9 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Mississippi
A small-town Main Street is more than just a place to park and pop into a shop - quite literally, they’re the front porch of a town, where stories unfold, neighbors linger, and visitors get a true sense of what makes a place tick. In Mississippi, you’ll find downtowns that hold onto their history while embracing new energy, where independent bookstores sit next to biscuit shops and murals brighten up brick-lined blocks. Whether you’re after a stroll, a good meal, or a dash of local character, these Main Streets serve it up with style. Each one tells its own story—no chain stores or cookie-cutter corners, just genuine Mississippi charm, waiting to be discovered.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs’ Main Street, known locally as Washington Avenue, is a vibrant blend of coastal charm and artistic spirit. Shaded by towering oaks, this downtown stretch has colorful shops, galleries, and cafés that spill out onto the sidewalks. The entire community has become a bit of an artistic and culinary haven, drawing visitors to experience the simple Gulf Coast lifestyle.
Art lovers will flock to The Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which celebrates the town’s most iconic local artist and his whimsical depictions of nature and the Gulf Coast.
Just a few steps away, you’ll find The Pink Rooster, a vibrant art gallery showcasing works by both local and regional artists—each piece adding a splash of creativity to the downtown scene. When hunger calls, Ocean Springs has no shortage of inviting spots, but one that truly stands out is Vestige. This James Beard-nominated restaurant has earned national attention for its ever-changing tasting menu, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With its intimate setting and chef-driven approach, dining at Vestige feels less like a meal and more like a curated culinary experience—one that could easily hold its own in any major food city.
If you're in town on a weekend, don’t miss the Ocean Springs Fresh Market, which sets up on Saturday mornings and features everything from fresh seafood to handmade soaps. The whole area radiates coastal Mississippi’s laid-back energy, with a walkable, welcoming Main Street that invites you to slow down and explore.
Laurel
Laurel’s North Magnolia Street has become one of the most recognizable small-town main streets in America, thanks in part to the hit HGTV series Home Town, but its charm goes far beyond the screen. The revitalized downtown is anchored by Laurel Mercantile Co., co-owned by show hosts Ben and Erin Napier, where you’ll find American-made goods, cozy homewares, and a healthy dose of Southern hospitality. Just up the block, Scotsman General Store & Woodshop gives visitors a peek into the craftsmanship behind the show—plus a chance to grab a root beer from the vintage soda fountain.
Nearby, Lee’s Coffee & Tea offers a laid-back spot for espresso, loose-leaf tea, and sandwiches in a vintage brick storefront. And tucked upstairs in the same building is The Bookstore in the Window, a quiet nook filled with thoughtfully curated titles and a warm, literary atmosphere. The streets have planters, murals, and a growing lineup of local shops that give the district a fresh yet familiar feel. Laurel’s downtown doesn’t feel overly polished; it feels lived-in, loved, and still growing, and it's a great place to spend an afternoon.
Columbus
Columbus’ Main Street offers an elegant window into Mississippi’s antebellum legacy, anchored by a walkable, thriving downtown. The community is home to more than 600 historic properties, including a remarkable collection of antebellum homes that lend the area a timeless beauty. These well-preserved structures, many of which are open for tours during the annual Spring Pilgrimage, speak to the city’s deep roots in Mississippi’s early settlement and architectural heritage.
A great place to begin your visit is the Tennessee Williams Home & Welcome Center, the restored Victorian where the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright spent his early childhood. Now serving as both a museum and a visitor hub, it introduces you to Columbus’s literary past with warmth and insight. For a memorable meal, Huck’s Place serves up bold Cajun-Creole flavors and has firmly established itself as a local favorite.
Rounding out the experience is the Rosenzweig Arts Center, home of the Columbus Arts Council, where rotating art exhibits, performances, and creative workshops add a splash of culture and color to downtown life. With its blend of history, hospitality, and artistic energy, this Main Street invites you to slow down, look around, and savor the experience, one thoughtful stop at a time.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis has a Main Street that feels like a warm breeze off the Gulf - laid-back, colorful, and full of unexpected delights at every turn. This coastal town blends art, history, and a relaxed, welcoming spirit in a way that feels both unpretentious and effortlessly cool.
At the heart of downtown is Gallery 220, a lively artist co-op housed in a bright, quirky building that practically radiates creativity. Inside, more than two dozen local artists showcase everything from coastal landscapes and abstract paintings to whimsical folk art and handcrafted jewelry. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with something special—and probably a story or two.
The Mockingbird Café is a cozy, artsy hangout serving strong coffee, hearty made-from-scratch breakfasts, and fresh-baked treats. Its wide porch beneath ancient oaks is the perfect perch for lingering conversations or quiet people-watching. Right across the street, Social Chair delivers with a fun and funky mix of handmade jewelry, coastal-themed home décor, and clever Southern gifts. After a day of exploring Old Town, try Trappini's Eatery for an authentic taste of Bay St. Louis. This restaurant is known for its laid-back Gulf Coast vibe and delicious seafood and oysters.
With its pastel storefronts, colorful murals, and the Gulf of Mexico just a few blocks away, Bay St. Louis’ Main Street is the kind of place that sticks with you. It’s genuinely a pleasant experience, and once you’ve spent an afternoon here, don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your return.
New Albany
New Albany is in the hills of northeast Mississippi, with a main street that is the heartbeat of this local community. The street itself is beautifully maintained, with restored brick buildings, colorful window displays, and plenty of flower-filled planters that add to the small-town charm.
One of the standout stops is Sugaree’s Bakery, a beloved local institution known for its decadent layer cakes—especially the caramel and red velvet - that are shipped all over the country. If you're looking for something uniquely local, the Union County Heritage Museum sits just off Main Street. This quaint museum celebrates the area’s history, including its most famous son, author William Faulkner, who was born here in 1897.
When you feel like stretching your legs, the Tanglefoot Trail, a 43-mile rail-trail for walking and biking, begins right near downtown - perfect for a quick stroll after browsing the shops. With shops to explore and a trail to help burn off some excess energy, this Main Street has a little something for everyone, and that is precisely what makes it so much fun to visit.
Meridian
Meridian’s Main Street pulses with the rhythm of a city that’s proud of its past and excited about what’s next. Once a vital railroad hub, Meridian has reinvented its downtown as a cultural and artistic center, and Main Street is at the heart of that transformation. Historic buildings have found new life as galleries, cafés, and creative spaces, blending architectural beauty with a modern sense of purpose.
A cornerstone of downtown is the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX), a state-of-the-art museum that celebrates the state’s incredible legacy of artists, musicians, and storytellers. With immersive exhibits and striking design, it’s both an educational experience and a dynamic anchor for the arts district. Just a block away, you’ll find the Riley Center, a gorgeously restored 19th-century opera house and performing arts venue that hosts concerts, plays, and events in a space that glows with vintage elegance.
For a bite to eat, Harvest Grill is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering Southern-inspired fare with a refined twist—perfect for a relaxed lunch or a pre-show dinner. For a nightcap, Threefoot Brewing Co., named after the iconic Threefoot Building nearby, serves up local craft beer in a welcoming taproom that’s become a downtown gathering spot.
Tupelo
Tupelo’s Main Street blends musical history, creative energy, and small-city charm into a downtown that’s as engaging as it is walkable. Best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo doesn’t just rest on its rock-and-roll legacy—it’s steadily built a vibrant downtown with an impressive mix of shops, restaurants, public art, and community pride.
Start your visit at Tupelo Hardware Company, a downtown staple since 1926 and the spot where young Elvis famously bought his first guitar. The store still operates much as it did back then, with creaky wood floors, helpful staff, and shelves stocked with everything from tools to nostalgia. Just around the corner, Cafe 212 is a local eatery, serving excellent portions in a retro-styled setting, featuring artwork from a local creator.
Right along the main corridor, Reed’s Department Store, a family-run business for over a century, continues to anchor the downtown with its stylish clothing, gifts, and warm customer service.
After exploring the shops and restaurants along Main Street, take a short drive—or even a pleasant walk—over to the Elvis Presley Birthplace, where you can tour the modest two-room house where Tupelo’s most famous native son was born. The site also includes a museum, chapel, and statue, offering a deeper look into Elvis’s humble beginnings and early influences.
Starkville
Starkville’s Main Street buzzes with a youthful energy balanced by small-town warmth, making it one of Mississippi’s most inviting downtowns. As the home of Mississippi State University, the town is no stranger to Bulldog pride—but beyond campus life, its downtown district stands strong on its own, with a walkable layout full of personality, creativity, and community spirit.
Start your visit at Book Mart & Café, a local favorite where shelves of books meet fresh coffee and friendly conversation. Whether you're hunting for your next great read or want a quiet corner to relax, it’s a cozy, welcoming spot. For a unique shopping experience, pop into George-Mary’s, a boutique that blends fashion, art, and a splash of Southern sass.
While in Starkville, be sure to wander through the Cotton district, a unique neighborhood with distinctive architecture, curious shops, and housing for MSU students and staff. The Ulysses S Grant Presidential Library is also a part of the University, and well worth the visit. With over 15,000 square feet of materials, the museum is an excellent repository of the 18th President's life and public service. While the community tends to revolve around the University, Downtown Starkville also shines with seasonal events, public art, and fresh landscaping that adds to the experience.
Oxford
Oxford’s historic Square isn’t your typical Main Street—it’s something richer, layered with literary legacy, academic energy, and Southern sophistication. Home to the University of Mississippi and just a stone’s throw from Rowan Oak, the former residence of Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner, the Square serves as the cultural and communal heart of the city.
Anchored by the stately Lafayette County Courthouse, it forms a loop of brick-paved sidewalks, iron-laced balconies, and some of the most beloved bookstores, boutiques, and restaurants in the state. Square Books, a nationally celebrated independent bookstore, spans multiple buildings and has welcomed an impressive lineup of writers—from local poets to Nobel laureates.
Just across the Square, City Grocery has become a landmark in its own right. Led by chef John Currence, this restaurant helped put Oxford on the culinary map with its elevated takes on Southern classics like shrimp and grits and Creole-seasoned catfish. The Square as a whole feels both timeless and current, where historical charm blends effortlessly with student energy and creative expression. Whether you're here to explore Faulkner’s roots, dive into a good book, or enjoy a meal on a sunlit patio, Oxford’s downtown pulls you in with its understated magic.
From the coastal breezes of Bay St. Louis to the book-lined charm of Oxford, Mississippi’s Main Streets each tell a different story—but they all invite you to slow down and stay awhile. These downtowns aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’re lived-in, loved, and layered with history, heart, and plenty of good food. Whether you’re hunting for handmade art, sipping sweet tea on a sunny porch, or stepping into a shop where the owner greets you by name, these streets offer something real. So next time you’re planning a getaway, skip the interstates and follow the smaller roads. Chances are, one of these Main Streets will be waiting for you - with a story, a smile, and maybe a slice of pie.
