10 Mississippi Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
Mississippi is a beautiful state that captures the essence of Southern America. Nicknamed the "Magnolia State," Mississippi is famous for its natural beauty, antebellum architecture, and the mighty Mississippi River. These ten towns have unforgettable Main Streets, featuring fascinating historic spaces mingled with modern shopping outlets and dining options that add to Mississippi's appeal and beauty.
Main Streets in small towns like Oxford and Natchez feature the best of the state and are filled with historic significance, award-winning restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife that makes for a memorable visit. The tree-lined streets, friendly communities, and antebellum mansions exude Southern charm like no other state. Many of these places offer self-guided tours so visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage.
Vicksburg
Historic Vicksburg played a prominent role in the Civil War and is a historic landmark in the South and the United States. Sites like Vicksburg National Military Park commemorate the Siege of Vicksburg and surround the quaint downtown area, a community hub surrounded by classic brick storefronts. The Main Street District comprises many local shops that are fun to discover, and the 10 South Rooftop Bar at the top of the First National Building offers pristine views of the vibrant district.
You can download a walking map to help you navigate attractions such as the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, Baer House, and the Old Courthouse Museum. To complete a day of discovery, one can fuel up at notable restaurants like Rusty's Riverfront Grill on Washington Street and soak in Vicksburg's unique atmosphere.
Natchez
As one of the oldest cities in Mississippi, Natchez has historical structures, natural beauty, and a quaint and vibrant downtown area. Main Street is the heart of the community, with historic homes, tree-lined streets, and many annual festivals showcasing the community's spirit and culture, like the Natchez Festival of Music and the Spring Pilgrimage.
Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, with an office on Main Street, provides one of the best ways to experience historic mansions with guided tours. Of course, you can tour the landmark architecture any time of the year, and there are architecture books, guided tours, and information available at the Natchez Visitors Center downtown.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis is known for its casino atmosphere, but the Old Town area captures over three centuries of history. One of the best ways to explore the historic district is on a self-guided biking or walking tour. The charming tour reveals significant structures such as the 1899 Hancock Bank Building, the Neo-Classical Masonic Temple Building, and the 1840 Jerome's. Jerome's is a landmark that has housed numerous stores for over 160 years and exudes character. While on Main Street, do not miss the Sycamore House. This Creole cottage began as a residence in 1900 and today is home to a fine-dining restaurant, Sycamore House.
Tupelo
Tupelo is famously the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and his presence is felt all over town through statues and Elvis-themed events. The Heritage Trails Enrichment Program identifies and interprets historical Chickasaw, Civil Rights, African American, and Civil War sites in Tupelo, providing an insider's view of the City. You can identify many historical attractions by their Heritage or Civil Rights Heritage Markers, like the R.C. Cola Plant/Dixie Bell Theater.
Main Street is home to historically significant sites like the Tupelo National Battlefield Site. The park commemorates the last Civil War battle fought in Mississippi and features a cannon, a marker with text, and maps outlining the engagement. Tupelo's storied history covers many topics, from wars to pop music, making for an unforgettable Main Street experience.
Oxford
Oxford is known for its academic heritage and literary history and is one of Mississippi's most stunning downtown districts. The district centers around historic Oxford Square, commonly called just "the Square." The Square sits in front of the 1872 Historic Oxford Courthouse, surrounded by many prominent buildings. Neilson's Department Store is a town landmark and the oldest department store in the South.
Square Books is another must-see destination. It has been on the Square since 1979 and proudly displays every book written by one of Oxford's most famous residents, William Faulkner. The historic buildings also house fantastic restaurants like City Grocery, operated by James Beard-winning chef John Currence. The food alone is worth a trip, but immerse yourself in the historic sites that make this one of the best small towns to visit while you are in town.
Clarksdale
Clarksdale is where the Delta blues were born and is a mandatory destination for any music lover. The historic district embraces its artistic roots at the Delta Blues Museum and the Tennessee Williams Rectory Museum, where Tennessee Williams lived from 1917 to 1932. The Blues Museum was the first music museum in Mississippi and the first dedicated to the blues in the world, and it cannot be missed.
Another fantastic way to experience the Main Street area is by taking a Mural Tour. The district has several public murals to match its many galleries, including Shush by Dr. Vera Mae Pigee and Music Women by Rebecca Skela and Sasha Swan. Clarksdale has an unforgettable Main Street, featuring a fantastic array of cultural and historical landmarks for a small town.
Laurel
Scenic Laurel's Main Street seeks to preserve heritage while staying relevant in the future. The historic district has gone through different stages to serve the community, such as building grocery stores like the Piggly Wiggly during the lumber boom. Landmarks like the 1914 Pinehurst Hotel served train passengers, another prominent component of Laurel's history.
Known as "Mississippi's Home Town," many visitors come for the Downtown Shopping District's retail stores, which are filled with boutiques and galleries such as Caron Gallery South and the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.
Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg's Main Street area is part of its vibrant downtown with historic architecture, eclectic dining options, and live venues celebrating its unique culture. This friendly area has cultural attractions like the African American Military History Museum and a welcoming atmosphere. This is a great town for outdoor events, and the community hosts dozens of annual festivals that celebrate its history, artistic flair, and fun atmosphere. One of the most popular is Live at Five Hburg, a concert series that brings Town Square Park to life each Friday.
There are 29 parks throughout Hattiesburg, including Town Square Park on Main Street. The parks offer a peaceful respite while discovering the town. The Hattiesburg Historical Society Museum on Main Street is an ideal location for learning about the town's history and is open to the public three times a week.
Woodville
Picturesque Woodville is one of the oldest cities in Mississippi, and the Main Street area is a time capsule featuring historic architecture and sites. It also boasts the oldest newspaper in the Magnolia State, The Woodville Republican, founded in 1823. The community hosts several festivals, like MLK Day, the Christmas Parade, and the Woodville Deer and Wildlife Festival, celebrating the region's best features.
Main Street is home to the Wilkinson County Museum, one of the best ways to learn the history of this scenic town. The compact downtown area also has a library, residences, and local restaurants like Jackie's Hamburger Shop and the Woodville Cafe. Woodville is a traditional Southern community with a welcoming atmosphere and unique attractions that make for an unforgettable experience.
Columbus
Columbus has a remarkable Main Street area with red-brick commercial structures and charming storefronts that capture the essence of Americana. The community hosts events throughout the year, like Market Noon Tunes and Sounds of Summer, that make the area even more attractive. Cultural attractions include the Columbus War Museum on Main Street, the Stephen D. Lee Home and Museum, built in 1847, and many museums.
Columbus has been home to many cultural icons, and their lives are celebrated at museums such as the Tennessee Williams House Museum. The 1875 Victorian home is a former rectory where Williams' grandfather served the community and now serves as a welcome center offering tours of the multitude of artistic and historical sites that make Columbus one of the best cities to visit in the state.
Final Thoughts
These ten Mississippi towns have unforgettable Main Streets filled with historic structures and modern amenities that are stunning in their charm and beauty. Civil War and blues history are undeniable, and the air is thick with their historical significance. Towns like Oxford and Vicksburg have a unique way of embracing their past while offering modern attractions so that there is something for every taste.
Mississippi is rich in musical history, particularly in Tupelo and Clarksdale, and the cities embrace their cultural history with artistic flair. A Mural Tour through Clarksdale gives a fascinating glimpse into the artistic significance that makes these communities stand out from others. A town's Main Street often reflects its best features, and there is perhaps no better example than these ten Mississippi towns.
