2022 Mississippi Itinerary Guide

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE 2022 EDITION

HISTORY

COMES ALIVE IN MISSISSIPPI Arts, culture and music are intertwined throughout the Magnolia State’s history

GROUP-FRIENDLY ITINERARIES THAT COVER THE ENTIRE STATE From the Delta to the Hills, Mississippi has attractions that will entice all ages

WELCOME 2022 EDITION

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Editorial & Advertising Office

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Dear Friends,

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Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com

As you plan your Mississippi adventure, it is my pleasure to share with you the abundance of attractions, restaurants, museums and so much more that call the Magnolia State home, all of which will ensure a truly Southern experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Allow this guidebook to serve as your roadmap to the state’s historic attractions, charming communities, mouthwatering meals and artistic experiences that make Mississippi such an attractive home-away-from-home for your getaway.

The Magnolia State is a land of diverse culture, with activities and attractions for all ages. Mississippi is the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” and cities and communities throughout the state celebrate that heritage on most nights with live music performed everywhere from large venues to small juke joints. Be sure to check out where some of the world’s most iconic musicians got their starts. The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo takes visitors on a personal tour of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s humble beginnings, and the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in the Mississippi Delta highlights where the famed bluesman honed his talent to share with the world.

Mississippi also is known for its world-renowned cuisine. Award-winning chefs serve up fresh Gulf seafood, classic Southern cuisine with local twists, some of the best steaks in the country, and of course, mouthwatering barbecue that will leave you craving seconds every time. You can even take cooking lessons at Viking Cooking School where you’ll learn to prepare a Mississippi delicacy, so no matter where you live, you can create a Southern mouthwatering favorite for friends and family.

Mississippi also is full of enlightening and inspiring museums. The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience in Meridian and the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi in the heart of the Delta region share the stories of Mississippi artists, literary icons and more. The state’s history is on display at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History, or you can tour “Mississippi’s Outdoor Museum” as you follow the state’s cultural trails, all displaying markers that showcase our state’s place in American cultural history.

On behalf of the people of Mississippi, we look forward to hosting you this year. Welcome to the Hospitality State. We’re glad to have you.

Sincerely,

D. Craig Ray, Director Visit Mississippi

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle

dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha

jason@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Published in Partnership with Visit Mississippi

Visit Mississippi PO Box 849 Jackson, MS 39205 Phone: 601-359-3297 The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Mississippi Itinerary Guide is published by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

Cover photo: The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is Mississippi’s first art museum, founded in 1923, and it showcases an extensive collection of American and European art and so much more.

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publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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History Comes Alive in Mississippi

By Jason Paha

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

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ew, if any states, can match Mississippi’s fascinating history.

The Magnolia State enjoys a storied past stemming from its important Native American history and its role in the civil rights movement to it being the birthplace of some of the world’s most influential musicians, writers and activists.

Groups looking to learn about Mississippi’s past can explore these stories in a variety of locales. Among the most popular destinations in the state are the state’s four cultural trails: Mississippi Blues Trail, Mississippi Country Music Trail, Mississippi Writers Trail and Mississippi Freedom Trail.

Here are a few notable stops across the state: The first of the state’s cultural trails, the Mississippi Blues Trail was established in 2006. The trail currently includes 210 markers that tell the story of the birth and evolution of blues music, leading to Mississippi’s status as the Birthplace of America’s Music. Among the more notable stops on the trail are the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, the world’s first museum dedicated to Blues music; the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, which includes the two-room house Presley and his family lived in during his early years; and GRAMMY

Museum® Mississippi in Cleveland, which celebrates Mississippi’s musical heritage in blues, gospel, rock and other genres.

Learn about the state’s many contributions to country music on the Mississippi Country Music Trail. Start your journey in Meridian by visiting the trail’s first marker honoring the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers, a singersongwriter and musician who rose to popularity in the late 1920s.

The Mississippi Writers Trail pays tribute to the state’s most acclaimed writers through a series of historical markers that educate the public about the history and legacy of the Magnolia State’s writers. Started in 2018, the trail features markers that honor legendary Mississippians such as William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Richard Wright, Eudora Welty, Walker Percy and Ida B. Wells. With 28 markers across the state, the Mississippi Freedom Trail helps tell the story of the brave Mississippians who contributed to a movement that changed the world. Created in 2011, this trail commemorates the people and places in the state that played an important role in the American civil rights movement. For a deeper look at the state’s history, visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, where guests can discover stories of civil rights activists like Medgar

Photo courtesy of Visit Mississippi

Arts, culture and music are intertwined throughout the Magnolia State’s history

Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and Vernon Dahmer. Another notable museum in Jackson is the Mississippi Museum of Art. The largest art museum in the state, the Mississippi Museum of Art displays the power of art in a community.

In May 2021, the museum announced the creation – along with the Baltimore Museum of Art – of a major exhibition that unveils newly commissioned works by 12 of the most acclaimed African American artists working today. This exhibition examines the considerable impact of the Great Migration on the social and cultural life of the United States. Opened in 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is a 5.8-acre complex that incorporates both indoor and outdoor habitats with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants. The aquarium contains more than 80,000 square feet of exhibits, featuring species from the water, land and air. It houses the three-story Aquatic Wonders exhibit, an immersive, hands-

on experience that captivates guests of all ages. Mississippi’s first art museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel was founded in 1923 in memory of Lauren Eastman Rogers, the only son and only grandson of one of the town’s founding families. Today, almost 100 years after its founding, the museum is home to an extensive collection of American art, British Georgian silver, European art, Japanese woodblock prints and Native American art.

When in Laurel, groups also can visit Laurel Mercantile, a cozy retailer stocking an eclectic range of hip apparel, rustic furniture and home accessories. The owners of Laurel Mercantile, Erin and Ben Napier, are hosts of HGTV’s Home Town, a hit home renovation show filmed in Laurel. A visit to Rolling Fork also should include a stop at Mont Helena, a Colonial Revival-style home built atop a ceremonial Indian ground in the Mississippi Delta.

Built in 1896, the house was designed

by George Barber, a renowned American

architect famous for his Queen Anne Victorian-style house plans. During its early years, Mont Helena was one of the premier homes of the Delta.

If you time your stop in Rolling Fork properly, i.e., the fourth Saturday in October, you also can enjoy the Great Delta Bear Affair, a fantastic event filled with live music, arts and crafts, games and activities for children, fabulous food, a chainsaw wood carver and fireworks.

In New Albany, guests can stretch their legs on the Tanglefoot Trail, Mississippi’s longest Rails to Trails conversion measuring 43.6 miles through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. Here, you can experience a bit of history as you pass through fields, forests, meadows and wetlands while you travel down the path of the Chickasaws and Meriwether Lewis.

Those looking for a sweet treat in New Albany can indulge in the goodies created at Sugaree’s Bakery. Since 1997,

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is an important attraction that teaches about the state’s civil rights history.

Sugaree’s has created made-from-scratch cakes using real, premium ingredients.

Founded in 1868, the Belle Flower Missionary Baptist Church in Grenada is the oldest African American church and once was a hub for community and national organizers during the civil rights movement. Those seeking an outdoor utopia can visit Grenada Lake, located in the rolling hills and forests at the entrance to the Mississippi Delta. This 90,427-acre project offers something for all outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, boating, camping and swimming.

The Tennessee Williams House Museum and Welcome Center in Columbus is the first home of legendary playwright Tennessee Williams. Extensive efforts have been made to restore the 1875 Victorian home to its original glory. The house is a National Literary Landmark and is located in the heart of Columbus’s downtown historic district.

A popular event in Columbus is the Catfish in the Alley Festival, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last April. This fest features a day of fun for the whole family and includes catfish, vendors and some of the best blues musicians in the South. In Clarksdale, Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art Inc. is more than just a fun name, it is Mississippi’s blues store and your first stop for live music info. Those seeking to enjoy some outdoor aquatic fun can visit Geyser Falls Water Theme Park in Choctaw. This 23acre family amusement center features 12 major waterslides, an enormous wave pool, a lazy river and activity areas for children and teens adorned by waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming pools. Within the 23 acres is eight acres of white sandy beaches, palm trees and glistening water.

Another nearby attraction is the Nanih Waiya Mound and Village, an ancient earthwork mound located northeast of Philadelphia in Eastern Mississippi that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nanih Waiya is a Choctaw Indian name meaning “leaning hill,” and the enormous mound measures 25 feet high, 218 feet long, 210 feet wide and may have been erected around 1,000 years ago.

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Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

Born January 8, 1935 in this home in Tupelo, Elvis Presley redefined American popular music.

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

ABOUT THIS TRIP

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Welcome to the Mississippi Hills Region, where iconic legends created their best works, and historic homes and Civil War battlefields pique the interest of visitors from around the world.

Tour Rowan Oak, the home of novelist William Faulkner. Walk through the humble home where Elvis Presley was born and visit Tupelo Hardware, where, as a child, the future King of Rock ‘n Roll received his first guitar.

There are abundant shopping options also – from outlets to downtown treasures and local boutiques. Plenty of local eateries serve up some delicious Southern cuisine, so you will definitely leave inspired, satisfied and, of course, full.

Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

Explore the Towns and Famed Sons of Northeast Mississippi The lush woodlands of the Appalachian foothills are calling DAY 1:

Just 20 miles south of Memphis off I-55 is Tanger Outlets in Southaven. More than 60 brand name outlets like Banana Republic Factory, Coach, Columbia Factory Store, Gap Factory, H&M and many more welcome you. Take I-22 to Holly Springs for a late lunch at Annie’s Home Cooking.

Southern history and architecture welcome visitors at Burton Place, circa 1840; Montrose, circa 1858; and Walter Place Garden & Estate, circa 1859.

Choose one or visit them all, depending on what your schedule allows.

Drive northeast for about an hour to Corinth and check in at one of the

city’s four flag hotels. After a little rest and relaxation, it’s time for dinner at Abe’s Grill, the oldest diner on Highway 72, which is still operated by the original owners.

DAY 2:

After breakfast and checkout, start your day at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center to understand Corinth’s role in this critical battle through video and exhibits. A must stop is the Corinth Contraband Camp. Established to accommodate runaway slaves behind Union lines, it became increasingly popular after

DAY 3:

Breakfast, checkout and depart Tupelo for the short drive to Oxford, a community with smalltown charm and a rich history. Built in 1848, Rowan Oak became the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner. He resided at Rowan Oak from 1930 until his death in 1962.

There, he wrote some of his most memorable masterpieces. The outline for A Fable is still on the wall where it was scribbled.

Some of William Faulkner’s memorable masterpieces were written at his home, Rowan Oak, in Oxford.

Borroum’s Drug Store in Corinth was established in 1865 and is the oldest Mississippi drugstore and a great lunch spot.

Since Oxford’s beginning, The Square has been the cultural and economic hub of the city. Spend time shopping at Neilson’s, the South’s oldest department store, or any of the wide variety of shops and boutiques, an art gallery, and Square Books, a wellknown independent bookstore. Enjoy lunch on your own at any casual dining spot that overlooks The Square.

Begin the afternoon on the campus of the University of Mississippi. The university played a significant role in integration and the civil rights movement. A statue of James Meredith, the first African American student to attend the University of Mississippi, was unveiled in 2006. A Mississippi Freedom Trail marker details the events that took place surrounding that historic day he was enrolled at the university.

The University Museum on the main campus is home to an impressive

permanent collection of artifacts while hosting eight to 10 temporary exhibits throughout the year.

Depart Oxford with fond memories of the Hills Region, and, if you choose, continue your Mississippi adventure to the Delta Region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

the September 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Before departing, stop by the Bike Museum at Lake Hill Motors, which features a vast collection of vintage motorcycles – each with its own unique story. Lunch is on your own at Borroum’s Drug Store and Soda Fountain, Mississippi’s oldest operating drug store and soda fountain. Next, depart for Tupelo, the childhood home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Start your afternoon at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, where the greatest entertainer was born in a two-room shotgun shack. The house was built by his father, grandfather and uncle. Keep your camera close as there are plenty of selfies to be made.

There’s the “Elvis at 13” statue, Elvis’s childhood church and “Becoming,” two statues of Elvis at different stages in his life. Also in Tupelo, you’ll find the Elvis Mural and the Elvis Presley Homecoming statue. Plan to visit the hardware store where in 1946 Gladys Presley bought Elvis his first guitar.

Before checking in at your Tupelo accommodations, add a visit to the Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters & Visitors Center, the Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield or the nearby Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center. Relax and refresh at any of the dozens of group-friendly accommodations before departing for dinner at your choice of 160 Tupelo restaurants. After dinner, enjoy entertainment at Blue Canoe, Tupelo’s home for live music.

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The GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, Cleveland

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

ABOUT THIS TRIP

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Throughout the Mississippi Delta, museums, juke joints, iconic locations pivotal to the creation of the blues and so much more tell stories of the state’s considerable contributions to America’s musical history. More than 200 markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail guide music fans in the footsteps of legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Large casino resorts offer world-class live entertainment, and charming small towns offer picturesque Mississippi River backdrops for a more relaxed vibe. While in the Delta, be sure to check out a tribute to native Mississippian Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets and one very famous frog.

Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

Discover the ‘Birthplace of the Blues’ and More in Mississippi’s Delta Region The history of blues music is as interesting as the sound DAY 1:

Arrive in Tunica and begin your visit at the Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitor Center.

Housed in an original 1895 train depot, it provides an interesting view of Mississippi’s rich musical history.

A stop at the Tunica River Park and Museum provides visitors an insight and understanding of the Delta Region’s rich history and relationship with the Mississippi River. Be sure to take time to view the aquariums.

Check into any of the five casino hotels and relax before an evening

that begins with a great meal, followed by fun table games, slots and live entertainment. If gaming is not your style, there are a half dozen groupfriendly hotels in the Tunica area.

DAY 2:

Depart for Clarksdale after breakfast and checkout. Just outside Clarksdale is the former Stovall Plantation, now Stovall Farm.

It was here where legendary blues artist Muddy Waters lived. The actual house has been moved to the nearby

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 3:

Depart for Cleveland after breakfast and checkout. The first stop is Dockery Farms, a former 25,000-acre cotton farm. Some say the blues began here with bluesman Charley Patton, father of the Delta blues, teacher and influencer. The next stop is the state-ofthe-art GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, the only GRAMMY® Museum outside of Los Angeles. The must-visit, interactive museum explores all genres of music, as well as the story of the GRAMMY® award and its winning artists.

A busy morning continues in

Enjoy a true Mississippi Delta blues experience on your blues pilgrimage by attending a live performance at Red’s Lounge in Clarksdale.

At the Tunica River Park & Museum, explore the Mississippi Delta’s rich history and savor breathtaking views on a Mighty Mississippi riverboat cruise.

Greenville with a stop at the River Road Queen Welcome Center & Museum of the Delta. This Mississippi welcome center and museum, which resembles a Victorian riverboat, is home to Delta exhibits, including one dedicated to Kermit the Frog, the famous Muppet created by Greenville native Jim Henson.

Enjoy lunch at your choice of more than a dozen locally owned restaurants. If you haven’t tried a Mississippi tamale, Hot Tamale Heaven & Grille serves up a famous one.

Continue to Indianola and pay a visit to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. The legendary blues musician’s story is shared along with the cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Jump on Highway 82 and head to Greenwood, home to eight markers on the Mississippi Blues Trail, as well as a quaint downtown area. Greenwood also is located near several milestone locations integral to the civil rights movement, including

Money Road, where the brutal murder of teenager Emmett Till in 1955 shocked the nation and helped fuel the emerging civil rights movement.

Take the history and beat of the blues home with you or continue your Mississippi adventure to the Capital/ River Region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Delta Blues Museum. It was there that Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) recorded his first music, honoring the Mississippi River and spurring his performing name, Muddy Waters. The next stop is the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. At Mississippi’s oldest music museum, visitors can explore the history and heritage of the blues, a unique American musical art form.

Clarksdale is where many believe the blues was born. Legend has it that one midnight evening, guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49 in exchange for mastery of the guitar.

After visiting The Crossroads, grab some lunch and get in some shopping before gathering at Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, Inc. Take time to browse Hambone Art & Music, owned and operated by artist and blues musician Stan Street.

Finally, check into group-friendly accommodations ranging from flag hotels and resorts with gaming and entertainment to locally owned B&Bs. Dinner tonight is at Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman and named one of the Top 100 Bars and Nightclubs in America.

Enjoy a menu of Mississippi favorites and live Mississippi blues. Finish the evening at Red’s Blues Club, a truly authentic juke joint in the heart of the land that helped shape music as we know it today.

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The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson explores the Mississippi movement that changed America.

ABOUT THIS TRIP

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Begin in Jackson, the state’s capital city, by exploring three world-class museums: the civil rights, history, and art museums, before departing for Vicksburg and some of the country’s most significant Civil War sites. Follow the Mississippi River to Natchez and explore three centuries of rich history. Along the way, there are original dining options with regional fare and made-inMississippi shopping.

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Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

Exploring Mississippi’s Capital and River Region Share a slice of Mississippi history DAY 1:

Begin your day in Jackson, the “City with Soul.” Immerse yourself in this distinctively Southern, entirely American city. Visit the home of Eudora Welty, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and the first to be honored on the Mississippi Writers Trail. Begin your civil rights movement experience at the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, the home of the African American civil rights activist at the time of his assassination. Lunch today is at Hal & Mal’s. Make sure you sample the Comeback & Crackers.

Stop at the nearby Old Capitol Museum, Mississippi’s most historic building. The structure is a National Historic Landmark and is where some of the state’s most significant legislation was passed. The Mississippi

Civil Rights Museum’s eight galleries focus on the events that occurred in the state between 1945-1976 that had an impact on Mississippi and the nation. Adjacent to the museum are the Museum of Mississippi History’s nine galleries that have their own stories to tell. Did you book your studio time? The walls at Malaco Music Group tell the story of music awards through records and posters since its opening in 1968.

Check into any Jackson groupfriendly hotel to refresh before dinner.

Dining options are numerous, from quaint, casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants with dishes prepared by James Beard Award-winning chefs.

Check out the Fondren District for some great restaurants and retail therapy.

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

After breakfast and checkout, begin your day at Vicksburg National Military Park.

The 47-day Siege of Vicksburg was a decisive conflict in the Civil War. Both sides knew its importance. With New Orleans and Memphis in Union control, Vicksburg was the lone bastion preventing the splitting of the South.

Begin your visit with a 21-minute film detailing the Campaign and Siege of Vicksburg and why the city’s defense was so difficult to defeat. Among the 1,400 monuments, markers and tablets, there are many of particular interest. The Vicksburg National Military

Vicksburg National Military Park with the Illinois Monument in the background.

An antebellum mansion, Longwood, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Park is best explored with a guide.

Depart Vicksburg for the 75-mile drive to Natchez with a stop in Port Gibson for lunch. Mississippi’s Finest is well known for having the best soul food around. Be sure to stop by Windsor Ruins, the historic site of the Windsor plantation that was destroyed by fire in 1890. Twenty-nine columns remain of the largest Greek Revival mansion ever constructed in the state.

Once in Natchez, stop at the Natchez Visitor Center and official Mississippi Welcome Center, which sits at the head of the Mississippi River Bridge connecting Mississippi and Louisiana. Take time to enjoy the state-of-the-art displays that chronicle the history of Natchez.

Tour Rosalie Mansion, built in 1823, which overlooks the Mississippi River and Natchez riverfront. Nearby Longwood halted construction in 1861 as Civil War tensions rose. With the exterior walls completed and the interior unfurnished, the owners lived in their lavish basement.

The Forks of the Road Slave Market is being preserved, protected and expanded by the National Park Service.

A visit to the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture showcases the civil rights movement and related struggles in the area. Check into the Natchez Grand Hotel, Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel or any Natchez group-friendly hotel.

The following morning, enjoy breakfast before departing Natchez, having experienced an authentic Mississippi adventure in the Capital/River Region. If you choose, continue your journey to Mississippi’s Coastal Region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Enjoy breakfast and check out before departing for a busy morning. The Mississippi Museum of Art is a must. The exhibitions and galleries inspire and delight, as do the tranquil Art and Walker gardens. Continue to the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, the second-oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the U.S. Depart for the 12-mile drive to Ridgeland for lunch.

Cock of the Walk is a group favorite.

Right around the corner, the next stop is the Bill Waller Craft Center, home of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.

Browse for that special piece of Mississippi to take home. Depart for the 50-mile drive to Vicksburg.

Begin your Vicksburg visit at the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum to explore life on the Mississippi River and its impact on local society. Continue to the Jacqueline House Museum, which is dedicated to the area’s African American culture.

Round out your afternoon with a visit to the Old Courthouse Museum before checking into one of Vicksburg’s group-friendly hotels or one of the casino hotels. After some rest and relaxation, depart for dining downtown.

If a meal with a view attracts you, try 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill. Shopping downtown is a treat with a variety of shops, boutiques and galleries.

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Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

The Mississippi Aquarium is a 5.8-acre complex with both indoor and outdoor habitats.

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

ABOUT THIS TRIP

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Discover 62 miles of shoreline and unique coastal communities offering plenty of fun and relaxation.

With mild weather year-round and beautiful scenery, the options are endless. At the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, explore the surrounding natural bayou habitat and one of the country’s most immaculate river and marsh systems.

The Mississippi Aquarium and the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum tell of the region’s and state’s aquatic resources. There’s an abundance of art throughout the region, as well as outstanding local eateries serving up some of the world’s finest cuisine for your group’s enjoyment. A dozen casino resorts provide gaming action, spas and world-class restaurants and accommodations.

Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

The Beaches and Towns of Mississippi’s Coastal Region are Calling You Explore nature indoors and outdoors, savor fresh seafood and so much more DAY 1:

Arrive in Gulfport and head to the Mississippi Aquarium.

The new facility tells the story of Mississippi’s aquatic resources from the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, lakes, bayous, wetlands and marshes.

Twelve fresh and saltwater habitats are featured throughout the indoor/ outdoor campus, which is home to more than 200 species of aquatic animals. Beach Blvd Steamer features a seafood menu, and Murky Waters, a BBQ restaurant, are both nearby and excellent options for lunch.

Begin the afternoon in Biloxi at Beauvoir, the home and grounds of

President of the Confederate States Jefferson Davis. Knowledgeable guides lead tours of the home where Davis lived his final 12 years following the Civil War. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum showcases more than 300 years of the area’s heritage and culture in nine unique galleries, including the Wooden Boat Gallery and the Biloxi Seafood Factory Gallery.

More than 100 options for your overnight arrangements are available in Coastal Mississippi, ranging from flag hotels to resort casinos to luxurious boutique hotels. Relax and unwind

before heading to Mary Mahoney’s Old French House for dinner.

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

After breakfast and checkout, the first stop is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs. The museum celebrates American artist Walter Inglis Anderson and his brothers Peter Anderson, a master potter, and James McConnell Anderson, a respected painter. Moving on to Biloxi, visit the Ohr-O’Keefe

Enjoy some delicious dishes at The Midtowner Restaurant in Hattiesburg.

Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss has hands-on learning opportunities that fit any group’s needs.

Museum of Art. The award-winning campus features four new buildings that create a single unified experience.

Next, it’s on to Bay St. Louis and the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum, which is housed in the historic train station. The museum features more than 50 original folk art paintings, antique furniture, pottery and art glass.

Next, depart the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the 82-mile drive to Hattiesburg.

Lunch today is at The Midtowner, one of owner/chef/author/traveler Robert St. John’s Hattiesburg restaurants. Following lunch, leave for the University of Southern Mississippi, being sure to stop at the All-American Rose Garden upon arrival.

Next, proceed to Laurel, which is an approximately 35-mile drive from Hattiesburg. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, one of the South’s hidden gems. It features an impressive collection of American and European art, plus Native American baskets, Japanese woodblock prints and other eclectic pieces. Laurel also is home to HGTV’s Home Town, which follows hosts Erin and Ben Napier as

they renovate the town’s charming homes. Go on a self-guided tour to see many of the homes featured on the hit show, and then head to Laurel Mercantile, which is owned by the Napiers, to grab a memento to remember your trip to Laurel.

Depart the Coastal Region after having experienced a blend of nature, art, scrumptious seafood and exciting nightlife. Continue your Mississippi adventure to the Pines region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before another fun day on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Located in Moss Point, the first stop is the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, one of 41 facilities operated by the National Audubon Society. The grounds and exhibits inspire visitors to make positive changes for wildlife and the environment. The facility features hands-on educational opportunities, outdoor nature trails, an art gallery, boat tours and much more. For the more active in the group, one-person kayak rentals and pedal boats are available for rent. Lunch today is at Scranton’s Restaurant and Catering in historic downtown Pascagoula.

Enjoy some time this afternoon at Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Davis Bayou Area in Ocean Springs. The Davis Bayou Area offers visitors ranger-led programs, biking, a fishing pier, a nature trail and bird watching opportunities.

Don’t forget your binoculars. OPTION: There’s ferry service to Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts. The latter dates to the nineteenth century and the War of 1812. Next, enjoy an early cocktail party or light dinner with great views on a 2.5hour cruise between Biloxi and Gulfport.

There’s always great entertainment at Coastal Mississippi’s casinos.

Enjoy dinner at one of many casino restaurants. Reserve your seats for live entertainment from legendary artists.

Top off the evening with your favorite table games, the most popular slots, sports betting and so much more.

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3-DAY ITINERARY

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

The Max is a fun-filled interactive museum.

ABOUT SUMMARY: THIS TRIP

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

The Pine Region’s rich culture is found in some of the South’s most intriguing locations. It’s in the architecture in Aberdeen. It’s in the musicians and artists featured at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience in Meridian. It’s in the childhood home of renowned playwright Tennessee Williams in Columbus, and it’s in the Southern hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine found in communities all throughout the region.

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Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

Exploring the Amazing Cultural Offerings of the Pines Region Hall of Fame, a famous playwright, a casino resort and more DAY 1:

Begin your day in Meridian at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, also known as The Max. This state-of-the-art, interactive museum showcases Mississippi’s creative legends in a variety of arts and entertainment disciplines. Elvis Presley, Faith Hill, Jim Henson, Jimmy Buffett, and John Grisham are just a few of the hundreds recognized in six galleries: Writing, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Cultural Arts, and Artist Spotlight. Guided tours of the $50 million museum are available upon request. Lunch today is a down-home Southern experience at The Checker Board Southern Kitchen. A great

place to spend the night is the newly renovated Threefoot Hotel in Meridian, which captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Another fun stop in Meridian is the Children’s Museum, which offers engaging, hands-on exhibits and programs This afternoon’s first stop is Dunn’s Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that, at one time, was the power source for a gristmill and Stetson hats manufacturing. Be sure to tour the historic Carroll Richardson Gristmill.

Next, step back in time at the historic Merrehope and F.W. Williams homes.

Merrehope, circa 1858, is a 20-room Greek Revival mansion that survived

DAY 2:

After breakfast and checkout, depart for the 50-mile drive to Choctaw/Philadelphia. The first stop on today’s agenda is Chahta Immi Cultural Center. The center showcases the traditional art forms, history, and culture of Mississippi’s proud Choctaw Tribe. Finish the morning with gaming and lunch at the Pearl River Resort before departing for the 60-mile drive to Starkville.

Arrive in Starkville, home of Mississippi State University. MSU boasts several fascinating museums, including the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, the Mitchell Memorial Library’s John Grisham Room (Grisham is an MSU alumni, former legislator, and most notably, a best-selling author) and the Gladys and Cullis Wade Clock Museum.

To learn more about Starkville’s history, the Oktibbeha Heritage Museum is conveniently located near the campus.

Next, depart Starkville for the 23-mile

Huck’s Place serves mouthwatering Southern favorites, like Shrimp and Grits and Crawfish Fettuccini, in historic downtown Columbus.

Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville gives visitors an in-depth look at the life of the 18th President of the United States.

drive to Columbus. Arrive in Columbus and check in at one of more than a dozen group-friendly hotels or a B&B for smaller groups. Dinner tonight is at Huck’s Place, which offers a delicious menu of Southern favorites in a fine dining atmosphere.

DAY 3:

After breakfast and checkout, your Columbus visit begins with a complimentary tour of the Tennessee Williams Home Museum & Welcome Center, the first home of the celebrated Cat on a Hot Tin Roof playwright. The 1875 Victorian home has been restored to its original brilliance and has been named a National Literary Landmark. Next, visit a number of beautiful historic homes, including Amzi Love, circa 1848; Stephen D. Lee Home & Museum, circa1847; Whitehall, circa 1843; or Waverley Plantation Mansion, circa 1852. Finish your morning at historic Catfish Alley, a central meeting and business district for Columbus’s African Americans in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Enjoy lunch

at Harveys, a long-time local favorite that serves up everything from woodfired steaks, seafood, and pasta to sandwiches and burgers. Aberdeen is well known for its variety of architectural styles, from stately Greek Revival mansions to ornate Victorian homes to turn-of-the-century classics.

An audio tour can be downloaded, and group tours for many of the homes can be scheduled in advance.

Depart the Pines Region with wonderful Southern memories.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Union General William T. Sherman’s capture of Meridian during the Civil War and his claim, “Meridian no longer exists.” Circa 1886, the Victorian F.W. Williams home’s impeccable interior decorating showcases how the stylishly wealthy lived more than 125 years ago.

You cannot leave Meridian without a ride on the Dentzel Carousel, a National Historic Landmark and great photo opportunity. Operating since 1909, the carousel’s original oil paintings are museum quality, and the animals have been professionally restored to their original charm.

Next, check into your hotel. Meridian has abundant offerings of full-service, limited-service, and economy hotels.

Dinner tonight is at Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, Weidmann’s. Established in 1870, this fine-dining restaurant is a local favorite and features classic Southern specialties.

Two historic downtown theaters bring national and international touring acts to the Queen City. The MSU Riley Center and Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts have both been perfectly restored.

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Experience our stories.

Leave with your own.

In 2022, Mississippi is offering a truly unique group travel opportunity through a collaboration between three premier cultural institutions – the Museum of Mississippi History, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and Mississippi Museum of Art. The museums are working together to present a series of events and exhibitions to increase understanding of the impact and legacy of The Great Migration, a historic exodus that shaped the story of our state, the South, and the nation.

For details, go to VisitMississippi.org/GreatMigration. #WanderMS #VisitMSResponsibly

Museum of Mississippi History | Jackson, Mississippi