4 Reasons to Visit Tupelo, MS This Summer

It’s no secret that we have a soft spot for small Southern towns and love a good summer road trip. Ideal for family vacations, girls’ trips, and couples’ weekends, Tupelo, MS, checks all the boxes for a great Southern getaway — fabulous dining, live music, summer events, and plenty of attractions and properties to explore. Join us as we break down four elements that make Tupelo a must-visit destination in the summertime!

DINING

Tupelo offers over 200 dining options, and we’re just barely scratching the surface of the city’s booming culinary scene. Whether you’re craving elevated Southern cuisine or meat-and-three options, Tupelo offers something to satisfy all palates.

The rooftop at Park Heights Restaurant offers the perfect warm-weather setting. Enjoy creative Southern and American cuisine on the rooftop overlooking Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark. Try the miso BBQ salmon with pineapple fried rice and local vegetables or the Springer Mountain brick chicken served with leek and gruyère bread pudding and chicken jus. Toast your getaway with an extensive list of craft cocktails in the Blue Room bar, located inside the restaurant.

CharCutie, a charcuterie kitchen and marketplace in the Jackson West neighborhood, is another standout culinary destination in Tupelo. The seasonal lunch menu includes a hot honey chicken salad, chopped Italian salad, Mediterranean pasta, and, of course, its renowned charcuterie. They offer monthly special events, charcuterie classes, custom boards, and grab-and-go selections of their best sellers.

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For something on the healthier side, try PoPsy on the courthouse square. Its local, fresh, and delicious menu boasts smoothies, smoothie bowls, juices, and wraps. Choose something from their extensive menu, or build your own. They also offer a selection of toasts topped with everything from avocado and eggs to feta cheese, tomato, and almond butter.

Looking for a great burger? Tupelo’s restaurants offer some of the best burgers around. Jimmy’s Seaside Burgers & Wings in south Tupelo serves juicy burgers with all the fixings. Plus, their fries, topped with an abundance of toppings, are legendary. You can find Neon Pig Café near the Barnes Crossing District. Home of the smashburger, the smash grind is made up of filet, ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, and Benton’s bacon.

Newest to Tupelo’s culinary scene, Namaste is an authentic Indian restaurant. Prepare your taste buds for rich and flavorful dishes, including classic favorites like creamy butter chicken, the aromatic Namaste coconut curry, and an impressive selection of freshly bake Naan bread to accompany every meal.

EVENTS

Summer in Tupelo brings plenty of fun-filled events. Whether you are the ultimate Elvis fan, a patriotic family, or enjoy the DIY street culture, Tupelo has an event for you. Click here to explore all the events happening in the city throughout the year.

Celebrate Independence Day in Ballard Park with live music, food, and fireworks. The All-America City Family Picnic in the Park is a free event on July 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The celebration includes activities for all ages to celebrate our nation’s independence in Tupelo.

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ATTRACTIONS

If you’re looking to do some sightseeing and embark on a few adventures, Tupelo offers a handful of exciting attractions perfect for the whole family. Here are a few of our favorites!

Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo invites visitors to experience up-close views of some of the world’s most exotic animals, such as zebras, buffalo, and monkeys. In addition to one-of-a-kind animal encounters, the attraction also offers zip lines and playground areas. (SB TIP: Be sure to purchase a $3 feed bucket to increase your chances of petting exotic animals!)

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If you’re craving a delicious libation, head to Mississippi’s first and only meadery: Queen’s Reward Meadery. While you can certainly relax and purchase drinks by the glass, we recommend opting for the meadery’s full tasting session. Save room for the famous Queen’s Reward Meadery slushies, the perfect summertime adult treat.

We’d be remiss not to include the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum on a list of Tupelo attractions. Visitors can tour the home where he was born, a museum that chronicles his life, and his childhood church. A myriad of free exhibits invites visitors to spend hours exploring the area where young Elvis grew up.

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Another can’t-miss Tupelo museum is the Oren Dunn City Museum, a converted dairy barn that walks visitors through Tupelo’s rich and diverse history. Museum exhibits include a model of the 1940s railroad, tornado history, Hospital on the Hill history, Chickasaw cultural history, and more. Monthly themes also focus on different topics in Tupelo’s story that include fun, family-friendly activities.

HOTELS

Tupelo offers over 2,200 hotel rooms where visitors can unwind after a full day of exploring. Standouts include Home2 Suites, Tru by Hilton, and Hotel Tupelo.

Home2 Suites is a Hilton property located near the Barnes Crossing District. The four-story, 89-room hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Plus, the hotel’s spacious lobby allows guests to spread out, relax, and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee.

Adjacent to Home2 Suites is Tru by Hilton, a 90-room hotel just minutes from the city’s attractions and shopping districts. The hotel also offers a 24-hour Eat & Sip Market, fitness center, pool tables, and USB ports and outlets throughout the property.

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel option, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Hotel Tupelo. Inspired by Elvis and offering 79 luxurious guest rooms, the hotel is located in Tupelo’s bustling Fairpark District, offering easy access to shopping and dining options.

This article is sponsored by the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau.