From premier shopping to award-winning eateries, the state of Mississippi offers getaways for every type of traveler. We’ve rounded up eight unique destinations in the Magnolia State that are sure to satisfy your spirit for adventure.
Natchez
While Natchez is undoubtedly the perfect getaway year-round, summer offers an inspiring lineup of local events. Below are some of our favorites — plus where to stay and eat during your visit!
For free live music, head to Bluff Park for the Live at Five series. This year’s event is already underway and concludes on May 24 with a performance from The Stolen Faces, a Grateful Dead tribute band. The fun starts at 5 p.m. at the park’s bandstand.
If you’re visiting in June, the Natchez Bicycle Classic is another can’t-miss event (whether you’re attending or spectating!). This year’s event takes place on June 8 and winds through the Natchez Trace Parkway. Choose your preferred distance — 16, 25, 40, or 62.5 miles — and then get ready to ride! The event begins at 8 a.m., and registration is $65.
Culinary enthusiasts will love attending the Natchez Food & Wine Festival. A two-day event on July 26 and 27, the annual event attracts chefs and restaurateurs from across the South every year. Events range from multi-course dinners in historic homes to progressive dining events and gourmet tastings.
This year’s event also includes appearances from the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship, Chef Christian Velez and Chef Molly Manning Robertson. Tickets are $90 and can be purchased online. Events run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center.
Speaking of the Mississippi food scene, Natchez also offers a collection of vibrant restaurants. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food or fresh seafood, there’s something for all taste buds.
As the name suggests, Biscuits & Blues offers warm biscuits alongside live music. Additional menu items include gumbo, po’boys, barbecue, and fried oysters.
For a more upscale dining experience, make a reservation at The Castle Restaurant. Located inside the Dunleith Historic Inn’s original carriage house and stables, the restaurant offers an extensive wine menu and delicious entrées. Standout menu items include the baked rosemary-crusted lamb rack, basil pasta alfredo, and barbecue shrimp with sweet corn grits.
If you’re looking to spend a few days in Natchez, the city is home to a variety of cozy bed-and-breakfast options. We recommend the Beaumont House, Concord Quarters, and Devereaux Shields House.
DeSoto County
While you may know DeSoto County for its rich musical history, thanks to the Mississippi Blues Trail, it’s also home to a booming dining and shopping scene. Here are some of our favorites!
To start your day, fuel up on caffeine and breakfast at Coffee Central, which offers locations in Southaven and Hernando. Bazar’s Bakery & Restaurant is another great choice, known for its keto-friendly menu.
For lunch, Buon Cibo is a casual eatery known for pizzas, salads, and burgers. Or, stop by Alex Farms Chicken Salad for some of the best scratch-made smoked chicken salad.
When you’re ready to start shopping, head to Silo Square, a 228-acre mixed-use development that’s home to shopping and restaurants. The best part? It’s located in Southaven’s Leisure and Recreation District, so you can enjoy drinks purchased at Silo Square restaurants as you shop!
For on-trend clothing, Dappled, Trouble Boutique, and Stella & Ivy offer dresses, tops, and accessories. If you’re traveling with men, they can stop by Norton’s for outwear, button-downs, pants, and more.
We also recommend visiting Custom Jewelry to see their extensive collection of necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
If you’re looking for home decor or gifts, popular shops include Magnolia House, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co., Ultimate Gifts, and MODA Designs.
You can also pick up a few items for the little ones in your crew at Wild Oats Children’s Boutique.
Located in Hernando, Saint + Social and Buckhead Threads are popular clothing stores. Side Alley Gifts & Cafe and Commerce Street Market are also great for tasty local cuisine, bath and body products, and home decor.
Nearby, Olive Branch is home to Jimberly’s, which offers clothing from brands like Charles River, Southern Marsh, and Judy Blue. For a bit of everything, visit Crossroads Vendor Market — which offers a variety of local businesses under one roof.
Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery, where you can find everything from Bonsai trees to planting supplies and gift sets.
When it’s time for dinner, BT Prime Steakhouse and Elfo Grisanti’s are both popular restaurants. For dessert, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at City Hall Cheesecake or Old Towne Bakery.
End your day with a perfect nightcap at Mississippi Ale House & Brew Pub, where you can enjoy a selection of local craft beers.
Vicksburg
In addition to its bicentennial celebration coming soon in 2025, Vicksburg offers some of the most unique dining and shopping in the South. Whether you’re visiting this season or next, here are a few staples to check out!
To kick-start your adventures, grab a bite to eat at The Tomato Place. In addition to serving as a local produce market, the beloved local business offers delicious entrées like po’boys, sandwiches on home-style bread, and a variety of fully dressed burgers.
For beautiful views alongside delicious food and craft cocktails, 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill is a casual yet elevated eatery that overlooks Historic Downtown Vicksburg, the Mississippi River, the Yazoo Diversion Canal, and Centennial Lake.
No trip to Mississippi is complete without indulging in a tamale or two. Luckily, Vicksburg is home to multiple restaurants that offer this specialty dish. Solly’s Hot Tamales and The Tamale Place are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
In addition to the delicious culinary scene, Vicksburg offers unique shopping opportunities. We recommend starting Downtown, where you can spend the afternoon perusing local boutiques that offer everything from apparel to home goods and antiques.
Levee Street Marketplace and The Open Market are popular antique stores where you can find jewelry, vintage fashion, and home decor. Meanwhile, The Cinnamon Tree offers colorful, on-trend clothing and accessories. Sassafras and Peterson’s are also great spots for gifts!
Vicksburg is also home to Mississippi’s only Dillard’s Clearance Center. You can find everything from men’s and women’s apparel to home goods, beauty products, and accessories marked down 65% or more!
When you’re done shopping, treat yourself to a beer or craft cocktail from Key City Brewery & Eatery. Beer lovers will find everything from lagers to sours and IPAs. For cocktails, specialties include the Mar de Fuego (rum, orange juice, egg, and banana syrup) and the Space-Age Crystals (raspberry vodka and hibiscus-infused lemonade).
If you have extra time, take advantage of the Vicksburg Attraction Passport. You can pick one up for free from the Visitor Information Center. Then, receive stamps from at least five participating businesses and return to the Visitor Center for a free shirt!
Corinth
Corinth is a small Mississippi town known for its authentic Southern charm. While visiting, take advantage of the city’s delicious culinary scene and unique local boutiques!
When mapping out your adventures, booking a room at Generals’ Quarters Boutique Hotel and Restaurant is a fantastic place to start. Not only will you find luxury lodging here, but the on-site restaurant offers expertly crafted dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re visiting the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Standout dishes include the Belgian waffles, lox and bagel, GQ smash burger, and the barbecue chicken sandwich.
Head to the Conservatory by Vicari Rooftop Restaurant for elevated dining with a spectacular view. Perched atop a historic building, the local eatery offers views of the Corinth skyline. The menu includes flatbread pizzas, hearty sandwiches, seafood, and steak.
Abe’s Grill is another beloved eatery that offers hearty breakfast and lunch items. As the oldest diner on Highway 72, it serves everything from warm biscuits to burgers, sandwiches, and corn dogs.
When it comes to Corinth’s shopping scene, there are plenty of boutiques to visit. For example, Sage & Willow offers a curated selection of trendy apparel, accessories, and gifts. It’s the ideal place for fashion-forward shoppers looking to add a touch of Southern flair to their wardrobe.
For antique enthusiasts, Sanctuary Antiques & Garden is a trove of vintage finds and timeless treasures. Whether you’re hunting for a new piece of artwork or the perfect rug, you’re sure to find a statement piece for your home!
If you’re in Downtown Corinth, stop by Shirley Dawg’s. The boutique carries notable brands like Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, and Patagonia and offers Southern-inspired clothing for men and women.
Clausel Jewelry is another popular store in Downtown Corinth. The family-owned-and-operated store has been a staple since 1947 and specializes in creating beautiful custom jewelry.
Also in the heart of Corinth, Lipchic Boutique is a women’s clothing store offering brands like BuDha Girl, Debbie Katz, Tyler Candle, and Willow Tree.
Tupelo
From 200+ local restaurants offering delicious food and drinks to three distinct shopping districts, there is so much to do and see in the small town of Tupelo. Here are some highlights!
If you want to spend a few days here, Hotel Tupelo is a great home base. The boutique hotel’s unique design embraces the city’s rock ‘n’ roll culture. Plus, it offers a convenient location in Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark District.
As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel is currently offering a special package courtesy of bespoke denim company Blue Delta Jeans. It includes a pair of custom-tailored jeans from Blue Delta, an on-site custom-fitting appointment with a tailor, and a special swag bag.
When you’re ready to start shopping, Tupelo’s three shopping districts offer something for everyone. Barnes Crossing District is home to over 90 specialty shops and a multi-screen stadium-seat movie theater, while the Midtown Shopping District houses 24 locally owned stores specializing in interior design, apparel, and furnishings.
The Downtown District is home to various shops offering antiques, designer clothing, and local artwork. A long-time standout, however, is Reed’s. The 119-year-old department store offers men’s, women’s, and children’s departments, as well as an independent bookstore and gift shop.
Relics Antique Marketplace is another popular store, boasting two floors of 117+ vendor booths. Located in the former garment factory where Gladys Presley worked while pregnant with Elvis, you’ll find everything from antiques to handmade goods, plants, jewelry, and furniture.
If all that shopping has left you thirsty, we recommend traveling along Tupelo’s Cocktail Trail. To begin, simply pick up your cocktail trail card at the Tupelo Visitors Center or one of the participating restaurants.
From there, visit the seven Downtown Tupelo restaurants to enjoy artisan cocktails — including The Jordan River from Amsterdam Deli (vodka, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup) and Park Heights’ Tupelo Honey (vodka, elderflower, fresh mint, and lemon juice). Once you visit all the restaurants, redeem your card at the Tupelo Visitors Center for a free #MyTupelo cocktail shaker!
Oxford
Oxford — the “Cultural Mecca of the South” — is a hub for creatives and foodies. Whether you’re visiting for one day or several, here are some of the best places to explore!
We recommend starting your adventure in the town’s historic Square. Home to a variety of shops, you’ll find everything from apparel to books and local cuisine.
Perhaps the most notable store is Neilson’s, the oldest department store in the South. In business for over 180 years, the store offers the latest trends in home decor, shoes, clothing, and accessories.
The Square is also home to a variety of local boutiques, including standouts like Cicada, JANE, and Frock Fashions (which was voted “Best Boutique” by the Oxford Eagle in 2023).
No trip to The Square is complete without a visit to Square Books, an independent bookstore spread across three buildings. In addition to books, the main store offers a café and a second-story balcony overlooking the Square and historic Lafayette County Courthouse.
Just a few doors down is Off Square Books, which includes a variety of lifestyle books ranging from gardening to cooking. Little ones will also love exploring Sqaure Books, Jr.
If all that local shopping has you feeling hungry, Oxford’s delicious culinary scene includes two James-Beard award-winning chefs — Chef John Currence of City Grocery and Chef Vishwesh Bhatt of Snackbar!
City Grocery is a great place to enjoy an evening of fine dining. While the menu changes seasonally, their famous shrimp and grits is always a staple on both the lunch and dinner menus. On the other hand, Snackbar offers everything from fresh raw oysters to delicious craft cocktails and an internationally inspired menu, oftentimes blending Indian spices and flavors with classic Southern cuisines.
For more casual dining options, visit Ajax Diner, The Blind Pig Pub, Funky’s, or Good Day Café.
For a nightcap, Nightbird is a modern-day speakeasy offering specialty cocktails like the Antiquated Knowledge (peanut butter and jelly vodka with a peanut butter cookie crumb) and G-N-T (gin, orange essence, rose water, and tonic).
The Coop is another popular bar, offering sweeping views of The Square. Located on top of the Graduate Hotel, you can enjoy everything from refreshing cocktails to light bites such as Grove Water (strawberry vodka, cranberry juice, basil, and soda water) to light bites including the Rebel Tots (tater tots topped with fried jalapeños, bacon, queso cheese, pulled pork, diced tomatoes, and green onions).
Meridian
Home to over 200 shops, restaurants, and bars, Meridian offers the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. Here are some of our favorites.
We recommend starting your journey Downtown, which is home to Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, Weidmann’s. Founded in 1870, the restaurant is known for its delicious Southern cuisine and seafood. Before leaving, be sure to order the eatery’s famous Black Bottom Pie!
Located down the street, Harvest Grill offers healthy seasonal produce from local farms.
For a more laid-back meal, Jean’s American Eatery is known for classic comfort food, such as delicious fried chicken, burgers, and pimento cheese.
If you’re craving exotic flavors, options include Aie’s Taste of Thai and Mia’s Cafe. The Island 601 is also popular for its Jamaican cuisine.
For dinner with a view, The Boxcar’s rooftop bar offers delicious gourmet pizza alongside beautiful views of Downtown Meridian.
Venturing outside of Downtown, The Rustler Steakhouse and Amore Ristorante are both popular eateries with delicious food and wine in an elevated atmosphere.
After dinner, treat yourself to a “cold one” at Threefoot Brewing. In addition to serving as the city’s first craft brewery, it offers gourmet pub food like tacos, fried chicken, and sandwiches.
Aside from a vibrant culinary scene, Downtown Meridian offers shopping opportunities for men, women, and children. Standouts include Belle G Boutique, Crooked Letter, LaBiche Jewelers, Loeb’s, and Over The Moon.
Musicians and music lovers will also enjoy visiting DC Guitar Studio and Meridian Underground Music.
Located inside the Mississippi Arts+Entertainment Experience, The Max Store offers a wide selection of Mississippi-made pieces, from McCarty pottery to Wolfe Birds, Capri Blue candles, Satterfield pottery, and Walter Anderson prints.
For an afternoon of antiquing, drive a few minutes out of town to Kewanee. It’s home to The Simmon-Wright Company, and you’ll love perusing the shelves full of collectibles. It’s almost like a museum where everything is for sale!
Meridian’s North Hills District is another eclectic shopping experience, where you’ll find The Atrium Mini Mall and La Huastequita Taqueria y Carniceria, a Mexican grocery store and restaurant.
Whether you’re exploring the warmth of Southern hospitality or indulging in the local culinary scene, it won’t take long to realize why Meridian is the unofficial cultural capital of the South.
Hattiesburg
From a vibrant dining scene to charming local boutiques, it’s no wonder Hattiesburg has been dubbed “The Hub City.” Here are some of our favorite places to eat and shop in this charming Mississippi town!
For a caffeine boost to kick off your visit, The Depot Kitchen & Market is a popular café and eatery. Located in Downtown Hattiesburg, you can enjoy classic coffee drinks in addition to signature lattes like the Keg & Caramel and the Hub City Mocha.
For something more substantial, the café offers extensive breakfast and lunch menus, which include a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sliders.
T-Bone’s Records & Café is another popular coffee shop. In addition to caffeine and food, the locally owned and operated store offers music, movies, games, and live music.
When you’re ready for some shopping, we recommend starting downtown. You’ll find everything you need, from outdoor adventure gear at Sacks Outdoors to timeless home decor at Blooms Company.
Open every weekend, The Lucky Rabbit is another popular downtown shopping destination. Spread across two buildings, you’ll find everything from classic arcade games to beautiful photo ops as well as vintage and antique treasures.
Additional downtown shopping includes boutiques like McKenzie’s on Main, Walnut Square Gifts & Stationary, and The Honey Clothing Co.
To break up your shopping spree, visit Alley Cats Axe Throwing Co. for a fun, hands-on activity.
When you’re ready for dinner, Bourbon on Front is known for its delicious steaks, hearty pasta dishes, and specialty cocktails. The restaurant is also home to Hattiesburg’s first rooftop bar, so make sure to swing by for a sunset happy hour!
For a laid-back meal with delicious food, Ed’s Burger Joint offers specialty burgers and craft milkshakes. Meanwhile, barbecue lovers will enjoy a visit to Murky Waters BBQ, and those looking for traditional Southern fare should visit Gratefull Soul or The Midtowner.
After dinner, visit Keg and Barrel for a cold beer. Located in an old home, the brewpub offers over 60 beers on draft from Mississippi, Germany, and Ireland. Non-beer drinkers can round out the day with an order from a selection of liquor and wine.
Enjoy your Mississippi adventures!
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All photography provided unless otherwise noted.
This article is sponsored by Visit Natchez, DeSoto County Tourism, Visit Vicksburg, Visit Corinth, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Oxford, and Visit HBURG.
