14 Small Towns in Mississippi You’ll Fall in Love With

The great state of Mississippi is known for many incredible things. It’s known as the birthplace of the blues and Elvis Presley. The state is also one of the biggest exporters of cotton, and it’s home to the gorgeous Mississippi River. It’s also noteworthy for its small towns. In fact, much of the state is filled with tiny cities that are loaded with culture and some of the friendliest people in the South. If you’re thinking about taking a road trip through the state, you’ll want to add at least a few of these places to your bucket list. We’re here to help. Just like we did in the past with Kentucky and Florida, we’ll also share with you a list of the small towns in Mississippi you’ll fall in love with as soon as you arrive.

For each town, we’ll tell you why the town is so lovely and what makes it so special. We’ll also divulge the best places to visit in town, including tourist destinations, restaurants, and shops. We highly recommend you try at least one or two of these places. You’ll have a great time and experience all of the Southern charm that we all know and love.

Petal

First on our list of the must-see small towns in Mississippi is the lovely town of Petal. The town isn’t as old as some of the others on this list. It was established in 1974. While the city does have 10,000 residents, it still maintains its small-town appeal. Petal is known as the “friendly city” and the people there really take that idea to heart. You can walk down the street and have several people say hello to you along the way. There are many great shops and boutiques in the area, including the Fig Boutique Petal and the Southern Lace Boutique. Petal is located on the Leaf River. Visiting not only gives you a chance to observe the beauty of nature but also to swim and fish. Don’t forget to add the many tasty restaurants in town to your itinerary. If you fall in love with this place, consider moving there. Petal has one of the best school districts in the state!

Water Valley

Head to northern Mississippi, and you’ll find yourself in the quaint, small town of Water Valley. It’s a neat place that’s known for its artistic charm and creative residents. The Water Valley Arts Council here works overtime to promote local artists. That’s why you’ll be able to visit the area’s many art galleries and studios and see the immense talent of the area. Don’t forget to head downtown and admire the gorgeous architecture as you stop into many of the local shops and get a bite to eat at the many restaurants and bakeries. The area is also famous for its many coffee shops, so you can get a warm drink on a chilly night. If you do visit during the fall season, you can partake in the Water Valley Pumpkin Festival. This is a celebration of all things pumpkins, from carvings and food, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great time to visit a town that has something to offer all year round.

Natchez

This majestic small town is named after the Native Americans who settled the area and once called it home. Since then, the town has continued to be a place of great character. You can see it in the buildings, homes, and live oak trees that line the streets. You can tour many of the beautiful homes in the town, including King’s Tavern, the oldest standing building in the town. There are always fun events throughout the year, including the Natchez Biscuit Festival and the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. Even the name sounds fun, doesn’t it? At night, you can stop by many of the tasty restaurants. Get cajun seafood at the restaurant Roux 61 or get tasty local cuisine at almost any restaurant you walk into. Make sure to stop by the shops in the main part of town and find some amazing gifts for yourself and your family.

Bay St. Louis

If you’re touring the state during the fall, then one of the small towns in Mississippi to add to your bucket list is Bay St. Louis. This town is located near the Gulf Coast and it’s a hidden gem that you have to see to believe. Walk down the streets, and you’ll see some of the most gorgeous architecture in the state. The people are also incredibly friendly. Plus, the fall colors look amazing on the many trees in the area. There are also a lot of fun activities to try. Start by taking a walking tour of the city’s historical district and end it at the famous Bay St. Louis Farmers Market. Every Saturday, local farmers come and sell their fresh produce and treats. Plan your trip accordingly, and you can come during the many festivals in town. During October, there’s the Haunted History Tour and the Halloween Parade. These events are entertaining and educational, and there’s often music, local cuisine, and other festive activities along the way. While autumn is a great time to visit, any time of year is wonderful in Bay St. Louis.

Canton

If you stroll through the town of Canton and think it looks familiar, you’re not crazy. Many movies, including “A Time to Kill” and “Oh Brother Where Art Thou,” have been filmed there. The town is just that gorgeous and memorable. You can walk down the streets and see amazing architecture and gorgeous landscaping that will stick in your mind for days. Plus, there’s a lot to do in Canton. One of the biggest attractions is the Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show. Over 100,000 people visit every year to purchase quilts, wood carvings, homemade jam, and more. Plus, there is live music, tasty local cuisine, and tons of desserts. This town is also home to an annual hot air balloon race, which is the oldest in the country, and it’s quite stunning to see. Take the time to really soak in this city. Stop in the shops and eat at the restaurants whenever you can. You won’t be disappointed.

Port Gibson

Port Gibson is located between two other small towns on this list, Natchez and Vicksburg, and it’s very small, at about 1,500 people. This is a beautiful town, and it always has been. In fact, during the Civil War, when the country was going up in flames, General Grant decided that he couldn’t destroy Port Gibson, and he declared it “too beautiful to burn.” You should still visit today because the town is known for the Windsor Ruins. There are 23 standing Corinthian columns that were once a part of the largest Greek Revival mansion that was ever built in the state. They’re a true piece of history. This town is loaded with Civil War sights that could fill a whole weekend. Plus, many of the restaurants and storefronts look the same as they did back then, so it’s like taking a trip back in time. To top it all off, the locals are all very friendly, and they can tell you some great stories.

Holly Springs

Another small town in Mississippi, especially during autumn, is Holly Springs. This town is steeped in Southern hospitality and amazing history. One of the most eye-catching aspects of the town is the incredible architecture. There are many famous homes in this area, including the Ida B. Wells-Barnett House, which you can tour as you learn more about the owner and their influence on the community. October is a great time to visit because you can attend the Holly Springs Autumn Festival. It’s a great time when you can spend hours enjoying live music, local cuisine, crafts, vendors, and many family-friendly activities. No matter when you visit, you also need to check out the Holly Springs National Forest. The forest is loaded with awesome hiking trails and gorgeous foliage. Visit during different times of the year to see the leaves change colors. Many people also come here for bird watching. It really is a lovely town.

Cleveland

It is argued by most that Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues genre, and many of the greatest musicians have come from this wonderful place. That’s one of the reasons why there is a Mississippi Grammy Museum. That museum is located in Cleveland, and it is one of the many reasons why you should check out this nice, quaint town. Head to the museum and learn about the artists, their songs, and their backstories. There are also other fun things to do in town, like checking out the many farmer’s markets and the annual Oktoberfest celebration, where you can have great food and good drinks. Check the calendar and come during their “Art in the Alley” events, where local vendors get the chance to show off their goods and products. You can simply take a walk down the main streets of the town and notice the great architecture and the wonderful shops.

Raymond

Raymond is another one of the great small towns in Mississippi. This is a lovely, quaint town that is home to everyone from seniors to families of young children. It’s a welcoming community, and the residents will welcome you during your stay. This place is home to many fun festivals throughout the year, including Christmas on the Square, which is a major event every year that celebrates all things Christmas. There’s also a group called the Friends of Raymond. They host many great attractions for residents and visitors. At any time of the year, you could see a Civil War reenactment, a historical tour, or anything in between. The town is also famous for its many different scavenger hunts that can occur any time of year. Raymond is also home to parks where you can be with nature, have a picnic, and spend time as a family. You may fall in love with Raymond and never want to leave!

New Albany

Another one of the best small towns in Mississippi is found in the Northeast section of the state. It’s New Albany, and it’s home to many fun parks and attractions for the entire family. Start at Park Along the River, which is the largest park in the area. In fact, the park is a mile long and has something for everyone. From picnic tables and walking trails to playgrounds and disc golf courses, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Plus, the park is situated along the Tallahatchie River, so it’s likely you’ll see some wildlife as well. Once done, you can visit the Union County Heritage Museum. While there, you can learn about the history of the region and the many great people who have called the town home. One of the must-see exhibits is the William Faulkner Literary Garden, which is a gorgeous place dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning author. It’s a great place of inspiration, especially if you’ve ever dreamt of being a writer or of entering another creative field. This is a great town with a lot to see and do.

Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs, a city on the Gulf Coast, literally has something for everyone. Whether you like history, art, or resting by the beach, you can do it here. There are countless beaches along the Gulf Coast. You can always find a spot to lay down your blanket. Just beware that during the summer months, it will be crowded. However, it is still warm during the fall months, so that’s also an option. While there, you can lay back, build a sand castle, go swimming, or do anything else you like. Next, learn a bit about the town and the surrounding area by visiting the Ocean Springs Museum of History. There are many exhibits that teach you about local culture and natural wonders. Head there at the right time, and you can also attend the annual Ocean Springs Fall Street Festival. This is an event that celebrates the community. There are vendors, local cuisines, live artists and music, and more. Visit any time during the year and see what this small town has to offer.

Tupelo

A major theme on this list is music and its major impact on Mississippi. Tupelo is no exception. This is the birthplace of singer Elvis Presley, who is considered to be one of the most influential musicians of all time. You can come here and learn more about him. While here, you can visit his childhood home, check out several bronze statues of him that are placed around town, and then head down to Elvis Presley Lake, where you can camp, hike, and remember your favorite Presley songs. There’s also an Elvis Presley museum. Go during the right time of the year, and you can also check out the Elvis Presley Festival, which is a blast for anyone who loves the King. There are also other non-Elvis-related activities. You can check out the Tupelo National Battlefield or see the exotic animals at the Tupelo Buffalo Park. The next day, you can bring your cash and check out the Tupelo Flea Market and find and buy that trinket you always wanted. Add Tupelo to your bucket list for sure.

Vicksburg

Vicksburg is a great small town to visit if you love Civil War history and seasonal fun. There’s always something going on here, such as the Vicksburg Fall Festival. It’s there where you can mingle with the locals as you enjoy local cuisine, live entertainment, countless vendors, and more. Visit anytime, and you can stroll through the historic downtown district. Bring your camera because it’s there that you’ll see picturesque 19th-century architecture that will blow your mind. Plus, the area is loaded with lovely little shops and various cozy restaurants with tasty meals all year round. As far as Civil War history goes, you’ll want to stop by the Vicksburg National Military Park, which was a major site during that infamous altercation. Walk through the park, and you’ll see impressive monuments, historical markers, and many trails that will lead you through colorful foliage. Add Vicksburg to your bucket list for sure. 

Flowood

Finally, on our list of the small towns in Mississippi that you’ll fall in love with is Flowood. The people here are the best and the homes and buildings have a lot of charm. You can walk down the streets and see beauty around every corner. In addition to being a gorgeous place, there’s also a lot to learn in Flowood. That’s because the town is known for its many fantastic museums, including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, where you can learn about the many great people who altered history. There’s also the Mississippi Museum for Natural Science, which is the home to many natural wonders that are local to the state and the world. You could easily spend hours there while soaking it all in. Flowood is also home to many great shops and restaurants. Spend the whole day and enjoy fantastic meals in quaint diners. Flowood is also near many other towns, so head there and enjoy even more of Mississippi.

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