6 Storybook Towns In Mississippi
The great state of Mississippi forms an important economic and cultural hub of the Southern United States, where loads of fascinating history and natural beauty come together. A place of charm and intrigue, the "Magnolia State" is a most intriguing holiday destination, and any traveler looking to find some of the best of the Deep South will not want to pass Mississippi over. Although major cities like Jackson continue to be amongst the best known, there are an equal number of smaller towns that capture the essence of the State in true storybook fashion. Featuring smaller populations, cute local businesses, interesting historic districts, and access to quaint natural surroundings, these wonderful towns truly give one a healthy dose of the small US southern style. Wait no longer then, and come see Mississippi through a voyage to these wonderful storybook towns!
Oxford
The seat of Lafayette County in northern Mississippi, the town of Oxford, was named for its famed British counterpart upon its founding in 1837. Today a mid sized population of just over 25,000 call this welcoming community home, which is widely known for the presence of “Ole Miss”, or the University of Mississippi (1844). A bustling college town, there are tons of exciting things to enjoy in Oxford, not least of which includes a hot Southern climate. With very hot summers and warm winters, being outdoors is always an option here. Enjoy lush greenery and forested hills while inviting park spaces are a treat for all ages. Meanwhile, the historic allure of Oxford is also a wonderful delight.
Explore landmarks like the County Courthouse (1872), the Rowan Oak Mansion (1844), and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1860), amongst many more included on the National Register of Historic Places. From there, fascinating museum spaces like the Southside Art Gallery and the University of Mississippi Museum entertain both the casual and ardent art and history lovers. With live music at the Lyric Theater and a fine assortment of local shops and eateries, like the Boure Restaurant (and its authentic Southern cuisine), spending time in Oxford is a treat that no Mississippi visitor will want to miss out on.
Aberdeen
Formally established in 1834, the beautiful town of Aberdeen lies along the Tombigbee River, where today, a humble population of just under 5,000 reside. The seat of Monroe County, the town is a great place to simply relax and enjoy the outdoors while also getting a sampling of 19th-century history. Visit several historic landmarks in and around the area, which include numerous antebellum-style houses and former plantations that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amongst the sites of note include the Magnolias Mansion (1850) and the Old Aberdeen Cemetery (1838). And do not forget to take the Architectural Driving Tour, which highlights the many different building styles present in town.
Meanwhile, tasty Southern kitchens like Fountain Grill and El Jefe’ are a welcome treat for all, while cute local shopping outlets like Pierce’s Place offer awesome gift ideas. Add in hot weather and relaxing chances to spend time along the Tombigbee River, and Aberdeen will definitely enchant any visitor.
Woodville
One of Mississippi’s oldest towns, Woodville, was founded back in 1811, even before the “Magnolia State” was officially admitted to the Union. The seat of Wilkinson County, a modest population of just under 1,000 residents, calls this quiet community home, which lies near the border with Louisiana. Featuring hot summers and warm winters typical of this part of the country, outdoor lovers can enjoy opportunities for hiking, biking, and even some birdwatching at inviting places like the Clark Creek Natural Area, which spans some 700 acres. Add cute and pretty waterfalls that can be found in abundance in the area, and this becomes one of the most photogenic outings that the young and old can equally appreciate.
In addition, for those looking to learn more about Mississippi’s past, a stop at the African American Museum and the Wilkinson County Museum shed light on the economic and social changes that have defined the State. Meanwhile visits to such historic landmarks like Main Street Historic District and the Rosemont Plantation Mansion, create a unique sense of time and place under the hot Mississippi sun.
Natchez
Mississippi’s earliest colonial settlement, the town of Natchez, was established in the year 1716 by French settlers, and today, it serves as the seat of Adams County near the border with Louisiana. Just some 40 minutes from the town of Woodville, Natchez lies along the mighty Mississippi River, and it boasts a modest population of just over 14,000 inhabitants. Characterized by its hot and humid climate, enjoying outdoor activities is always easy when in this town. Go swimming and boating while scenic hiking and biking trails are a delight for everyone. Meanwhile, a number of fascinating historic sites populate the landscape here that offer insights not only into the early colonial days of the area but also into the Indigenous people.
Explore notable places like the First Presbyterian Church (1830), the Selma Plantation (1811), and the Grand Village of the Natchez Indigenous site, among many others included on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether it's pre-Civil War architecture or some prehistoric attraction, Natchez’s cultural and historic allure is hard to beat. Make sure to visit the Museum of African American History and Culture, which commemorates the legacy of slavery and the long fight for civil rights in the United States.
Rolling Fork
The town of Rolling Fork serves as the seat of Sharkey County in western Mississippi, and it can trace its modern history to the 1820s. With a modern population of just under 2,000 inhabitants, the community remains a most picturesque and inviting place of Southern charm. Located within the Mississippi Delta (between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers), panoramic views of cotton and corn fields create a postcard perfect outing for any traveller.
The historic charm of Rolling Fork also contributes to its special character, where an exploration of the properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places transports one back to the 19th century. Amongst the landmarks of note include the County Courthouse (1876) and the Mont Helena Mansion (1896). Finally, enjoy some quality Americana through the offerings of great local eateries like Bumpers Drive-In of America and Chuck’s Dairy Bar.
Corinth
Near the border with the State of Tennessee, Corinth is a lovely town in northern Mississippi. The seat of Alcorn County, Corinth, was founded in the 1850s and named for the city in Greece, where today, just under 15,000 people reside. Picturesquely located within the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area,Corinth is a nature lover’s treasure, and scenic opportunities to go cycling, hiking, camping, and picnicking are always in demand. Add in cute local little streams like Elam and Turner, as well as hot summers and warm winters, and being in and around town is a pleasure no matter what time of year.
Additionally, an exploration of the Midtown Corinth Historic District is a great way to learn more about the region’s past. Explore several 19th-century landmarks like the Oak Home and Duncan House included on the National Register of Historic Places, while the Corinth National Cemetery (1866) features upwards of 5,000 burials, many from the Civil War! Finally, fascinating museum adventures await at the Black History Museum and the Crossroads Museum, creating insights for casual and passionate history followers alike.
No trip to the Southern United States would be complete without an exploration of the great "Magnolia State" of Mississippi, where beautiful natural vistas, inviting cultural allure, and fascinating history come together. There are plenty of small storybook-like communities here that are great places to get better acquainted with the famous Southern charm, and any guest to the State will not want to miss out! From the historic streets of Natchez and Woodville to the scenic delights of Corinth and Rolling Forks, these timeless communities highlight Mississippi in wonderful fashion outside of the bigger urban centers like Jackson. So wait no longer and come see the splendid "Magnolia State" across a visit to these wonderful towns, where a special storybook feeling of Americana is never far away!
