SHOPPING,DINING&LODGING

OutletsofMississippi

Outlets of Mississippi

Pearl, Mississippi

At 325,000 square feet, Outlets of Mississippi is the largest outlet shopping destination in the state. Located minutes from the capital city of Jackson in the city of Pearl, Outlets of Mississippi is the perfect stopping place at the Crossroads of the South at the junction of interstates 55/20 and highways 80/49.

Top name brands include Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Coach, Banana Republic, Gap Outlet, Johnston & Murphy, Cole Haan, Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Carter’s Babies and Kids, PUMA as well as several locallyowned shops and boutiques. Outlets of Mississippi also has a variety of dining options including pizza, Chinese food, hibachi, sushi, Southern cuisines and a Mexican Bar & Grill. Snack vendors offer fresh popcorn, cookies, brownies, sodas and candies, chocolates and frozen yogurt. Shoppers will also enjoy ice cold beers and daiquiris which can be carried around the property.

Visitor Services welcome center is also home to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi Pearl Gallery. Hundreds of local artists display hand-made items that can be purchased as souvenirs. Guests will also find special discounts, a VIP coupon brochure and plenty of tourism information for The Hospitality State. Wheelchairs, strollers and other amenities are also found at Visitor Services which is conveniently located across from the Food Court and near the bus tour drop-off area.

The latest additions may be the most exciting. Entertainment is abundant around this family-friendly outdoor shopping center and includes a 10,000-square-foot eSports arena that offers gaming and Virtual Reality experiences for all ages. Travelers will also enjoy “escape rooms” and the latest craze “smash rooms” where patrons can gear up and break all sorts of items with bats and golf clubs. It is an experience like none other.

Outlets of Mississippi is nested inside “The Connection” which is within walking distance to some of Mississippi’s best attractions including the state’s only Bass Pro Shops, Cavender’s

Western Outfitter, Holiday Inn and Trustmark Park, home to the Mississippi Braves (Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves).

Starved Rock Lodge

Oglesby, Illinois

Starved Rock Lodge, located in Oglesby, Illinois, is nestled in the middle of scenic Starved Rock State Park (a National Historic Landmark) featuring stunning sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls. Starved Rock Lodge is the only lodging facility located within the park. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the lodge is a unique, architectural masterpiece with a massive Great Hall anchored by the largest, two-sided limestone fireplace in the Midwest. Guests remark that the ambiance is much like that of lodges in national parks.

The most popular group tours activities are the lodge’s Tribute to the Stars series of musical performances. The talented singers and performers take guests on a walk down memory lane with their renditions of famous hits by Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin and others. A hot buffet lunch is included in the ticket price. The setting is the historic Great Hall.

Trolleys play an important role in the tours offered by Starved Rock Lodge, providing a comfortable way see the region. Land and water cruises aboard the Eagle I riverboat offer guests a slow-paced cruise on the east side of Starved Rock State Park offering a view of the forests, foliage and wildlife from the Illinois River. Tours of the lodge and guided hikes are often added to enhance the guest’s experience.

Starved Rock Lodge features comfy hotel rooms, cabins, an indoor pool complex, the Back Door Lounge, Main Dining Room and Café – all under one roof. In warm weather, outdoor dining on the Veranda offers a stunning view of scenic LaSalle County and the Illinois River Valley. Starved Rock Lodge is more than a day trip – it is a lasting memory.

For more information phone (800) 868-7625 or view starvedrocklodge.com. q