8 Most Welcoming Towns In Mississippi's Countryside
The Magnolia State is a quintessentially Southern state with diverse topography, rich history, and various architectural styles. It boasts a rich musical and cultural heritage, being the birthplace of many notable American musicians and literary figures. The small towns exude charm and hospitality that many would expect to find when visiting the South.
Downtown areas are frequently the best places to mingle with locals. Small cafes and farmers' markets enable visitors to catch up on local gossip and purchase curated goods unique to a particular region. These are the eight most welcoming towns in Mississippi's countryside, perfect for a weekend getaway and to experience genuine hospitality.
Natchez
The oldest town in Mississippi, Natchez, is renowned for its rich history, diverse architecture, and numerous historic sites. It is also a welcoming place where friendly merchants and townspeople are accustomed to visitors roaming the landmark district, which people of African, French, British, and Spanish descent define. There are many ways to explore Natchez, from cycling the Natchez Trace Parkway to strolling down Gold Record Road on the Americana Music Triangle.
Historic homes, such as the Dr. John Bowman Banks House and Museum, and commercial buildings, including Choctaw Hall, surround these routes. Each building has a story to tell, especially about civil rights history. Another landmark home, among many, is the 1834 Burn, Natchez's oldest Greek Revival structure, which offers year-round tours.
Tupelo
Fun and vibrant Tupelo is famous for being the birthplace of the King of Rock' n' Roll, Elvis Presley, set against Mississippi's countryside. It is one of many towns in the state with a rich history in American music. Presley is memorialized everywhere, from the lifesize statue downtown to the Tupelo Hardware Company, where the King bought his first guitar at 11. Civil War history is also prominent, as the final battles of the bloody war were fought in and around Tupelo.
The Civil War Trail leads through Plank Road and the Battle of King's Creek markers along the Heritage Trail, and there are several more around town. While on the historic leg of your visit, follow the Civil Rights Trail. Historic sites along the route include Carver Elementary School (formerly Carver High School), Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, and Robins Field. This is one of the most unique hamlets in Mississippi's countryside, and there is always something to discover.
Clarksdale
Clarksdale is renowned for being the birthplace of the blues and for its vibrant artistic scene. It also boasts a welcoming community that features live blues 365 days a year, including events such as the Juke Joint Festival every April. Fuel up at the Bluesberry Cafe before checking out the many artistic sites, including public murals.
Embarking on a Mural Tour is the best way to discover Clarksdale. The tour winds through 12 murals, including Shush, Music Women, and Howlin' Wolf - The Song. After a day of discovering this unique area, spending the evening at a blues club is all but mandatory. The Matchbox, Bad Apple Blues Club, and Ground Zero are a few options that will have you tapping your toes all night long.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg is one of the South's most historic Civil War sites. The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the pivotal battle waged here and is also home to the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Today, set against this backdrop is the friendly community, known for its vibrant nightlife in the entertainment district.
The hospitable town has four casinos, including Bally's Vicksburg, open 24 hours a day and featuring 35,000 square feet of gaming action. The culinary scene is just as vibrant, featuring diverse cuisines. Among them is the landmark Beechwood Restaurant, one of the oldest in the area, that has been serving Vicksburg for almost 70 years. Amid all this fun, a small community offers the hospitality for which Mississippi is known.
New Albany
Historic New Albany, situated on the banks of the Tallahatchie River, is renowned for its natural beauty and friendly atmosphere. It is also the home of literary giant William Faulkner. The town is filled with things to see and do, such as the William Faulkner Literary Garden, which features beautiful flowers and quotes from the Nobel Prize-winning author. Another charming location is the Downtown Historic District.
The district features boutique clothiers, such as the landmark T. Sappington and Company and Main Street Linen Company. Restaurants like Tallahatchie Gourmet feature authentic Southern cuisine that embodies the region's finest culinary traditions. Strolling through the dining and retail districts is a fantastic way to catch the vibe of the friendly community while discovering memorable sites and shops.
Woodville
Woodville is one of the oldest towns in Mississippi, known for its timber industry and antebellum architecture. It is also home to the oldest newspaper in the state, The Woodville Republican, and Rosemont Plantation, the boyhood home of Jefferson Davis. Most of the town is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and encompasses the original 19th-century village, with Federalist and other era-appropriate architectural styles.
Strolling through the many historical sites provides an opportunity to mingle with the friendly locals. Significant sites include the Wilkinson County Courthouse and the 1823 St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the oldest Episcopal church west of the Alleghenies. Boston Row has many excellent eateries, perfect for refueling while walking around. Jackie's Hamburger Shop and the Woodville Café offer quick bites of American fare, adding a layer of Americana to the town's cozy atmosphere.
Corinth
Beautiful Corinth has a traditional downtown with classic brick buildings and a jovial atmosphere. While in town, try one of Corinth's signature slugburgers at places like White Trolley Cafe or Borroum's. The local staple is similar to a regular burger, except it adds filler, such as potato flakes or flour, to the patty, and this community believes they have the best version.
This small town has other places to mingle with the friendly residents. The downtown shopping district boasts many boutiques, such as Ginger's, Kate's and Company, and Sage and Willow, featuring elegant finds and gift ideas. For a day outside, Crossroads Regional Park offers a one-mile paved trail, a playground, and picnic areas.
Grenada
The friendly country town of Grenada is known as a gateway to outdoor fun. The community claims to have the prettiest countryside, and it is hard to argue this point. Grenada Lake is famous for its crappie fishing and boating opportunities, and the picturesque Dogwoods Golf Course draws in many out-of-towners for a round of links. The small village also has its fair share of historical sites to explore, providing a tangible connection to the past.
The Historical Museum, formerly the Grenada Bank, boasts an impressive Coca-Cola display and other regional memorabilia that interpret the town's history. Grenada's Old Post Office on Main Street offers another glimpse into the past. The Georgian Revival-style brick structure was the first post office in Grenada and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the place where you take your time to soak in all the traditional Southern history, and the charming community makes this an easy feat.
Mississippi is an archetypal Southern state with deep roots in nearly every significant era of American history. Its heritage is as diverse as its topography, giving the state a kaleidoscope of heritage and culture. This convergence of cultures is evident in the historical sites, architectural designs, and allure of its small towns.
These eight towns are the most welcoming in the countryside, adding to their appeal. Framed by natural beauty, these hamlets are accustomed to visitors, and the communities welcome their guests. This fact is underscored by friendly merchants in the retail districts and tour guides who are more than happy to share their community's heritage and charm with visitors. Each of these towns provides an ideal getaway to a simpler time, in the best of ways.
