Magnolias, catfish, bluegrass music, well-preserved historical monuments and museums, and Southern charm. Welcome to Mississippi! If you have yet to explore the Magnolia State, here are 10 of Mississippi’s most beautiful towns and cities.
Cleveland
The heart of the state, the birthplace of blues, and the result of both historical joy and strife. Cleveland is in northeast Mississippi and is known for its vibrant culture, bustling downtown district, and Southern hospitality.
Cleveland was a stop on the Louisville, New Orleans, and Texas Railway. It grew from the late 1860s onward, eventually becoming synonymous with blues music. Today, the town boasts restaurants, antique shops, and lively cultural institutions like the Bologna Performing Arts Center.
Oxford
The county set of Lafayette County in north Mississippi, Oxford is home to many interesting cultural attractions and a thriving artist community. It’s also a major hub of education, with the University of Mississippi being the chief public research university not only in Oxford but in the entire state.
Oxford offers a dynamic music scene and excellent dining options. Square Books, one of the country’s most famous independent bookstores, is also located in Oxford.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis is an exquisite seaside town in Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Best known for its white-sand beaches (often referred to as the state’s Secret Coast) and charter fishing, it’s also a must-stop for any history and culture enthusiast.
Old Town Bay St. Louis is a major attraction for both tourists and locals. You can find plenty of locally owned shops, art galleries, and top-rated restaurants here.
Corinth
Originally known as Cross City, Corinth was named in honor of the ancient Greek city that shared the same striking feature: a plethora of railroad crossings. It’s the county seat of Alcorn County in the northern edge of Mississippi, right by the Mississippi-Tennessee state line.
In Corinth, you also find a great number of Civil War and pre-Civil War historic sites as well as timeless establishments. This includes Borroum’s Drug Store and Soda Fountain. Opened in 1865, it’s the oldest running drugstore and soda fountain in Mississippi.
Ocean Springs
A Gulf Coast gem, the city of Ocean Springs is renowned as an artist enclave. The entire stretch of Main Street is lined with independently owned art galleries as well as local restaurants and quirky boutiques. There is plenty to explore in this so-called City of Discovery.
Natchez
Founded in 1716 by French colonists, Natchez holds the distinction of being the oldest city along the Mississippi River. And because of its collection of well-preserved and historic antebellum homes, Natchez is also referred to as the Antebellum Capital of the World.
Between the old homes and the tree-lined streets, Natchez also offers a variety of highly anticipated events like the Natchez Biscuit Festival, plus archaeological sites and miles upon miles of nature trails.
Laurel
Located in Jones County, southern Mississippi is Laurel, the so-called City Beautiful. About a 30-minute drive northeast of Hattiesburg, Laurel oozes family-friendly appeal and a tight-knit sense of community. You can feel this the most down Main Street, with its collection of locally owned shops and diners.
Biloxi
Biloxi is the crowning jewel of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Summers here are especially wonderful. Be sure to book a fishing trip, cook your own catch at local restaurants like Shaggy’s or Morton’s, and visit one of the area’s best casinos. Other attractions in the city include the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum and the iconic Biloxi Lighthouse.
Vicksburg
Perched on a bluff along the Mississippi, Vicksburg is steep in history. It was first settled in the early 1700s by the French, but before that, it was part of Natchez territory.
Vicksburg is a popular stopover in the Mississippi Delta for two reasons. First, this is one of the best places to experience Southern Gothic charm with its pre-war buildings. Second, the city is also a live music destination—a homage to its past as an important Delta blues hub.
Port Gibson
Port Gibson in southwest Mississippi is the picture of an idyllic small town. It has a population of about 1,500 people, plus a scenic location along the Bayou Pierre River. When you’re here, visit Grand Gulf Military Park and the Windsor Ruins.
See more of Mississippi
Looking for more places to visit in Mississippi? Let Owen and Co. Real Estate show you around. Browse the blog to learn more about the perks of living in the Magnolia State. For real estate matters in and around Gulfport, contact the team at 228.822.9870 or send them an email at info(at)owenandco(dotted)com.
