Mississippi joined the Union as 20th in 1817. Today, its stunning scenery defines it. The Mississippi River forms rich plains on its western border, while rolling hills and pine forests cover the north and middle regions.
You can build your ideal castle or picnic for hours on sandy beaches near the Gulf Coast in the south. Mississippi’s various terrain has shaped agriculture for decades. Mississippi is known as a land of sound because music has defined its identity as much as farming.
The state’s unique communities and rich history make it unforgettable. Get ready to discover six of Mississippi’s oddest towns.
Water Valley
About 3,300 people live in this charming northern Mississippi hamlet in Yalobusha County. Although it was formerly a major railroad hub, it has since become an arts center while retaining its history. Festivals are one of the town’s biggest attractions. The town hosts the unique Watermelon Carnival at the end of summer, starting in 1931. It hosts hilarious competitions like striving to spew watermelon seeds farthest or racing to consume juicy pieces. Let’s not forget the Watermelon Queen’s crowning.
Clarksdale
Feeling blue? Clarksdale’s blues and art scene make it an unusual stop for Americana tourists. Best of all, Clarksdale celebrates its roots with exciting gatherings year-round. Juke Joint Festival performers perform live blues on street corners, in historic buildings, and in small dance bars. However, the Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival highlights the town’s gospel and blues roots.
Visit the Delta Blues Museum. It displays Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King memorabilia. People can even visit Muddy Waters’ childhood cabin to feel the real ambiance that started this great music. Finally, have you imagined sleeping in a converted shack? The Shack Up Inn offers rustic rooms and live blues for a unique stay in town.
Ocean Springs
Beach town on the Gulf Coast. It’s noted for its Southern charm, creativity, and outdoor passion. As the City of Discovery, it has a history dating back to 1699. Many buildings from the 1800s remain in the town center. St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Old L&N Train Depot Museum are examples. Both are prominent town attractions that display late 19th-century architecture.
If you want to celebrate, Ocean Springs has several fun events. The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival is the state’s largest high-quality art festival. The Gulf Islands National Seashore, a 15-minute drive from Ocean Springs, has lovely beaches and enough to do outside.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg has an amazing mix of history and haunted dwellings. The 1811 town attracts history aficionados with antebellum houses and a lively waterfront. The Vicksburg National Military Park expertly integrates traditional history with human anecdotes from the Civil War’s important location.
Vicksburg’s waterfront buildings include colorful murals of historical events for a unique look. These murals combine art and history for a spectacular outdoor display near the Mississippi River. Naturally, Vicksburg is known for its haunted Duff Green Mansion and McRaven House. These antique mansions provide terrifying ghost tours with bizarre tales and puzzles, bringing a unique vibe to their deep past.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis offers many pleasant activities with its beach houses and cheerful ambiance. This community hosts Pirate Day in the Bay. Bay St. Louis is unique year-round due to its neighborhood customs and lively atmosphere. It has quirky galleries, unique outdoor art exhibitions, and the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum. All of these features are colorful, whimsical windows into regional cultures.
Don’t forget the beaches. Classic Gulf Coast beauty meets unusual charm on the town’s beaches. Washington Street Pier & Beach Park offers a pet-friendly beach with waterfront shops and cafes for a more creative beach experience. Time your visit wisely. On most second Saturdays, Old Town comes alive with music and local artisans selling their wares during the Second Saturday Art Walk.
Cleveland
Though less famous, this Cleveland has a lot going on. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and Dockery Farms, 10 minutes outside Cleveland, are examples of Cleveland’s eclectic combination of old and new. These sites showcase the region’s current spirit through a long musical legacy.
The Mississippi Delta is known as the ‘Birthplace of the Blues,’ and the town is involved. Legendary musicians like Charley Patton created the Mississippi Delta blues vibe here. At Delta State University, the Hazel and Jimmy Sanders Sculpture Garden features large-scale contemporary artworks that enhance the town’s green settings. Every April, Cleveland’s Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival brings together artists, artisans, and musicians to create an explosive blend of art and jazz.
To conclude
Mississippi is amazing and surprising. It has beautiful scenery and a fascinating history. Why is Mississippi cool? Music, towns, people—you name it.
The appealing scenery and breathtaking landscapes pull you to Mississippi. With a strong blues background, their creativity will astound you.
Visiting Mississippi and seeing its attractions will leave you with lifelong memories.
