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Paid content provided by Spring 2024 - Travel South
2024 Spring Travel South Mississippi
Mississippi is known as the "Birthplace of America’s Music," but musical attractions are just the beginning. Come explore the state's outdoor adventures, award-winning museums, exciting entertainment, and exceptional flavors below.

Music

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, Indianola
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Music

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, Indianola

B.B. King was born near Indianola, Mississippi, and the blues legend never forgot his roots, returning often to perform and give back to the community that shaped him. The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center offers an immersive journey through the life and music of the "King of the Blues," reflecting on the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring King’s iconic guitars,  personal studio and artifacts, plus film and audio recordings. The museum also highlights the broader story of the Delta blues, tracing its influence on American music and beyond. Ready for more? Discover the “Father of Country Music” in Meridian, or catch a performance at Marty Stuart's Congress of Country Music.

Outdoor Recreation

Cypress Swamp, Canton
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Outdoor Recreation

Cypress Swamp, Canton

Cypress Swamp is a must-see roadside stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile historic route that follows the path of early travelers, traders, and Native Americans. This serene wetland offers a short, scenic boardwalk trail that winds through towering bald cypress and tupelo trees, providing a glimpse into the state’s rich natural beauty and diverse wildlife, with the chance to spot turtles, wading birds, and even small alligators on occasion. Whether you're driving the parkway for its scenic beauty, historical significance, or just a peaceful escape, this hidden gem offers an opportunity to stretch your legs and reconnect with nature.

Casinos

Golden Nugget, Biloxi
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Casinos

Golden Nugget, Biloxi

Whether it’s playing blackjack, lounging poolside, or catching live music, Coastal Mississippi’s 12 casinos have something for everyone, day or night. Biloxi is home to eight casinos, including the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino, known for its lively gaming floor, luxurious spa, and fantastic pool. Rock ‘n’ roll history abounds at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, while the new Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort features an impressive selection of slot machines. Other popular spots include the entirely smoke-free Palace Casino Resort, offering a relaxed gaming experience. Beyond the coast, Tunica, Vicksburg, and Natchez all boast casino properties as well, making Mississippi a top destination for gaming and entertainment.

History

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson
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History

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson

The struggle for African-American freedom and civil rights is illuminated at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. The museum offers a powerful look at the state’s role in the movement, with immersive exhibits detailing the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality. Nearby, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument honors the legacy of Medgar Evers, a civil rights leader who gave his life to the cause, and his wife who dedicated her life to continuing his mission. In Greenwood, the Emmett Till statue stands as a tribute to the 14-year-old whose tragic 1955 murder became a catalyst for change. Meanwhile, Natchez preserves its complex past through historic sites like Longwood, a mansion crafted using more than one million bricks handmade by enslaved laborers.

Culinary

The Sipp on South Lamar, Oxford
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Culinary

The Sipp on South Lamar, Oxford

In recent years, Oxford, Mississippi, has become a Southeastern culinary mecca with a vibrant dining scene that blends traditional Southern dishes with global flavors. One of the new offerings, The Sipp on South Lamar, is a stylish restaurant and wine bar known for its expertly curated wine list and elevated small plates. Oxford is also home to John Currence’s City Grocery Restaurant Group, which includes the fine-dining staple City Grocery, the laid-back creole-inspired Bouré, the inventive Snack Bar, and the beloved Big Bad Breakfast, famous for its hearty Southern breakfast options. With an array of standout restaurants, Oxford continues to build its reputation as one of the South’s top food destinations.

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Travel South USA is the official regional Destination Marketing Organization of the Southern USA. We work collaboratively with our twelve states and their partner destinations to increase visitation and spending and promote the South to key global markets.

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The Editorial Staff of Smithsonian magazine had no role in this content's preparation.

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