These Towns In Mississippi Come Alive In Winter

The South isn't the first place you think to visit in winter. While it isn't the winter wonderland you see depicted in movies, it does have a unique charm. The warmer weather means you can enjoy activities you can't in the north, such as a walk on the beach. Mississipi also has a particular appeal with its historic homes and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you want to explore Tupelo's musical history, see Elvis Presley's birthplace, or take a bike ride down the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway, there is something for everyone in the small towns of Mississippi. Here are the ones with the most appeal in the colder months.

Canton

Just twenty minutes outside the big city of Jackson is the small town of Canton. The town is similar to many Mississippi towns, with beautiful historic buildings and scenic roads. Many of the buildings in Canton are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the stunning Greek Revival Courthouse. Surrounding the courthouse is a quaint Courthouse Square with over 100 charming buildings. Walking around the square, you see beautiful historic monuments, including some of the earliest houses in the area. There is a primitive log cabin constructed between 1820 and 1830. The Old Madison County Jail is also a unique spot to visit. Built in 1870, it served the county for 99 years. 

Canton also has some beautiful nature to enjoy. The Cypress Swamp Loop Trail is a short trail that's even enjoyable in winter. Only 0.4 miles long, the boardwalk trail goes through a swamp and winds through stunning bald cypress and water tupelo trees.

Natchez

Another town with opportunities to explore the outdoors is Natchez. The town is home to the famed Natchez Trace Parkway. You can take a walk, bike ride, or drive down the parkway. In the summer, the parkway has lush trees, making a tunnel-like path. In the winter, the trees are bare, allowing you to see a different side of the scenery on the parkway. You can discover an old hidden farmhouse or see some wildlife. One of the most spectacular ways to enjoy the parkway is by walking along the bluffs at dusk to admire the sunsets. 

Many people also visit Natchez for the town's unique historic homes. While the homes aren't big by today's standards, they were grand for their time. They have magnificent high ceilings and are eloquently decorated with fine China, exotic carpets, and intricate wallpaper. A famous historic home to visit is Longwood. The home is in the shape of a huge onion dome. Longwood is also the largest octagonal house in the United States. 

Port Gibson

Port Gibson is a town often overlooked. However, history lovers will appreciate the town's charm. Sitting on the Great River, Port Gibson has beautiful riverside scenery. Even in the winter, the waterfront views make for a stunning site. When it gets colder outside, it is also the perfect time to explore the town's historic buildings. There are many historic buildings throughout the town that date back to the Civil War. This is because people believed the town was "too beautiful to burn." Today, these words appear on a sign that marks the city limits. 

Grant Gulf Military Park is one of the best places to explore in Port Gibson. The park covers 450 acres and has many historic landmarks onsite. A few include Fort Cobun, Fort Wade, Grand Gulf Cemetery, a museum, a carriage house, an observation tower, and the Confederate Memorial Chapel.

Visiting Port Gibson in any season wouldn't be complete without checking out the iconic Windsor Ruins. The ruins are the remains of the historic Windsor Plantation. The Windsor Plantation was a stunning Greek Revival mansion from the 1800s. It was one of Mississippi's largest private homes before the Civil War. 

Oxford

Oxford is a town known for its vibrant art scene. The famous American author William Faulkner lived in Oxford, Mississippi, for most of his life. Today, people can visit his home, which is now the Rowan Oak Museum. Stepping outside the museum, it is easy to see what inspired Faulkner's writing. The town is full of parks and trails to explore. Trails such as the Thacker Mountain Rail Trail are close to downtown, which makes getting around Oxford convenient. The Bailey Woods trail is just outside the Rowan Oak Museum. The trail is about 3,000 feet long and takes around 20 minutes to enjoy. Oxford is also near Sardis Lake, a great spot for fishing and swimming. 

Ocean Springs

Since Mississippi doesn't get as cold as northern states, one of the best ways to enjoy the winters is by going to a southern beach town. One of the best to enjoy is Ocean Springs. The town faces Biloxi Bay, part of the Gulf of Mexico.

When you arrive in Ocean Springs, relaxing on Front Beach and enjoying Biloxi Bay is great. The beach starts at Biloxi Bay Bridge and stretches to Ocean Springs Harbor. Walking across the bridge, you can get a better view of the entire beach. There are also lots of hiking and biking trails to enjoy in Ocean Springs. At Fort Maurepas Park, there is a mile-long biking and hiking path that offers a great view of the sandy beach. Beyond beaches, Ocean Springs is home to the Davis Bayou Coastal Preserve. The reserve is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore area. You can take a boat to the five barrier islands on the preserve. There are also some trails and picnicking spots to enjoy.

New Albany

Just an hour from Memphis in the rolling hills of Mississippi is New Albany, a charming little town. There is plenty of natural beauty around the town. Walk on the 43.6-mile Tanglefoot Trail to get some of the best views. The trail is on the abandoned railroad corridor from 1871. It is the state's longest rails-to-trails conversion and will take you across wetlands, forests, fields, and pastures. An iconic spot to visit in New Albany is the Ingomar Indian Mounds. The mounds were first discovered in 1885 by archeologists from the Smithsonian. Today, they are open for public exploration. A total of 13 mounds were discovered. 

Tupelo

For music lovers, Tupelo is a must-visit town. Tupelo is where big stars such as Elvis Presley and Diplo were born. There is a special driving tour in town for those who have a special appreciation for Elvis. Guests can visit all the places Elvis frequented in his youth. A couple of places on the list include Mud Creek Swimming Hole, Johnnie's Drive-In, and Fair Park. 

Another must-see part of Tupelo is the Blackland Prairie Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (NATT). The six-mile-long section is excellent for hiking. One of the parts of the trail goes to the Old Town Overlook. Here, hikers can go 2 miles south to check out the Chickasaw Village Site. At the village site, there is an additional half-mile interpretive trail. The interpretive trail has signs identifying plants and their uses by the Chickasaw. The Chickasaw were the indigenous group that occupied the area before the European settlers.

Surviving Winters In Mississippi

Mississippi doesn't have cold, blistering winters. However, there are some unwritten rules about enjoying the winter season in the Magnolia state. The first is to layer up. Winter mornings can be cooler, but the afternoons can get quite warm. Wearing layers helps you stay comfortable throughout the day. Another tip is to pack some summer clothes. Sometimes, you will find yourself needing a pair of shorts in the middle of winter. While it can be quite warm, Mississippi can occasionally get snow. However, if it snows, it isn't usually a surprise since locals will be talking about it for weeks. Now that you know how to prepare for Mississippi winters, choose a town and pack your bag for a southern winter vacation.