14 Epic Things You Never Thought Of Doing In Mississippi, But Should
By Daniella DiRienzo
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Published October 08, 2017
From unforgettable sites to famous restaurants, there’s so much to see and do in the Magnolia State that it’s nearly impossible to keep up with it all. And that’s where this list comes in. Just to make sure you don’t miss any of what the state has to offer, we put together this list of 14 epic things you never thought of doing in Mississippi, but should.
1. Go on an unforgettable hike.
Much different than the topography found in most of Mississippi, Clark Creek Nature Area is filled with huge loess bluff hills, steep moss covered ravines, and more than 50 waterfalls. Even better, the 700-acre park has both primitive and improved trails that make it easy to explore one of the state’s "most beautiful outdoor treasures." For more information, click
here .
2. Sail away to a tropical paradise.
Less than a mile off the state’s coastline, you’ll find a desolate island, known as Deer Island. The secluded spot features pristine water, unrivaled views, and up close encounters with wildlife. Even better, the secret paradise is easily accessible and just waiting to be explored. For more information, click
here .
3. Explore the (little) Grand Canyon.
Located along a lonely stretch of highway near Foxworth, you’ll find one of Mississippi’s most impressive wonders – a massive canyon that seems to go on forever. Officially named Red Bluff, the unbelievable site is often referred to as Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon. Offering one-of-a-kind views and amazing hiking opportunities, this hidden gem is worth checking out. For more information, click
here .
4. Go rock climbing.
You probably wouldn’t expect "rock climbing" to be on a list of things to do in Mississippi, but there is one place in the state you can satisfy your desire for a thrilling climb. Located in the foothills of the Appalachians, Tishomingo State Park has rocky outcroppings and bluffs that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Because of the unique terrain, it’s the perfect spot for a rock climbing adventure. For more information, click
here .
5. Drive through an enchanting tunnel of trees.
Beautiful tree tunnels can be found all over the world. Some are renowned, attracting visitors from near and far, while others are more obscure. Here in Mississippi, there’s plenty of the latter. And after doing some digging around, we found one of the most magical tree tunnels in the state. Located on a country road, just off of Interstate 20 between Edwards and Bolton, the enchanting tunnel is the perfect destination for a relaxing drive. For more information, click
here .
6. Check out a hidden cave.
Located near Pickwick Lake, this abandoned chalk mine is about the size of a Wal-Mart and includes three long tunnels, which are connected by numerous passageways. Although the site is not attended, locals have hiked to the mine and explored its interior for years now. For more information, click
here .
7. Sleep among the trees.
Hidden in the trees of the Homochitto National Forest, the Forest Retreat in Gloster is ideal for a secluded getaway. Guest cabins are located at the forest’s edge, surrounded by a mixture of hickory, oak, beech, magnolia and pine trees. The perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby forest includes bike trails, streams, hiking paths and gorgeous landscapes. For more information, click
here .
8. Dine in one of the country’s most unique restaurants.
"Dining underneath the skirt of a nearly 30’ tall woman" may not be the first thing that comes to mind when putting together a bucket list, but if you live in Mississippi, it definitely should be. Over the years, the unique Natchez eatery, Mammy’s Cupboard, has become a must-visit for tourists and locals alike, known for its southern-style meals and decadent pies. For more information, click
here .
9. Have some fun at a one-of-a-kind park.
Mississippi is no stranger to great parks. From state parks to playgrounds, the options are virtually endless in the Magnolia State. However, one of the most unique is definitely Old Mountain Outdoor Adventure Park in Winona. In addition to a variety of obstacle courses, hiking trails and other activities, the park includes an aerial net obstacle course, which is only the second of its kind in the U.S.! For more information, click
here .
10. Take in a world class ballet.
Think you have to travel out of state to watch a world class ballet? Think again! Each year the USA International Ballet Competition, which is one of the world’s most elite ballet competitions, is held in one of five cities around the world, and Jackson is actually one of the five cities. (A fact that’s even more impressive when you consider the other cities are Varna, New York, Helsinki, and Shanghai.) The much anticipated event will return to Jackson in June 2018. For more information, click
here .
11. Check out the world’s largest small scale model.
There’s no shortage of interesting sites in the Magnolia State, and the Mississippi River Basin Model is definitely one of them. The model, which is located in Buddy Butts Park in Jackson, spans a whopping 200 acres, making it the largest small-scale model in the entire world. Strangely enough, after only six years in use, the enormous model was abandoned. For more information, click
here .
12. Book a stay at one of the coolest hotels in America.
Taking the Mississippi spot on Thrillist’s list of "The Coolest Hotels In Every State," the Shack Up Inn offers visitors the chance to stay on the Hopson Plantation, which has remained practically unchanged since its days as an actual plantation. A completely unique experience, guests stay in authentic sharecropper shacks and are able to tour the grounds, which include an original cotton gin, seed houses, and other outbuildings. For more information, click
here .
13. Fill up on some of the best steak in the nation.
Originally opened in 1941 as a honky tonk, Doe’s Eat Place eventually transformed into the full-time restaurant it is today. Aside from the hot tamales that made Doe’s famous, the menu also includes award-winning steaks, which were named "No. 1 of the 100 Best Things to Eat in America" by Men’s Journal. For more information, click
here .
14. Stay overnight at a one-of-a-kind inn.
A true Delta experience, the Tallahatchie Flats consist of six perfectly preserved examples of the small rural homes that once filled the state. These types of homes are significant because they are exactly the kind in which a number of blues musicians resided and spent time cultivating their craft. Aside from the opportunity to stay in these historic "tenant houses," guests can truly immerse themselves in the region’s rich history via an interpretive tour of the property. For more information, click
here .
Ever visited any of these places? Know of another site that you think should’ve been included? Tell us in the comments section!
Looking for more ways to have fun in the Magnolia State? Check out “7 Short And Sweet Fall Hikes In Mississippi With A Spectacular End View. “
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