11 Ways Mississippi Has Quietly Become The Coolest State In America
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published October 19, 2017
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
When it comes to being cool, Mississippi can’t be beat. And while we residents have long been aware of this, it seems it’s taken the rest of the country a bit longer to catch on. However, the state’s cool factor has definitely made it to the national radar by now, and that shouldn’t be a surprise because Mississippi is, after all…
In terms of natural beauty, Mississippi can’t be beat. Not only is the state home to the largest portion of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, it’s filled with beautiful parks, wildlife preserves, and recreation areas – all of which make it easy to get out and explore our stunning state.
When you ask someone to describe Mississippi, they’ll undoubtedly mention "hospitality" – and that’s no coincidence. Mississippians are among the most generous, warm, and welcoming people you’ll ever meet, making the state truly deserving of its nickname, the Hospitality State.
Mississippi and great food go together like tea and sugar. Whether you’re craving savory BBQ, fresh Gulf seafood, or some authentic southern comfort food, you can find it in Mississippi. And it’s not just residents that think the food is great. Several cities, including Oxford and Ocean Springs, have received national recognition for their amazing array of restaurants.
Thanks to over one thousand nationally registered historic sites, countless battlefields, Native American sites, plantations, and colonial settlements, Mississippi can offer visitors a chance to see the past for themselves.
Friendly residents, great food, and beautiful scenery - these are the types of things usually associated with Mississippi. Terrifying and spooky - not so much; however, a look at some of the state’s most notorious haunts proves otherwise. From witches and ghosts to being home to some of the nation’s most haunted sites, Mississippi has an eerie history that’s just waiting to be explored.
The tiny towns that fill Mississippi are by far one of the best things about the state. From quaint Main Streets to incredible restaurants and museums, small town Mississippi has a lot to offer.
If you think there’s nothing to do in Mississippi, think again! The state is loaded with unique museums, like the world’s only Apron Museum and the country’s second GRAMMY Museum. In addition to museums, there are tons of galleries, antebellum homes, and other historical sites open for touring.
A thrill seeker’s dream come true, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in Mississippi. The nearly two dozen state parks that fill Mississippi are perfect for all sorts of recreational activities, including hiking, canoeing, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. Head to the state’s top rated outdoor attraction, Tishomingo State Park, and you can even do some rock climbing!
Mississippi is practically built on traditions – big and small. We spend entire game days tailgating, enjoy dinner on the ground with our church family, and look forward to family time at the county fair.
Whoever said there’s nothing to see and do in Mississippi couldn’t be more wrong! From one of the country’s rarest carousels to the Little Grand Canyon, the state is practically overflowing with unique sites and attractions.
So, do you agree that Mississippi is one of the coolest states in America? Have something else to add to this list? Tell us in the comments section!