10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Mississippi

Mississippi might be known as the birthplace of blues, but the Magnolia State offers more than a rich musical heritage. Stretching from the mid-Appalachia to the Gulf Coast, this Southern state borders the Mississippi River and offers surprising treasures in the small towns that dot its landscape. These quaint communities celebrate rural America, filled with somber Civil War battlefields, rustic Antebellum homes, and the mouth-watering scents of down-home barbeque. The genuine hospitality and cultural diversity these must-see small towns offer are sure to build memories and make lasting impressions.

Oxford

This college town sits in the hills of Northern Mississippi and is the home of the University of Mississippi, also affectionately known as "Ole Miss." The community relishes its distinction as the "Cultural Mecca of the South" with its eclectic collection of writers, artists, and musicians who have called this community their home. From William Faulkner to John Grisham, many creatives have found inspiration in Oxford's small-town charm and rich history. The quaint downtown square houses several farm-to-table restaurants, including Boure and City Grocery, two of four restaurants run by James Beard award winner John Currence. Spend an afternoon browsing Square Books, an independent bookstore with a rustic flair. Take a tour of Rowan Oak, the well-preserved home of legendary author William Faulkner. Like most university towns, Oxford goes wild when the football team plays a home game, but Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is a great place to enjoy a fall afternoon with 64,000 other loyal fans.

Ocean Springs

Many small towns of the Gulf Coast, like Ocean Springs, offer the perfect escape for a relaxing day free from the stresses of everyday living. From fresh seafood to sandy beaches to art galleries, this simple haven is filled with a Southern ambiance. Washington Ave is a pleasant tree-lined walk along historic buildings with numerous boutiques to explore. Stop by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art or the Pink Rooster, a quaint art gallery featuring local artisans. The Coastal Magpie is known for its eclectic collection of antiques, offering curiosities for every age. One of the best spots for lunch is the Blue Dog Bistro, a popular local farm-to-table restaurant. For a more exclusive evening perfect for a night of romance, try the exquisite cuisine of Vestige, a multi-James Beard-nominated restaurant. 

Cleveland

Located in the heart of the Mississippi River Delta, this small town enjoys a rich history as the birthplace of the blues. Several iconic musicians, like BB King, Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, and Muddy Waters, were all born in the area. The town is home to the Grammy Museum Mississippi, with interactive displays tracing the role of the blues, rock and roll, and country music. Cleveland has a walkable downtown district brimming with boutiques and a farmer's market every third Saturday during the summer. The Cotton House offers upscale lodging and houses a culinary masterpiece inside the Delta Meat Market, serving lunch and dinner. Try the live music at Hey Joe's Burgers and Beer for a more relaxed experience while you travel America's music highway (Hwy 61).

New Albany

This simple paradise is nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi, an hour south of Memphis. The community has a vibrant downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is filled with boutiques, shops, and several historic sites. Spend an hour browsing through the Calico Mushroom for its unique interior decor and antiques collection, or tour the Union County Heritage Museum to learn the history of early settlers. The Tanglewood Trail is a 44-mile-long trail built on an abandoned railway. The paved walkway begins in New Albany and extends south through forests, fields, and marshes native to the area. It is a perfect venture for a family biking adventure with tons of local wildlife to view. Westside Barbeque is the best spot for a pulled pork sandwich and scratch-made cakes and pies. 

Bay St. Louis

This coastal retreat features warm sandy beaches and an upbeat, laid-back vibe. The town consistently features on many "best of" lists, including Mississippi Magazine's "Best Place to Live" and Coastal Living's "Best Small Town." With white sand beaches, the local coastline offers plenty of places to stretch out your towel and soak up some rays. Visitors will want to explore the local waters on a Haunted Bayou Tour with the Mystic Ghost Ride Company or hire a local fishing charter for a deep-sea adventure. Plan on visiting the Alice Moseley Art Museum or stop at the L & N Historic Railroad Depot, which doubles as the local welcome center. There's no better place for a grilled shrimp taco than the Starfish Cafe, which has dedicated itself to teaching students how to improve their lives by cooking healthy recipes.  

Natchez

Natchez is a community overflowing with Southern charm and scenic views. Built on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, visitors will want to tour the many antebellum homes and historic sites, including the Longwood Plantation, Stanton Hall, or the Rosalie Mansion. These stately homes offer intriguing glimpses into rural Mississippi life, exploring the cultural diversity Natchez enjoyed as a river town. The downtown district is well-preserved, easily walkable, and offers several unique places to dine and drink. Try Pig Out Barbque for smoke-kissed ribs or sample craft beers at the Natchez Brewing Company. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a relaxing drive through rural Mississippi, with plenty of nature trails worth exploring. If you drive the Trace, look for deer who love these unspoiled areas, which is why the reduced speed limit is posted and enforced. 

Holly Springs

This small town in Northern Mississippi sits just south of the Tennessee border but is the perfect getaway for an outdoor escape. With a peaceful ambiance, Holly Springs National Forest has ample walking, hiking, and fishing venues. The trails intermingle through lush pine forests and lovely small lakes brimming with wildlife. The Strawberry Plains Audubon Center is a 2,500-acre estate filled with gardens and is a unique place to visit if you like watching hummingbirds. The Montrose Mansion offers tours by appointment, and the Ida B Wells Museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying African-American artists and memorabilia. Be sure to eat at Phillip's Grocery for a mouth-watering burger creation served with a heaping plate of Southern hospitality. 

Tupelo

Tupelo might be best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, the king of Rock and Roll. The boyhood home has been refurbished and is a museum to the late performer. Still, the town offers travelers of the Natchez Trace Parkway more than just its musical heritage. The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo has an exciting mix of animal exhibits, perfect for children wanting to view exotic wildlife in their natural habitats. The Tupelo Veteran's Museum is a must-see, with an excellent collection of war memorabilia honoring the service of men and women throughout our nation's history. If you dine, stop by the Neon Pig, order a smash burger, wash it down with a craft beer, and get something from their old-school butcher shop to throw on your grill at home. (You won't be sorry).  

Hattiesburg

This vibrant college town is home to two universities, Southern Mississippi and William Carey. As you might expect, Hattiesburg has a modern, millennial vibe with lots of energy and outdoor activities. Explore a trail at the Paul B Johnson State Park next to Geiger Lake. Let the kids wander the Hattiesburg Zoo, with its displays of over 100 animals and a lasting commitment to preserving wild species through its many educational programs. For a quirky, eccentric diversion, try the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, featuring miniatures of every size and shape imaginable. If you need a bite to eat, the Jutamas Thai Restaurant is a trendy place with fresh, sizable portions and reasonable prices. A more casual spot is Keg and Barrel, Hattiesburg's premier beer stop, with live music offered most Tuesdays and Sundays.

Vicksburg

Hosting the top-rated tourist attraction in the state, this Mississippi River town has a Civil War legacy that must be viewed. The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the lives of young men who were sacrificed during the siege of Vicksburg in 1863. The drive-through park meanders over the rolling hills, with over 1,400 gravestones, statues, and historical markers. Vicksburg has a historic downtown that houses an eclectic array of shops and museums, including the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. The Old Courthouse Museum is an excellent collection of antiques and memorabilia from the local area, making it a history buff's delight. Stay in the Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn, one of the finest Bed and Breakfasts set in an 1830s renovated antebellum home in downtown Vicksburg. 

A Journey Through Mississippi's Heartbeat

There is a Southern mystique to the many small towns of Mississippi that succeed in capturing the hearts and minds of weary travelers. Whether hiking through the pristine Mississippi countryside, exploring the rich musical history of the blues, or enjoying the culinary delights from one of its many farm-to-table restaurants, these towns form the heartbeat of Mississippi. While other places may come and go, these close-knit communities will continue to woo travelers to them, offering unique and exciting adventures with every visit.