Fringed by the mighty Mississippi River to the west and Alabama to the east, Mississippi is a fascinating southern state with a tremendous number of stories to tell. Whether you’re eager to discover the Delta blues, to follow in the footsteps of Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and Eudora Welty, to delve into the history of the Civil War and the fight for Civil Rights or to navigate otherworldly landscapes, this is a brillinat destination to explore. Accommodation options range from heritage B&Bs to swish city hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Mississippi are in its lively cities, but we have some rural favourites too — perfect for escaping into the picturesque countryside.
Jackson, the state capital, is brilliant for both music lovers and culture buffs. The city is home to the Old State Capitol, the New State Capitol, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Museum of Mississippi History — introduced by Mississippian Morgan Freeman — and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. For the origins of the famed Mississippi Sound, head to the Delta. You’ll find the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, the GRAMMY Museum in Cleveland (the only outpost from the original in LA), and a whole array of little live music venues for experiencing the state’s burgeoning talents. Don’t miss the birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo!
Venture to Natchez for restored heritage residences and an unravelling of Mississippi’s complex history — including its Native American roots. There are dark tales to reckon with in Mississippi, expansive abandoned cotton plantations and sobering memorials to slavery, Civil Rights and injustice, best seen by following the state-wide Mississippi Freedom Trail. It's well worth taking the time to understand the impact of this history on the state's modern-day identity. For an insight into the Civil War, look no further than Vicksburg.
Finally, Biloxi’s Gulf Coast beaches and art museums are wonderfully appealing. There’s no shortage of adventuring to be done along the Mississippi River, or in places like Tishomingo State Park, including kayaking, fishing, wildlife spotting and admiring ancient Native American sites. With the best places to stay in Mississippi scattered across this striking state, this southern gem really has something for everyone.
