Mississippi’s Historic Main Streets: 6 Charming Downtowns
Are you looking for a getaway filled with history, Southern charm, shopping, dining, and so much more? Plan a tour of Mississippi's beautiful and historic main streets! Image: Visit Starkville
If you’re looking for Southern hospitality and nostalgic charm, there’s no better destination than Mississippi’s historic main streets. From musical legacy and Civil War history to a rich landscape of dining, shopping, and outdoor adventure, these idyllic main streets showcase the best of the state!
MERIDIAN
Meridian’s Main Street is a cultural treasure offering a delightful downtown experience. Located less than a mile from the highway, it’s easily accessible via Exit 153 onto 22nd Avenue, where your adventure begins! Even better — downtown parking is free, making it effortless to explore the many attractions on foot.
Your first stop should be the Mississippi Children’s Museum, just half a mile from the exit. This family-friendly destination offers indoor and outdoor exhibits designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Right next door, Cater’s @ The Museum provides a perfect pit stop for coffee and daily specials before heading into the heart of downtown.
Crossing the 22nd Avenue bridge, you’ll enter a historic district packed with culture and entertainment. Meridian’s walkable downtown boasts six museums, two historic theaters, and a variety of unique shops and eateries. A must-see is the MS Arts & Entertainment Experience (The MAX), located just on your right.
Then, follow the Hall of Fame bronze stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring Mississippi’s legendary artists, and you’ll soon arrive at the MSU Riley Center. This beautifully restored grand opera house now serves as a premier venue for live performances and events.
Food lovers will revel in the locally owned dining options. Weidmann’s, a Meridian institution since 1870, is famous for its peanut butter crocks and black bottom pie. Harvest Grill offers locally inspired dishes, while Jean’s American Eatery is known for its fried chicken. Fare on Eighth combines clean eating with fabulous cocktails, and Threefoot Brewing Co. serves up craft beer alongside delicious pub fare.
Shopping in Meridian is equally delightful, with family-owned boutiques offering unique finds. Generations Fine Paper & Gifts, Loeb’s apparel, and DC Guitar Studio cater to diverse tastes, while Over the Moon provides children’s clothing and toys.
TUPELO
Tupelo’s Main Street is the heart of the city, blending history, charm, and modern flair. This lively downtown area invites you to explore tree-lined streets filled with locally owned boutiques, inviting cafés, striking public art, and unique attractions that embody the city’s spirit.
For Elvis fans, the Elvis’ Tupelo Driving Tour includes iconic stops like Elvis’ Homecoming Statue in Fairpark and the historic Lee County Courthouse, all within easy walking distance downtown. Don’t miss the Elvis Guitar Trail, featuring over 20 hand-painted guitars along Main Street, alongside murals that bring a colorful touch to the cityscape.
History comes alive at Tupelo Hardware Company, where Gladys Presley famously purchased Elvis Presley’s first guitar for his 11th birthday. This enduring landmark still sells guitars, maintaining its connection to music history.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Gumtree Museum of Art, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. This museum offers rotating exhibits, interactive workshops, and special events — all free and open to the public — showcasing Tupelo’s thriving creative community.
To refuel as you explore, stop by Crave, Tupelo’s gourmet coffee and dessert café, or the Park Heights Restaurant for elevated dining and terrace views.
For entertainment, the historic Lyric Theatre, housed in a 112-year-old building, presents award-winning community theater productions that delight audiences of all ages. Its annual season of performances highlights the city’s dedication to the arts — a perfect anchor for planning your visit.
OXFORD
Oxford’s downtown Square is the gateway to its cultural and social scene. Explore unique boutiques, including Neilson’s, the South’s oldest department store, or browse local crafts and stylish apparel in specialty shops. Food lovers can indulge in Southern cuisine at renowned restaurants like City Grocery, while literary enthusiasts will love Square Books, one of the nation’s most celebrated independent bookstores.
For entertainment, the Lyric Theater showcases live music and performances, while the Gertrude Castellow Ford Center presents cultural events. For a glimpse of history, visit the Lafayette County Courthouse, a landmark steeped in heritage (and the heart of the Square!).
Downtown comes alive every spring with the annual Double Decker Arts Festival, a (free!) celebration of art, music, food, and community set against the historic backdrop of Courthouse Square. This two-day event attracts tens of thousands of visitors, and this year’s 28th annual event takes place on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26.
Since its humble beginnings, the festival has grown into a dynamic experience with over 150 art vendor booths showcasing handmade creations from across the country. Art devotees can also view live demonstrations.
Music lovers can enjoy the festival’s free performances by local talent and nationally recognized touring acts, with a 2025 lineup that includes Grace Potter, Band of Heathens, and Charley Crockett.
Food vendors take center stage on Saturday, offering creative twists on classic flavors, and families will find plenty to do with a dedicated Kid Zone featuring carnival rides and games.
The festival also hosts a fun run, 5k, and 10k, adding a lively start to Saturday morning. Of course, no trip to the Double Decker Arts Festival is complete without snapping a photo with the iconic red double-decker bus, the inspiration for the festival’s name. Come for the celebration; stay for the charm!
STARKVILLE
A walkable shopping district with vibrant murals, Starkville’s Main Street has everything you’re looking for when it comes to shopping, dining, and Southern charm.
Just steps from Mississippi State University’s campus, the Cotton District epitomizes New Urbanism with its walkable streets, charming architecture, and energy. This neighborhood brims with restaurants and bars, offering the perfect place to enjoy local flavors and nightlife.
No trip to Starkville is complete without a stop at the MAFES Sales Store, known to locals as the MSU Cheese Store. Here, you can pick up the university’s famous Edam cheese balls, as well as ice cream, jams, meats, juices, and their legendary chocolate milk. These products, crafted on campus as part of Mississippi State’s teaching and research programs, are a testament to the university’s dedication to quality and tradition.
Another highlight is the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, located on campus. One of only seven presidential libraries on a college campus, it offers a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of the 18th U.S. President.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy an easy hike, go kayaking, or spend time birdwatching in this picturesque setting.
For recreation, the Mississippi State University Golf Course is a top-tier facility for golf aficionados — and four free disc golf courses are also available for a more casual outing!
VICKSBURG
Vicksburg’s Main Street is a dynamic blend of art, music, history, and hospitality. Recognized as Newsweek’s #1 Best Historical Small Town in the U.S., Vicksburg’s rich heritage is evident at every turn — from stately homes and battleground sites to the Vicksburg National Military Park.
The downtown district serves as the heart of the city, full of lively activities and fun excursions. Historic brick streets, river views, and architectural treasures provide the perfect backdrop for a mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
As a semi-finalist for the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), Downtown Vicksburg is a testament to community pride and revitalization. It’s even on the Mississippi Blues Trail, thanks to its fantastic live music scene!
Art is everywhere, with attractions like the stunning Riverfront Murals, Washington Street Park, and new installations in Gordon’s Alley and Catfish Row. Three downtown art galleries offer diverse styles, making Vicksburg a haven for art lovers. Plus, Vicksburg’s downtown will come alive from September 26 through 28 with the inaugural Vicksburg Hipstoric Art Festival, a celebration of creativity showcasing talented artists from across the country.
Food connoisseurs will savor Vicksburg’s diverse culinary scene, which ranges from sushi and tamales to authentic Southern comfort food. Highlights include a rooftop restaurant and a local brewpub. Of course, you can also take in some culinary history at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum!
Vicksburg’s downtown is also home to a year-round event lineup, including weekly live music, the Vicksburg Farmers’ Market, and Pickin’ on the Porch. In 2025, the city’s bicentennial celebrations will feature fireworks, festivals, and cultural events, culminating in a stunning New Year’s Eve 2025 drone show over the Mississippi River.
CORINTH
Known for its rich Civil War heritage, Corinth’s picturesque downtown area has seamlessly preserved its past while embracing the present. The historic architecture lining Main Street is a testament to the town’s storied history, and you can stroll past beautifully restored buildings housing an eclectic mix of boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries.
Whether you’re searching for unique handmade gifts, vintage treasures, or local artwork, Main Street offers a treasure trove of finds. You can also explore several museums that pay tribute to Corinth’s pivotal role in the Civil War, including the Civil War Interpretive Center, which is just a short drive from the main drag.
One of Corinth’s most iconic contributions to Southern culinary culture is the slug burger — a must-try for any visitor. Created during the Great Depression, this regional specialty consists of a patty made with a blend of beef, soy, and flour, deep-fried to golden perfection.
Traditionally served on a bun with mustard, pickles, and onions, the slug burger is an unpretentious yet deeply satisfying bite of local history. There’s even a festival dedicated to the burger in July.
Several Main Street eateries serve up their own versions of this classic, ensuring you’ll find a favorite. (But don’t skip Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain, established in 1865!)
Beyond shopping and dining, Main Street is a hub for community events and festivals. From live music performances to seasonal celebrations, there’s always something happening for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Happy exploring!
This article is sponsored by Visit Meridian, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Oxford, Visit Starkville, Visit Vicksburg, Visit Corinth MS, and Visit Mississippi.
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.