When they came up with the phrase “good things come in small packages,” they had to be talking about New Albany. The small town in northern Mississippi has a population of just 8,500, but what it lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in the things to do department. In fact, there’s so much to see and do in New Albany, that it would make a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Take a look:
Known as “the fair and friendly city,” New Albany is nestled in the hills of north Mississippi, just an hour south of Memphis.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
One of New Albany’s most notable assets is its vibrant downtown area.
Jeff Baldock/Creative Visions
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the area includes antique stores, specialty shops, eateries, galleries, independent clothiers, boutiques, jewelers, and more.
I Love NA/Facebook
While in the thriving part of town, you’ll find unique shops, like The Vintage Market.
The Vintage Market/Facebook Aside from floats, sundaes, and the “best lemonade around,” this old-time soda fountain also includes a shop packed with a variety of merchandise.
Latham’s Hamburger Inn is another must-visit while in New Albany.
New Albany, Mississippi - Pictorial History/Facebook According to Business Insider, the restaurant serves the best burger in Mississippi.
The eatery is known for its specialty, the doughburger.
Lick Skillet G./Yelp The mouthwatering creation has even been featured on the Food Network.
Plan your visit accordingly, and you could experience one of the many events and festivals held in New Albany.
I Love NA/Facebook Between the Union County fair, Tallahatchie Riverfest and numerous art, music, and food festivals in between, the town always has something going on.
Visit during the spring and you’ll have the chance to attend one of the town’s most anticipated events, Down from the Hills Farm to Table Dinner.
I Love NA/Facebook The annual affair is held on a bridge spanning the Tallahatchie River and includes an elegant farm-to-table dinner that has been prepared by renowned regional chefs.
New Albany’s location on the Tallahatchie River also provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
New Albany, Mississippi - Pictorial History/Facebook Head to New Albany’s Park Along the River and Arboretum and you’ll find a nature trail that runs along the Tallahatchie River, playground, picnic areas, pavilion, and paved walking path, which includes a footbridge that crosses the river.
As a gateway to the Tanglefoot Trail, New Albany is the perfect place for some adventure.
Matthew Nichols/Flickr The longest of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails conversions, the Tanglefoot Trail is a paved biking and hiking trail that spans 44 miles through historic villages and scenic countryside.
The small town is also home to a huge piece of history, the Ingomar Indian Mounds.
New Albany, Mississippi - Pictorial History/Facebook The ancient burial mounds date back 2,200 years, making them the oldest documented man-made site in all of Union County. The site also includes a 1.8-mile loop trail that is rated as “easy” and open year-round.
Another great destination in New Albany, the Union County Heritage Museum is considered one of the best museums in the region.
psychprofessor/TripAdvisor The museum features a variety of exhibits that provide information on life in the area, covering everything from prehistoric fossils to the modern age. There’s also plenty of information on New Albany’s most famous native, William Faulkner. Be sure to check out the outdoor area of the museum, where you’ll find the award-winning Faulkner Garden and several more interpretive exhibits.
Located in nearby Etta, the Wolf Howl Animal Preserve is a must-visit while in New Albany.
everythingwolf.com Please note, Wolf Howl Animal Preserve is no longer open to the public.
Want more information on this charming little town?
Jeff Baldock/Creative Visions Head to Visit New Albany, where you’ll find details about upcoming events, lodging, dining, shopping, and more.
Have you been to New Albany? We want to hear about your experience! Share your story in the comments section.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Jeff Baldock/Creative Visions
I Love NA/Facebook
The Vintage Market/Facebook
Aside from floats, sundaes, and the “best lemonade around,” this old-time soda fountain also includes a shop packed with a variety of merchandise.
New Albany, Mississippi - Pictorial History/Facebook
According to Business Insider, the restaurant serves the best burger in Mississippi.
Lick Skillet G./Yelp
The mouthwatering creation has even been featured on the Food Network.
Between the Union County fair, Tallahatchie Riverfest and numerous art, music, and food festivals in between, the town always has something going on.
The annual affair is held on a bridge spanning the Tallahatchie River and includes an elegant farm-to-table dinner that has been prepared by renowned regional chefs.
Head to New Albany’s Park Along the River and Arboretum and you’ll find a nature trail that runs along the Tallahatchie River, playground, picnic areas, pavilion, and paved walking path, which includes a footbridge that crosses the river.
Matthew Nichols/Flickr
The longest of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails conversions, the Tanglefoot Trail is a paved biking and hiking trail that spans 44 miles through historic villages and scenic countryside.
The ancient burial mounds date back 2,200 years, making them the oldest documented man-made site in all of Union County. The site also includes a 1.8-mile loop trail that is rated as “easy” and open year-round.
psychprofessor/TripAdvisor
The museum features a variety of exhibits that provide information on life in the area, covering everything from prehistoric fossils to the modern age. There’s also plenty of information on New Albany’s most famous native, William Faulkner. Be sure to check out the outdoor area of the museum, where you’ll find the award-winning Faulkner Garden and several more interpretive exhibits.
everythingwolf.com
Please note, Wolf Howl Animal Preserve is no longer open to the public.
Jeff Baldock/Creative Visions
Head to Visit New Albany, where you’ll find details about upcoming events, lodging, dining, shopping, and more.
Looking for more small towns with must-visit sites? Check out “What You’ll Find In These 9 Small Towns In Mississippi May Surprise You.”
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