6 Most Vibrant Towns in Mississippi
If Mississippi is America’s cultural melting pot, then the state’s many small and vibrant communities are the glue that binds it all together. Spread across the "Magnolia State" are numerous small towns where visitors can enjoy a little of the state’s famous Southern hospitality firsthand.
Fun places to visit, like the Gulf Coast towns of Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis are not only popular for art enthusiasts, but they are also places where beachgoers like to hang out. Add to this mix the charm of Greenwood and Oxford in the Mississippi Delta region, and visitors will find themselves acquainted with the best this state has to offer. Yes, these six most vibrant towns in Mississippi will inspire and intrigue even the most experienced traveler.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs has plenty going for it. Located on the Gulf Coast just off the I-10 between Mobile and New Orleans, this hip destination is becoming increasingly popular with creative types in search of a safe, fun place to practice their art. Popular attractions include the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which celebrates the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Gulf Coast through Anderson’s colorful paintings, drawings, and murals. The museum also features exhibitions of other local and regional artists.
The downtown area is a must-visit, too. Wander its lovely oak-lined streets and you will find everything from classy boutique shops, to trendy art galleries, and funky eateries. The Greenhouse on Porter is one of the best and offers fresh Southern biscuits with its live music and is a great place to hang out and meet locals. The town’s busiest spot on a Saturday is the Ocean Springs Fresh Market with its locally sourced produce and artisanal goods.
Natchez
Natchez is a perennial favorite for tourists for its stunning bluff location overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. This attractive town is also well-known for its collection of well-preserved Antebellum homes, among them Stanton Hall and Longwood with their elegant designs and intricate detailing. Guided tours are available, and these buildings, along with many privately owned historic homes, can be visited during the annual Natchez Pilgrimage.
Fancy a scenic road trip? Natchez Trace Parkway follows historic paths and trade routes used by Native Americans, early settlers, and loggers and connects the town with Nashville, some 400-plus miles to the north. Highlights along the route near Natchez include the Emerald Mound, one of the largest pre-Columbian earthworks in North America.
Bay St Louis
Bay St Louis is another oceanfront town that should be visited if you are looking for a high-energy Mississippi getaway. Set overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and only a few minute’s drive east of the state border with Louisiana, it’s to the Old Town district where most tourists will head for attractions like Bay St Louis Historic L & N Train Depot, home to the Mardi Gras Museum.
The old train depot is also home to the Hancock County tourism offices if you are in need of travel ideas and inspiration. Looking for a great spot to catch a Gulf Coast sunset? Head to the Bay St Louis Bridge with its dedicated walking and biking path for spectacular views of the bay.
Greenwood
Greenwood is a great place to visit for those wanting an authentic Mississippi Delta experience. The first stop should be the fascinating Delta Blues Museum, with its displays, instruments, and memorabilia relating to the blues music that has so deeply influenced the region. Also worth exploring, the Mississippi Freedom Trail includes significant locations related to civil rights and the Greenwood Movement, including the Leflore County Courthouse, the scene of impactful protests in 1964.
If you are planning on staying overnight, check out the charming Alluvian Hotel & Spa. This 3-star boutique hotel is situated downtown with easy access to top attractions, including the Viking Cooking School with its hands-on experiences with Southern cooking traditions.
Oxford
Founded in the 1830s and named after the famous university town in England, Oxford owes its cultural vibes to its deep connections to some of the country’s leading literary giants. Topping the list of literature-related attractions in Oxford is Rowan Oak, former residence of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. Now a museum, visitors can step into Faulkner's world and explore the beautiful grounds where he penned some of his most important work.
The Square, Oxford's bustling downtown district, is another tourist focal point. Here visitors can sample the town's cultural richness at Square Books, an independent bookstore well-known to book lovers for its author readings and book signings. The Oxford Film Festival, held each March, is another great reason to visit.
Cleveland
Cleveland, Mississippi, is a must-visit for music buffs. The star attraction is the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to exploring American culture and music. The only museum of its kind outside of Los Angeles, it features exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational programs that focus not only on the cultural significance of American music, but also on Mississippi's important contribution to music history.
Downtown Cleveland is another draw and is the scene of many popular events and festivals that draw a crowd. Highlights include Cleveland Oktoberfest and the Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival, a showcase of the region’s artistic talent and musical heritage. The town is also the site of Delta State University, home to the Bologna Performing Arts Center with its rich roster of concerts, plays, ballets, and operas.
There is no better way to get to know the state of Mississippi than by visiting some of its small towns. These communities paint a vivid portrait of this part of the American South through their rich history and culture, creating unforgettable travel experiences along the way. From the artistic draw of Ocean Springs to the historic antebellum homes of Natchez, and to the coastal charm of Bay St. Louis and the soulful music vibes of Greenwood, each of these six most vibrant towns in Mississippi is well worth including on a "Magnolia State" travel itinerary.
