Mississippi Visit Like a VIP
Experience Mississippi’s haute hospitality with this itinerary of top-notch destinations.
High Time in the Hills
Begin your journey in the plush lobby of The Graduate hotel in Oxford, where pink oak floors set a chic stage for locals and visitors alike to gather in a setting filled with vintage books and vibrant furnishings. The hotel’s rooftop bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail overlooking the famous Oxford Square, and the cozy café features carnival-inspired fixtures. If you favor classic European style, check into Chancellor’s House hotel, featuring a country house design complete with butler service, private balconies, a rooftop lounge, a spa and a tea room overlooking the garden. The Square, known as Oxford’s cultural and economic hub, is where you’ll find fine shopping in exclusive boutiques, historic bookstores and the South’s oldest department store, Neilson’s, which opened in 1839. This is also the spot to explore galleries with works by local artists, as well as cuisine to satisfy any palate. Just south of The Square, take a literary trip back in time to Rowan Oak, the former residence of William Faulkner. Tucked into 29 wooded acres, the house is open for year-round tours, children’s activities and seasonal special events.
Where to Eat
City Grocery has been considered a jewel on Oxford’s historic downtown square since 1992. Award-winning chef John Currence presents cuisine with both traditional, deep Southern roots and classical French technique. Try the shrimp and grits and one of several local brews offered on draft.
mississippihills.org;
neilsonsdepartmentstore.com;
citygroceryonline.com;
chancellorshouse.com;
visitoxfordms.com;
rowanoak.com
Something to Savor in the Delta
Center your stay within the Delta region at The Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, voted the state’s best hotel or resort by Mississippi Magazine readers each year since 2007. The accolades for the hotel and its restaurant, Giardina’s, also include multiple AAA Four-Diamond Awards and honors from TripAdvisor, Thrillist and Wine Spectator. From the intimate courtyard to the luxurious modern guest rooms and suites, you will see what all the fuss is about. Venture across the street to Viking Cooking School and learn to stir up something special of your own. With classes in everything from basic cooking to baking to ethnic cuisine and dinner-party prep, there’s something for cooking enthusiasts of every skill level. Hands-on happenings continue at TurnRow Book Company. Patrons can enjoy lunch at the onsite café and return for evenings with author signings, musical performances and regional art shows.
Where to Eat
The Delta tamale is a legend in and of itself. Some say the recipe came into the region with Mexican migrant workers. Regardless of their origin, you have got to try one at Abe's BBQ in Clarksdale. Try them with chili, cheese, lettuce or tomato.
visitthedelta.com;
greenwoodms.com;
turnrowbooks.com;
thealluvian.com;
abesbbq.com
Capital/River Region Revelry
Set your sights on charm and warm hospitality at The Fairview Inn in Jackson, a historic destination with exquisite guest rooms, a scenic garden and an outdoor deck. The Fairview’s restaurant, 1908 Provisions, is a popular spot for dinner and Sunday brunch. Save room for a meal at Seafood R’evolution in Ridgeland, which features a fine-dining fusion of flavors reflecting Gulf Coast cuisine. The custom-built glass wine cellar is stocked with domestic and international wines. Make time during your stay to do some serious shopping. The Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland features local boutiques, top national retailers and a myriad of restaurants within an atmosphere of European and Mediterranean architecture. At the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, you’ll find your own gems at a wide selection of retailers. While here, view the Mississippi-shaped marble monument highlighting the Blues and Country Music Trails, and enjoy songs by Mississippi artists while you shop.
Where To Eat
The Knock-You-Naked Margaritas at Fat Mama’s Tamales in Natchez are not for the faint of heart. These award-winning beverages are served frozen-style only and are the perfect accompaniment to a plate of tamales, nachos or the house-made chili. Fat Mama’s is a casual Mexican eatery with a funky interior. The restaurant was opened more than 25 years ago and started as tamales only, eventually expanding to include cold beverages and other menu items.
renaissanceatcolonypark.com;
mscountrymusictrail.org;
seafoodrevolution.com;
visitjackson.com;
visitnatchez.org;
fairviewinn.com
Bet on a Good Time on the Coast
For a stately home base on the Coast, stop at The White House Hotel in Biloxi, with its antebellum appearance set in an atmosphere of live oaks and beach views. The historic hotel has elegant suites and guest rooms, a rooftop veranda and a restaurant serving Gulf Coast cuisine and specialty drinks. Get your game on at the Palace Casino Resort, featuring more than 850 slots and a spacious table games area. Indulge in the spa or enjoy a round of golf at the resort’s Preserve Golf Club, with views of longleaf pines and live oaks. Gaming goes glam at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, which boasts elegant guest rooms and suites, several restaurants and lounges, a spa and a pool deck. While you are here, book a game on the manicured greens of the affiliated Fallen Oak Golf Course. The Coast’s marine life is the focus of the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, where you’ll explore the region’s waterside history. For an interactive experience for the kids, visit The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for hands-on exhibits, entertaining programs and play areas.
What to Eat
Crescent City Grill offers a taste of New Orleans in the quieter city of Hattiesburg. Owner and Chef Robert St. John has spent more than three decades in the restaurant business. Any of the Cajun-inspired dishes will satisfy, but the red beans and rice are a can't-miss.
palacecasinoresort.com;
whitehousebiloxi.com;
maritimemuseum.org;
beaurivage.com;
visithburg.org
Tee up for Fun in the Pines
A stay in a cottage, villa or condominium at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point is a getaway worthy of the golfing greats. While you’re here, enjoy a round on the beautiful greens. Old Waverly’s founders also opened the nearby Mossy Oak Golf Club, which captures the essence of nature throughout its course and guest cabins. Use a free morning or afternoon to visit the conservation-minded sporting estate Prairie Wildlife for a quail, dove, rabbit or deer hunt. For a tour through West Point’s history, take a drive to Waverley Plantation Mansion, a restored antebellum home famed for its unique architecture.
What to Eat
Originating in the college town of Starkville, The Little Dooey has become a popular barbecue destination in the Pines Region - Clint Black, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels have all been spotted there. The menu was created around the recipes and sauces of founders Barry and Margaret Ann Wood. Try a barbecue plate, a pulled pork sandwich, the Mississippi farm-raised catfish or a basket of shrimp and oysters.
prairiewildlife.com;
westpointms.org;
starkville.org;
More VIP Stay + Play
Built in 1860, Longwood is one of the most exquisite octagonal homes in America. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, the house was left in mid-construction as workers fled to fight. The building’s interior remains unfinished today - but is still open for tours.
stantonhall.com
Visit the stunning Greek Revival mansion in Carrollton known as Cotesworth and learn about its most famous inhabitant, U.S. Senator J.Z. George, who supported important national legislation leading toward the establishment of the Department of Agriculture and land-grant colleges. Now a culture and heritage center open to the public, the property also features an unusual free-standing hexagonal library which once housed George’s extensive collection of law books. cotesworthcenter.org
Curated Shoppers Delight
The Mississippi Gift Company
Have you fallen in love with Mississippi? Or, do you need to send a unique gift? The Mississippi Gift Company has offered a curated collection of foods, décor, artisan items and more for over 24 years. Not only can you spend hours perusing the hand-selected and exclusive Mississippi products in their storefront, but also have your favorite items shipped directly to you, a client, or a love one from their online store. This family-operated tourist destination, features over 150 gourmet food companies, entrepreneurs, and artists—all of them within Mississippi, create amazing handmade treasures for you.
300 Howard Street, Greenwood, MS 38930
TheMississippiGiftCompany.com
Creative Impact 2018
Author of Orange is New Black
The Greater Jackson Arts Council opens this year’s Creative Impact Luncheon with the dynamic voice behind the cultural phenomenon Orange Is the New Blac, Piper Kerman. Her personal story about using the power of memoir as a force of transformation will engage and inspire. On Thursday, August 23, 2018 Piper, a nationally acclaimed activist and author of the memoir, Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison, was adapted into the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Netflix series.
greaterjacksonartscouncil.com
MS State University
Golf Course
Starkville, Mississippi
Experience the greens of beautiful and historic Starkville, Mississippi’s renowned ‘College Town’, home of the Mississippi State University Golf Course which is the host facility for the MSU PGA Golf Management program, MSU Men’s & Women’s Golf Teams and the MSU Golf and Sports Turf Management Program. The 18-hole Brian Ault design, 6,972 yard championship golf course is ranked among the top 30 university owned golf courses in the country according to Golfweek Magazine. Stay and Play Packages are available seven days a week.
Book your tee time:
golf.msstate.edu
May 19 – Square Affair
Leake County
Leake County offers fun festivals, annual events, annual events, many attractions, along with history worth learning about, and much more. Attend the Square Affair, and Heart of Mississippi 5-K Run/Walk. This event features a 5K Run and Walk, and a one-mile Fun Run, entertainment, Kid's Zone, tractor pull, antique car show and arts and crafts. However, to experience the best of Leake County, you need to meet the warm locals who always make visitors feel like VIP’s.
leakems.com
Stone County, Mississippi
Locals are expert storytellers, but it is far more intriguing to view the creative way murals show the history of the area. Murals celebrate the people of Stone County: who they are, the culture, industry, and habitat. They celebrate the “p’s” of Stone County: people, pickles, paper, pine, paper, poles, pecans, paper chips, pellets, and pottery. Stone County is the official “Mural County” and many of the county’s public buildings feature murals. Tours, available by appointment, give visitors in-depth information about murals, artists, and stories behind the community art.
visitstonecounty.com
