Mississippi is a state with so much natural beauty to see, plenty of activities to keep you occupied and culture and heritage in every part of this amazing state. There is more than enough to keep any visitor busy for the whole vacation. From the great Mississippi River to the hundreds of lakes and creeks to the miles of shorelines all with an abundance of wildlife roaming the state, visitors will never run out of sights and fun things to do.
Activities here will offer visitors the chance to take part in a vast range of things like swimming, water-skiing, canoing or boating. You can even get the opportunity to hunt and fish across umpteen acres of hunting land that is available to the public.
There is plenty available for those searching for culture and history in this state, allowing visitors to look into the state's past. With museums such as the Delta Blues Museum and the Old Capitol Museum, and civil war sites like the Vicksburg National Military Park and the Champion Hill Battlefield, there is plenty to get stuck into. There are also many famous heritage homes and civil rights sites to visit if you still have time.
Mississippi also has lots for those visitors just looking to take a break with shops, restaurants and art galleries to visit. And for entertainment there are casinos, music and much more to help every vacation go with a bang. This state is a great place to visit if you love beautiful surroundings, deep rooted cultures and plenty of entertainment to make your vacation come alive.
Jackson, Mississippi's Capital, is located in the heart of the state. This is the largest city in Mississippi, so you'll have no problem finding activities the whole family will enjoy. The Jackson Zoo is great; everyone likes zoos. Jackson is ushering a new era of Southern Arts and Culture, with a host a diverse range of events including: CelticFest, LatinoFest, OUToberFest, Mal's St. Patty's Day Parade, the Mississippi State Fair, and the USA International Ballet Competition. The song "Jackson," by Jerry Leiber and Billy Edd Wheeler, which Johnny Cash popularized is the perennial local anthem, but you'll probably hear Kid Rock's song, "Jackson, Mississippi," a few times while you are here.
Gulfport in Southern Mississippi, is the second largest city in the state after the capital, Jackson. Unfortunately, Brett Farve's home town was hit by the strong east side of Hurricane Katrina, and much of Gulfport was flooded or destroyed. The city is rebuilding at a fast pace, so I don't have any suggestions right now. You're already on the internet now, so I'm sure you'll find some fun things to do in Gulfport.
Laurel is in Central Mississippi, East of Jackson. Laurel is a gracious charming Southern Town. The Deason Home is the oldest in the country, and the tour guides are entertaining and knowledgeable. Like many other places in Mississippi, golfers are spoiled for choice here. Your options are Dixie Golf Club, Laurel County Golf Club, or Bear Creek Golf Club.
Newton is a small town east of Laurel, in Central Mississippi. It is an unassuming place with a distinctly Southern culture. This is a place to relax and slow down a bit. Find a nice place to eat, sit around, enjoy a libation of your choice and watch the time go by..
The once quiet resort town of Biloxi, is one of the oldest cities in the US and know for its miles of white sand Gulf Coast beaches. The recent legalization of offshore casino gambling is catapulting Biloxi in to the spotlight as one of the hottest vacation destinations in the south. Seafood is king here, and Biloxi has some of the most fresh delicious shrimp and oysters you'll find anywhere.
Ocean Springs, located near Biloxi, has a reputation of being an arts community. Regretfully, Ocean Springs is on the long list of towns that was smashed by Hurricane Katrina. Some of the buildings destroyed were the Ocean Springs Yacht Club and the historic wooden Fort Maurepas. Despite the damaged buildings the seafood is a fresh as ever. This city was founded in 1699 and can endure more than a hurricane.
Richland is located in the center of Mississippi, not far from Jackson. While the premier attractions are in Jackson, visitors to Richland can see the Eureka Masonic College and Misterfeldt Home Place.
Pearl is located across the Pearl River from Jackson, Mississippi. Pearl recently became the home of the Atlanta Brave's minor league affiliate.
Near Pearl, along the Pearl River, is the city of Philadelphia, Mississippi. There is a new entertainment and casino center at Pearl River Resort, located on the nearby reservation of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. There is also a water park here, Geyser Falls.
Ridgeland is also located near Jackson. Ridgeland has some great restaurants of all types of cuisines: Hamil's Barbeque, Cozumel Bar & Grill, Amerigo Restaurant, Cock of the Walk, and Sakurabana, to name a few..
Brandon is located in the center of Mississippi. While there, play a round at Bay Pointe Resort & Gold Club, a semi-private 18-hole golf course designed by Marvin Ferguson. Seafood or BBQ are always good choices in Mississippi, but don't count out the steaks at Bonsai Japanese Steakhouse or Yoko Japanese Steakhouse for being among the best choices in town.
Canton is located just north of Brandon. This historical town has seen it all from Civil War battles to the birth of Blues music. Modern day Canton embraces the legends of Mississippi's past and is a very relevant city today. Canton host one of the largest outdoor market events in May and October, with over 1,100 vendors.
East of Canton, is the city of Carthage. Visit the Jordan House to see a classic example of turn of the century Colonial Revival architecture. Mudbugs Seafood & Grill is a fun place to get a great meal, and few drinks, or to watch the game.
Southeast of Canton is the town of Clinton. Take a walk through Old Town Clint and enjoy the tree-shaded old brick streets, historic homes, specialty stores. For Lunch, Stamps Superburgers is a great place to go. Franco's Italian Cuisine has a classic Italian menu, generous portions, and excellent service.
Cleveland is located in Northwest Mississippi, on the crossroads of the Mississippi delta. Cleveland has a fairly busy commercial economy, for the area, with many restaurants and shops along U.S. Highway 61. You have your choice of fine dining at KC's, soul food from the Country Platter, or a little Blues with your Bar-B-Que at Airport Grocery. There are several entertaining annual events, from tractor pulls to Blues and Jazz festivals. The best time to go is during Oktoberfest, where you can have great barbeque pork and beers of all kinds.
Greenville on the eastern bank of Lake Ferguson, in West Mississippi. Two floating casinos are located on the lake near downtown, with a third just west of the city near the Greenville Bridge. The Winterville Mounds Historic Site, has a museum, picnic area, and mysterious Indian earth mounds made by an ancient tribe. The creators of the mounds predated the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes, but since I'm not up on my Native American Mississippi timeline, I can't pinpoint that date for you. Visit Nelson Street for some infamous Blues clubs and restaurants.
Greenwood is in the Mississippi Delta, not far from Cleveland and Greenville. With the revitalization of Howard Street in historic Downtown Greenwood, Greenwood is staking its claim as an up and coming tourist destination to. This town is for relaxing, eating, drinking, shopping and enjoying your life. Here are some places that might interest you: The Alluvian Hotel, The Alluvian Spa, The Viking Cooking School, The Mississippi Gift Company, Blue Parrot Restaurant and Veronica's Bakery, Olde World Antiques, Russell's Antiques, Turnrow Books, Matties, Sweet Pea, Fincher's Gifts, Traditions, Ashley's Rug World, and The Cat Walk. Take your pick and have fun.
With nine historical districts, Meridian is a beautiful destination in East Mississippi. The Meridian Museum of Art is the premier museum in the area, and continuously has rotating exhibits. Bonita Lakes, Dunn's Falls, and Lake Okatibbee are wonderful outdoor locations.
Long Beach, near Gulfport, was also heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but many of the businesses have reopened, including local favorites Cajun Crawfish Hut and Ben's Bar-B-Que. The city is currently rebuilding the fishing piers..
Moss Point, on the Gulf Coast, was flooded and destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. While the city will be rebuilding for a few more years, there are still some fun activities to do an places to go; among them, Beach Park & Pier, Alligator Farm and Airboat Rides, and Chef Leon's Restaurant.
Columbia is in South Mississippi. This once famous Rodeo town host several Rodeo events throughout the year. If you're lucky you might see some of the famous all-white squirrels in Columbia City Park, brought here by Hugh L. White. If you're feeling hungry and adventurous try the namesake food at Southern Fried Rabbit. For something a little more conventional, Back Door Cafe at Lamptons has an excellent menu.
Batesville is in Panola County, in the northern part of Mississippi. Golfers should play a round at the Jack Nicklaus designed Panola County Country Club. Enjoy some authentic Mississippi barbeque at Burns Bar-B-Q or The Pit.
Bay Saint Louis, the highest point on the entire Gulf of Mexico coastline (approx. 12 feet), suffered extensive damage from Hurrican Katrina. The town was known for its pristine beaches and popular restaurants such as Trapani's, Daniel's South Beach, and Ricky's. Bay St Louis is undergoing an ongoing cleanup and extensive restoration effort..
Columbus is a fun town in Northeast Mississippi. There's something for everyone here, especially golfers. There are three excellent courses: Columbus Country Club, Elm Lake Golf Club, and Green Oaks Golf Course. Play them all! If golf isn't your think, do yourself a favor and visit Columbus Marina. Rent a boat or fish right off the pier. Wrap it up with some history and education and take a tour of the Waverly Plantation Mansion.
Take a walking tour of historic Grenada then visit the Grenada Lake Visitor Center Museum. If you like seeing the kind of art you can take home (for a price) 1st Street Gallery is the place for art collections. 1st Street's collection is impressive. Grenada Golf Club is impeccably maintained and doesn't get too crowded during the week.
Oxford is in northern Mississippi, southeast of Memphis, Tennessee. It is the home of University of Mississippi and was William Faulkner's home town. Rich in history and culture, the town square is the focal point of the city. Some great places to eat and drink are The Blind Pig Pub and The Rib Cage.
McComb is about 80 miles south of Jackson. The Putt House is great for kids; it has an 18-hole mini golf course and arcade games. Pike County Speedway has car and motorcycle racing. McComb is Britney Spears's hometown. You might see her here, once in a while. I can't say whether that's a good or bad thing for your vacation.
In the southwest part of Mississippi, is the city of Natchez. Natchez was founded in 1716. The city has a long history of interesting Southern activities throughout the year, including a corn maze and an "Angels on the Bluff" party where residents dress up like historical figures buried in the Natchez City Cemetery. Natchez Under-The-Hill is a famous place that Mark Twain wrote about, which is now the location for restaurants, gift shops, bars, and a casino.
Madison, in Central Mississippi, was named by Family Circle Magazine as one of the best 10 cities for families. The Madison County Cultural Center features many interesting concerts and performing arts shows throughout the year, and the building is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Your golf options are Whisper Lake, Caroline, or Annandale. If you want to bring your kids, the 9-hole, Northbay course is a good choice.
Tupelo, in Northeast Mississippi, is the birthplace of Elvis Presley. This city is all-things Elvis. You can see his birthplace, statues, impersonators, tributes, and enjoy a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. The music tradition lives on at the BancorpSouth Arena, which regularly hosts A-List talent.
Starkville is a college town across the Mississippi State University. Starkville has a young population and storied history: Charles Lindbergh landed here, tee ball was invented here, Johnny Cash got arrested here, and Machine Gun Kelly lived here. Some popular annual events are the Magnolia Film Festival, Dudy Gras Parade, Cotton District Arts Festival, Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival, Old Main Music Festival, and Bulldog Bash.
Robinsonville changed its name to Tunica Resorts, but a lot of people still refer to it by the classic name. Tunica Resorts is the third largest gambling destination in the USA, behind Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and has nine Vegas-style casinos. Other than there casinos, there are some cotton fields and popular Blues club called the Hollywood CafÂ. This is the Las Vegas on the South; Bet with your head, not over it.
Southaven is a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee, in North Mississippi. Southaven is home to the minor league hockey team, the Mississippi RiverKings. Stay in Southaven and you're only a short trip to Memphis and all the action that town has to offer.
The historic port of Vicksburg, is West of Jackson along the Mississippi River. Visitors can tour the Vicksburg National Military battlefield, with original trenches, refurbished cannons, and over 1600 state monuments. There are also the remains of the USS Cairo and artifacts.
It may be the home of the Blues, but you're guaranteed a good time down in the Mississippi delta. The Gulf Coast had some of America's most beautiful beaches, and one the cleanup and rebuilding effort Mississippi will be restored to its former antebellum glory. There's still great golf, fishing, food, and most of all the Southern Hospitality of the people.
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