Places to Visit in Mississippi

Mississippi is known as the Magnolia State because of its many beautiful Magnolia trees. The Magnolia blossom is the State Flower. In the Spring, the pink and white blooms from the azalea bushes brighten up the lawns of many of our state's residents. Perhaps you have never considered a vacation to this state in the Deep South, but along with it's beauty in flowers and trees, you will find there is a rich history in this state with many notable stops to hold your interest on a visit.

This city is the capital of Mississippi. You can tour the historic capitol building which is actually patterned after the actual U. S. Capital building. Your children will appreciate a trip to the Jackson Zoo, Mississippi Children's Museum and Museum of Natural Science.

You can also visit the home of the Pulitzer Prize winning author Eudora Welty in Jackson where she lived from 1925 until her death. Her home is a National Historic Landmark open to the public as a museum.

A scenic highway that spans 444 miles from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS. There is a 50 mph speed limit and there are no stop signs or traffic lights. You can feel like you are in a different time and slower pace of life as there are no commercial buildings such as gas stations or restaurants right on the parkway.

Natchez is the oldest city along the Mississippi River. It is home to the many of the preserved antebellum homes in Mississippi. Natchez is a beautiful old town with many antique stores and old homes to explore.

October is a great time to visit because of the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. This is an annual festival with live music and competitions for the hot air balloons that fill the skies.

Port Gibson is small town located between Vicksburg and Natchez.

A visit should include a trip to see the Ruins of Windsor which are the haunting remains of a old antebellum home. This home was the largest antebellum home in Mississippi. It actually survived the Civil War and Mark Twain is said to have stayed there. It is believed a careless cigarette or cigar of a party guest is to have set the fire in 1870. All that remains are the ghostly columns of this once beautiful mansion.

Also, driving through town you can see the unique First Presbyterian church with a gold hand at the tip of its steeple pointing toward heaven.

Vicksburg is the location of a Civil War Battleground. History buffs may enjoy a visit to the National Military Park to learn many interesting facts about Civil War history and the battle and siege in Vicksburg.

Also, visit the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, the old candy store where Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894! You can view Coca-Cola Memorabilia, have ice cream, buy a variety of Coca-Cola related souvenirs and drink a Coke, of course!

Tupelo is most known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley and where he lived the first 13 years of his life. You can visit the birthplace and museum and take the tour of the small 2-room house where he was born. The are various other notable points of interest for the Elvis fan in Tupelo.

For the kids, the Buffalo Park and Zoo is a family attraction to check out!

The Gulf Coast of MS offers deep sea fishing, the Walter Anderson Art Musuem, and is popular for its casinos.

You may enjoy a visit to the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport where you can enjoy encounters with various sea creatures.

A unique stop is the Marine Sculpture Garden in Biloxi, MS. Tree trunks what were remaining from damaged trees during Hurricane Katrina were carved into art by a chainsaw artist.

Meridian is the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music. It offers the Jimmie Rodger's Museum and has a Festival in his honor annually.

Meridian also houses the Historic Dentzel Carousel which is a historic landmark. All around Meridian you can see replicas of unique carousel horses outside of businesses in honor of the carousel.

The extremely rural area between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. In the middle of the Delta, in Greenwood, MS you will find a luxurious Alluvian Hotel and Spa that also hosts a Viking Cooking school.

Greenville, MS in the Delta area is also the home to the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival held annually.

Columbus is the home to the Mississippi University for Women (known locally as the "W") which was attended by the notable Mississippi novelist Eudora Welty. Columbus is also the birthplace of the famous playwright Tennessee Williams. The house of his birth and first 3 years of his life is now the city's welcome center and open to the public.

This small college town that is home to the University of Mississippi affectionately nicknamed Ole Miss. While many colleges have wonderful tailgating traditions, Ole Miss has made tailgating an art. It is worth a visit to The Grove of Ole Miss at a home football game to experience a taste of Southern charm and style mixed with football.

Oxford is also where you can visit the home of the writer, William Faulkner. Rowan Oak was the home to Faulkner and his family for more than 40 years.