Throughout the years, several studies have deemed Mississippi one of the “most miserable” and “unhappiest” states in the nation. And we have to say, we couldn’t disagree more! There’s plenty to love about life in the Magnolia State. And to prove our point, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best things about residing in Mississippi.

  1. It really is the Hospitality State.

edgrawes/Flickr True to its nickname, Mississippi is full of residents, who are kind and always willing to lend a hand.

  1. The food can’t be beat.

Scott Kumamoto/Google Many states are revered for one specific dish or type of cuisine, but not Mississippi. The Magnolia State serves some of the best BBQ, seafood, fried catfish, and soul food.

  1. The winters are mild.

redagainPatti/Flickr Maybe it’s a consolation for our brutal summers, but winter in the Magnolia is a breeze. Sure, we have snowstorms from time to time, but it’s nothing compared to what our neighbors to the north deal with.

  1. Age-old traditions are still honored.

BookMama/Flickr Pulling over for a funeral procession may be a thing of the past in other states, but not in Mississippi.

  1. One of the nation’s most beloved small towns can be found in Mississippi.

downtownlaurel.com There are tons of charming small towns in Mississippi, but none are quite as famous as Laurel, which is the setting of the HGTV series “Home Town.”

  1. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are plentiful.

Seminary Canoe Rental/Google When it comes to outdoor fun, you can find a little bit of everything in Mississippi, from rock climbing at Tishomingo State Park to taking on one of the nation’s top floats at Okatoma Creek.

  1. Re-visiting the past is a real possibility.

Harald Padeborn/Google History comes to life in Mississippi, thanks in part to over 1,000 nationally registered historic sites, countless battlefields, Native American sites, plantations, and colonial settlements.

  1. The state parks are spectacular.

Jay Humphries/Google Did you know seven of Mississippi’s state parks have been ranked among the best in the nation? It’s true! Throughout the years, John W. Kyle, Lake Lincoln, Percy Quin, Tishomingo, LeFleur’s, J.P. Coleman, and Trace State Parks have all received national recognition.

  1. We’re in great company.

Elvis Presley Birthplace/Facebook Some of the world’s most talented authors, athletes, actors, and musicians hail from the Magnolia State.

  1. You never know when you’ll discover a hidden gem.

Lynette Wilkinson/Google There seems to be no shortage of incredible sites and attractions hidden in the small towns that fill Mississippi. The Little Grand Canyon of Mississippi, cascading waterfalls, and one of the region’s only petrified forests can all be found in small town Mississippi.

So, what do you think? Do these reasons prove Mississippi isn’t the worst state? What else would you add to this list?

edgrawes/Flickr

True to its nickname, Mississippi is full of residents, who are kind and always willing to lend a hand.

Scott Kumamoto/Google

Many states are revered for one specific dish or type of cuisine, but not Mississippi. The Magnolia State serves some of the best BBQ, seafood, fried catfish, and soul food.

redagainPatti/Flickr

Maybe it’s a consolation for our brutal summers, but winter in the Magnolia is a breeze. Sure, we have snowstorms from time to time, but it’s nothing compared to what our neighbors to the north deal with.

BookMama/Flickr

Pulling over for a funeral procession may be a thing of the past in other states, but not in Mississippi.

downtownlaurel.com

There are tons of charming small towns in Mississippi, but none are quite as famous as Laurel, which is the setting of the HGTV series “Home Town.”

Seminary Canoe Rental/Google

When it comes to outdoor fun, you can find a little bit of everything in Mississippi, from rock climbing at Tishomingo State Park to taking on one of the nation’s top floats at Okatoma Creek.

Harald Padeborn/Google

History comes to life in Mississippi, thanks in part to over 1,000 nationally registered historic sites, countless battlefields, Native American sites, plantations, and colonial settlements.

Jay Humphries/Google

Did you know seven of Mississippi’s state parks have been ranked among the best in the nation? It’s true! Throughout the years, John W. Kyle, Lake Lincoln, Percy Quin, Tishomingo, LeFleur’s, J.P. Coleman, and Trace State Parks have all received national recognition.

Elvis Presley Birthplace/Facebook

Some of the world’s most talented authors, athletes, actors, and musicians hail from the Magnolia State.

Lynette Wilkinson/Google

There seems to be no shortage of incredible sites and attractions hidden in the small towns that fill Mississippi. The Little Grand Canyon of Mississippi, cascading waterfalls, and one of the region’s only petrified forests can all be found in small town Mississippi.

Want to experience the best of Mississippi? Click here for a route that leads to the state’s best hidden gems.

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Address: Mississippi, USA