dot its panorama. These quaint communities have a good time rural America, crammed with somber Civil Struggle battlefields, rustic Antebellum properties, and the mouth-watering scents of down-home barbeque. The real hospitality and cultural variety these must-see small cities supply are positive to construct recollections and make lasting impressions.
Oxford
![University of Mississippi campus building in Oxford, Mississippi, USA.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/0b/96/24/shutterstock-1703874610.jpg)
College of Mississippi campus constructing in Oxford, Mississippi, USA. Editorial credit score: Feng Cheng / Shutterstock.com
This school city sits within the hills of Northern Mississippi and is the house of the College of Mississippi, additionally affectionately generally known as “Ole Miss.” The neighborhood relishes its distinction because the “Cultural Mecca of the South” with its eclectic assortment of writers, artists, and musicians who’ve known as this neighborhood their house. From William Faulkner to John Grisham, many creatives have discovered inspiration in Oxford’s small-town allure and wealthy historical past. The quaint downtown sq. homes a number of farm-to-table eating places, together with Boure and Metropolis Grocery, two of 4 eating places run by James Beard award winner John Currence. Spend a day searching Sq. Books, an unbiased bookstore with a country aptitude. Take a tour of Rowan Oak, the well-preserved house of legendary writer William Faulkner. Like most college cities, Oxford goes wild when the soccer crew performs a house recreation, however Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is a good place to take pleasure in a fall afternoon with 64,000 different loyal followers.
Ocean Springs
![View of Ocean Springs, a city near Biloxi in Jackson County, Mississippi, USA.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/79/ce/23/mceclip0.jpg)
View of Ocean Springs, a metropolis close to Biloxi in Jackson County, Mississippi, USA. Editorial credit score: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com
Many small cities of the Gulf Coast, like Ocean Springs, supply the right escape for a calming day free from the stresses of on a regular basis residing. From contemporary seafood to sandy seashores to artwork galleries, this easy haven is crammed with a Southern ambiance. Washington Ave is a pleasing tree-lined stroll alongside historic buildings with quite a few boutiques to discover. Cease by the Walter Anderson Museum of Artwork or the Pink Rooster, a quaint artwork gallery that includes native artisans. The Coastal Magpie is understood for its eclectic assortment of antiques, providing curiosities for each age. Top-of-the-line spots for lunch is the Blue Canine Bistro, a preferred native farm-to-table restaurant. For a extra unique night good for an evening of romance, strive the beautiful delicacies of Vestige, a multi-James Beard-nominated restaurant.
Cleveland
![1887 Bridge over the Mississippi River to Nicollet Island, Cleveland, Ohio.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/19/02/da/shutterstock-2228879545.jpg)
Situated within the coronary heart of the Mississippi River Delta, this small city enjoys a wealthy historical past because the birthplace of the blues. A number of iconic musicians, like BB King, Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, and Muddy Waters, have been all born within the space. The city is house to the Grammy Museum Mississippi, with interactive shows tracing the function of the blues, rock and roll, and nation music. Cleveland has a walkable downtown district brimming with boutiques and a farmer’s market each third Saturday throughout the summer time. The Cotton Home affords upscale lodging and homes a culinary masterpiece contained in the Delta Meat Market, serving lunch and dinner. Attempt the dwell music at Hey Joe’s Burgers and Beer for a extra relaxed expertise whilst you journey America’s music freeway (Hwy 61).
New Albany
![Bankhead Street in New Albany, Mississippi's downtown business and historic district, lined with shops and center parking.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/6c/48/ea/new-albany-historic-district.jpg)
Bankhead Road in New Albany, Mississippi’s downtown enterprise and historic district, lined with retailers and middle parking. Editorial Credit score: By Timberwolf62 – Personal work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73176078
This straightforward paradise is nestled within the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi, an hour south of Memphis. The neighborhood has a vibrant downtown listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and is crammed with boutiques, retailers, and several other historic websites. Spend an hour searching via the Calico Mushroom for its distinctive inside decor and antiques assortment, or tour the Union County Heritage Museum to study the historical past of early settlers. The Tanglewood Path is a 44-mile-long path constructed on an deserted railway. The paved walkway begins in New Albany and extends south via forests, fields, and marshes native to the world. It’s a good enterprise for a household biking journey with tons of native wildlife to view. Westside Barbeque is the perfect spot for a pulled pork sandwich and scratch-made muffins and pies.
Bay St. Louis
![Archway leading to Bay of St. Louis, a coastal beach town in Mississippi.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/02/08/b0/shutterstock-1608435796.jpg)
This coastal retreat options heat sandy seashores and an upbeat, laid-back vibe. The city persistently options on many “better of” lists, together with Mississippi Journal’s “Greatest Place to Reside” and Coastal Residing’s “Greatest Small City.” With white sand seashores, the native shoreline affords loads of locations to stretch out your towel and absorb some rays. Guests will need to discover the native waters on a Haunted Bayou Tour with the Mystic Ghost Journey Firm or rent a neighborhood fishing constitution for a deep-sea journey. Plan on visiting the Alice Moseley Artwork Museum or cease on the L & N Historic Railroad Depot, which doubles because the native welcome middle. There is no higher place for a grilled shrimp taco than the Starfish Cafe, which has devoted itself to educating college students learn how to enhance their lives by cooking wholesome recipes.
Natchez
![Antebellum house turned museum in Natchez, Mississippi, USA.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/9e/24/af/shutterstock-1742731046.jpg)
Natchez is a neighborhood overflowing with Southern allure and scenic views. Constructed on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, guests will need to tour the numerous antebellum properties and historic websites, together with the Longwood Plantation, Stanton Corridor, or the Rosalie Mansion. These stately properties supply intriguing glimpses into rural Mississippi life, exploring the cultural variety Natchez loved as a river city. The downtown district is well-preserved, simply walkable, and affords a number of distinctive locations to dine and drink. Attempt Pig Out Barbque for smoke-kissed ribs or pattern craft beers on the Natchez Brewing Firm. The Natchez Hint Parkway is a calming drive via rural Mississippi, with loads of nature trails price exploring. In the event you drive the Hint, search for deer who love these unspoiled areas, which is why the lowered velocity restrict is posted and enforced.
Holly Springs
![Historic Montrose House (built in 1858) in East Holly Springs Historic District, Marshall County, Mississippi, USA.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/75/2c/04/holly-springs-historic-district.jpg)
This small city in Northern Mississippi sits simply south of the Tennessee border however is the right getaway for an out of doors escape. With a peaceable ambiance, Holly Springs Nationwide Forest has ample strolling, climbing, and fishing venues. The paths intermingle via lush pine forests and beautiful small lakes brimming with wildlife. The Strawberry Plains Audubon Heart is a 2,500-acre property crammed with gardens and is a singular place to go to for those who like watching hummingbirds. The Montrose Mansion affords excursions by appointment, and the Ida B Wells Museum is devoted to preserving and displaying African-American artists and memorabilia. Make sure to eat at Phillip’s Grocery for a mouth-watering burger creation served with a heaping plate of Southern hospitality.
Tupelo
![Elvis Presley Statue in Tupelo, Mississippi, with City Hall in the background.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/6b/5f/b5/mceclip8.jpg)
Tupelo is perhaps finest generally known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, the king of Rock and Roll. The boyhood house has been refurbished and is a museum to the late performer. Nonetheless, the city affords vacationers of the Natchez Hint Parkway extra than simply its musical heritage. The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo has an thrilling mixture of animal reveals, good for youngsters eager to view unique wildlife of their pure habitats. The Tupelo Veteran’s Museum is a must-see, with a superb assortment of conflict memorabilia honoring the service of women and men all through our nation’s historical past. In the event you dine, cease by the Neon Pig, order a smash burger, wash it down with a craft beer, and get one thing from their old-school butcher store to throw in your grill at house. (You will not be sorry).
Hattiesburg
![Monument to Oseola McCarty on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, January 2021.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/cb/a8/05/shutterstock-2301665223.jpg)
This vibrant faculty city is house to 2 universities, Southern Mississippi and William Carey. As you may count on, Hattiesburg has a contemporary, millennial vibe with numerous power and outside actions. Discover a path on the Paul B Johnson State Park subsequent to Geiger Lake. Let the youngsters wander the Hattiesburg Zoo, with its shows of over 100 animals and a long-lasting dedication to preserving wild species via its many instructional applications. For a unusual, eccentric diversion, strive the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, that includes miniatures of each measurement and form conceivable. In the event you want a chew to eat, the Jutamas Thai Restaurant is a classy place with contemporary, sizable parts and cheap costs. A extra informal spot is Keg and Barrel, Hattiesburg’s premier beer cease, with dwell music supplied most Tuesdays and Sundays.
Vicksburg
![Colorful exterior of a downtown bakery in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/e9/de/16/shutterstock-1962519133.jpg)
Internet hosting the top-rated vacationer attraction within the state, this Mississippi River city has a Civil Struggle legacy that have to be seen. The Vicksburg Nationwide Navy Park commemorates the lives of younger males who have been sacrificed throughout the siege of Vicksburg in 1863. The drive-through park meanders over the rolling hills, with over 1,400 gravestones, statues, and historic markers. Vicksburg has a historic downtown that homes an eclectic array of retailers and museums, together with the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. The Outdated Courthouse Museum is a superb assortment of antiques and memorabilia from the native space, making it a historical past buff’s delight. Keep within the Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn, one of many best Mattress and Breakfasts set in an 1830s renovated antebellum house in downtown Vicksburg.
A Journey By means of Mississippi’s Heartbeat
There’s a Southern mystique to the numerous small cities of Mississippi that reach capturing the hearts and minds of weary vacationers. Whether or not climbing via the pristine Mississippi countryside, exploring the wealthy musical historical past of the blues, or having fun with the culinary delights from certainly one of its many farm-to-table eating places, these cities type the heartbeat of Mississippi. Whereas different locations could come and go, these close-knit communities will proceed to woo vacationers to them, providing distinctive and thrilling adventures with each go to.
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