There are lots of beautiful, charming small towns in Mississippi, many of which boast cherished qualities, like hospitality and a sense of community. And even though all of the state’s small towns are awesome in their own right, there are some that just stand out above the rest, like the following towns. Among the most charming small towns in Mississippi, any of the towns mentioned below would make a great day trip destination.
- Holly Springs
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
Visit Mississippi/Flickr Referred to as “Mississippi’s best kept secret,” the town of Holly Springs has a population of about 7,600. While the town may be small, that doesn’t mean it isn’t filled with things to do. Dating back to the Civil War, Holly Springs is known for its gorgeous antebellum homes, most of which are available for touring. The town is also home to the Ida B. Wells Museum, the annual Kudzu Festival, Chewalla Lake, Holly Springs National Forest, and, of course, the famous Phillips Grocery – home of the country’s best burger.
- Port Gibson
Bill Herndon/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Located between Vicksburg and Natchez, the small town of Port Gibson has a population of about 1,500. It’s easily one of the most beautiful small towns in Mississippi. In fact, as legend has it, Port Gibson’s beauty is what led General Grant to spare the town during the Civil War, claiming it was “too beautiful to burn.” Even though the town is most known for being home to the Windsor Ruins, it has much more to offer, including gorgeous architecture of yesteryear, old-fashioned storefronts, battlefields, and historically significant Civil War sites.
- Canton
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Jimmy Smith/Flickr Referred to as “the city of lights,” Canton is not your usual small town, as it has recently become a major force in the film industry, attracting everything from documentaries to major motion pictures. The picturesque city is not only appealing to filmmakers, though. Canton is home to quite a large arts and crafts community, which would explain why the city’s annual flea market is such a big hit. And, of course, Canton is filled with historic buildings and homes as well as a town square. Known by locals as “the Square,” it’s filled with one-of-a-kind shops, museums, and more.
- Bay Saint Louis
Ellis Anderson
Ellis Anderson This coastal community, with a population just over 10,000, exudes small-town charm, all while offering the appeal of big city amenities, thanks to Biloxi and Gulfport being in close proximity. Not only a beach lover’s paradise, Bay Saint Louis is known for its trendy Old Town area that offers shopping and dining. One visit to the Bay St. Louis, and you’ll quickly see why it was named “one of the coolest small towns in America.”
- Cleveland
Cleveland Tourism/Facebook
Cleveland Tourism/Facebook Located in the heart of the Delta, Cleveland was named Smithsonian Magazine’s “number 2 small town to visit” in 2013. The city has deep ties to the music industry, so it only makes sense that it’s home to the Mississippi Grammy Museum as well as a number of music festivals. Aside from music, Cleveland also sponsors “Art in the Alley,” giving local vendors the chance to display their goods, and other citywide events, including farmers markets, an annual Oktoberfest, and much more!
- New Albany
Matthew Nichols/Facebook Located in northern Mississippi on the Tallahatchie River, New Albany is known for its shopping, especially when it comes to antiques, beautiful downtown, and, of course, being the birthplace of literary legend William Faulkner. Referred to as “the gateway to the Tanglefoot Trail,” New Albany is the starting point of one of the state’s longest Rails to Trails paths, but the fun doesn’t stop there, as the city is home to the Union County Heritage Museum, ancient Native American mounds, and a number of seasonal festivals and events, which include everything from art to music. The charming town truly does have something for everyone.
- Tupelo
Sean Davis/Flickr
Jimmy Smith/Flickr Named “one of the 10 best small town getaways” by USA Today, Tupelo has a lot to offer. It is pretty much common knowledge that the town is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and those who are unaware of this fact will quickly be reminded upon arriving in Tupelo. Reminders of the King can be found throughout the city and include the home in which Elvis was born, several bronze statues in his likeness, the Elvis Presley Lake, Campground, and Park, a museum, and the annual Elvis Presley Festival. Other Tupelo must-visits include the Tupelo National Battlefield and the Tupelo Buffalo Park, which is home to a number of exotic animals.
Small towns really are the best! Friendly people, no traffic, and, perhaps best of all, a low cost of living!
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
Referred to as “Mississippi’s best kept secret,” the town of Holly Springs has a population of about 7,600. While the town may be small, that doesn’t mean it isn’t filled with things to do. Dating back to the Civil War, Holly Springs is known for its gorgeous antebellum homes, most of which are available for touring. The town is also home to the Ida B. Wells Museum, the annual Kudzu Festival, Chewalla Lake, Holly Springs National Forest, and, of course, the famous Phillips Grocery – home of the country’s best burger.
Bill Herndon/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Located between Vicksburg and Natchez, the small town of Port Gibson has a population of about 1,500. It’s easily one of the most beautiful small towns in Mississippi. In fact, as legend has it, Port Gibson’s beauty is what led General Grant to spare the town during the Civil War, claiming it was “too beautiful to burn.” Even though the town is most known for being home to the Windsor Ruins, it has much more to offer, including gorgeous architecture of yesteryear, old-fashioned storefronts, battlefields, and historically significant Civil War sites.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Referred to as “the city of lights,” Canton is not your usual small town, as it has recently become a major force in the film industry, attracting everything from documentaries to major motion pictures. The picturesque city is not only appealing to filmmakers, though. Canton is home to quite a large arts and crafts community, which would explain why the city’s annual flea market is such a big hit. And, of course, Canton is filled with historic buildings and homes as well as a town square. Known by locals as “the Square,” it’s filled with one-of-a-kind shops, museums, and more.
Ellis Anderson
This coastal community, with a population just over 10,000, exudes small-town charm, all while offering the appeal of big city amenities, thanks to Biloxi and Gulfport being in close proximity. Not only a beach lover’s paradise, Bay Saint Louis is known for its trendy Old Town area that offers shopping and dining. One visit to the Bay St. Louis, and you’ll quickly see why it was named “one of the coolest small towns in America.”
Cleveland Tourism/Facebook
Located in the heart of the Delta, Cleveland was named Smithsonian Magazine’s “number 2 small town to visit” in 2013. The city has deep ties to the music industry, so it only makes sense that it’s home to the Mississippi Grammy Museum as well as a number of music festivals. Aside from music, Cleveland also sponsors “Art in the Alley,” giving local vendors the chance to display their goods, and other citywide events, including farmers markets, an annual Oktoberfest, and much more!
Matthew Nichols/Facebook
Located in northern Mississippi on the Tallahatchie River, New Albany is known for its shopping, especially when it comes to antiques, beautiful downtown, and, of course, being the birthplace of literary legend William Faulkner. Referred to as “the gateway to the Tanglefoot Trail,” New Albany is the starting point of one of the state’s longest Rails to Trails paths, but the fun doesn’t stop there, as the city is home to the Union County Heritage Museum, ancient Native American mounds, and a number of seasonal festivals and events, which include everything from art to music. The charming town truly does have something for everyone.
Sean Davis/Flickr
Named “one of the 10 best small town getaways” by USA Today, Tupelo has a lot to offer. It is pretty much common knowledge that the town is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and those who are unaware of this fact will quickly be reminded upon arriving in Tupelo. Reminders of the King can be found throughout the city and include the home in which Elvis was born, several bronze statues in his likeness, the Elvis Presley Lake, Campground, and Park, a museum, and the annual Elvis Presley Festival. Other Tupelo must-visits include the Tupelo National Battlefield and the Tupelo Buffalo Park, which is home to a number of exotic animals.
So, what do you think? Are these the most beautiful, charming small towns in Mississippi? Did we miss your favorite small town? Know of other beautiful places in Mississippi? Tell us!
These towns aren’t the only beautiful places in Mississippi. Click here to read about scenic overlooks that will leave you breathless.
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Address: Holly Springs, MS 38635, USAAddress: Port Gibson, MS 39150, USAAddress: Canton, MS 39046, USAAddress: Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USAAddress: Cleveland, MS 38732, USAAddress: New Albany, MS 38652, USAAddress: Tupelo, MS, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Charming Small Towns In Mississippi July 05, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo What are some other beautiful small towns in Mississippi? When it comes to beautiful small towns in Mississippi, Iuka definitely fits the bill. Located in Tishomingo County, it’s home to roughly 3,000 residents and some incredibly stunning sights. An outdoor enthusiast’s delight, it’s got three parks – two city parks and a state park. One of the city parks, Mineral Springs Park, boasts one of the state’s only covered bridges and three natural springs, which once attracted people from all over the country. J.P. Coleman State Park is also in Iuka. And with a river, lake, and 50-foot waterfall, it’s a true natural gem. What destinations make great day trips in Mississippi? There are lots of destinations that make great day trips in Mississippi. One place that shouldn’t be missed is Shady Acres Village in Seminary. Dubbed an “oasis of hospitality,” it’s a one-stop shop, comprised of a restaurant, general store, bakery, gift shop, and gardening center. Start off your visit by grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurant. Offering something for everyone, the menu features BBQ, po’ boys, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Spend the remainder of your time at Shady Acres Village perusing the merchandise at the general store and gift shop, where you can stock up on jarred goods, homemade sweets, Mississippi-made pottery, and more. What are some other beautiful places in Mississippi? There’s no shortage of beautiful places in Mississippi. With so many, it’d be easy to overlook a few, and one you don’t want to miss is the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. Located in Holly Springs, it encompasses thousands of acres, all of which are brimming with natural beauty and things to see and do. As you explore the grounds, you’ll find a historic antebellum home, 15 miles of walking trails, a hummingbird garden, wildlife-viewing areas, fields of wildflowers, and lots more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Charming Small Towns In Mississippi
July 05, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some other beautiful small towns in Mississippi? When it comes to beautiful small towns in Mississippi, Iuka definitely fits the bill. Located in Tishomingo County, it’s home to roughly 3,000 residents and some incredibly stunning sights. An outdoor enthusiast’s delight, it’s got three parks – two city parks and a state park. One of the city parks, Mineral Springs Park, boasts one of the state’s only covered bridges and three natural springs, which once attracted people from all over the country. J.P. Coleman State Park is also in Iuka. And with a river, lake, and 50-foot waterfall, it’s a true natural gem. What destinations make great day trips in Mississippi? There are lots of destinations that make great day trips in Mississippi. One place that shouldn’t be missed is Shady Acres Village in Seminary. Dubbed an “oasis of hospitality,” it’s a one-stop shop, comprised of a restaurant, general store, bakery, gift shop, and gardening center. Start off your visit by grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurant. Offering something for everyone, the menu features BBQ, po’ boys, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Spend the remainder of your time at Shady Acres Village perusing the merchandise at the general store and gift shop, where you can stock up on jarred goods, homemade sweets, Mississippi-made pottery, and more. What are some other beautiful places in Mississippi? There’s no shortage of beautiful places in Mississippi. With so many, it’d be easy to overlook a few, and one you don’t want to miss is the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. Located in Holly Springs, it encompasses thousands of acres, all of which are brimming with natural beauty and things to see and do. As you explore the grounds, you’ll find a historic antebellum home, 15 miles of walking trails, a hummingbird garden, wildlife-viewing areas, fields of wildflowers, and lots more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to beautiful small towns in Mississippi, Iuka definitely fits the bill. Located in Tishomingo County, it’s home to roughly 3,000 residents and some incredibly stunning sights. An outdoor enthusiast’s delight, it’s got three parks – two city parks and a state park. One of the city parks, Mineral Springs Park, boasts one of the state’s only covered bridges and three natural springs, which once attracted people from all over the country. J.P. Coleman State Park is also in Iuka. And with a river, lake, and 50-foot waterfall, it’s a true natural gem.
What destinations make great day trips in Mississippi?
There are lots of destinations that make great day trips in Mississippi. One place that shouldn’t be missed is Shady Acres Village in Seminary. Dubbed an “oasis of hospitality,” it’s a one-stop shop, comprised of a restaurant, general store, bakery, gift shop, and gardening center. Start off your visit by grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurant. Offering something for everyone, the menu features BBQ, po’ boys, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Spend the remainder of your time at Shady Acres Village perusing the merchandise at the general store and gift shop, where you can stock up on jarred goods, homemade sweets, Mississippi-made pottery, and more.
What are some other beautiful places in Mississippi?
There’s no shortage of beautiful places in Mississippi. With so many, it’d be easy to overlook a few, and one you don’t want to miss is the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. Located in Holly Springs, it encompasses thousands of acres, all of which are brimming with natural beauty and things to see and do. As you explore the grounds, you’ll find a historic antebellum home, 15 miles of walking trails, a hummingbird garden, wildlife-viewing areas, fields of wildflowers, and lots more.
