The hustle and bustle of daily life can be pretty wearing. Luckily, Mississippi is full of places where you can unwind and take a break from it all. From state parks to great resorts, here are 10 of the most peaceful places in the Magnolia State.
1. Magnolia Grove Monastery
Peacefully secluded, this monastery is hiding on the back roads of rural Mississippi in Panola County. Rather unique, it’s one of only three monasteries in the U.S. under the spiritual guidance of Thich Nhat Hanh. Visitors are welcome to stop by the monastery for a one-day visit or a week-long retreat. Magnolia Grove Monastery is located at 123 Towles Rd., Batesville, MS 38606.
2. GCRL Marine Education Center
Photographer: Logan Austin
One of the newest additions to Ocean Springs, this education center is the perfect place to get in touch with nature — and that’s the point. The $10 million facility was specifically designed to showcase the environment. In addition to plenty of educational and hiking opportunities, the grounds include boardwalks as well as a dock, where kayaks can be launched. GCRL Marine Education Center is located at 101 Sweetbay Dr., Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
3. Sunflower Wildlife Management Area
There’s no better place to get away from it all than deep in the forest — and that’s exactly where you’ll find this WMA. Encompassing 60,000 acres in the Delta National Forest, it’s the perfect place for some outdoor fun. Keep your eyes peeled; the forest has some cypress trees that are more than 1,000 years old! The Sunflower WMA is located at 209 Chuck Station Rd., Holly Bluff, MS 39088.
4. St. Joseph Catholic Church
Churches are notoriously peaceful, and this Port Gibson church is no exception. The historic church is outfitted with cobalt blue windows that fill its interior with a thick, blue haze. An unbelievable site, the vivid glow is sure to leave you in awe. St. Joseph Catholic Church is located at 411 Coffee St., Port Gibson, MS 39150.
5. Clark Creek Nature Area
Peace and quiet abound at this nature area, which is often referred to as Mississippi’s "most beautiful outdoor treasure." Primitive and improved trails make it easy to explore the 700-acre park, which features steeply sloping hills, forests, huge rock formations, and several waterfalls. Clark Creek Nature Area is located at 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd., Woodville, MS 39669.
6. Tishomingo State Park
When it comes to peaceful isolation, this state park delivers! Dubbed a "1,530-acre extravaganza of outdoor activity," the park offers everything from hiking and wildlife viewing to kayaking and rock climbing. Tishomingo State Park is located at 105 Co Rd. 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873.
7. Little Mountain Trail
Follow this easy-to-navigate trail straight to the 2nd highest point in the state. The serene hike is the perfect way to unwind — and the views at the end of the trail are sure to impress. The trail is located within Jeff Busby Park at milepost 193.1 on the Natchez Trace.
8. Cypress Swamp
Also located on the Natchez Trace, this majestic swamp is a must-visit, especially when you take into account it’s been named one of the "Top 20 Natural Wonders" on the famous parkway. Easily explore the area via a boardwalk trail that leads straight through the swamp. The trailhead is located at milepost 122 on the Natchez Trace.
9. Tara Wildlife
If you’re looking for a place where you can truly get away from it all, look no further than Tara Wildlife. The secluded resort has been rated one of the nation’s top destinations for deer and turkey hunting, but that’s not all it has to offer. Encompassing thousands of acres, guests at Tara Wildlife can take part in everything from serene strolls to exciting wildlife tours.
10. Soul Synergy Center
Far from your typical spa, this one includes the state’s only salt cave, making it the perfect place to unwind. Though not naturally occurring, the cave is comprised of Himalayan sea salt, which comes directly from the salt mines in Pakistan. Simply inhaling the dry salt air can reduce lung inflammation and improve respiratory conditions, like asthma, allergies, sinus congestion, and more. Soul Synergy Center is located at 5490 Castlewoods Ct. D, Flowood, MS 39232.
So, ever visited the places mentioned above? Have a tranquil spot to add to this list? Tell us in the comments section.
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