Your North Mississippi Getaway Guide
From shopping and dining to must-see sites for music lovers, these are some of our favorite things to see and do for the perfect North Mississippi getaway!
Nestled in the northwest corner of Mississippi and just minutes from Memphis, TN, DeSoto County is full of charm, a diverse culinary scene, and exciting attractions. Made up of five distinct areas — Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, Horn Lake, and Walls — it’s a fantastic family-friendly weekend destination. We’re breaking down all there is to see and do in North Mississippi!
Where to Shop
Locals and tourists alike know DeSoto County as a premier shopping destination. As one of the area’s most popular shopping attractions, Tanger in Southaven is an outdoor mall home to more than 60 well-known brands, including Ann Taylor, Guess, Kate Spade, and so many more.
Also located in Southaven, Southaven Towne Center features a great mix of shopping and dining. You can find everything from department stores like JCPenney and Dillard’s to charming local boutiques.
For a mix of high-end retail and restaurants, Silo Square is a popular 228-acre mixed-use development. Home to an array of boutiques offering on-trend apparel, standout stores include SoCo Silo, Dappled, Stella Ivy, and Trouble Boutique.
Also at Silo Square, Sugar & Honey Boutique is the perfect store if you’re shopping for little ones or moms-to-be. Or, for home decor and other accessories, Ultimate Gifts carries everything from apparel to decor and art. The square even has its own vibrant murals, perfect for photos.
If you find yourself in Hernando, there are plenty of charming boutiques located on the Courthouse Square. Stores like Saint and Buckhead Threads offer stylish clothing, shoes, and accessories. We also recommend visiting Side Alley Gifts & Cafe to pick up a sweet-smelling candle, seasonal home decor, or jewelry. The Square Cupboard is a popular bridal registry and gift shop where you’ll find everything from invitations and stationery to baby gifts, gourmet foods, and home decor.
Olive Branch is also home to a variety of boutiques — whether you’re shopping for your home or wardrobe. The Wooden Door is an interior decor shop offering furniture, lighting, and antiques. For even more gifts, decor, and apparel, Jimberly’s Boutique is perfect for adults, while Wild Oats Children’s Boutique is ideal for little ones.
Where to Eat & Drink
After spending some time perusing DeSoto County’s collection of shops and boutiques, you’ll have plenty of options to fuel up with a delicious meal. Whether you’re looking to have a romantic date night or a casual family meal, there’s something for all tastes!
Located in Southaven, Elfo Grisanti’s offers upscale dining in a comfortable atmosphere. The family-owned Italian eatery is known for its authentic pizza, pasta dishes, and homemade desserts.
Buon Cibo is another beloved local restaurant. The eatery is known for its specialty sandwiches, pizza, soups, and salads.
For more casual favorites (and even more delicious pizza), we recommend exploring the Olive Branch area. Families will enjoy hearty meals at SideStreet Burgers and OB Pizza Co., while the 21-and-up crowd can spend the evening at Mississippi Ale House & Brew Pub. Additionally, you can indulge in Asian-Inspired fare at Naru Japanese Restaurant.
For authentic barbecue, Memphis Barbecue Co. in Horn Lake serves award-winning ribs and pulled pork sandwiches in addition to its barbecue shrimp and grits. Not to mention, the eatery is owned by seven-time World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest winner Melissa Cookston.
And when your sweet tooth calls, DeSoto County is also home to a handful of dessert shops. City Hall Cheesecake offers a variety of decadent cheesecake flavors, while Velvet Cream and DeSoto Snow & Creamery are excellent for ice cream sandwiches and sundaes.
Where to Play & Explore
For those looking to get outside and be active, we recommend playing a game of tennis or miniature golf at Southaven’s Snowden Grove Park. Disc golf enthusiasts can also enjoy some fun at Horn Lake’s Latimer Lakes Park.
If you want to bike or enjoy a picnic along the banks of the Mississippi River, Hernando DeSoto River Park provides that unique opportunity. Meanwhile, Arkabutla Lake offers everything from hiking trails to a fishing pier, campgrounds, playgrounds, and 30,000 acres of land for public hunting.
For more leisurely outdoor fun, Cedar Hill Farm in Hernando offers exciting activities for the whole family. Home to seasonal activities and year-round attractions, take advantage of the farm’s hayrides, petting zoo, playgrounds, pony rides, and chicken shows.
For music lovers, we recommend keeping an eye on the event calendar for BankPlus Amphitheater. The live entertainment venue hosts spring, summer, and fall concerts. You’ll find names like Riley Green, Hozier, and Lainey Wilson on the 2024 calendar. This year’s complete schedule can be viewed at bankplusamphitheater.com.
Landers Center is another popular venue for live events. Open year-round, bring the whole family here to enjoy sporting events, shows, and concerts. To see this year’s event calendar, visit landerscenter.com.
And for the music history buffs, keep your eyes peeled for Mississippi Blues Trail markers peppered throughout Walls, Horn Lake, Hernando, and Nesbit. Each sign displays a different story of a place or an individual that shaped blues music.
Enjoy your Mississippi adventures!
This article is sponsored by Visit DeSoto County. All photography provided.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.