9 Adorable Small Towns In Mississippi

In Mississippi, you can trace the Mississippi River by day and chase Delta blues after dark, then still make it back in time for hot tamales and a slice of pecan pie. That mix of scenery and sound plays out in small towns all over the state, from riverfront overlooks to neon-lit music rooms. Whether you are catching the game-day energy in Oxford, soaking up the waterfront charm in Ocean Springs, or getting up close with wildlife in Tupelo, it never takes long to find your next exciting stop in Mississippi.

Oxford

Affectionately known as the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” Oxford, in the northern part of the state, is home to the University of Mississippi. The town is also known for its ties to American author William Faulkner. Head to Rowan Oak, a property Faulkner purchased in 1930, to learn more about his works and tour the well-preserved home. There, you can also walk the property grounds, which span 33 acres, visiting the English knot garden, Faulkner’s horse stable, and more. Music fans visiting Oxford will want to plan their trip around the schedule at the Lyric Theater. Built in the late 1800s, the building was originally Oxford’s first movie theater, but today it serves as a music venue, showcasing a variety of genres. If you plan to visit Oxford in the fall, take in an Ole Miss football game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. With a capacity of more than 64,000 people, you will find yourself cheering on the Rebels alongside the university’s most faithful fans.

Natchez

Located in the southwestern part of the state, Natchez is recognized as one of the oldest cities on the Mississippi River. One of the town’s most impressive historic sites is about 10 miles northeast at Emerald Mound, which is one of the largest ancient mounds north of Mexico. The site was built and used by the Natchez people between approximately 1300 and 1600 as a ceremonial center. Today, you can visit this National Historic Landmark to learn more about the Natchez people and take in the beauty for yourself. To continue your historical tour of Natchez, head to Rosalie Mansion, built in the 1820s and later serving as a Union Army headquarters during the Civil War. In addition to scheduling a tour of the property, you can also visit the gift shop to browse for unique collectibles, cookbooks, regional photography, and more. When you are ready to sit back and relax with a drink, head to Natchez Brewing Company in historic downtown Natchez. With a variety of options on tap and a brewpub serving Detroit-style pizza, it is a perfect place to end the day after exploring the town.

Ocean Springs

Sitting on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Springs is a beautiful spot to spend a sunny summer weekend. Head to the Gulf Islands National Seashore for either a day of exploring or settle in at the onsite campground, which accommodates tents and RVs. At the park, you can choose from hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, or head to the visitor center to learn more about ranger-led programs. Do you consider yourself an architecture buff? Plan to visit the Charley-Norwood House while in Ocean Springs. Tours are by appointment only, but the home was designed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright in 1890, and it displays features of what would come to be known as 20th-century Modernism. Looking for a fresh bite to eat in Ocean Springs? Visit Martha’s Tea Room, where fresh bread and desserts are made daily. The restaurant also specializes in lighter fare like salads and sandwiches.

Vicksburg

In the western part of the state, not far from the Louisiana border, you will find the historic town of Vicksburg. Head to Clay Street to visit the U.S.S. Cairo Gunboat and Museum, where you will learn about the ironclad Civil War-era vessel, which was sunk by an electronically detonated torpedo. The boat was salvaged in the 1960s and restored before being moved to the Vicksburg National Military Park and opened as a museum. Do you dare to face a scare? Take a tour of the McRaven House, which is known as “Mississippi’s Most Haunted House.” Take the spooky, one-hour and 15-minute Haunted Tour, or opt for the 45-minute History Tour to see the house your way. Learn more about the history of one of America’s most popular drinks at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola® Museum in Vicksburg’s historic downtown area. The drink was first bottled in downtown Vicksburg in 1894, and the rest is history. During your visit, you can learn more about the original bottling process and treat yourself to a refreshing Coke float.

Tupelo

While Memphis may be the first city to come to mind when you think of Elvis Presley, did you know that the iconic singer was actually born in Tupelo, Mississippi? Take a tour of the Elvis Presley Birthplace site, where you can see the two-room home where he lived with his family. On the grounds, there is also a museum, a reflection area, and a picnic pavilion. Get up close and personal with wildlife from Tupelo and around the world at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo. Spanning more than 210 acres, the park is home to roaming buffalo, exotic birds, and more. Make a special visit in October to see the park’s annual pumpkin patch for a day of festive fun. When you want to take in the outdoor beauty of Tupelo, there is no better place to do so than Tombigbee State Park. There, you can play a round of disc golf, rent a kayak, stroll the nature trail, or even rent an air-conditioned cabin with a lake view.

Bay St. Louis

Sitting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the town of Bay St. Louis, with its inviting oak trees and historic buildings. To learn more about the town, head to the L&N Historic Train Depot, a mission-style building that was featured in the film This Property is Condemned. Outside the building is a park area, complete with ducks and geese, for which you can purchase food in the visitor’s center located in the train depot. If you would like to take in a show while in town, plan a visit to the Bay St. Louis Little Theater, which runs productions throughout the year. You can purchase tickets online for upcoming performances. No trip to the Mississippi coast is complete without some delicious seafood, so head out for dinner at the Thorny Oyster on North Beach Boulevard. With a selection of oysters, scallops, lobster rolls, and non-seafood options as well, there is sure to be something that strikes your fancy on the menu.

Clarksdale

If there is one thing to associate with Clarksdale, it is the iconic blues music for which it is known. Make your way to the Delta Blues Museum to learn more about Clarksdale’s role in the rise of blues music and see impressive exhibits, including one of B.B. King’s guitars. After learning more about the music genre, experience it for yourself by visiting Bluesberry Cafe, which features breakfast accompanied by live blues on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Another popular spot to get a bite to eat is Yazoo Pass, an espresso bar and bistro that features everything from omelets to grilled salmon and burgers. Keep in mind that the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Canton

In the central part of the state, less than 30 miles north of Jackson, you will find Canton, known as the City of Lights. One of the town’s claims to fame is that it was the filming location for two movies: A Time to Kill and My Dog Skip. Visit the Canton Movie Museums to learn more about the role Canton played in both films, learn behind-the-scenes trivia, and see set pieces up close. Tours are by appointment only, and you can purchase tickets to both movie museums at the Canton Welcome Center, where you will also be assigned a personal tour guide. History buffs will also enjoy exploring the Canton Multicultural Center & Museum, which showcases the diverse cultures and citizens of the area. The museum prominently focuses on African American community members and businesses, with a special exhibit on Sister Thea Bowman, a Canton native known for her gospel singing, writing, and activism. Canton is especially magical during the holiday season, with its annual Canton Christmas Festival featuring photos with Santa, horse-and-buggy rides, a Christmas village, and train rides. The festival is so popular, in fact, that Canton was proudly named as the most festive Christmas town in the state!

Brookhaven

Located in southern Mississippi, Brookhaven is full of small-town charm. For a look at Brookhaven’s military history, visit the Military Memorial Museum, where you can see artifacts from local veterans and equipment that dates back to World War I. The museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or you can call to book an appointment. If nothing relaxes you like a nice, warm cup of tea, consider visiting the Great Mississippi Tea Company, which boasts more than 40,000 tea plants. As the largest team farm in the state, there are multiple tours to choose from, including a tour and tea tasting, which takes you through the field, nursery, and processing facility, ending with a tasting. End your day in Brookhaven with a delicious meal at Magnolia Blues. The BBQ restaurant specializes in classics, like baby back ribs, as well as unique offerings, such as spaghetti topped with smoked pulled pork.

Experience Southern Hospitality in Mississippi’s Small Towns

Whether you are a history buff looking to get lost in a museum for an afternoon, an outdoor enthusiast who wants to explore all nature has to offer, or a foodie who wants to dine at hidden gems across Mississippi, these nine adorable small towns in the Magnolia State are calling your name. From grabbing a locally brewed drink in Natchez to listening to live blues music in Clarksdale, you cannot go wrong by hitting the road and letting a sense of adventure take the wheel.