6 Cozy Towns to Visit in Mississippi
Coming from the Native American word meaning "great waters" or "father of waters," Mississippi is one of the smaller U.S. states. It shares its borders with Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas, along with the Gulf of Mexico. Due, in part, to the Mississippi River running through the state, Mississippi boasts an incredible agricultural region that was historically home to rural lifestyles. The state rapidly industrialized and urbanized in the 20th century, and today, it offers both properly urban and fully rural spaces to retreat to. Some of the coziest towns in Mississippi are somewhat off the beaten trail but undoubtedly worth a visit in 2024.
Olive Branch
The Old Towne portion of Olive Branch is home to a Historic WAlking Trail, the Arts in the Alley Schibit, as well as Hootenanny music on Thursdays during the spring and fall. The town is only minutes by car from Memphis and Tunica, making it a super accessible historic community to visit for a weekend. The Wesson House is one of three Dedicated Mississippi Landmarks in the county. The Bonsai Nursery in town is also over 30 years old, with 175,000 square feet of bonsai greenhouse space. Catch a show at the Bank Plus Amphitheater or Snowden Grove Park or a day on the green at the Cherokee Valley Golf Club to make the most of your vacation to Olive Branch!
Tupelo
The birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo is a must-visit town in Mississippi. Some sights in town include the Elvis Presley Statue, the Birthplace of Elvis, Tupelo Bufalo Park & Zoo, and the Queen's Reward Meadery. The downtown shopping district is over 100 years old, and most businesses, such as The Bleau and Strange Brew Coffeehouse Tupelo, are locally owned. Additional sites include the Tupelo Automobile Museum, the Oren Dunn City Museum, and the Chickasaw Village Site.
Greenville
Greenville is a small town near the Arkansas border and on Lake Ferguson. The Delta Musem Mile, Greenville History Museum, and River Road Queen Welcome Center & Museum of the Delta are the town's two leading museums. You can find the Birthplace of Kermit the Frog in a short drive outside of town in Leland. Grenville is the ideal lake vacation destination, with some of the best places to get outdoors being the Greenville Cypress Preserve Trust, Warfield Point Park, and Lake Chico State Park.
Pearl
Known as "the Jewel of the Crossroads," Pearl is conveniently located a short drive from the Jackson-Evers airport at the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 20 and U.S. Highways 80 and 49. Some of the best bites in town come from the Frisco Deli, Tony's Fish House, and McAlister's Deli. It's easy to spend a relaxing weekend outdoors in Pearl by visiting the Niknar Country Club, Pearl City Parks & Recreation, Trustmark Park, or the Clyde Muse Center. If visiting Pearl for longer than a weekend, take advantage of its proximity to Jackson and wander downtown for an afternoon.
Ridgeland
Ridgeland sits along the Natchez Trace Parkway and is a town seasoned for tourists year-round. Some of the best things to do in Ridgeland include visiting the Willam Iowa Bill Waller Crafts Center, Repeat Street, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Within a short drive from town, you will find the Cypress Swamp, Roosevelt State Park, and Bienville National Forest, all worth a day trip to for a hike, picnic, or bike. The town also sits just south of the Ross R Barnett Reservoir, allowing visitors looking for a slow vacation to spend their days on and off the water.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico, providing an ideal beach vacation without traveling to the Pacific or Atlantic Coast. Some of the best bites in town are the Government Street Society, Woody's Lechonera El Flamboyan, Blue Dog Bistro, and Harte Chicken Buffet. Ocean Springs Beach is one of the nicest in the area, though there are others along the coastline to choose from. Some sites to see in town include the Charley-Norwood House, Davis Bayou Campground, and the Old Fort Bayou Coastal Preserve.
Despite its small size and population, Mississippi is a beautiful state worthy of a visit year-round. Whether you're looking to visit a town on the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months to spend some time by the water or you're eager for a cozy retreat in the woods during the winter months, one of these cozy Mississippi towns is certain to be an ideal spot to visit this year. One of the best ways to see all the Mississippi has to offer is by car, allowing you to explore various historical, natural, and cultural sites on your vacation.
