MISSISSIPPI

Birthplace of America’s Music

Mississippi, known as “the Birthplace of America’s Music” is the perfect place for those looking to visit historic sites, take a chance at resort casinos, discover museum exhibits on legends such as Oprah Winfrey, Elvis Presley, and GRAMMY-award winners, or retreat to a quaint cottage or chalet. Diverse experiences range from cultural, literary, and music trails throughout the state, to the home of HGTV’s Home Town in the city of Laurel, to a 36-million-year-old petrified forest. From the birthplace of the blues in the Mississippi Delta to the hallowed grounds where the Civil War was fought in Vicksburg, Mississippi has a destination for everyone.

MUST-SEES:

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT

The Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience, known as “The MAX”, is in Meridian and features more than 5,388 square meters of immersive, interactive exhibits and galleries that tell the stories of Mississippi cultural icons such as Oprah Winfrey, B.B. King, William Faulkner, Charley Pride and Morgan Freeman.

Explore national music ties to Mississippi at The GRAMMY MUSEUM® MISSISSIPPI in Cleveland, which celebrates Mississippi’s enduring impact on the music industry.

In Tupelo, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s boyhood home is preserved for all to see, then visit the Tupelo Hardware Store where Elvis Presley’s mother bought him his first guitar.

At the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, delve into the life and music of world-famous Blues musician B.B. King and discover the rich cultural heritage of his Mississippi Delta home region.

If rolling the dice is your sort of entertainment, Mississippi has more than 36 casinos. Sports betting, blackjack, upscale restaurants and boutiques, pool-side cabanas and spas are just some of the many activities that are available for travelers at Mississippi’s casino resorts.

Home makeover enthusiasts get an up close and personal look at the town that inspired the HGTV series “Home Town”—Laurel. Witness the charming town’s revitalization and the show’s impact on the town where the show is currently filming its seventh season.

Historic Sites

The Mississippi Freedom Trail is a must-visit series of places that document the stories of the Civil Rights Era in Mississippi through the stories of the people and places that played a crucial role in the fight for justice and equality. At the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, visitors learn and reflect on the true stories of the people and events that shaped the nation and influenced the world.

Steeped in Civil War history, the city of Vicksburg offers visitors a unique blend of Southern culture and heritage at the Vicksburg National Military Park along the Mississippi River.

Practical Information

POPULATION: 2.93 million

CAPITAL & MAIN CITIES: Jackson Biloxi/Gulfport, Natchez, Vicksburg, Meridian

TIME DIFFERENCE: -7h

CLIMATE: Subtropical with hot and humid summers. Spring and autumn are dry and very pleasant, while winters are quite mild.

WHEN TO GO? Winter, Spring, and Fall

LOCAL TIP: Drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444 km, 8,000-year-old, recreational road and scenic drive that was once traveled by Native Americans, missionaries and early settlers.

The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, located in Starkville on the campus of Mississippi State University, houses documents, photos and memorabilia from the 18th president’s life.

The Mississippi Blues Trail and the Mississippi Country Music Trail recount Mississippi’s musical narratives and many of those who led to the state’s nickname of “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” Likewise, the Mississippi Writers Trail recounts the state’s illustrious literacy heritage and thus far includes markers for Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Ida B. Wells and Margaret Walker, to name a few.

If ancient history is more your style, visit the 36-million-yearold Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora or take the selfguided driving tour along the Mississippi Mound Trail to see the remnants of the state’s Native American history.

Lavish Lodging

In Natchez, Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, an early 19th-century antebellum mansion set on 10.5 hectares

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson of manicured gardens, welcomes guests to experience historic lodging famous in the South.

For a charming stay, visit Ocean Springs for a retreat in an eclectic chalet at The Beatnik—all are equipped with wet bars and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a plunge pool.

Luxury awaits in the Mississippi Delta at The Alluvian hotel in Greenwood, where you can take a class at the Viking Cooking School and partake in a luxury spa treatment. In Cleveland, enjoy a boutique hotel experience at The Cotton House as you explore the rich Blues Music heritage in the region.

For a resort golf stay, visit the Old Waverly Golf Club and Mossy Oak Golf Club, both in West Point. Golfers can play on the award-winning courses and stay in the wellappointed cottages nestled among the course.

Looking to escape the city and discover Southern hospitality? A stay at The Wynne House and Hummingbird Cottage in Holly Springs is for you. This bed and breakfast situates you nearby the beautiful historic district featuring museums, shops and restaurants.

Getting There

GATEWAYS:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

Jackson (JAN)

Gulfport-Biloxi (GPT)

Or Memphis Internaional Airport in Tennessee.