9 Mississippi Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness
Historic Mississippi is a beautiful state known for its charming communities, which embrace the friendly spirit of the state. The communities are warm and inviting, underscoring the best aspects of the Magnolia State. From historic architecture to vibrant downtown areas, the small towns have something to offer everyone. Among the best places in Mississippi, these nine have unmatched friendliness —a notable feat in a state like this.
Oxford is renowned for its academic and culinary excellence. Those looking for a coastal vacation should head to Bay St. Louis or Ocean Springs. Visiting the downtown areas is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the community's fabric and connect with its residents. Local restaurants thrive in this friendly atmosphere, leaving you longing to plan another visit.
Natchez
Historic Natchez is the oldest city in Mississippi and is renowned for its pristine Antebellum structures, including the Melrose Estate and Longwood. It is a delightful town for walking, and the community welcomes visitors. The downtown area offers walking tours starting at Visit Natchez on Main Street, providing one of the best ways to experience the authentic essence of what makes this town so unique. The tour winds through historic structures like St. Mary's Basilica and Stanton Hall.
You will also discover excellent restaurants where the friendly community gathers, like Frankie's on Main and Biscuits and Blues. The latter breakfast restaurant is located in a historic brick structure. It serves up Mississippi culinary staples like gumbo and po'boys, offering a glimpse into the region's rich culture. Speaking of culture, the town also hosts the Natchez Spring Carnival, a four-day event full of family fun, food, rides, and music.
Oxford
Oxford is one of the best places to visit, especially when the University of Mississippi plays football in the Fall. The town has a rich academic and literary heritage, having been home to notable figures such as William Faulkner and John Grisham. Visiting downtown is a transformative experience, centering around Oxford Square, which was laid out in the original town plan.
As it is known, the Square sits in front of the Lafayette County Courthouse, built in 1872, and offers views of classic attractions. Those looking to meet the locals should visit City Grocery by the Square, which features a bar upstairs, operated by renowned chef John Currence, that serves chef-forward meals. Neilson's Department Store is also on the Square and supposedly the oldest South department store.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is a picturesque coastal city with a vibrant downtown and a lively community. The downtown area features cultural attractions such as the Art House, Pink Rooster, and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. The museum was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to preserving Walter Anderson's works, which reflect the region's diverse topography and coastal landscapes.
One of the best ways to explore the area is to book a ride on Slow Ride Pedal Tours. The car seats 14 and has eight passengers pedaling through various stops downtown. For a deeper dive into the local spirit, plan your visit around the Ocean Springs Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, one of Southeast's largest fine arts festivals. It brings together over 400 artists, food vendors, and thousands of attendees, creating a weekend of celebration, creativity, and community pride.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis is renowned for its casinos, scenic beauty, and friendly, charming community. The award-winning coastal city has been featured on numerous "best of" lists for bed and breakfast inns, including Bay Town Inn and fine-dining restaurants like Sycamore House. The area also boasts quaint attractions in the historic Old Town.
The charming area features boutique shopping at retailers like The Reef and The Prop Shop and wine tastings at The Loft. The wine bar has an artistic vibe and embraces the spirit of Bay St. Louis. It is also an excellent venue to get to know the locals. To truly experience the town's spirit, plan a visit during the Second Saturday Art Walk, when the downtown fills with live music, open galleries, and lively street gatherings.
Tupelo
Tupelo is most famous as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and numerous homages to the King can be found around town. Visitors are encouraged to tour Presley's childhood home and the Tupelo Hardware Company, where he purchased his first guitar at age 11. For fans of the King, the Tupelo Elvis Festival held each June is the town’s signature celebration, bringing together tribute artists, concerts, and community events in a festive tribute to Elvis’s legacy. Other attractions include three distinct shopping districts and the one-of-a-kind Buffalo Park and Zoo. The 210-acre zoo is the largest in Mississippi and boasts more than 260 animals, including American Bison.
Biloxi
Biloxi is renowned for its casinos, coastal atmosphere, and the landmark Biloxi Lighthouse, which overlooks the Mississippi Sound. The friendly community showcases its unique attractions, including the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. The exhibits interpret the region's pivotal role in the seafood and maritime industry through exhibits and presentations, showcasing Biloxi's eclectic culture.
History buffs should not miss the many Antebellum homes and other structures that tell Biloxi's history through tangible buildings. The most famous is the Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library, which interprets the history of the Confederate leader. To witness the town’s friendliness, visit during spring for the Biloxi Crawfish Music Festival, a lively coastal tradition that blends carnival rides, live entertainment, and flavorful Gulf Coast seafood.
Corinth
Picturesque Corinth has a traditionally Southern downtown, renowned for its dining and shopping opportunities. It is steeped in Civil War history, as significant battles were fought in 1862 at Corinth and nearby Shiloh, with much of the history preserved. Though the history is preserved, Corinth is a progressive town, evidenced by retailers such as Hoochies Boutique, The Open Market, and Kates & Co.
One cannot leave town without visiting Borroum's Drug Store, the oldest in Mississippi and the oldest in the United States, still operated by the same family. The store, especially the vintage soda fountain, feels like stepping into the past, encapsulating Corinth's culture. To experience Corinth at its most festive, plan your visit during the annual Corinth Coke 10K in May, one of the most celebrated road races in the South that brings the whole community together.
Hattiesburg
Picturesque Hattiesburg boasts a vibrant, friendly community that embodies its moniker "where life happens," with a charming downtown area and a variety of live events. Live events center on the town's civil rights legacy, such as Freedom Day on January 22, while Mississippi Blues Trail markers highlight the town's musical heritage. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture is by taking a guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour. The walking tour leads visitors past landmark sites, including the Hattiesburg Area Historical Society Museum at the Cultural Center and the historic Hattiesburg neighborhood. Other landmarks on the tour include The Bottling Company and Smith Drug Company, both showcasing the town’s industrial past. Walking through the neighborhood provides a tangible way to experience Hattiesburg up close and interact with its friendly and welcoming residents.
Pass Christian
Pass Christian is renowned for its historic homes bordered by immense oak trees. The coastal town, lovingly called "The Pass" by locals, embraces its cultural past by hosting events like the Pass Christian Historical Society's Tour of Homes in May. The tour explores several historic streets, including Seal Avenue and Scenic Drive. It includes a luncheon with a guest speaker, offering an ideal opportunity to learn about The Pass.
The coastal town is also known for its fresh seafood. After a day of exploring local homes, you can find dinner at Shaggy's Pass Harbor or Bacchus on the Beach. Visiting beaches like Henderson Point Beach is a favorite pastime in Pass Christian. It features some of the prettiest stretches of sand on the Gulf Coast and a friendly atmosphere that makes guests feel at home.
Final Thoughts
Among the friendliest towns in Mississippi, these nine stand out as the most welcoming. These cities are unique, boasting a pleasant blend of small-town Southern charm and vibrant atmospheres. Visiting the entertainment or downtown eateries is the best way to experience their charms. Often, these areas are the hub of the town and provide a window into what makes the area special.
Historic architecture buffs should not miss Natchez, while those seeking legendary downtowns and award-winning restaurants should visit Oxford. Mississippi's scenery is as diverse as its communities, offering visitors a chance to enjoy coastal gems and traditional Americana Main Streets. Whichever town you visit, these nine have unmatched friendliness and a unique atmosphere that is hard to beat.
