Mississippi

Old Presbyterian Church, Rodney, Mississippi

As I write these bits and pieces about each state I have begun to realize what an impossible task I have set for myself.  To describe any of the states in just a few paragraphs, mentioning only two or three things, is like trying to describe France by saying it has the Eiffel Tower and lots of vineyards.  There is no way to do justice to any of these states so please understand that I am only describing my favorite places or places I would like to see even though there are hundreds of other places in each state that could be your favorite place.  

Mississippi is a southern state with all the charm and hospitality the south is known for.  Plantation homes, cypress trees, Spanish moss, catfish, sweet tea and pecan pie are a few things that come to my mind when I think of Mississippi.   

  

Natchez Trace Parkway, Loess Bluff

 Following The Natchez Trace Parkway is a relaxing way to see the natural beauty and learn about the history and culture of this region, including the pre-historic Native American mounds.  The Trace winds through Mississippi, Alabama and into Tennessee for a total of almost 450 miles.  For further information regarding hiking, biking and camping, and places to see, check out their website at http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm.

The western border of the state is the Mississippi River and the land along it is both fertile and flood prone.  There is a great amount of beauty in the old plantation homes, the rolling fields of cotton or soybeans, peanuts or sweet potatoes.  Touring a plantation home is well worth the time and small tour fee.

Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island Mississippi

Some of my favorite places may have changed since Hurricane Katrina.  Biloxi is one place near where we lived in Louisiana so we could drive over to the beach at Biloxi in just a few hours.  Biloxi was hit hard by Katrina and I have not been back since then.  It was always a nice beach town that we enjoyed so I hope it has recovered well.  

Excursion Boat to Ship Island

We especially enjoyed Ship Island near Biloxi.  Half the fun was the boat ride out to the island.  This barrier island has a nice white sand beach, restroom/changing rooms, a concession stand for snacks and drinks and an old fort to explore.   Unless it has changed, there is nothing else there except the board walk across the island from the boat landing to the beach. 

Music enthusiasts will enjoy the Blues Archives at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, one of the many places to follow the history of the birth of the Blues.  Those who are Elvis fans may want to visit his birthplace in Tupelo.  There are also many places to find the origins of Country Music as it was also born in Mississippi.  

Brochure from Exhibit

One of my favorite memories is of a visit to the Mississippi Arts Pavilion to see a special exhibit of the Palaces of St. Petersburg in 1996.  (The brochure photo is to the left.)  Our granddaughter, who was eight years old at the time, was with us.  She was absolutely fascinated with the Coronation Carriage of Tsar Alexander II, one of the ball gowns and the Faberge Eggs on display.   

It is always worth finding out what exhibits might be on display at any museum you plan to visit.

The interactive website for Mississippi tourism is http://www.visitmississippi.org/.  They have much more information, plenty of photos and a special section for International travelers.