Things to do in Mississippi
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Ravine
About 3 miles outside the city, this unpretentious, cozily elegant restaurant nuzzles up to the forest. Chef Joel Miller picks and pulls much of the produce and herbs from his garden outside and buys locally and organically when he can. The result is simply wonderful food and a delicious experience.
reviewed
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BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
Stopping in this tiny Delta town is well worth it to visit the incredible, modern BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Situated in between Greenville and Greenwood on Hwy 82, this center, filled with interactive displays, video exhibits, and an amazing array of blues and BB King artifacts, effectively communicates the history and legacy of the blues while shedding light on the soul of the Delta.
reviewed
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Agriculture & Forestry Museum
Also worth a stop, though completely different in its feel and scope, is the Agriculture & Forestry Museum. This rustic attraction is actually spread among several buildings designed to resemble a small Mississippi town, complete with a blacksmith's shop and general store. In the main exhibit hall, you can learn about catfish farming 'from the egg to the plate.'
reviewed
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Rowan Oak
Literary pilgrims head directly here, to the graceful 1840s home of William Faulkner, who authored so many brilliant and dense novels set in Mississippi, and whose work is celebrated in Oxford with an annual conference in July. Tours of Rowan Oak – where Faulkner lived from 1930 until he died in 1962 – are self-guided. The staff can also provide directions to Faulkner's grave, which is located in St Peter's Cemetery, northeast of the Square.
reviewed
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Walker's Drive-In
This truly outstanding restaurant calls itself a drive-in, but it's really a gussied-up diner that serves lusciously tweaked Southern staples. And it serves things like heavenly barbecued oysters dolloped with brie, and incredible fish dishes. There's an excellent wine list and service is impeccable.
reviewed
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Fondren Beverage Emporium
Children and sweet-toothed adults will turn cartwheels upon discovering the Fondren Beverage Emporium, an amazing shop specializing in rare soft drinks and strange candies. This is the place for gourmet lemonade, bacon-flavored breath mints, cucumber-flavored water and two coolers full of root beer.
reviewed
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Taylor Grocery
Be prepared to wait – and to tailgate in the parking lot – at this splendidly rusticated catfish haunt. Get your cat fried or grilled, and bring a marker to sign your name on the wall. The joint is about 7 miles from downtown Oxford, south on Old Taylor Rd.
reviewed
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Eudora Welty House
Southern-literature buffs should make a reservation to tour the Welty. The Pulitzer Prize–winning author lived in this Tudor Revival house for more than 75 years. It's now a true historical preservation down to the most minute details.
reviewed
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9:30 Blues Cafe
Run by a Delta born-and-raised man, this club carries on the Delta blues tradition in its juke-joint atmosphere replete with artifacts from the owner's family farm and local art. There's blues every night starting at 9:30pm, barring Sunday. The upstairs patio is quite nice.
reviewed
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Smith Robertson Museum
Housed in Mississippi's first public school for African American kids, is the alma mater of author Richard Wright. It offers insight and explanation into the pain and perseverance of the African American legacy in Mississippi.
reviewed
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Square Books
Square Books, one of America's great independent bookstores, is the epicenter of Oxford's lively literary scene and a frequent stop for traveling authors. There's a café and balcony upstairs, along with an immense section devoted to Faulkner.
reviewed
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
In Biloxi, there are eight – count ’em, eight – giant casino-resorts. Guests party the nights away drinking ‘Category 5 Hurricanes’ at the numerous Hard Rock Hotel & Casino bars and nightclubs.
reviewed
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Mayflower
This is a Jackson tradition. The Southern fare is incredible. Try the red fish topped with broiled oysters. It's also famous for its come-back dressing, which is guaranteed to make you come back. Sources citywide say use the bathroom before you come.
reviewed
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Beau Rivage
In Biloxi, there are eight – count ’em, eight – giant casino-resorts. The rebuilt Beau Rivage has long been the king of the strip, a glittering gold behemoth that is to Biloxi what Bellagio is to Vegas.
reviewed
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Old Capitol Museum
The state's Greek Revival capitol building from 1839 to 1903 received a stellar renovation in 2009. It now houses an extremely well-done museum that covers Mississippi's history from prehistoric to modern times.
reviewed
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Museum of Natural Science
Tucked way back in Lefleur's Bluff State Park is the Museum of Natural Science. It houses exhibits on the natural beasts of Mississippi and has aquariums inside and a nice walking trail outside.
reviewed
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Mississippi Museum of Art
This is the one fantastic attraction in Jackson. The collection of Mississippi art – a permanent exhibit dubbed 'The Mississippi Story' – is nothing less than superb. A new downtown green space called the Art Garden, with a symphony stage and live music, was underway at the time of writing.
reviewed
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University of Mississippi Museum
This museum has fine arts, folk arts, a Confederate uniform and a plethora of science-related marvels, including a microscope and electromagnet from the 19th century.
reviewed
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Hurricane Katrina Exhibit
You can see how far Gulfport has come since the Storm at the Hurricane Katrina Exhibit, which is filled with photos and artwork from the hurricane’s aftermath.
reviewed
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Lamar Park
For a serene stretch of the legs, head to Lamar Park just outside of town where you can get in a good jog or casual stroll by the manicured artificial lake.
reviewed
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Bottletree Bakery
Saucer-sized, sweet, sticky cinnamon rolls are the source of this bakery's acclaim. But it also has sandwiches, espresso drinks and 'humble pie.'
reviewed
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Proud Larry's
On the Square, this iconic music venue hosts some of the bigger names passing through town.
reviewed
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Rooster's Blues House
Also on the Square, this is where you'll find that soulful crooning on the weekends.
reviewed
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Two Sisters Kitchen
Some serious Southern business is happening at this down-home buffet in a historical 1903 home: fried okra, cheese grits and legendary skinless fried chicken among the highlights. The line stretches out the door pretty much always and the all-you-can-eat price includes salad and dessert as well.
reviewed
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Square Books
One of America's great independent bookstores is the epicenter of Oxford's lively literary scene and a frequent stop for traveling authors. There's a cafe and balcony upstairs, along with an immense section devoted to Faulkner.
reviewed