9 Places In Mississippi Way Out In The Boonies But So Worth The Drive
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published October 02, 2016
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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.
Our recent article, “The Mississippi Restaurant In The Middle Of Nowhere That’s So Worth The Journey,” made us realize the state is full of great remote sites worthy of our attention. So, we decided to focus solely on places that were a bit more secluded, some would even say out in the boonies, and the results are in! Here are 9 places that may be a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth the trek.
Please note, Causeyville General Store has permanently closed.
The small community of Causeyville includes a historic district that will take you back to a much simpler time. The district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes the Causeyville General Store. Still operating on a limited basis, the store was originally opened in the late 1800s. Located next to the store is a grist mill, which has been converted into a shop/museum.
Named the "most beautiful place in Mississippi" by House Magazine, a trip to the Windsor Ruins should definitely be on your bucket list. The opulent Windsor mansion and the surrounding 2,600-acre plantation once belonged to Smith Coffee Daniell, II, a wealthy farmer. Taking over two years to construct, Windsor was completed in 1861. The impressive mansion survived the Civil War unscathed, and didn’t meet its demise until 1890, when a fire broke out and destroyed the home, leaving behind only 23 columns, the cast iron entrance stairs (now located at Oakland Memorial Chapel), and a few pieces of cast iron balustrade. A bit off the beaten path, the ruins are located at the end of a gravel road off of Highway 552, about 10 miles southwest of Port Gibson.
With a population of less than 2,500, "the Kiln," as it’s referred to by locals, isn’t exactly overflowing with restaurants, which makes this amazing eatery even more of a treat. In addition to delicious seafood and Cajun-inspired dishes, Dempsey’s is known for serving up mouthwatering steaks, which range in size from 8 oz to 16 oz, and according to customer reviews, are always cooked to perfection (and your preference).
4. Ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Glen Allan
St. John’s Episcopal Church was built in Glen Allan around 1830, making it one of the first churches in the Delta. During the Civil War, the church’s stained glass windows were removed and used to make ammunition, marking the beginning of the church’s demise. St. John’s was further damaged when a tornado hit the area in 1907. Today, the ruins of the church are one of the most photographed historic sites in the state.
One of the only authentic juke joints still in operation today, Po’ Monkey’s, is located in the small town of Merigold. In 2009, the Mississippi Blues Commission recognized the significance of Po’ Monkey’s and designated it an official site on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Known as "Williamsville" by locals, this charming, family-owned general store has been in business since 1907 and definitely lives up to its slogan, "here at Williams Brothers the good old days are still here." Be sure to give yourself some time to explore the store and peruse the merchandise, which includes everything from groceries to boots. And if you really want a true Williamsville experience, be sure to try the bacon, which is sliced right in front of you, and the hoop cheese.
This stunning little chapel is tucked away in the woods, far from the well-known impressive mansions that fill Natchez. Now almost hidden, the church was at one time a part of the Laurel Hill plantation. Sometime in the 1960s, the plantation’s main home burned down, leaving behind one of the most unique churches in the state.
Located along the south side of Pickwick Lake is Bear Creek. Several hundred yards up from the first inlet of the creek from Eastport is a hollow that contains an abandoned chalk mine. Referred to as Chalk Mine Hollow, the interior of the 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.
Venture down Highway 61 in Vicksburg and you’ll eventually run into this one-of-a-kind roadside stand. The former fruit stand now serves some of the best home cooked food, real fruit smoothies, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and other made-from-scratch goodies. While waiting for your food, spend some time looking around the shop area of the eatery, where you’ll find plenty of handcrafted gifts, art, and other unique merchandise.
On or off the list, what’s your favorite place in Mississippi that’s out in the boonies?