MISSISSIPPI

Lined by sandy white beaches overlooking barrier islands and the Gulf of Mexico, offers both a peaceful retreat and plenty of ways to party down. Casinos, golf resorts, fishing and seafood as well as a rich history attracts millions of visitors from across the region and country. 

Gulfport – Gulfport offers sandy beaches, first-rate spas, gorgeous fairways, relaxing ferry rides, and a lovely downtown for those who want to take it easy and simply enjoy the stunning surroundings offered by this coastal city. For those who feel lucky, Gulfport supplies a number of casinos and resorts- making for an exciting weekend, and diverse nightlife. 

Biloxi - Learn about one of the Gulf Coast’s biggest industries firsthand as you board the Sailfish and tag along on a real shrimping expedition. In business since 1955, Biloxi Shrimping Trip has been entertaining and educating guests for several years now and has been voted the number one attraction in Mississippi. Don’t miss an excursion to Beauvoir the Gulf home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis Museum and Library. 

Moss Point - At Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Airboat Swamp Tours in Moss Point you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with alligators. Whether you opt for the walking tour where you’ll be able to feed them or choose to board an airboat where you’ll be able to observe alligators along with birds and other marine life in their natural habitat, this is one day trip guaranteed to create lifelong memories

Natchez - Begin in Natchez with its more than 500 antebellum homes, churches and public buildings. Prior to the Civil War Natchez was home to more millionaires per capita than New York City. After touring the more than a dozen palatial mansions open all year, explore the Natchez City Cemetery.  Then spend the evening in Natchez Under the Hill, once a haven for river boat gamblers, thieves, and ladies of the evening.  Now it is home to shops, restaurants and casino gaming. 

Natchez to Port Gibson/Port Gibson to Vicksburg – continue the mansion tour before heading to Washington, once known as the “Versailles of the Mississippi Territory.” Then take the historic Natchez Trace north to Springfield Plantation where president to be Andrew Jackson wed Rachel. Next to Port Gibson, described by Union General U. S. Grant as “too beautiful to burn.” 

Vicksburg – after a bloody 47 day siege of the city, Vicksburg surrendered, a crucial point in the Union victory. The Vicksburg National Military Park covers 18, acres of earthworks, cannons, and monuments and includes the recovered remains of the USS Cairo, a Union ironclad sunk by the Confederacy. 

Vicksburg to Jackson – Union troops reduced Jackson to a smoking ruin, earning Jackson the nickname, “Chimneyville”.  Tour the 1842 Governor’s Mansion the magnificent Old Capitol Building, the formal gardens outside antebellum City Hall.  Also visit Jackson’s art, natural science, sports and agricultural museums.

Jackson to Tupelo – North Mississippi is home to more than 500 Civil War battles. Following the Natchez Trace north toward Tupelo look for marked historic sites. Don’t miss Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo!

Tupelo to Columbus – in addition to beautiful antebellum homes and the first public college for women in the US, Mississippi State University for Women, Columbus’ most important contribution to Civil War lore came in 1866 when a group of war widows decorating graves in Odd Fellows Cemetery decided to honor not only the Confederate dead, but also the Union soldiers buried there.  This act of remembrance evolved into America’s annual Memorial Day. 

Famous names in music, literature and history help make the picturesque hills region as culturally significant as it is naturally beautiful. Highlights include:

Civil War history abounds in the region with Corinth hosting the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, the Crossroads Museum in the historic train depot featuring Civil War artifacts as well as the Verandah-Curlee House dating to 1857 and served as a military headquarters.

Southern style, history and literature draw visitors to Oxford, home of the University of Mississippi, USA Today’s “Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2016.  Visit Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s home and the trail he walked to campus as a professor. The Historic Downtown Square with boutique shopping and fine dining. 

Tupelo, the hometown of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll offers fans multiple Elvis events during the summer as well as the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, the Elvis’ Tupelo driving and biking tours. Civil Rights history is highlighted on the Heritage Trail.

History, culture and wildlife are just a few of the attractions to the part of the state. 
The 234 mile long Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway hosts the Blue Bluff Recreation Area for hiking, fishing, swimming or just soaking in the beautiful scenery. 

Columbus – home to the Mississippi University for Women, the nation’s first public college for women and Pulitzer Prize winner Eudora Welty’s alma mater. Tennessee Williams first home, now a museum places Columbus o the Literary Trail.  

Meridian - Meridian is a hotbed of country music history. It’s why the very first Mississippi Country Music Trail marker was unveiled there! Find the Jimmie Rodgers,  Elsie McWilliams, Moe Bandy and Country Music Comes of Age markers and learn about Country Music’s influences, as well as, the place that cradled its creation. At the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, see memorabilia from the life of “The Singing Brakeman,” including his original guitar.

Visit the Mississippi Blues Trail Marker at Peavey Electronics, founded in 1965 by Meridian native Hartley Peavey, to the changing sounds of blues, rock and country. As Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars has said, “Peavey is the sound of the Mississippi juke joint. That’s our sound and we take it around the world.”