Mississippi is full of small towns that might seem quiet on the surface, but they’re anything but forgettable. From blues legends to Civil War battles, quirky festivals to college football frenzy, these cities keep popping up in headlines for all sorts of surprising reasons. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or just someone who enjoys discovering hidden gems, these so-called boring towns have stories worth hearing.
1. Greenwood
Cotton built this town, and blues music gave it soul. Greenwood sits in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where sharecropper shacks once dotted endless fields. Today, it’s known for its connection to Robert Johnson, the legendary bluesman who supposedly sold his soul at the crossroads nearby.
Viking Range Corporation was born here, putting Greenwood on the culinary map worldwide. The company’s cooking school attracts chefs and food lovers from across the globe. You’ll find upscale dining mixed with down-home Delta cooking that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Don’t miss the Museum of the Mississippi Delta or a stroll through the historic downtown. Grab tamales from a local spot – they’re a Delta tradition with deep roots. Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring this sleepy town that refuses to stay quiet.
2. Starkville
Mississippi State University turns this college town into a maroon-and-white wonderland every football season. When the Bulldogs play at home, the population practically doubles with fans ringing cowbells – a tradition that makes games here unforgettable. Starkville makes headlines whenever the team has a winning streak or upsets a rival.
Beyond football fever, Starkville offers a vibrant arts scene and innovative dining thanks to its university influence. The Cotton District features quirky architecture and student energy that keeps the streets buzzing. Local coffee shops and bookstores provide cozy spots to experience genuine college town culture.
Visit during game day for the full experience, but weekdays offer a calmer vibe perfect for exploring. The Dudy Noble Field baseball stadium is considered one of America’s best college ballparks. Check out the local farmers market for fresh produce and handmade crafts that reflect Mississippi’s agricultural heritage.
3. Laurel
HGTV’s ‘Home Town’ put Laurel back on the map in a big way. Ben and Erin Napier transformed this former lumber town into a renovation destination, drawing visitors eager to see the charming makeovers in person. What seemed like a fading community suddenly became a symbol of small-town revival and Southern charm.
Historic architecture lines the streets, with Victorian homes and early 20th-century buildings beautifully preserved. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi’s first art museum, houses an impressive collection that surprises first-time visitors. Downtown shops and restaurants have flourished since the show’s popularity exploded.
Plan your visit around a weekend to catch local events and fully stocked shops. Stop by Laurel Mercantile Co., owned by the Napiers, for unique home goods and souvenirs. The nearby Landrum’s Homestead and Village offers a glimpse into pioneer life that history enthusiasts will appreciate deeply.
4. McComb
Railroad tracks crisscross this southwestern Mississippi town like veins on a leaf. McComb grew up around the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1870s and hasn’t slowed down since. During the Civil Rights Movement, this city became a battleground for voting rights and equality, earning national attention for the bravery of its activists.
Brittany Spears was born here, adding a pop culture twist to McComb’s identity. The town celebrates its railroad heritage with the McComb Railroad Museum, where you can peek into vintage train cars. Local parks and the Percy Quin State Park nearby offer peaceful escapes into nature.
Try the barbecue joints scattered around town – they’re serious about their sauce here. Summer brings community festivals that showcase Southern hospitality at its finest. Pack comfortable shoes for walking the historic districts where every corner whispers stories from decades past.
5. Clarksdale
If blues music has a capital, Clarksdale stakes a serious claim to the throne. This Delta town sits at the legendary crossroads where Highway 61 meets Highway 49 – the spot where Robert Johnson allegedly made his deal with the devil. Music lovers pilgrimage here to walk the same streets that birthed legends like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Ike Turner.
The Delta Blues Museum preserves this incredible heritage with exhibits that’ll give you goosebumps. Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, keeps live music pumping through the night. Juke joints scattered around town offer authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
April’s Juke Joint Festival transforms the entire downtown into a massive celebration of blues culture. Bring cash for the smaller venues and prepare for late nights filled with soul-stirring music. The Shack Up Inn offers quirky overnight stays in restored sharecropper shacks for the full Delta experience.
6. Hattiesburg
Two universities call Hattiesburg home, creating an energetic atmosphere that defies its modest size. The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University pump young blood into this pine belt city year-round. When USM’s Golden Eagles compete, especially in football and basketball, the whole town rallies with infectious school spirit.
Hattiesburg played a crucial role during World War II as the site of Camp Shelby, which still operates as a military training base today. The African American Military History Museum honors the contributions of Black soldiers throughout American history. Downtown’s historic districts blend beautifully renovated buildings with modern businesses and farm-to-table restaurants.
The Hattiesburg Zoo makes a fun stop for families traveling through southern Mississippi. Local breweries have sprouted up, offering craft beer enthusiasts something to celebrate. Visit in spring when azaleas bloom everywhere, painting the city in gorgeous shades of pink and purple.
7. Tupelo
Elvis Presley entered the world in a tiny two-room house in Tupelo, forever linking this northeast Mississippi city to rock and roll royalty. Thousands visit annually to see where the King spent his early years before moving to Memphis. The Elvis Presley Birthplace complex includes the original house, a museum, and the church where young Elvis first heard gospel music that would influence his sound.
Beyond Elvis, Tupelo thrives as a furniture manufacturing hub and regional shopping destination. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs right through town, offering scenic drives and hiking trails through beautiful Mississippi countryside. Downtown has experienced a renaissance with locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and the impressive Tupelo Automobile Museum.
June brings the Tupelo Elvis Festival, when impersonators and fans flood the streets in celebration. Try the fried catfish at local diners for a true taste of Mississippi. The nearby Tombigbee State Park provides camping and outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown.
8. Columbus
Antebellum mansions line the streets of Columbus like elegant ladies at a garden party. This Golden Triangle city boasts one of Mississippi’s largest collections of pre-Civil War homes, many open for tours during the annual Spring Pilgrimage. Architecture enthusiasts travel from across the country to admire Greek Revival and Victorian styles preserved with remarkable care.
Columbus Air Force Base brings military presence and economic stability to the area. Mississippi University for Women, the first public women’s college in America, adds educational prestige and historical significance. The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway runs nearby, offering boating and fishing opportunities that outdoor lovers appreciate.
The Friendship Cemetery holds the distinction of inspiring the first Memorial Day celebration after local women decorated both Union and Confederate graves. Downtown Columbus features art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants serving elevated Southern cuisine. Plan your visit during pilgrimage season for the full experience, when costumed guides bring history dramatically to life.
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