7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Mississippi

There is a time to admire sandstone cathedrals that rise like ancient gods in a fairytale landscape, to stand in awe of a waterfall that thunders down more than 100 feet, and to paddle beautiful alpine lakes that shimmer and glimmer in glorious splendor. There is also a time to just slide into flip flops and wander through beautiful downtown strips peppered with red-brick Victorians, flower planters, and rows of magnolias. Fortunately, while Mississippi is not known for terrifying outdoor beauty, it is dotted with several small, charming towns with spellbinding downtown strips. Starting with Oxford, discover the 7 prettiest downtown strips in the Magnolia State.

Oxford

As the hometown of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, Oxford, the best college town in Mississippi, is often touted as the Literary Capital of the South. But aside from its bookish heritage, this highly cultured community boasts one of the best downtown strips in the South. The Oxford Square, which anchors the downtown area, is an eye-catching mosaic of red-brick facades, stately white columns, and an imposing courthouse that spots classic Greek Revival architecture. No wonder the town has served as the backdrop of several notable films, including the 1989 Southern drama Heart of Dixie. It is hard to describe the charm and character of Square Books, a highly rated Indie bookstore with an upstairs balcony where you can sit and read with a view of the square. End of All Music is another underrated Oxford gem and an awesome place to check out, especially if you are a record store shopper. Rowan Oak, where one of America's most renowned writers lived, should not be missed either. Also, there are many things to praise about the University of Mississippi Museum, including the David M. Robinson Memorial Collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.

Natchez

Mark Twain, after being struck by the natural beauty of Natchez, wrote the following line in his Life on the Mississippi: “I thought all the little towns and villages we passed wretched-looking in the extreme.” Today, Natchez is still as beautiful as when it captivated Mark Twain, and still makes other towns look painfully average. It is often mentioned, and it could be true, that Natchez boasts the greatest concentration of splendid antebellum mansions in America. Flower planters dot the sidewalks along charm-soaked streets with a hint of the 1800s. Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens is an 1818 mansion with posh rooms and beautiful gardens and conveniently located in the heart of town. You can tour Stanton Hall, the standard for luxury in the Pre-Civil War South, turn back the wheels of time at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, or visit the Rosalie Mansion and Gardens, which is tastefully positioned directly on the Mississippi River.

Ocean Springs

You will hardly find a town that is as colourful and contemporary as Ocean Springs, a buzzy coastal location off the Gulf of Mexico behind Biloxi. The downtown strip, which is noticeably cool and walkable, is a few steps away from the beach. It has an artsy flair, especially with mind-rousing carnivals such as the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, the largest fine arts festival in Mississippi. You will enjoy learning about Walter Anderson's interesting life and career and seeing his work up close at the museum that honours his memory. Anderson was a widely traveled but reclusive artist who spent most of his life exploring the wonders of the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. French Kiss Pastries, on Washington Avenue, serves some of the most delicious turtle cheese cakes in the world. You will want to spend at least an hour at Fort Maurepas City Park & Nature Preserve, where one can relax and enjoy beautiful views of Biloxi. Alternatively, wake up the inner artist in you at the Pink Rooster/Gallery Garbo, especially if you have a thing for beautiful pottery, jewelry, or original art.

Starkville

The flower beds, benches, and saplings that line Starkville’s downtown strip soften the town's appearance and make it look calmer and gentler than your average Mississippi town. Add to its vintage feel, an aspect that finds expression through the prominent early 20th-century architecture, and you have a spot worth feasting your eyes on. TASTE Italian Kitchen serves phenomenal meals and boasts sleek, upscale decor and pristine atmosphere. Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library provides an interesting glimpse into one of the world's most celebrated war generals, and keeps life-size statues and gilded age memorabilia that paint an accurate picture of the era. There is also Chadwick Lake and the Chadwick Lake Walking Trail, if you want to explore some outdoor spots close to town.

Tupelo

To a small extent, the story of Tupelo is the story of a Mississippi truck driver who made a blistering transition into entertainment and quickly turned out to be a world-famous superstar and one of the world’s most photographed personalities. Even if you don't like Elvis Presley’s tunes, including his awesome “Return to Sender,” you will love the small, charming town he once called home. Today, Tupelo embraces its music heritage in several thoughtful ways. For example, its charming downtown is speckled with statues, plaques, and several themed stores and shops that keep its history and heritage alive. The “Greetings from Tupelo” Mural, which is across the street from Amsterdam Deli off Spring Street, is a captivating piece of art that creatively captures the essence of the city. GumTree Museum of Art is another realm of beauty that displays several mind-rousing exhibits. There is the Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue, which commemorates the concerts that Elvis performed at what was called the Tupelo Fairgrounds in the 1950s. The Elvis Presley Birthplace, perhaps the town's most defining landmark, must never be skipped either.

Vicksburg

Part of Vicksburg's appeal lies in its location on the high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, a position that comes with beautiful river views. The sunsets here are probably like nothing you have ever seen, not to mention that the riverfront presents a look that is noticeably tranquil and timeless. Talking of timeless, the Old Court House Museum is a treasure trove of antebellum artifacts, including clothing and weapons. There is a room on the second floor dedicated to Jefferson Davis’ life in the area. Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn is a fantastic place to visit and stay. Its on-site restaurant is phenomenal, especially the warm, inviting atmosphere. Don't skip the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals, which showcase local moments in history, or the Lower Mississippi River Museum, which keeps a wealth of information about one of the world's major river systems.

New Albany

Once named “America's Best Southern Small Town,” New Albany will hold you in its spell, especially with its neat and quaint downtown, a pretty stretch that features attractive antebellum architecture. It may not be as famous as Oxford, but New Albany was where William Faulkner first filled his lungs with air. You will come back singing about the Tanglefoot Trail, a scenic pathway that goes through the heart of town and which doubles up as the longest rail-trail in the state. Start with a plate of delicious ribeye at the Warehouse Fish and Steak House, a cherished name in the world of food for over 10 years. You can then step back in time at the Union County Heritage Museum and learn fascinating tidbits about the history of New Albany. Keep in mind that the chefs at Sugaree's Bakery prepare desserts like their lives depend on it.

The Takeaway

Although it is hard to argue with the beauty of towering peaks, crashing waves, or magical sunsets, there is something about a handsomely laid-out downtown strip that is almost as riveting. Think of flower-draped balconies, cafés that smell like cinnamon, and clean, cobblestoned streets. Bonus point? Some of these spots are where the South bares its most fascinating secrets. From Natchez to New Albany, you will not miss a town with your name on it.