–From coastal escapes and outdoor adventures to premier shopping, the state of Mississippi offers getaways for every type of traveler. We’ve rounded up four unique destinations in the Magnolia State that are sure to satisfy your spirit for adventure.
DeSoto County
While you may know DeSoto County for its rich musical history thanks to the Mississippi Blues Trail or Elvis Presley’s Circle G Ranch, another local destination attracts visitors of all ages: Silo Square. This picture-perfect town square is known for its unique boutiques, delicious restaurants, and exciting entertainment options.
The 228-acre mixed-use development was recently named the “Best Commercial Development in Mississippi” by the Home Builders Association of Mississippi. From souvenirs and home decor to clothing, jewelry, and beauty products, it’s difficult to leave Silo Square empty-handed.
Did you know Silo Square is a Leisure and Recreation District? This means you can peruse the shops while enjoying a cocktail from a nearby restaurant!
Silo Square Shopping Highlights
For on-trend clothing and accessories, Dappled offers everything from gameday outfits to dresses, shoes, and hair accessories, while Stella Ivy carries brands like Show Me Your Mumu, Dolce Vita, and Z Supply.
If you’re shopping for little ones or a mom-to-be, we recommend visiting Sugar & Honey. The boutique sells timeless clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers, and tweens. Plus, be sure to check out their vast selection of swimsuits!
Magnolia House is another popular boutique offering everything from home decor to gifts, fine art, and more. For self-care products ranging from hand-made soap to bath bombs and soap scrubs, visit Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. Ultimate Gifts is perfect for souvenirs or other treasures, as it carries brands like Etta B Pottery, Tyler Candles, and Julie Vos.
For a bit of self-care and rejuvenation, you can also stop by Posh Nails + Aesthetics, a full-service salon offering nail services, waxing, facials, and more. You can also visit Salon Haven to give your hair a refresh.
Silo Square Dining
A day of shopping will likely leave you with a hearty appetite. Luckily, Silo Square is also home to plenty of local eateries. For a caffeinated pick-me-up, visit Beans & Leaves for delicious coffee or tea. For a classic brunch or breakfast spread, Staks Pancake Kitchen is famous for its … you guessed it … pancakes. Fan favorites include flavors like Birthday Cake, Very Berry, and Strawberry Shortcake.
For a casual lunch or dinner, Central BBQ is known for its award-winning barbecue. Popular items include slabs of ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or smoked hot wings. And don’t forget to end your meal with delicious homemade banana pudding!
For a more elevated dining experience, Tekila offers modern interpretations of classic Mexican dishes, including tacos, fajitas, and more. The restaurant has breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, so you can stop by any time of the day!
Don’t skip the dessert at Tekila!
As if shopping and dining weren’t enough, Silo Square is also home to the 125,000-square-foot BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove. The popular music venue has hosted major acts like the Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, and many more. You can expect to see musicians like Dwight Yoakam, 3 Doors Down, and Lindsey Stirling this summer. You can view the amphitheater’s complete schedule at bankplusamphitheater.com.
Check out BankPlus Amphitheater’s events calendar to see who’s playing while you’re visiting!
Oxford
Often referred to as the “cultural mecca of the South,” Oxford, MS, is known for its diverse food scene, a plethora of shopping opportunities, and vibrant nightlife.
To experience everything that Oxford has to offer, we recommend spending a long weekend at one of the city’s boutique hotels. Chancellor’s House overlooks historic Downtown Oxford, while the Graduate Oxford offers delightful restaurants, high-end amenities, and cozy guest rooms.
Both hotels are within walking distance of Oxford’s historic downtown square, so once you’re settled in, it’s time to start exploring! Lovingly referred to as “The Square,” this is where you’ll find some of the best local shops.
Stop by the murals in Downtown Oxford for the perfect photo-op! This one is located behind the city hall building.
Whether you’re in the market for new clothes, home decor, or books, The Square is a haven for shopping. Cicada is a popular women’s boutique that offers dresses, shoes, and handbags. Neilson’s Department Store offers clothing, shoes, and accessories for the entire family and is considered the oldest department store in the South. To peruse popular brands like Alice & Olivia, Show Me Your Mumu, Dolce Vita, and more, stop by Hemline.
Also located on The Square, Square Books is a nationally recognized independent bookstore offering two stories of books and an on-site café. Other iterations of the bookstore include Off Square Books, Square Books Jr., and Rare Square Books.
When you’re done shopping, stop into any of The Square’s delicious restaurants. Ajax Diner is a popular casual dining destination for soul food. Locals will tell you to enjoy authentic Greek food with one of the town’s best margaritas at the gas-station-turned-restaurant Volta Taverna. Be sure to also stop by the local Chevron gas station to try its famous chicken-on-a-stick!
Oxford’s famous town square is home to one-of-a-kind boutiques and popular eateries.
Oxford is also home to James Beard Award-winning chefs. Chef John Currence is behind City Grocery Restaurant Group, which includes City Grocery, Bouré, and Big Bad Breakfast. Plus, at his restaurant Snackbar, he’s teamed up with Chef Vishwesh Bhatt, who won ‘Best Chef: South’ at the 2019 James Beard Awards.
Nominated for “Best New Restaurant” by the James Beard Foundation, Saint Leo offers a taste of Italy with delicious craft cocktails. Yūgō is fairly new to the scene but has already become a favorite for date nights and girlfriend’s dinners with its Asian fusion menu. Standout items include cashew chicken lettuce wraps, dumplings, pad thai, and sesame chicken.
After a day of shopping, stop by any of The Square’s eateries for dinner and drinks.
Named “America’s Best College Town” by ESPN in 2021, it’s no surprise that Oxford is also known for its bustling nightlife. For a laidback sports bar feel, we recommend spots like Funky’s, Lamar Yard, or The Library Sports Bar. For beer, wine, or cocktails with a side of music, popular venues include Proud Larry’s or Rafters Music & Food. Of course, Oxford is home to more traditional bars, too, including Bar Muse and City Grocery’s upstairs bar.
Tupelo
From a lively local music scene to delicious food and drinks and three distinct shopping districts, there is so much to do and see in the small town of Tupelo, MS.
If you’re looking to spend a few days here, Hotel Tupelo makes for a great home base. The boutique hotel’s unique design embraces the city’s rock ‘n’ roll culture. Plus, it offers a convenient location in Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark District.
If you’re feeling thirsty, we recommend traveling along Tupelo’s Cocktail Trail. To begin, simply pick up your cocktail trail card at the Tupelo Visitors Center or one of the participating restaurants. From there, visit the seven Downtown Tupelo restaurants to enjoy artisan cocktails — including Amsterdam Deli’s The Jordan River and Park Heights’ Tupelo Honey. Once you visit all the restaurants, redeem your card at the Tupelo Visitors Center for a free #MyTupelo cocktail shaker!
No matter the time of year, you can always expect outstanding live music when you visit Tupelo. A popular option among both locals and tourists is Blue Canoe. Known for hosting local and national talent, patrons can enjoy award-winning food and a diverse selection of craft beer.
Immerse yourself in Tupelo’s exciting live music scene by visiting Blue Canoe.
In addition to live music, Tupelo is known for its diverse culinary scene. Offering over 200 restaurants, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. We recommend starting your day at places like Strange Brew Coffeehouse, Fairpark Grill, or Connie’s Fried Chicken.
When you’re ready for happy hour, head to Queen’s Reward Meadery for a unique experience. As Mississippi’s first (and only!) meadery, every wine is made from 100% pure Mississippi honey. Standout meads include the Traditional Sweet, Scarlet Noir, Pucker Up, and Delta Gold.
Jobos is a great seafood option with a beautiful patio if you’re looking for a delicious dinner. Clay’s House of Pig is another popular dining destination, offering some of the best barbecue in town. For dessert, we recommend stopping by Crave.
Enjoy authentic seafood at Jobos.
No trip to Tupelo is complete without a visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum. Attracting over 100,000 visitors from around the world every year, the landmark includes the two-bedroom house where Elvis was born, a museum, a statue of Elvis at age 13, and Elvis’ childhood church.
Another popular attraction is the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo. The perfect family-friendly destination, the unique park offers close-up encounters with more than 260 exotic animals, including zebras, donkeys, giraffes, and buffalo.
If a day spent shopping is more your speed, Tupelo is home to three distinct shopping districts. Barnes Crossing District is home to over 90 specialty shops and a multi-screen stadium-seat movie theater. The Downtown Shopping District has everything from gifts to antiques, designer clothing, and Mississippi art. Finally, the Midtown Shopping District houses 24 locally-owned stores specializing in interior design, apparel, furnishings, and more.
Tupelo is full of Elvis Presley-related history. In fact, Tupelo Hardware Co. is credited with selling Elvis’ mother his first guitar.
Coastal Mississippi
Coastal Mississippi is the perfect family-friendly destination. From its 62 miles of shoreline to its exciting attractions, there’s something for every family member here.
With much to do and see, the Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass helps you make the most of your vacation. Serving as your passport to the region’s best attractions, you pay one discounted price rather than individual admission fees. Each pass guarantees admission for one to each of their top 10 location attractions, all detailed below!
First, Mississippi Aquarium offers close-up views of over 200 species of marine animals, including dolphins, alligators, and otters. You can also purchase unique experiential packages, including behind-the-scenes tours or a SeaTREK® Diving Experience.
Say ‘hello’ to Mississippi Aquarium’s bottlenose dolphins.
History buffs can visit the Beauvoir estate, which used to be the home of former President Jefferson Davis. The property hosts daily tours, and your ticket includes access to the Presidential Library, Beauvoir Memorial Cemetery, Oyster Bayou, Mrs. Varina’s Garden, and historical cottages.
Erected in 1848, Biloxi Lighthouse served as one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South. Today, it remains a prominent landmark in the city of Biloxi. Guided tours are available daily between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., weather permitting.
Enjoy sweeping views of Biloxi from the top of the city’s iconic lighthouse.
Children will love exploring the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. The nationally recognized museum offers hands-on exhibits that explore everything from life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the wonders of space and the history of trains.
To explore the history, heritage, and culture of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, don’t miss the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. Through various exhibits and photographs, the museum teaches visitors about various topics, including shrimping, oystering, charter boats, net-making, and more.
Art lovers will have a fabulous time at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, dedicated to George E. Ohr, also known as the “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” In addition to ceramics from George Ohr, the building itself is a work of art, as it was designed by the famed architect Frank Gehry.
To experience the natural beauty of Coastal Mississippi, visit the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. Located in Moss Point, visitors can enjoy the beautiful trails, bayou pier, kayak rentals, and the on-site art gallery.
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art pays homage to one of the most well-known painters of the 20th century, Walter Inglis Anderson. Explore unique paintings depicting the Gulf Coast’s unique plants, animals, and people.
Located in historic Ocean Springs, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art is a nationally accredited art museum.
The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum was established by a group who wanted to honor John C. Robinson, the first African American pilot to ever fight in combat in the Ethiopian War. Today, the museum includes a flight simulator, 14 touch tables that teach visitors about aviation, and more.
Finally, visitors can learn about the magic of Mississippi Mardi Gras at the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum. The attraction includes displays of colorful costumes, photographs, and memorabilia from previous celebrations.
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Enjoy your summer travels!
This article is sponsored by DeSoto County Tourism, Visit Oxford, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Coastal Mississippi.
All photography provided.
Brianna Goebel