The Magnolia State
Mild climate, musical legends, rich in history
Seafood trail delights, Southern comfort dishes
Get To Know Mississippi
The birthplace of Elvis Presley, the home of William Faulkner, and the mildest climate the country has to offer, Mississippi is a great home and an excellent place for anyone to visit. If you have never been to the Magnolia State, we highly recommend giving it a try. Regardless of where you visit in the state, you’ll find endless things to explore, eat, and see. Book your bus ticket and begin your trip today.
Attractions
There’s plenty to do in Mississippi that will wow the entire family. Why not try one of the state’s culinary tours like the Seafood Trail, which runs across the state, or the Hot Tamale Trail that winds its way from Vicksburg to Tunica? Or visit the Jackson Zoological Park in Jackson.
There are ample and amazing natural sights in the state, too, such as the Hugh White State Park in Grenada, Lake Chicot State Park in Greenville, or Bonita Lakes Park in Meridian. Just remember that the Magnolia State, like the rest of the South, gets fairly cold in the winter, so make sure you bring warm clothes as well as a nice, heavy jacket if that’s when you’ll be visiting.
There's no shortage of things to do in Mississippi.
A Brief History of Mississippi
The history of Mississippi is rich and varied. Dockery Farms in Cleveland is regarded as the birthplace of the Delta blues. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson allows visitors to learn more about the state’s history within the Civil Rights movement. You can also visit Aaron Henry’s Drug Store in Clarksdale, which first opened in 1960 and continues to live on as a monument to the political and civil rights meetings that were held there for more than three decades. Finally, at the Grand Village of the Natchez, you can visit an indigenous Natchez village along with a reconstructed Native American home.
Must See List
Top Cities To Visit in Mississippi
Jackson
Sitting along the majestic Pearl River, Jackson, Mississippi is not only the capital but also the most populous city in the state. Surrounded by excellent camping grounds, hiking trails, and farmlands, the prairie setting gives way to more urban diversions as one explores within its limits. With a wealth of museums and zoos to see, there’s no end to artistic and scientific destinations to seek out. History also looms large with various sites recalling both the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a great place to fish or take a stroll or enjoy a round of golf.
Vicksburg
History in Vicksburg, Mississippi goes way back to when the French held an outpost here in 1719. Nestled right up against the mighty Mississippi river, it holds many important Civil War sites as well. A series of museums recall this turbulent time in history with many artifacts from the era on view. There’s also lots of fine southern eating from BBQs to gumbo spots and of course, fried chicken joints. It’s a festive place with many events and parades on the calendar to watch for. And if you’re into unique clothes shopping, prepare to discover the city’s boutique scene.
Greenville
Hugging the Arkansas border on Lake Ferguson, the city of Greenville, Mississippi has been inhabited since pre-Columbian times. Nowadays, its an important city in the history of the Blues, as attested by the many sites and events around town. Museums and festivals keep the Delta Blues sound alive at every turn. Outdoorsy types will be happy to find plenty of parkland for hiking, fishing, and even great birdwatching spots. Want to try your luck? Local casinos offer games of skill and chance. For those who enjoy scenic drives, there are rural vistas, delta trips, and lush forests beckoning roadside travelers.
Cleveland
When they say that big things come in small packages, Cleveland, Mississippi comes to mind. This hip corner of the Delta boasts a musical history, with the Mississippi Blues Trail to follow and its own Grammy Museum. The surrounding county has plenty of fishing, hiking, and boating if you feel like connecting to nature. And keep an eye out for festivals ranging from summer Blues celebrations to Octoberfest. Find trendy eateries and cafes around town. The Delta University area is always lively with music events and the downtown shopping area is sure to have something to fit everyone’s taste.
Culture in Mississippi
For adults, the Meridian Museum of Art offers an incredible array of paintings and sculptures by Mississippi artists, while those with kids will love the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport. Mississippi is also home to a bedrock of musical accomplishments and milestones, which is why you can find both the country music and blues trails in the Magnolia State. Make sure to visit the Rock and Blues Museum in Clarksdale and the Grammy Museum in Cleveland to round out your musical education.
Where and When to Stay
Most people would tell you that the best times to visit Mississippi are between the spring and fall months. It can get frigid in the winter and sizzlin’ in the summer, so those looking for a good, comfortable temperature that allows for plenty of time outside should stick with the transitional seasons. If you do decide to visit Mississippi anytime around the summer months, however, make sure to bring lots of light clothes, like shorts and T-shirts, as the Magnolia State gets quite warm. And remember to pack the bug spray because there will be mosquitos.
Mississippi has several special hotels that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else, including the Blues Hound Flat in Clarksdale, the Monmouth Historic Inn in Natchez, and The Briars Bed and Breakfast in Natchez. If you’re looking for somewhere less off the beaten path, try the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi.
Book Your Trip to Mississippi Today
If you’re going to Mississippi for the first time, you’re bound to be blown away by the natural beauty and inherent culture of the region. Southerners are friendly and ready to give you a wave when you drive up. If you want to make your trip easy as well as affordable, book a bus ticket to Mississippi today and allow yourself the luxury of visiting the Magnolia State in style and on the timetable that works for you.