Mississippi is a southern U.S. state with the Mississippi River to its west, the state of Alabama to its east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Its Mississippi Delta region is considered the birthplace of blues music, honored at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Also in the region is the Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving the site of a critical Civil War battle. ― Google
Spring (March–May): Best overall — warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, and festivals.
Fall (September–November): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Winter (December–February): Mild, especially along the Gulf Coast; good for cultural visits and indoor attractions.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid; great for water activities but less ideal for inland travel.
By Air:
Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN): Main airport in central Mississippi.
Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport (GPT): For Gulf Coast travelers.
Regional airports in Tupelo, Hattiesburg, and Meridian.
By Car:
Well-connected by I-55 (north-south) and I-20/I-10 (east-west).
Natchez Trace Parkway: A scenic and historic route ideal for road trips.
By Train:
Amtrak’s City of New Orleans line stops in Jackson and several smaller towns between Chicago and New Orleans.
Natchez: Historic antebellum homes, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and Mississippi River views.
Vicksburg National Military Park: Civil War site with monuments, cannons, and preserved trenches.
Gulf Coast Beaches (Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs): Casinos, seafood, and scenic waterfronts.
Jackson: State capital, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and Mississippi Museum of Art.
Tupelo: Birthplace of Elvis Presley; visit his childhood home and museum.
Oxford: Home of Ole Miss and William Faulkner’s estate, Rowan Oak.
Clarksdale: Ground zero of the Mississippi Blues Trail — visit the Delta Blues Museum.
Tour historic mansions in Natchez and Greenwood.
Visit blues clubs and festivals in the Mississippi Delta.
Relax on the Gulf Coast — beaches, boating, and fishing.
Try your luck at casinos in Biloxi and Tunica.
Explore the Natchez Trace Parkway — biking, hiking, and scenic driving.
Attend local events: Delta Blues Festival, Natchez Pilgrimage, or the Mississippi Book Festival.
Explore Civil Rights landmarks in Jackson and around the state.
Luxury:
Monmouth Historic Inn (Natchez): Elegant antebellum estate.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi): Gulf-front resort with a casino and spa.
Mid-Range:
Graduate Oxford: Stylish boutique hotel near the University of Mississippi.
Courtyard by Marriott (Gulfport/Biloxi): Great value on the beach.
Budget:
Motels and inns along major highways and in small towns.
Family-owned B&Bs and historic inns offer character for less.
Unique:
Riverfront stays in Natchez.
Cabins or campgrounds along the Natchez Trace or Mississippi River.
Must-Try Mississippi Dishes:
Fried catfish
Tamales (Delta-style)
Barbecue (especially pork and ribs)
Shrimp and grits
Southern-style biscuits & gravy
Pecan pie and sweet tea
Notable Restaurants:
Doe’s Eat Place (Greenville): Famous for steaks and tamales.
The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint (Ocean Springs): Legendary BBQ with live music.
City Grocery (Oxford): Fine Southern dining.
Walker’s Drive-In (Jackson): Upscale take on Southern classics.
Mary Mahoney’s Old French House (Biloxi): Historic setting with seafood specialties.
Blues Music Heritage: The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues — legends like B.B. King and Robert Johnson hailed from here.
Southern Hospitality: Friendly, slow-paced, and deeply community-oriented culture.
Civil Rights Legacy: Mississippi played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement — visit museums and landmarks honoring this history.
Faith and Tradition: Churches play a major social and cultural role in many communities.
Culinary Traditions: Strong emphasis on soul food, Creole and Cajun influences, and farm-to-table comfort dishes.
Festivals & Storytelling: From blues fests to historical reenactments and literary festivals, storytelling and tradition are central.