The post This Little-Known Scenic Spot In Mississippi That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>Tucked away in the northeast corner of Mississippi, Iuka is one of the best towns in Mississippi to visit in the fall.
This little town that’s just a stone’s throw away from Alabama comes alive during autumn, and there’s plenty of natural areas to check out. Text Readers Will See J.P. Coleman State Park is one of the most well-known state parks in this area (plus Tishomingo State Park), but there are plenty of hidden gems to explore here as well.
Woodall Mountain is the highest natural point in Mississippi, and it's located in Iuka.
806 feet! For fun, here are the tallest natural points in the neighboring states:
Louisiana: 535 feet
Alabama: 2,407 feet
Tennessee: 6,643 feet
Louisiana: 535 feet
Alabama: 2,407 feet
Tennessee: 6,643 feet
The good news is that you can drive to the summit.
Timing is everything here, so be sure to check out our article about when the leaves in Mississippi will change color.
There are plenty of spots to park once you reach the top.
It's a big circle driveway with a plaque in the center, you really can't miss it.
It's the perfect spot for a photoshoot.
This pup seems very proud to be standing at the tallest point in Mississippi, don't you think?
If you can, try to time your visit so you can watch the sunset.
You may even want to bring some snacks along and plan a picnic! There's a local bakery in Iuka called the Cream and Sugar Café and they make some incredible sandwiches.
You can visit Woodall Mountain anytime you'd like, just remember to pack out any trash so we can keep the space clean for future generations
Don't forget to sign the guestbook while you're up there!
For more autumn adventures, check out some of our favorite places in Mississippi to visit in the fall. You may even be inspired to jump in the car and take this epic fall foliage road trip around the Magnolia State. Happy leaf peeping!
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]]>The post The Glazed Donuts From Community Donuts In Mississippi Are So Good, They Practically Melt In Your Mouth appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>Community Donuts is conveniently located just a few blocks away from the Historic Downtown Square, on University Avenue.
They’re open from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. five days of the week and 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays, so you can swing by and grab a box of delicious donuts whenever the urge strikes.
The hardest part about going to Community Donuts is deciding what you want.
All of the options look so good don’t they?
Community Donuts makes just about every donut flavor you could think of, plus a few specialty flavors to tempt you.
Maple bacon donuts, filled donuts, and chocolate glazed are just a few of the sweet treats waiting for you.
But you may be tempted to snag a specialty apple fritter, pineapple fritter, eclair, or a cinnamon roll!
I will always grab an apple fritter, they're the best!
If you’re in the mood for something savory, Community Donuts also offers kolaches, breakfast sandwiches, and breakfast tacos.
The croissant sandwiches are a fan favorite.
You'll be everyone's best friend when you return home and plop a box of these bad boys on the counter, that's for sure.
Enjoying a hot donut on a Sunday morning is one of life's simple pleasures. Treat yourself.
Follow Community Donuts on Facebook so you never miss out on any specialty flavors.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Oxford, you can’t go wrong with the Graduate Oxford. It’s centrally located, the rooms are beautiful, and you’ll be right in the middle of all the action.
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]]>The post Animal Lovers, Don’t Miss The Alpaca Festival In Mississippi This Fall appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>A Stroka Gene-Us Alpacas is a local family farm that offers visitors a chance to experience what life on the farm is like.
The farm is open during the week for folks to swing by, meet the animals, do some shopping, and learn about fiber arts.
Every year, the farm throws the alpaca festival, a one-day festival in the fall that brings families from all over Mississippi.
The festival takes place November 11, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The festival is free to enter and full of festive activities that both young and older festers will enjoy.
Several vendors will be out selling local crafts, plus the farm itself also sells several products you’ll want to pick up
Farm-fresh eggs and goat milk soap are always popular items, but with winter quickly approaching, you may want to upgrade your winter gear with a pair of alpaca gloves, scarves, hats, or sweaters!
And of course, the alpacas are super excited for the festival.
You'll be able to feed them, pet them, and learn all about how beneficial alpaca fiber is.
Alpaca fiber is great for people who are sensitive to other fibers, plus it's hypoallergenic, lightweight, and three times warmer than wool (and 10 times softer, too!).
The farm is home to other animals, too.
These donkeys guilted me into including their photo. In addition to these two mini donkeys and the 15 alpacas, the farm is also home to one llama, tons of ducks and chickens, and three great white Pyrenees livestock guardians who make sure all of the critters are safe.
There will be plenty of hands-on activities for educational fun, too.
Remember the date: November 11, 2023!
Visit the Stringer Alpaca Festival website for more information, and be sure to follow Stringer Alpaca Festival on Facebook so you don’t miss any updates as the festival date gets closer.
Keep the fall spirit going with this fall foliage road trip through Mississippi.
The post Animal Lovers, Don’t Miss The Alpaca Festival In Mississippi This Fall appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>The post Explore This Secret Trail Around This Historic Site In Mississippi appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>Jeff Busby Park is an 18-site campground park located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 193.1 in Ackerman, Mississippi.
It’s the perfect pitstop along your scenic drive. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of green space to sprawl out.
But the real star of the show at this park is the 1.6-mile Little Mountain Trail.
Right from the parking area, you'll have a top-shelf view.
From there, you can descend down the trail.
The trail is great for birdwatching, and as you can see from the photo above, it really shines during fall!
Try to time your visit during peak fall foliage! Check out our previous article covering when the leaves will change in Mississippi to see some dates.
Try to time your visit during peak fall foliage! Check out our previous article covering when the leaves will change in Mississippi to see some dates.
Even if you don't catch this secret trail in Mississippi in the fall, there's always something beautiful to see.
It's a great spot for birdwatchers, but the trail also has some lovely wildflowers and blooms that will quickly capture your attention. Get yourself an AllTrails+ account so you can download the trail map and unlock special features.
Since the trail is less than two miles, it's perfect for a quick roadside stop as you make your way along the Natchez Trace.
You may even be inspired to spend a night at the campground!
Have you ever explored this secret trail in Mississippi? Let us know in the comments below!
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]]>The post You’ll Be Transported To An Italian Village At This Top-Rated Restaurant In Mississippi appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>Salute Italian Seafood Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Gulfport.
The fine dining Italian restaurant in Gulfport is located right on the water, so you can even enjoy a beachfront stroll after your meal.
The restaurant has multiple dining rooms and is just perfect for a celebratory occasion like an anniversary or a family gathering.
You can even rent out one of the dining rooms if your special occasion is larger than just a regular sit-down meal. Weddings, birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners are just a few of the memorable moments Salute can cater for.
The menu boasts a wide range of Italian dishes that you’re sure to love.
From pizza to pork loin marsala, they do it all. Plus, Salute offers several heart-healthy light bites as well as vegan options, too. There is truly something for everyone on the menu here at Salute.
A meal at Salute doesn't need to be rushed, so go ahead and start off with one of the many appetizers.
Spinach and artichoke dip and crawfish bread are both delicious, but the eggplant fries (pictured above) are a fan favorite. The wasabi aioli is the perfect dipping sauce.
Just be sure to come hungry, because the portions at Saulte are very generous!
You'll easily walk away with leftovers for tomorrow.
Whether you indulge in a big bowl of pasta or roll up your sleeves and dig into a burger, Salute never disappoints.
A meal like this deserves to end on a sweet note, and Salute certainly delivers in the dessert department.
Get yourself a hearty slice of tiramisu (my favorite) or a cannoli to end the experience.
Salute is also open for Sunday brunch, too!
Visit the Salute website for a full menu and be sure to follow Salute on Facebook so you don’t miss out on any specialty creations.
If you’re looking for lodging, this rental in Gulfport is just steps away from the beach and is the perfect spot to call home while you explore Gulfport.
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]]>The post The Small Town In Mississippi That Comes Alive In The Fall Season appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>Conveniently located between Jackson, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee, Grenada, Mississippi is the perfect small town to spend a fall weekend exploring.
The population hovers just north of 10,000 residents, which is the perfect size if you ask me. You’ll still have all of the amenities, restaurants, and shopping opportunities that bigger cities offer while still feeling that small-town charm. Grenada is less than 2 hours away from Jackson, 1.5 hours from Memphis, and about an hour away from Oxford.
Grenada, Mississippi is a nature lover’s paradise, and the fall is the perfect time to visit.
Cooler temperatures keep the bugs at bay, plus you may even get to see some fall foliage! Mississippi tends to see the leaves change a few weeks later than most states, so if you’re planning a leaf-peeping expedition, check out our previous article on when the leaves will change in Mississippi for 2023.
One of the most popular reasons to visit Grenada, Mississippi is the beautiful Grenada Lake.
It's home to some of the best crappie fishing in the country! The Grenada Lake Loop is a lovely little scenic drive along the lake I can't recommend enough. Tunes up, windows down!
Hugh White State Park is another popular destination in Grenada.
You'll get your steps in hiking Lost Bluff Trail. The loop trail is just shy of 2.5 miles and covers some of the most beautiful areas of the state park.
It's the perfect spot to press pause and admire the scenery.
Or, you may want to play a round at Dogwoods Golf Course.
The golf course is located within Hugh White State Park and takes advantage of the striking scenery here.
Autumn is the best time of year to go camping in Mississippi, and with views like this you may never want to leave!
Whether you have your own RV or decide to rent one from a company like RVShare, the waterfront views here are second to none. If RV camping isn't for you, there are plenty of tent camping options as well as several cabins that also have waterfront views.
Once you explored the natural landscape, take to the town for your fill of delicious restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Spain's Supermarket, in particular, is worth a road trip. This grocery store is known for its unique selection of hard-to-find meats, and it's not uncommon for folks to drive for hours just to stock up their freezers with Spain's selections. Swing by and see what you can throw on the grill!
Have you ever visited Grenada, Mississippi? Share your experience in the comments!
The post The Small Town In Mississippi That Comes Alive In The Fall Season appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>The post The Best Things To Do In Southaven, MS: 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Hidden Gems appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>In addition to outdoor activities, visitors enjoy several great shopping and dining options, as well as lively entertainment venues. If you are planning a trip to this warm and inviting southern city, whether on a family vacation, solo trip, romantic weekend, or visiting friends, here are some of the absolute best things to do in Southaven, MS.
Top Tourist Attractions In Southaven
If you are planning a trip to Southaven and wondering what the most popular and highly-rated attractions are in the city, keep reading. These are the must-do, most highly recommended spots for anyone visiting Southaven.
1. BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
Located at Snowden Grove Park, BankPlus Amphitheater is one of the best places to turn up if you are looking for things to do in Southaven at night. This fantastic outdoor facility hosts frequent events and concerts and has been host to many big-name performers including Santana, ZZ Top, The White Stripes, Blues Traveler, Velvet Revolver, Goo Goo Dolls, and many more. The amphitheater features many amenities such as VIP seating, a plaza area, indoor restrooms, and a concession stand. New talent is booked frequently - find schedules and tickets here.
2. Tanger Outlets
One of the most popular spots in Southaven is Tanger Outlets, the first outlet mall in the greater Memphis area. Shop hundreds of brands at a discount in this pretty outdoor shopping center. Grab a coffee, donuts, or a slice of pizza to keep your shopping energy up. In the evening, sit and chat in a rocking chair by the courtyard fire pit.
3. Landers Center
Landers Center is a popular destination for a huge variety of fun things to do in Southaven, including concerts, live theater, flea markets, comedy shows, motocross, circus acts, fairs, and more. There is almost always something going on here. If you’re going to be in the city, grab tickets to an upcoming event!
Things to Do In Southaven for Adults
Whether you are looking for romantic things to do in Southaven, MS, or a fun afternoon with friends (minus the kids), the city has lots of options, including outdoor adventures and indoor activities. Here are a few of our favorites:
4. Southaven Recreation Center
Spend a fun night out at Southaven Recreation Center, where you can enjoy some friendly competition in the pool hall, challenge your friends to a game of darts, or play foosball. The entertainment center has a full bar where you can grab a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail and even watch your favorite teams compete on one of the many TVs.
5. Southaven Golf Center
Enjoy a relaxing day out on the course at Southaven Golf Center. The well-maintained greens and fairways on this 18-hole course offer beautiful views and the ideal challenge for any player, whether you are a beginner just wanting some practice and fresh air or a seasoned pro.
6. Liberation Escape Rooms
Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in the last few years and Liberation Escape Rooms is a perfect example of what people love so much. Work together with your friends, putting your wits and thinking to work to find clues, figure out puzzles, and open locks before your time runs out!
After you and your friends make your great escape, why not head across the street to Saki Endless Sushi and Hibachi. There is something for everyone and the endless sushi buffet menu is perfect if you’ve worked up an especially big appetite!
Best Fun Things To Do In Southaven For Families
Traveling with your family and need the best kid-friendly attractions? We’ve got them! Southaven has some fantastically fun options that will keep both kids and parents entertained and encourage everyone to have a great time together.
7. Snowden Grove Park
One of the ultimate family destinations in Southaven is the massive Snowden Grove Park which centers on baseball, but features tons of family-friendly activities. In addition to 17 baseball fields with the features of professional stadiums, the park has a fishing pond with a pier, an amphitheater, a miniature golf course, two separate playgrounds, indoor batting cages, and a designated pet play area. There is even a special complex for individuals with special abilities called Southaven Field of Dreams.
After spending some time at the park, I recommend heading to nearby City Hall Cheesecake for a sweet treat like the fun and creative cheesecake cupcakes, stuffed cookie sandwiches, and a dizzying array of delicious cheesecake flavors.
8. Urban Adventure Park
Whether you live here or are on a family trip, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park should definitely be on your list of things to do for a great family outing. This indoor playground is more than a trampoline park and is a safe and fun space for all ages, from the littlest littles to parents. Activities include dodgeball, bumper cars, foam cube and ball pits, VR games, a warrior course, climbing walls, slam dunk zone, tubes playground, and more. And when everyone gets hungry or needs to rehydrate, the cafe is the perfect spot to chill with a pizza and some Icee’s.
9. Strike Zone Bowling Lanes
Family-friendly Strike Zone is a fun place for families with 32 bowling lanes, a huge arcade full of great video games, billiards, and a bar and grill to relax and refuel, or even watch a game. This popular bowling and recreation center has great party packages, so be sure to check it out as a fun option for your family’s special occasions.
Free Things To Do In Southaven
Sometimes you need to get out for the day but don’t want to spend a fortune, right? Well, great news! There are plenty of free things to do in Southaven, MS, for adults and families with kids. Check out these options:
10. Central Park
Central Park is a huge green space and recreation facility with a wide range of things to do for all ages. Visitors enjoy tree-lined walking trails and bridges, beautiful ponds, a fun disc golf course, a children’s playground, a designated picnic area, and lots of open space to play and explore.
11. M.R. Davis Southaven Public Library
Not only is this a beautiful building full of books (which makes it a worthy visit in my opinion) but the M.R. Davis Southaven Public Library is the site of unlimited free events, workshops, and more for adults and kids alike including crafts and “maker” sessions, storytime, adult and teen gaming, gardening and Bonsai workshops, art programs with Dixon Art Gallery, clubs, and so much more!
12. Jim Saucier Memorial Park
Jim Saucier Memorial Park is a peaceful space behind the Southaven Library where you will find a small lake, a little workout circuit where you can get in a little exercise, a gazebo and picnic tables, and great walking trails.
Honorable Mentions
The list of great things to do in Southaven, MS, would not be complete without a few other mentions. These may not be on everyone’s top-of-the-top list, may be seasonal, or may not exactly be *in* the city limits, but are all cool ideas for adults and families, so here we go.
13. Graceland
It is not technically in Southaven, but almost impossible not to mention. Elvis Presley’s famous mansion, Graceland, is just across the state border and only five miles from the city, making this a must-do if you find yourself in Southaven.
14. Pottery Haven
There are a few paint-your-own pottery places in most states, but at Pottery Haven you can really get your hands dirty and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece in the wheel throwing studio. Start with a lump of clay and end up with a one-of-a-kind, made-by-you bowl, vase, or other piece.
15. Mid-South Fair
If you’re planning to visit the city of Southaven (or anywhere nearby) during September or October, you have to try to attend the Mid-South Fair at Landers Center. This annual celebration of art and local talent has been going strong since 1856 and features tons of rides, exciting performances, a petting zoo, and of course, a great deal of fair food and drink.
So, are you ready to plan your next southern adventure? Whether you want to spend some time exploring outdoors, shopping, enjoying a concert, or hanging out with friends, there are plenty of things to do and places to see in the welcoming city of Southaven, MS. Planning a road trip to Southaven? Make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all the essentials for a safe and enjoyable journey!
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]]>The post The 3.5-Mile Brandon Quarry Trail Might Just Be The Most Enchanting Hike In Mississippi appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for a new trail to tackle.
I love the trails at Tishomingo State Park and Clark Creek Natural Area, they’re some of the best hikes in Mississippi.
But sometimes, you just want something new, some fresh scenery, and the trails within Quarry Park in Brandon are perfect.
The trails at Quarry Park officially opened in 2021, much to the delight of locals craving a new space to stroll or bike.
And more trails are in the works! There is a plan to build an 11-mile track for mountain bike racing, which would really put Brandon on the bicycle scene.
There are a few different trails at the park, and they loop together to form a 3.5 mile trail.
Whether you’re on foot or on a bike, these trails are nothing short of enchanting.
You don’t associate these big boulders and elevation gains with Brandon, but this unique property delivers on multiple fronts.
Drive over and see for yourself!
I’d recommend getting yourself an AllTrails+ account for the adventure so you can unlock premium features, like offline maps and wrong-turn navigation. After you check this trail out, check out our full list of amazing hiking trails in Mississippi.
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]]>The post The Largest Pumpkin Patch In Mississippi Is A Must-Visit Day Trip This Fall appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>Wise Family Farm is an 80-acre, four-season farm that’s been family-run for three generations now.
The farm grows crops year-round, and is always open for year-round fun. In the spring and summer, tomatoes, watermelon, sweet corn, and cantaloup are just a few of the French produce you can buy from Wise Family Farm.
Toward the end of summer, the sunflowers really take center stage. Folks are encouraged to visit the farm, enjoy a picnic, and bring home fresh-cut flowers to brighten their homes.
Toward the end of summer, the sunflowers really take center stage. Folks are encouraged to visit the farm, enjoy a picnic, and bring home fresh-cut flowers to brighten their homes.
In the fall, Wise Family Farm has one of the best pumpkin patches in Mississippi, with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy.
The playground is always a slam dunk with the youngsters, but there are plenty of additional activities too! Barrel train rides, duck races, pumpkin painting, face painting, and pony rides are just a few of the weekend activities at the farm.
Your admission ticket includes a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop off at one of the flower patches, the storybook trail, and the corn maze.
You might want to bring your own cutting shears so you can build your own bouquet of flowers, and also to pick out your pumpkin.
The corn maze changes every year, and I have faith that your crew can make it out.
You may even want to try to make it through the maze after dark! Once the sun sets, grab a flashlight and test your navigational skills. Don't worry, this is one maze that's never haunted, so you won't have to worry about ghosts and goblins lurking around every corner.
Once you arrive at the pumpkin patch, the most difficult decision awaits you!
Which one(s) will you take home? The possibilities are endless! The season will open at the end of September and run through the month of October. I'd highly recommend visiting Wise Family Farm on one of the first few weekends so you have the best selections of pumpkins to choose from!
Visit the Wise Family Farm website for more information, and be sure to follow the Wise Family Farm on Facebook so you never miss out on any special announcements.
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]]>The post The Best Mexican In Mississippi Is Hiding Miles Down A Lonesome Road, But It’s So Worth The Effort appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
]]>Blink and you’ll miss it, and that would be a shame because Cafe Azteca has some of the best Mexican food in Mississippi.
They’ve also been doing it the longest! Cafe Azteca has been serving up delicious Mexican fare since 1987, making it one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Mississippi!
The tiny but mighty eatery is just as casual as you’d imagine
Come as you are. Bring the whole family. It’s a low-key atmosphere where the food speaks for itself.
This mom-and-pop shop serves up some massive portions, so you could easily find yourself with your lunch for tomorrow.
...which is never a bad thing!
For starters, let’s talk about these chips.
I know chips and salsa is the standard at any Mexican restaurant, but do you see the spices on those chips? Yes, please!
Everything on the menu looks just as good as the next, which is going to make your decision rather difficult.
Don't worry, you'll probably come back again and again to try everything!
From tacos...
...to tamales, Cafe Azeteca's menu covers all the bases and does so better than most.
This will quickly become your new favorite Mexican restaurant, that's for sure.
Follow Cafe Azteca on Facebook for more information. Do you think Cafe Azteca has the best Mexican food in Mississippi? Let us know in the comments!
If you’re thinking about making a weekend out of this, this VRBO near Brandon might be just what you’re looking for. The two-bedroom home can sleep up to five people, plus it’s located near the reservoir, giving you endless opportunities for outdoor fun in the sun. Happy exploring!
The post The Best Mexican In Mississippi Is Hiding Miles Down A Lonesome Road, But It’s So Worth The Effort appeared first on Only In Your State ®.
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