These 8 Towns In Mississippi Have The Best Main Streets

A good Main Street doesn’t need much to make an impression. You notice it when storefront lights glow against old brick, when a café door swings open and laughter spills onto the sidewalk, or when weekend crowds drift between shops with an easy, familiar rhythm. Mississippi has several towns where that feeling comes alive the moment you arrive, each with a corridor shaped by local pride, good food, and places worth lingering over. Some of these streets trace the path of early rail lines, while others sit near rivers or parks that add a sense of calm to the visit. Either way, these eight towns in Mississippi have Main Streets that stand out the moment your feet hit the pavement.

Ocean Springs

Washington Avenue gives Ocean Springs one of the most inviting downtown districts on the Gulf Coast. With a canopy of live oaks overhead, independent shops fill the blocks between cafés, restaurants, and galleries. The artistic spirit that defines the town comes into view quickly at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, where vivid murals and rotating exhibits celebrate the life and imagination of one of Mississippi’s most influential painters.

When hunger strikes, The Lady May adds a lively dining presence to the strip with its Southern-style menu. Families love browsing Miner’s Doll & Toy Store, a long-standing shop filled with classic toys, dolls, puzzles, and colorful displays that give the street a cheerful spark. Meanwhile, Coastal Magpie showcases handcrafted jewelry, artwork, and décor that reflect the creative energy that has become part of the town’s identity. The Gulf Islands National Seashore sits just minutes from downtown, offering quiet beaches, shoreline trails, and opportunities for birdwatching in a protected coastal setting.

Laurel

Central Avenue runs through the heart of Laurel, and in recent years, it has become a model of what thoughtful revitalization can look like. Much of that momentum comes from Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV’s Home Town fame, whose restoration projects helped spark a renewed sense of pride downtown. Their Laurel Mercantile Co., only a short walk from the corridor, draws steady foot traffic with its American-made goods and locally inspired items. Along Central Avenue, The Loft brings an elevated dining experience to the street, serving steaks, seafood, and reliably polished meals in a space that feels right at home in the revitalized district. Southern Antiques fills a beautiful stretch of storefront with curated furniture, home décor, and vintage pieces that reflect both local style and the town’s love for craftsmanship.

Gardiner Park provides a small but welcome green space within walking distance of the shops, giving visitors a shaded place to pause before continuing their walk. A few blocks away, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art adds cultural weight to the experience with its galleries and tree-shaded lawn. Throughout downtown, hand-painted murals brighten several building exteriors and contribute to the photogenic quality that keeps Central Avenue in the spotlight, making it one of Mississippi’s most rewarding Main Street destinations.

Corinth

The buildings along Fillmore Street carry the kind of architectural details that hint at Corinth’s once-vital role as a Civil War railroad hub. Many of the brick façades stand where supply routes once converged, giving the town a visual connection to the era when trains and troop movements shaped its identity. With the nearby Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, history lovers have plenty to explore in this northeastern Mississippi town. Borroum's Drug Store, Mississippi’s oldest operating drugstore, sits just off Fillmore and remains a beloved stop for its soda fountain, hand-mixed milkshakes, famous slugburgers, and counter service that recalls an earlier time.

The Corinth Coke Museum adds another layer of nostalgia with vintage bottling equipment and early advertising that highlight the brand’s deep roots in the community. For upscale dining, Vicari Italian Grill offers steaks, seafood, and pasta in a restored building that fits seamlessly into the historic streetscape, while green spaces add balance to the historic district. Trailhead Park offers open lawns, a small pavilion, and the starting point for local paths that wind into wooded areas near Elam Creek.

Bay St. Louis

Old Town Bay St. Louis brings a coastal spark to its Main Street. Shops, bakeries, and art studios line the street, giving the corridor a steady pulse, especially on warm afternoons when sunlight filters off the Gulf. Mockingbird Café remains one of the district’s most welcoming stops, known for its coffee, baked goods, and community tables that stay busy throughout the day. A few steps away, Maggie May’s Art Gallery highlights regional artists whose pottery, paintings, and jewelry reflect the creativity that has long shaped Old Town.

The waterfront sits just beyond the end of Main Street, providing downtown with a natural backdrop that is impossible to ignore. The Bay St. Louis Beach and Harbor offers open views of the Gulf, a stretch of sand perfect for walking, and a pier where boats come and go with the tide. Few Mississippi towns blend coastal scenery and local craftsmanship the way Bay St. Louis does along its Main Street, which is why it is so inviting.

Hernando

Commerce Street gives Hernando a historic downtown core with steady activity, familiar storefronts, and a welcoming feel that makes it easy to settle in for an afternoon. One of the most popular stops along this stretch is Windy City Grille, a casual restaurant known for hearty burgers, pizzas, and comfort food served in a warm, relaxed setting. A short walk away, Commerce Street Market fills a restored building with vendors offering home décor, gifts, antiques, and locally crafted items, making it a fun place to browse for something unexpected.

Visitors also enjoy Area 51 Ice Cream, where small-batch flavors, handmade waffle cones, and friendly service bring families and regulars through the door throughout the week. Conger Park, located within steps of the downtown grid, is a peaceful oasis with shade trees and plenty of space to pause and reflect. Seasonal events, like the Water Tower Festival, bring an inviting mix of food trucks, craft vendors, and community spaces.

Tupelo

Tupelo delivers one of the most striking downtown experiences in Mississippi, and its recent recognition for outstanding revitalization efforts speaks to how far the district has come. Restored brick buildings line the corridor, filled with restaurants, boutiques, and gathering spaces that give the street a lively pulse throughout the week. And with Tupelo's heritage as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, this small town continues to attract visitors each year.

One of the most visited spots is Cafe 212, which serves fresh sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts in a bright, relaxed space that fills up quickly during lunchtime. Reed’s Department Store adds another layer of character with its long-standing presence and mix of apparel, gifts, and home decor, while art lovers often find themselves drawn to The Caron Gallery, a vibrant space featuring Mississippi artists whose paintings, textiles, and mixed-media pieces reflect the creativity woven into the region's identity. Tupelo’s sense of place deepens even further thanks to the Natchez Trace Parkway, with a visitor center just north of town, offering one of the most scenic drives in the South.

Natchez

Main Street in Natchez carries the kind of historic charm that feels instantly inviting, with brick sidewalks and storefronts that reflect centuries of life along the Mississippi River. Franklin Street is in the heart of the city’s walkable downtown and offers a blend of restaurants, boutiques, and cultural stops that highlight the best of Natchez’s personality. One of the most popular venues is Steampunk Coffee Roasters, a cozy spot where the aroma of small-batch beans invites visitors to sit and stay awhile.

A couple of blocks away, Natchez Brewing Company brings people together with craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and live music that fills the space on busy evenings. Shoppers often step into Soire Boutique on Main Street, a stylish shop with clothing and gifts arranged in a bright, modern setting that contrasts perfectly with the historic buildings around it. Just a few steps away, the natural beauty of Natchez comes into view as Bluff Park overlooks the Mississippi River and offers sweeping vistas that stop visitors in their tracks.

Starkville

Starkville's Main Street brings a lively, youthful energy that reflects the city’s connection to Mississippi State University and its growing arts and culinary scene. The corridor blends classic storefronts with modern touches, creating a walkable stretch filled with restaurants, boutiques, and gathering spots. As with Tupelo, Reed’s Starkville offers a wide selection of apparel, accessories, and gifts inside a polished, welcoming space that has become a downtown institution.

The Starkville Cafe is another local favorite, serving comfort food in a casual setting in the heart of downtown. Meanwhile, Fire Station Park, located just off Main Street, is a nice spot to take a break, while murals and creative installations scattered throughout downtown add color and reflect the town’s artistic side.

Visit These Eight Best Main Streets In Mississippi

Mississippi’s Main Streets reveal the heart of each community, one block at a time. Whether it is Old Town Bay St. Louis, shaped by coastal breezes, or Starkville's district energized by the university campus nearby, each place brings its own story to the sidewalk. These eight towns stand out because their Main Streets feel alive, welcoming, and rooted in the people who keep them thriving. Spend a day exploring any one of them, and you will find good food, friendly faces, and the kind of experiences that linger long after the visit ends.